WHY SHOULD YOU READ AN EM BROOKS BOOK?
PART 4 -- COULD'VE BEEN SOMETHING
While not my "oldest" bit of writing, "Could've Been Something" is a collection of nine short stories (because I couldn't find one to be number ten. I, too, would have liked a nice even number of ten.) These stories have been in my collection for around 30 or so years and gives you a sneak peek into a fiction writer's mind. Here's what you'll get when you read "Could've Been Something."
Each entry has a sort of "Author's Note" that gives you a little history behind the thought process of the stories contained within. They are a combination of mystery, history, and romance because I absolutely adored the 1920s and knew just about everything about a thirty year period there. I had love the styles, I had loved the movies that came out in the late twenties on through the forties, I was even enthralled with the vehicles, and I studied and read everything about the decades, in particular the Chicago mobs. Of course, since I wrote those, I have forgotten a huge chunk of what I learned.
In addition to the 1920s era stories, you'll also find a police thriller/murder mystery that takes places in Scotland. You'll find a poem from my "poetry phase," which was thankfully short. You'll find find a few stories that give you a moment in the life of someone else. And finally, you'll find a small romance story as well as a story as to why I changed my direction from consuming and writing a certain genre.
Of course, you should really read this collection too for "One Hell of Best Seller," which is a story about a mystery writer who decides to write a smut romance novel just because she wants a best seller. This story is noteworthy simply because it introduces you to Gia Bennington and her best friend who becomes the main character in The Allegheny Chronicles: Veil Falls (which is releasing on December 15, 2023!) This story is told strictly from Gia's stand point as she maneuvers through her well-thought-out decision to write the novel and begin dating again.
Could've Been Something is a collection that you will actually want to read more than once. It has been called fun, powerful, and moving. Thought provoking and playful. It has brought up emotions in readers, and it has been recommended to read some of these stories with a box of tissue close at hand. I have heard from readers that they would absolutely love some of these short stories to become much longer novels because they just want to see where the story goes. They are getting their wish with "One Hell of a Best Seller" but there are a few others in there that potentially may become novels yet!
If you are new to my writing, I do recommend Could've Been Something simply because you can take it in small chunks. You have short reads, which take you less than ten minutes to read. Then you have longer reads which may keep you preoccupied for a few hours. I honestly cannot say enough about the book and don't want to spoil all of the surprises for you!
If you've read it, please review it or rate it on the various venders' sites so other people know that it's a worth while read. Reviews and ratings help not only let others know about the book but also trigger the retailer's algorithms to recommend the book to potential readers. It helps immensely!!
And there you have it. Until next time, keep reading to stay sane during this upcoming holiday season!!! And remember, if you enjoyed my books, your reading friends will too! Books make excellent gifts!
You can find all of my books online at www.amazon.com/author/embrooks, at barnesandnoble.com, and on Apple Books! They are available in eBook, paperback, and hardcover! You can find The Allegheny Chronicles: Eden & the Alchemist and Could've Been Something in paperback at the Made in Amador store in Sutter Creek, CA on Main Street through Christmas of 2023! Please tell your favorite Barnes and Noble brick and mortar locations to carry all of my books in paperback so you can find them there too!
Be sure to visit my website at https://sites.google.com/view/theauthorembrooks/home and keep up to date with my writing by subscribing at embrooks.substack.com. Follow me on Facebook at Facebook.com/theauthorembrooks and on Instagram at instagram.com/theauthorembrooks.