White Ash: A Collection of Fiction

by Michael Aloisi

This collection of short stories from the author of Fifty Handfuls, range from the emotional title story, White Ash, to the satirical, A Modern Day Romance. With twenty original stories, including several unpublished pieces, this collection has something for every reader. The book also contains a unique section entitled, Inspirations, where the author explains where he got the idea for each story and how he formed it. Budding writers will learn how stories can be formed and the casual reader will have insight into a writers mind.

Genres: Short Stories

276 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2009

About the author

Michael Aloisi is a national bestselling author of more than a dozen books. His nonfiction work includes the official biographies of film legends Tom Savini and Kane Hodder, as well as A Life With Ghosts, co-written with Steve Gonsalves. He is currently collaborating with Danielle Harris and Linnea Quigley.

In fiction, Michael has written several novels and short story collections, including Pieces, named an “Essential Read” by Rue Morgue Magazine, and the upcoming Willow Circle. Writing under the pen name Michael Gore, he has released four horror collections, including Halloween Haven. His work has been adapted into a reality series and a documentary film, and translated into multiple languages. An original screenplay he wrote has been acquired by a legendary producer and is currently in development.

Michael holds a BFA in Film Directing and an MFA in Creative Writing. He runs Dark Ink Publishing and lives in New England.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

White Ash is a mixed bag that could perhaps do with some ruthless editing. Some stories such as the titular White Ash and the Christmas story are very well written – so emotive they literally had me tearing up on public transport and others, such as the chilling tale of a man left lying paralysed and alone on the deck of his yacht are terrifyingly vivid – where as others, such as the rather ridiculous dog mess saga left me wondering where the point was and a few others just don’t seem to add to the collection. Many of the stories share the same signature style and tone, so a little unexpected relief is welcome in the rather dark story of a man living in a trailer park who has no end of bad luck in trying to avoid his responsibilities. Welcome is the inclusion of a section I am always glad when a writer takes the fancy to adding one, in this case called ‘inspirations’, in which the writer shares insights into the genesis and development of their ideas for each piece – a useful and interesting resource for reader and writer alike. Ignoring my least favourite stories, this is actually a rather nice selection I anticipate coming back to.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this author on Examiner.com. His articles are helpful, full of great information for writers and he has started his own indie publishing company where he focuses at the moment on short fiction. White Ash is a collection of short stories by Aloisi that range from tear jerkingly poignant (jerkingly can so be a word. I just made it up) to darkly humorous. (tear jerkingly so)

Read my full review and my interview with the author here: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-48...

Highly recommend you check this out, unless of course you don't enjoy good writing, memorable stories...

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

As I began to read through White Ash Aloisi's writing style seemed refreshing and fun, unfortunately it soon became redundant as each story seemed to be written employing the same techniques and basic plot line. Reading this book was like walking through an art gallery and finding that where as all of the paintings are of different objects ,they all use the same techniques and colors. The "twists" he wrote into each story were predictable and boring after the first two stories. Not a book I would recommend reading in one sitting as doing so only serves to highlight his over-used writing style.