BAM Writes A Blog

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

Sunday, December 29, 2024

A Literary Journey with M. Kelly Peach: From Poe to Personal Triumphs

42 Stories Anthology Presents: Michael Kelly Peach Interview

Featuring: Author of The Sad, Grievous Death of Edgar Allan Poe under the name M. Kelly Peach in the Macabre & Morbid Chapter.

Biography

M. Kelly Peach is a versatile writer, dabbling in poems, plays, essays, short stories, novellas, prose poems, and novels. His play BiPOElar, a tragedy inspired by the life of Edgar Allan Poe, embraces the premise that Poe’s life was so tragic no scenes needed fabrication.

Background and Writing Space

BAM: Where are you located?

Michael: Escanaba, MI, USA.

BAM: What’s your writing space like?

Michael: A writing desk in my library/office.

Icebreakers

BAM: Who are some of your favorite authors?

Michael: Edgar Allan Poe (obviously), Zadie Smith, Cormac McCarthy, and Lord Dunsany.

BAM: What are some of your other favorite things?

Michael:

Bands: Moody Blues, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, Crosby, Stills, Nash (and Young).

Actors: Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, Tom Hardy.

Sweets: Chocolate chip cookies, tres leches cake, butter pecan ice cream, and rice pudding.

BAM: Do you have a preferred beverage or ritual to start your writing process?

Michael: Hot tea—usually Red Rose—every morning.

BAM: Are there any animals that inspire your work?

Michael: The cheetah, for its beauty, running across the savannah.

Reading Habits

BAM: What books have you read recently?

Michael:

• Shavetail by Thomas Cobb – Very good.

• Wittgenstein 2.0 by G. R. Tomaini – Some weird stuff.

• Silent Spring by Rachel Carson.

• The Tremor of Forgery by Patricia Highsmith – Not as good as the Ripley novel.

• The Mere Wife by Maria Devana Headley – Very good.

Currently, reading Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis—it’s promising.

Writing Community and Style

BAM: Are you part of any writing circles?

Michael: I facilitate Ink Society meetings at the Escanaba Public Library and participate in the Great Lakes Area Horror Writers (GLAHW) group.

BAM: Who is your target audience?

Michael: I usually have a vague picture of nameless, nebulous adult readers.

BAM: What is your creative process when beginning a new piece of writing?

Michael: Just start! Turn on the computer, pick up a paintbrush, fire up the forge—whatever works for your medium.

Personal Insights

BAM: Is there an issue you feel strongly about that appears in your work?

Michael: I’ve written some anti-war pieces.

BAM: What’s your greatest writing achievement?

Michael: After fifty years of writing, I’ve finally published two books with my name on them.

BAM: What got you into writing?

Michael: It felt like a natural evolution from my avid reading as a child.

BAM: Who is your biggest inspiration?

Michael: My wife and children.

On Writing

BAM: How do you handle rejection and celebrate acceptance?

Michael: After over a thousand rejections, I’ve grown calloused to the disappointment. I move on to the next market. To celebrate, we might go out for dinner, share a banana split, or I’ll enjoy a cigar with my cousins.

BAM: Which stories of yours should new readers start with?

Michael:

• The Adventures of ArgyLe Sock for fans of Toy Story.

• The Death of Tintagiles Death for fans of The Twilight Zone.

Contact Information

Website: mkellypeach.com

Twitter (X): @MichaelPeach

Now that you're more familiar with the writer, why not check out their works? Start with the one in the 42 Stories Anthology.

What is the 42 Stories Anthology? The 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42² is a groundbreaking literary project. 📚 It’s a novel structured into 42 chapters, each containing 42 stories—totaling an astounding 1,764 stories. Every story has approximately 42-character titles and roughly 42-word bios, making it a truly unique reading experience. ✨ In addition to its innovative format, each chapter features 42 unique covers and highlights 42 Stories of Excellence Awards 🏆, judged by a panel of 42 experts. The anthology is more than just a novel—it’s a platform that brought together over 1,000 authors, from world-famous writers 🌐 to first-time published talents 📚. Contributors were limited to four acceptances, ensuring a rich and diverse collection of voices. Few authors reached that maximum, adding to the anthology's distinctiveness. 📝 Beyond the book itself, the project includes 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Interviews 🎥, an engaging interview segment where I aim to connect with as many of the participating authors as possible. These interviews amplify their voices 🎤, shining a spotlight on their craft. The goal is to celebrate and share the incredible talent behind the anthology, giving the world a chance to discover these remarkable wordsmiths. Too many great writers remain unknown, and this initiative strives to change that by showcasing 1,764 stories in a single anthology. 🌟 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

~ Bam and the 42 Stories Anthology Team