Thursday, July 31, 2025

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Tom Prentice Interview

Tom Prentice Also writes as Martin Swallow, Drake Mandarin, Robin Swift

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Writing Space: “Café works quite well for me, but usually on my work desk at home because my dog hates being alone.”

Stories in the 42 Stories Anthology:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS (Alt Realty)
ORDER AND SAFETY IS THE ENEMY OF CREATION (War)
TECHNOLOGY REALLY BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER (Mythopeia)
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR HERO IS OFF SICK? (Satire)

About Tom

Tom writes short horror and science fiction. His work has been featured by Scare Street, Sci-Fi Shorts, and Transmundane Press, among others. From Worcestershire, UK, Tom now hangs his hat in Dublin, Ireland, where he works in the tech industry. He is happily married with one unruly dog.

Do you drink coffee or tea or something else to get you in the mood to write?

I drink coffee to get in the mood to exist. Alcohol sometimes works to break the seal. It’s difficult lately to find long stretches of time to write, which is why crafting 42-word stories had such appeal—I don’t have to find the mood.

What’s your greatest achievement in writing?

The first time I published something it was a good validation. That was a story called Bouncer with Transmundane Press. You need to face a lot of rejection when submitting stories which can be tough unless you have at least one win in the bag.

What got you into writing?

I was between jobs with one idea so I thought I’d give it a try. Now I have a hundred ideas and I can’t stop.

Who is the best writer on earth?

Stephen King.

Bob Dylan. You can listen to stuff of his from any era and it’s all good. Lyrics are really evocative even if you don’t know what he’s on about. And he doesn’t give a fuck.

How do you handle publisher/editor rejection, and celebrate acceptance?

It’s important not to feel in a rush to get it out there. The process of shaping the story is the fun part. The validation of acceptance is just the icing on the cake, not the thing in itself. If that’s what you’re craving, that’s a lot of hungry nights.

Writing goals:

I’m going to write a novel one day. As long as I can remember I’ve seen that as the ultimate achievement. I’ve given it a shot a couple of times but I get lost in the weeds, so getting better at outlining is my current objective.

Artists you like:

Francisco Goya, William Blake, HR Giger, & Arnold Bocklin.

Movies/shows/actors:

I’m a bit of an Alien fanatic.

Mountains:

Mountains I’ve been at the top of include Snowdon in Wales and Seoraksan in Korea, both pretty amazing.

Books/authors:

I’m partial to Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King, and my spooky homeboy HP Lovecraft and all of his descendants.

Books you read recently:

Finally got around to finishing the Three-Body trilogy. Amazing stuff.

Where to find Tom’s work:

Online story: “Take Care of Yourself” on Sci-Fi Shorts
Horror story in a Scare Street collection on Amazon
Twitter/X: @teeayeprentice

Tom appears in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42²

A collection of 1,764 stories written by 1,281 authors across 42 themed chapters—each story just 42 words long. Explore the full anthology at:

🌐 www.42storiesanthology.com

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Jill Bronfman's 42 Stories Anthology Interview

Meet San Francisco-based author Jill Bronfman—an MFA candidate, speculative fiction writer, and someone who knows how to turn a legal outline into a compelling narrative.

Her story AWAKENING THE WEREWOLF ON MY CHESTERFIELD appears in the 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42², a global collection of 42-word flash across 42 genres, where Jill’s knack for tight, impactful fiction shines.

Whether writing from home or from her co-writing space on Page Street, Jill grounds her work in both wit and conviction. Her fiction doesn’t shy away from themes she’s passionate about—civil rights, climate change, reproductive justice, and the growing tension between technological progress and personal freedom. These aren’t just causes—they’re currents running under her prose.

When asked about her outline process, Jill says, “I outline like I’m writing a contract.” And she means it. The structure of I, 1.1, 1.2 isn’t just legalese. It’s her scaffolding for building flash fiction that can scale up into novels. She’s currently finishing one of those novels as she nears the end of her MFA, supported by edits from notable writers and her own college-age daughter, whom she calls a great reader and editor.

