I have always had a fascination with mental illness and how it relates to familial relationships. In many cases, well meaning family members try to take the place of well trained caregivers. For many people with exceptionalities a loving family that can keep them safe may be all they need. This is not necessarily the case with individuals who have psychological disorders.

I had as much fun writing this story as the protagonist did with his revenge. The truth is, I worked in a place much like this – and when I was downsized I wished for my revenge. Instead of taking a master chocolatier course I took legal measures.

“Manufactured Heaven” was written at a time where none of us knew where the internet was going or what the implications may be. Movies like Tron wherein consciousness could penetrate the electronic world of computers were a part of my early development. The same is true of science fiction shows such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, wherein computers had achieved a relative form of autonomy and consciousness (Data; the central computer).

The idea behind “Following Blind” came to me one day while reading a student’s homework about Old Man and the Sea. I read this book in high school like many others, as well as had several years of teaching it to other people. For many years I held a great deal of contempt for Santiago’s story. I felt that he should have found another less stressful way of making ends meet.

“Andrew & Quinn” was a difficult story for me to write.

I wrote “Toy Soldiers” one afternoon after listening to the song “Toy Soldiers” by Martika. This song hit the charts when I was in Grade 7, and it was likely an inspiration from Eminem that got me to listen to the full song again.

“Chester’s Hope” was a fun story I wrote one day while working as a teacher.