Phosphoria

Date

2019-01-03

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

The University of Tampa

Abstract

Phosphoria is a short story collection consisting of nine stories with the common themes of alienation and marginalization, often but not always a product of the characters’ own efforts and ennui. The majority of the action in these stories happens in and around Mulberry, a small rural community in Central Florida with a depressed phosphate industry, low education standards, and a general sense of malaise, unconquerable and unchanging despite the buried desires of the characters. The actual community of Phosphoria was a small mining encampment located approximately seven miles from Mulberry, the evidence of which is still visible today. The area is very rural. The goal of the author was to write quiet, character-driven stories. Protagonists are usually given an opportunity to affect their circumstances through choice, and while they often justify their negative actions, there is usually an awareness of moral failure by the end of each narrative. While many of the subjects are of a dark or negative nature, it is his desire that, whenever possible, they be read as hopeful if not always positive. Hence the final story, intended as an optimistic (if wobbly) look into the future of one of the native sons of Mulberry. The author would like to express his deep appreciation to the residents of the town of Mulberry, several of whom were integral to the construction of this manuscript.

Description

Keywords

Short stories, Mulberry, Florida

Citation

DOI

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