Organization? She’s got it. Jill uses platforms like Submittable not just for submitting, but for generating writing prompts. She even writes entire pieces specifically for quirky contests she stumbles across.

Her work: poetry, speculative fiction, and more, lives in a carefully managed set of Google files, with plenty of backups just in case the digital universe misbehaves.

Jill’s voice is clear and self-aware. She’s sarcastic when she wants to be, serious when the story calls for it, and never afraid to let real-world issues filter through her fiction.

“A reader who likes sarcasm will enjoy my poetry,” she says. “A reader who likes speculative fiction and near-future world building will like my novel.”

And as for literary heroes? She admits to being obsessed with Margaret Atwood, so much so she once published a fake book review of Atwood’s future work set 100 years from now. That’s the kind of clever layering Jill brings to her own writing.

Explore more of Jill Bronfman’s work at www.jillbronfman.com, and be sure to check out her microfiction in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42²—because sometimes, all it takes is 42 words to wake a werewolf on a chesterfield.

For more authors in the anthology go to www.42storiesanthology.com

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Daniel Getzoff

Daniel Getzoff

Award-Winning Story:

THEY TOOK MY UNICORNS AWAY FROM ME FOREVER (Fight Chapter winner)

Location: Los Angeles, California, USA (most of the time)

Writing Space: “My desk is at the threshold of a closet in my living room that used to be a Murphy bed. But the desk faces out, sorta floating. I love this arrangement, yet I’m annoyed when someone tells me on Zoom, ‘Hey, you’re in a closet!’ I also write in cafés. But I’m used to multiple screens (laptop + external monitor). I need real estate but in a café, that doesn’t happen.”

🚴 Meet Daniel Getzoff

Daniel Getzoff has biked across the continental U.S.—three times. That alone earns some kind of literary street cred, but he’s also a playwright, essayist, and novelist-in-the-final-stretch. You can read about his cycling adventures and reflections on writing at handlebarconfessional.com, and you’ll find the raw voice of a writer who doesn’t shy from confession, structure-shattering experiments, or humor.

His prize-winning story in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42², THEY TOOK MY UNICORNS AWAY FROM ME FOREVER, appears in the Zombie chapter—an absurd, poignant punch of 42 words that judges couldn’t ignore.

🧠 On Writing and Art

What’s the best way to write?

“I have discovered that I need to trust what comes out of me, that I have my own distinct voice, my own ‘thing’ that I need to remain true to. I try to focus on being authentic to that voice—speaking in it, asking what it wants and listening to it, not overly judging it but definitely making an effort to interpret it. Feeding it treats if it retreats and hides under the bed, letting it know I’m here when it has something to confess, begging it for forgiveness when I have to edit it, and it’s pissed and threatens to shut up for good and needs reassurance all over again when we both realize that it can’t have everything we think it needs.”

How do you relax?

“Well, for my mental health I run and ride my bicycle a lot. Being productive relaxes me: making a list and checking off tasks as completed. Probably should be the opposite but there you have it.”

Are you part of a writing group?

“Yes! I am part of 3 groups at the moment. One is a twosome—someone I’ve been meeting with pretty much weekly for over 10 years (used to be 3 of us but shit happens).”

What was the first story/art you created?

“My first full-length play—wait, shit, it’s my only full-length play…to date—At Least Until You Die, wasn’t published but it was fully realized: produced, mounted, performed for 6 weeks to pretty damn favorable reviews. I wrote it inspired by dreams and Jungian creative dream work. It was a two-person show, a mother and son. I wrote the roles for myself and the late, brilliant Maureen Byrnes. The experience spanned the very landmine-laden landscape of ego-boosting and -busting.

That was almost 20 years ago. I wish I’d done more with the piece—rewrites, other productions. Edinburgh Fringe. But it’s fucking hard to make yourself make shit happen.

