I may be Michael’s husband, but don’t even try and tell me I’m biased in regards to his writing. If you knew anything about me, you’d realise that not only am I my own person (yes, I’m very real) but I’m also a non-binary gay reader who has wanted representation in the books that I read. My biological family might like to remind me they think I have a simple mind, but I can assure you, Shakespeare runs thick through my brainwaves.
This is a blog I wanted to write to convey to you just how important Shorts is for the LGBT community and why you should be reading it (if you haven’t already). First released in February, 2021, it was (in our household) the first victim of Covid. Its released was drowned out by the pandemic and has had trouble staying afloat since.
Shorts, for those who aren’t familiar, is a series of short stories by Michael Stoneburner. In his own words, it is a collection of stories that are for and about the voices of the LGBT+ community. Very much like he does in He Was A Boy Who Smiled, Michael successfully writes narratives that not only give light and recognition to a marginalised people, but also creatively conveys his voice and his vulnerabilities to draw in the readers. This is the recognition he deserved growing up and the recognition LGBT+ community deserves.
Like me, Michael grew up in a literary world where he didn’t have that LGBT+ voice represent him.
Much like his other work, Apartment 1B, Shorts is a series of short stories that are interconnected by the people being written about but instead of an apartment we find ourselves getting glimpses of a fictitious town. It speaks to the nature of how people can be unconsciously connected to one another and have shared experiences but be completely different. “Shorts” uses a variety of genres to create this tapestry, demonstrating that interconnectedness of all of us as humans (a reminder, I feel, we as a society need). Shorts may mostly take place within one country town, but he still surprises readers with an instant fairy tale classic (if you don’t fall in love with the princess, your heart is glass) interwoven between each tale, a horrify tale in Black Paper and a haunting beautiful story taking place on a plane in “The Author of ‘The Amulet of Fire'”, my personal favourites.
Why Black Paper, you may ask? With all due respect, it sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s different and dangerous and the right amount of scary. It reads excellently as a story that you hear from a friend of a friend. This story hits the right tones at the right pace and perfect for the Halloween season.
“The Author of ‘The Amulet of Fire’”, in my opinion, is one of the most powerful and poignant of the stories in this collection. He mixes the real world with the characters story world to craft a heart breaking tale that will stay in the mind of the reader (unless you still have that heart of glass).
I also want to give a special honorary mention to the characters (and their respective stories) Sam and Charlie. Those two are adorable and I want them to get their happy ending.
Not enough LGBT+ people are reading this story nor talking about how much it is needed. Currently only in ebook form, you can buy Shorts here, but rest assured, there is a paperback version coming.
Michael’s had a rough few years. We all have, but as his husband, I see the man behind the curtain. I also see his talent and believe in it with every ounce of my beating heart. Take note, readers. You won’t be disappointed.
As for you, my darling husband, give me more. Give us more. We need you, Michael. More than you’ll ever know.
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