Earlier than that? When I was a little kid, I used to write plays—reimaginings of stuff that already existed—and make the class perform them. I was fearless before junior high broke me. I admire that version of myself.”

🎧 Favorite Things...

Books/Authors

Toni Morrison’s Paradise meant a lot. Finishing it was an achievement. I even dug into her interviews. She once said she trusts her readers—she can challenge them. That stuck with me. It gave me permission to write my novel how I needed to write it. Not traditionally. Not easily. But honestly.

Foods/Drinks

“I fucking love farmers markets. Boughs of produce make my soul sing.”

Music

“I started making a list, but got caught in the trap. These questions are moment-bound. I listen to music for so many reasons: creative inspiration, workouts, curiosity, holiday mood-setting, even sex…

One of the best experiences I’ve had with music was listening to NPR’s list of the 150 Greatest Albums Made by Women. Every single one. It took a month. Some albums I loved, some I hated. But I learned a ton about myself and my ‘true’ preferences. It cracked something open.”

Best Animal on Earth

“The fox.

They have a mixed reputation.

They are clever. But are they cunning?

They are playful and resilient.

They are cute as fuck.”

✏️ Outline Process: Backwards, Mostly

“I don’t outline before I write—I just start writing. My novel’s outline came after 100,000+ words. I needed to figure out what the hell was in there. So I made a board: chapter summaries, character tracking, stylistic insertions (poems, texts, dreams, imagined movie scenes, etc.).

But now, I’m converting my cycling blog into a memoir. I’ll have to plan more this time. Do I organize it by ride? By theme? By essays? I haven’t decided. Or I’m not ready to.”

🔗 Follow Daniel

handlebarconfessional.com – blog + 2018 & 2021 rides
handlebarconfessional.blogspot.com – full 2009 ride
Instagram: @handlebarconfessional

Stay tuned for more author features from 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42²—the project where voice, genre, absurdity, and brilliance converge in exactly 42 words. www.42storiesanthology.com

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Kyle Shepherd

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Kyle Shepherd (a.k.a. K. J. Shepherd / Jorsin Alkestes)

This week, we’re featuring Kyle Shepherd, a writer who doesn’t just bend genres—he bends universes. Appearing in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² under the names K. J. Shepherd and Jorsin Alkestes (more on that in a minute), Kyle brings readers not one but two reality-warping tales:

LAST NIGHT I TRAVELED TO ANOTHER UNIVERSE
I DESTROYED ALL OF SPACE-TIME LAST THURSDAY

🪐 Jorsin Alkestes...

“is a character from Brent Weeks’ trilogy The Night Angel. I didn’t steal it, please don’t sue me lol. I just love that trilogy so much, I read it twice back to back and it was so inspirational to me as a writer and fan of all fantasy.”

🏡 Location: San Marcos, TX

✍️ Writing Space: “I write a bit of everywhere. Bars. Cafés. Coffee shops. Parks. Sometimes even in my own office. Lately, I’ve been writing by hand on my eNotebook, and it’s been great to have that kind of mobility to write where I please, or where the mood strikes. It might not be the best for discipline; it’s something I’m working on.”

📚 Favorites...

“My favorite authors are Steven Erikson, Brandon Sanderson, Christopher Wooding, GRRM, Michael Swanwick, Tolkien, and Brent Weeks. I think my favorite book of all time is Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson, there’s just something about this world he’s created that resonates with me. The magic, the places, and especially his characters. It’s just a fantastic book and a great introduction to an entire universe.”

Also:

Mountains > beaches
Death metal all day (but also Celtic music and video game soundtracks)
Recently obsessed with Electric Callboy and Spirit Box
Grew up on Iron Maiden (shout-out to his older brother for that)
Favorite films and shows? Hereditary, Dr. Sleep, V for Vendetta, RRR, LotR, Dark, The Boys, Invincible, Breaking Bad, and “a healthy plethora of anime”

🌶️ On Why He Writes...

“I love creating things in general. Food; I love cooking. I’ve made my own beer, jam, bread, and now I’m working on my own mustards. I also garden and have grown watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, habaneros, and various other peppers. Stories are kind of the same way for me. I love to see the characters in my head, give them wants and dreams and desires, and then put them through unholy terror that will surely crush them.”

Oh, and:

“I also noticed a theme of amputation in a lot of my stories and I’m not sure why.”

“My friend Zach Chapman got me to finally realize that I could also be a writer; it just seemed oddly out of reach for me growing up, even though I started writing stories at twelve years old, I only started submitting my work in 2017, at the age of 31. I keep going because he’s dumb and if he can make cool shit then I certainly can. It’s ok, he’ll never read this!”

🌘 On His First Story and more...

“The first story I conceived of was an epic fantasy, that would span several books, and be reminiscent of Final Fantasy in terms of epic scope. I loved Final Fantasy IX and Xenogears, and wanted to emulate that feeling of discovery and wonder.”

The concept?

“An Earth in the far future, in which the moon had smashed into and shattered into dozens of shards, but which was held together by some unseen force. And a magical essence issued forth from the Earth, and it permeated everything and changed the course of evolution, each shard developing humanity into vastly different, sometimes corrupted, creatures…”

It also featured:

Guardians of the Earth
Guardians of the Moon
And a collective of planet-bound guardians tasked with protecting sapient life

“I have thousands of receipts with various scenes, concepts, plot points, and characters written on the back, but I haven’t really pieced it all together yet. It became too daunting a task and I have put it off in favor of working on new pieces and short stories, and horror novels.”

In the Anthology

Kyle’s two 42-word stories in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² feel like tiny neutron stars—explosively compact, heavy with implication, and weirdly hilarious in their existential panic. He plays with tropes of time, space, regret, and paradox while anchoring it all with voice and tone. A little doom. A little absurdism. A lot of fun.

📘 Want more of Kyle’s work?

Check out his Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kyledoeswords

📖 Read his micro-stories in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42², available now in print, ebook, and audiobook via 42storiesanthology.com

This week’s spotlight shines on Michael Jai Grant, contributor to 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42², where his story ZIPPERS AND CHEESE ARE THE OBSTACLES TO LOVE appears in the collection’s more whimsical (yet truthful) corners. With a style that moves fluidly between razor wit and spiritual depth, Michael’s work captures contradictions with clarity—and heart.

📍 Location: North Stamford, Connecticut, USA

🖋️ Writing Spaces: Libraries and his home office

📚 Website & Socials:

✍️ Author Bio

Michael Jai Grant writes until his fingers go numb, his ulna aches, his butt falls asleep, and his husband growls. Then he picks up the camera. He lives for travel, theater, dogs, the chewiness of language, and appreciation. Read his novels. They’re worthy.

☕ Quickfire Round with Michael Jai Grant

Q: Do you drink coffee or tea or something else to get you in the mood to write?

A: That depends on what the muse is doing. Sometimes it’s coffee. Sometimes it’s just inner combustion.

Q: Is there something you passionately wish the human race would stop doing?

A: I wish the human race would stop seeing God as a creator or judge or parent or mythic being—external, in any form. That idea divides us. God is internal. The light we all share is pure, but we prism it through religion, culture, and ideology until it splits and breaks us. That light should illuminate, not separate.

Q: What’s your greatest achievement in writing/art?

A: Writing my first novel—and having a publisher believe in it. Even more powerful: people read it, love it, and tell me how it’s affected them. That’s magic.

Q: A reader who likes…

Humor, adventure, drama, and a unique voice will enjoy The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride, available on Amazon, B&N, or MichaelJaiGrant.com.

🎤 Longform Reflections

💡 What inspires you to write/make art, and who, or what keeps you going?

Oddly, I don’t know. The urge to write, take a photo, make a film—it just is. Even if no one sees it, I have to do it. My husband is supportive, but this drive doesn’t come from him. It’s internal. I might hear something, see light fall a certain way, or rethink a familiar idea—and suddenly I’m in motion: jotting a note, grabbing the camera, recording a voice memo.

It might be the intersection of OCD and autism in my wiring. But more than that, it’s a calling. The muse is always there; I just need to clear the space. That’s the hardest part—because life is noisy. Mortgages, errands, food, relationships. But when I make room? It flows. And I don’t stop because there’s no “off.” I just keep going. I have to.

📖 What was the first story or art piece you created—and was it published?

Mrs. Silverman. Fifth and sixth grade. She made us write weekly journal entries from Friday prompts. Most groaned. I thrived. I rewrote them obsessively before transferring the final version into the journal.

Each week, three “Happy Grams” were awarded for the best entries. For two years, I received one every single week—undefeated. I was bullied badly back then, but something strange happened: when I stood up to read, those same kids listened. No fists. No mocking. Just attention. Applause, even.

That early validation didn’t erase the bullying, but it made the weekends lighter—and gave me a way to connect, to matter. That journal became my first body of work. Childish? Sure. But it was art. It was mine. And it changed the way I saw the world—and myself.

📖 Want more of Michael’s work?

Visit www.MichaelJaiGrant.com or read his story ZIPPERS AND CHEESE ARE THE OBSTACLES TO LOVE in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² — available now in print, ebook, and audiobook. More details here: 42storiesanthology.com

Stay tuned for more author interviews in the 42² series.

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Linda Rae Apolzon Interview

We’re excited to feature children’s author Linda Rae Apolzon, one of the many talented contributors to 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42². Her story, “I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED CREATURES OF THE WOODS,” appears in the Werewolf category and reflects her knack for voice-driven storytelling and emotional honesty—even in just 42 words.

🏠 Based in: Chicago, Illinois

🖊️ Published Works:

Linda writes primarily for children and has been featured in beloved magazines such as SPIDER and RANGER RICK. Some of her titles include:

Max Helps Out
I’ll Share With You
The Day David Wasn’t There (currently out of print)
“How Winston Lost His Math Homework” – SPIDER PRESENTS: SHORT STORIES, BIG LAUGHS
“To the Rescue” – RANGER RICK’S STORYBOOK

💡 Fun Facts from the Interview:

Former Aspirations: Linda originally wrote adult stories for The New Yorker, but her passion quickly shifted to writing for children.
Writing Setup: She prefers writing at the dining room table, finding it more comfortable than a traditional desk.
Family of Writers: All of her siblings write, and her father was a gifted storyteller.
Pets: She has a deep love for rescue dogs, citing their loyalty and ability to love unconditionally.

🎶 Favorites:

Books: Neverwhere (Neil Gaiman), The Beatryce Prophecy, The Magician’s Elephant (Kate DiCamillo)
Music: ABBA, James Taylor, and “The Rainbow Connection”
Movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, Now, Voyager, Blazing Saddles, The Producers
Sweets: White cake with buttercream frosting, Snickers, and bridge mix

✍️ Writing Process:

Linda starts each session with a comforting cup of coffee or hot chocolate. She’s a big believer in writing freely—especially bad first drafts—and stops mid-scene to make it easier to return later. Her plotting method involves a detailed chapter grid to track arcs, tension, and subplots.

🧠 Advice for Writers:

Allow yourself to write terribly at first.
Outline strategically—but flexibly.
Accept rejection with grace: one day of misery, then back to the page.
Celebrate every win—even small ones.

💬 “I want readers to feel something when they read my work.”

And yes, her last name is pronounced “apples on”—as in, apples on a tree.

📚 Visit Linda’s website: www.LindaRaeApolzon.com

📖 Read her story in 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² – now available in print, audiobook, and ebook. www.42storiesanthology.com

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Interview with Arushi Singh – 42 Stories Anthology

Name: Arushi

Location: India

Profession: Registered Nurse

Writing Space: No fixed space – writes wherever and whenever inspiration strikes

Story Title(s) in the Anthology: TILL DEATH DO US APART – A TRICKY PROMISE (award-winning)

Website: https://unfilteredarushi.wordpress.com

🎤

Q: Who do you picture as your reader or target audience?

Not any particular audience. I just wish that anyone who reads my work may feel a little joy and peace.

Q: What inspires you to write, and who or what keeps you going?

There are many factors. First and foremost is my sister—she is a major driving force behind all of this. Then, there is this feeling of contentment and peace whenever I write something. For me, it is like coming up for air when life weighs you down. And finally, in today’s times, when people are more involved in creating videos and reels, I want to keep alive the world of imagination within our minds, which is incomparable with any of the visual aids.

Q: What are your writing goals?

I want to be a full-time writer/poet. I know there is a long way to go and I have to polish my skills a lot before even thinking to go there. So yeah, just hoping in time I will get there.

Q: What are some of your favorites…

Books/Authors: Dan Brown, Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, Sapiens by Yuval Harari, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, and many English classics
Food & Drink: Indian cuisine and tea
Movies/Shows: The Big Bang Theory
Actor: Shahrukh Khan

Q: What got you into writing?

My sister. She is the one who pushed me into writing. She is a great storyteller. All credit goes to her.

Q: What’s your greatest achievement in writing?

This book :-D

Q: What do you want the human race to stop doing?

Stop discriminating between people on any grounds and give love a chance to grow in that space.

📘 About the 42 Stories Anthology

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² is a globally curated collection featuring 1,764 micro-stories written by 1,281 unique authors across 42 genres. Each story is exactly 42 words long, forming a mosaic of voices, styles, and perspectives.

The anthology’s goal was to spotlight both emerging and seasoned writers through one constraint: say something unforgettable in 42 words.

🔗 Learn more: 42storiesanthology.com

📖 Available in print, audiobooks, and ebook formats

Sunday, June 29, 2025

AllAuthor Interviewed Me

You can check out the interview here: https://allauthor.com/interview/bamwrites/

Sunday, June 1, 2025

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Interview with T.L. Tomljanovic

T.L. Tomljanovic | 42 Stories Anthology Author Spotlight

What was the title(s) of your stories in the anthology?

ANCIENT LOST KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIRE KEEPERS
NEVA NAKATORA, LAST SEEN MAY 5 ON WHYTE AVE
WON'T TAKE LONG, MAY I SEE YOUR PASSPORT?

Location in the world:

Langley, BC, Canada

Writing Space:

1970s maple hardwood desk

Bio

T.L. Tomljanovic is a Prairie transplant to the West Coast, writer of tiny tales, and the guardian of an enormous dog. Her stories have been featured in Off-Topic Publishing, Blank Spaces Magazine, Every Day Fiction, The Globe and Mail, and Carousel Magazine.

foods/drinks

For breakfast: coffee and croissant.
For lunch: charcuterie and a bottle of dry red.
For dinner: thin crust pizza with pretentious toppings such as blue cheese and crispy brussel sprouts or pineapple and banana peppers.

movies/shows/actors

Patrick Stewart in Star Trek: The Next Generation will always be my moral compass. Buffy the Vampire Slayer taught me girls are allowed to cry and fight monsters.

The best animal on earth.

The best animal on earth is a wolf because they're pack animals. Everything is about the pack, the family. My father read The Jungle Book to me as bedtime stories, which probably had some influence. That and the fact that I share the same eye colour as a wolf–yellow.

Name some books you read recently.

Currently, I'm reading Jessica Waite's memoir The Widows Guide to Dead Bastards and if you haven't read it yet, do yourself a huge favour and ask to borrow my copy.

If you ever get creative block, how do you overcome it?

Haha, yes, and I don't overcome it. I sit and stew and read articles that explain writer's block isn't real and I'm forced to agree since I somehow always manage to make my paid communications writing deadlines, but fiction writing is different. I'm doing it just for me. I'm not getting paid. No one cares if I stop. So ultimately if writing becomes too painful, I don't do it. I've gone months without writing. It used to make me feel like a fraud, claiming to be a writer, but not writing daily or even weekly. Actually, I still feel like a fraud a lot of time, but I figure if I have even just one story out there, then I'm a writer and that's good enough for me.

What was the first story you created, and was it published? Elaborate.

When the pandemic hit like many people, I wasn’t just working from home and teaching my kids at home, I was trapped at home and I wanted OUT! I found an escape in fiction writing and wrote my first short story about a goat hunter who tries to find his way back to life while being dogged by death both past and imminent. Carousel bought my story and published it in the spring issue of their literary magazine. That external validation propelled me forward through a lot more rejection, but I keep submitting. My current highest rejection rate is 24 for a single story.

What are your social media links or where can people find your work?

https://tomljanovic.wordpress.com/story-gallery/
https://x.com/TLTomljanovic
https://carouselmagazine.ca/c47-tomljanovic/
https://www.fullhouseliterary.com/issue-2-pieces/hands-are-for-hitting-by-tl-tomljanovic
https://flashfloodjournal.blogspot.com/2022/06/prairie-oysters-taste-better-deep-fried.html

https://tomljanovic.wordpress.com/story-gallery/
https://x.com/TLTomljanovic

Friday, February 21, 2025

42 Stories Anthology's First Award

We did it.

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² just won its first award, taking the top spot in the January cover contest with AllAuthor (link).

Having the anthology enter such a contest and eventually winning 1st place was an epic way to celebrate my 42nd b-day on January 19, right?

Credit is definitely due three-fold:

First: to Katya Brown, who designed the cover using her years of extensive photography—many shots taken during her travels in China.

Second: To the authors who voted for the cover. Your initial support made this win even bigger because it shows that the authors of the anthology chose a winning cover from the start.

Third: To everyone who supported the anthology during the contest. My fiancée deserves a special mention—staying up late, asking friends and family to vote so we could secure this win.

This victory is a reminder that the anthology is gaining the recognition it deserves—your work included.

To everyone who voted, shared, and collaborated to get the word out—thank you. You made this first win possible.

And this?

It’s just the start.

What is the 42 Stories Anthology?

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² is a groundbreaking literary project featuring 42 chapters with 42 stories 📚 each, totaling an incredible 1,764 stories. Every story title and bio is approximately 42 characters and 42 words, making it a uniquely structured reading experience. ✨

Where to Watch, Read, and Connect: 🔗

Blog Interviews: Find written interviews on Blogger: https://bamwrites.blogspot.com/ 🔄 YouTube Channel: Watch the interviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bamwrites42 📺 Stay Connected: 🔗 Mailing List: Subscribe here to stay updated. ✉️

Anthology Social Media: 🕺

Find me here

Until next time, remember to remember!

~ Bam and the 42 Stories Anthology Team

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

42 Stories Anthology Meets AI: An Exclusive Interview with ChatGPT

(Generated using OpenAI’s ChatGPT)

Happy New Year!

AI is a hot topic in creative fields, sparking fears of replacement among writers, editors, and artists. I believe AI is a tool, not a threat—something to enhance, not replace creativity. If an AI can outperform me, it’s time to level up or pivot.

This is exactly why the line "No AI were exploited, used, or harmed in any way within this book" appears near the beginning of 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42².

Readers should know that the creativity in the anthology is strictly from humans. Even the edits were done by a team of 42 humans. This might explain why it took from July 2018 to October 2024 to publish the book. We read over it carefully to give the world something great from human hands. This is not to say Ai shouldn't be used. On the contrary, it should be when the time is right. This was after I asked ChatGPT to check to find any errors in the anthology, and it couldn't minus an issue with optimal character recognition (OCR) and author choice, where it could not differentiate between an error and PDF issue. I cross-referenced the issues and found that, in fact, there were no errors in the book. Authors took special liberties, such as writing their names differently in the bio section and story, which ChatGPT surmised was an error, but any Ai might make that mistake. Then, I wanted to know what ChatGPT thought of the line in the book about Ai.

ChatGPT: The humorous phrasing "No AI were exploited, used, or harmed in any way within this book" appears to align with the lighthearted yet self-aware tone often used in projects involving substantial creative effort. It underscores the anthology’s human craftsmanship while playfully referencing modern discussions about AI’s role in the arts.

BAM: Thank you for pointing that out. What do you mean?

ChatGPT: Humor and Relatability

Anthropomorphizing AI invites readers to enjoy the book lightheartedly.
The phrasing suggests they could be “exploited” or “harmed.”
This not only pokes fun at the idea of machines as sentient beings but also lightens the mood, inviting readers to approach the book with a sense of enjoyment.

BAM: The line, though humorous, encapsulates the essence of 42 Stories Anthology. It serves as an elevator pitch, drawing readers to explore the anthology’s unique format and diverse talent. How does something like that function in the anthology?

ChatGPT: Timely and Marketable

This line positions the book as part of the zeitgeist, which could appeal to readers who are curious about or cautious of AI.
Highlighting the absence of AI use might also function as a selling point.

BAM: Yep. Perhaps it does more, specifically where there are so many artists involved, right?

ChatGPT: Artistic Integrity

It subtly affirms that the anthology’s content was crafted by humans, which is an important distinction in an era where AI-generated text is increasingly common.
This could reassure readers of the anthology’s authenticity and the authors’ creative labor.

BAM: But, is there another element in the anthology that Ai can never replace, which is exemplified in the line?

ChatGPT: Cultural Commentary

The statement engages with ongoing discussions about AI’s impact on the arts:

Should AI play a role in storytelling?
Does using AI diminish the value of “handcrafted” art?
What responsibilities do creators have regarding transparency in their processes?

BAM: Food for thought. They'd certainly make great research questions for a paper on Ai and storytelling. Tell me more about the line.

ChatGPT: Irony and Self-Awareness

Including such a statement in a text where AI might have been used for proofreading or typesetting creates an intentional irony.
Even if AI wasn’t directly involved, the acknowledgment serves as a wink to those who recognize AI’s growing ubiquity in publishing.

BAM: Although there was definitely no Ai used in the anthology, the line certainly does evoke that. You know, ChatGPT, Sam Altman and team really did something amazing when they developed you. I hope more people see you as a tool, pocket assistant if you would, rather than a danger. Before we wrapped up, I asked ChatGPT for 42 words of advice for the anthology’s contributors and readers.

ChatGPT: "Embrace creativity. Cherish brevity. Stories ignite connection. Authenticity resonates. Celebrate diversity. Feedback fuels growth. Words wield power—use wisely. Stay curious. Share generously. Trust your voice. Every story matters. Keep writing. Keep reading. Remember: Imagination builds bridges. Stories shape humanity’s future."

ChatGPT was not held at gunpoint to give this interview. If this blog entry entertained you, you'll love the anthology.

What is the 42 Stories Anthology?

Each chapter highlights 42 Stories of Excellence Awards 🏆, judged by a panel of 42 experts, and showcases 42 unique covers. The anthology brought together over 1,000 authors, from celebrated writers 🌐 to first-time talents, fostering a rich diversity of voices. To ensure variety, authors were limited to four acceptances, with only a few reaching that maximum. 📝

Beyond the book, the project expands into interviews 🎥 and merchandise, amplifying contributors’ voices 🎤 through videos, blogs, and more. The initiative celebrates the art of storytelling and shines a spotlight on authors who deserve recognition. 🌟

Where to Watch, Read, and Connect: 🔗

Anthology Social Media: 🕺

Find me here

Final Note: Thank you for supporting the 42 Stories Anthology! ❤️ Your likes, shares, and comments help spread the word about these amazing stories and their talented creators. Together, let’s celebrate the art of storytelling and give these authors the recognition they deserve. 🎉 Until next time, remember to remember!

✨~ Bam and the 42 Stories Anthology Team