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Every writer harbors a hidden fear that the ability to write may escape them someday. And what is a writer who cannot write? This is the central predicament that Leon explores in this slim thriller, where a bestselling writer grapples with the inexplicable loss of creativity. Fallen into despair, the forlorn, nameless writer wanders the city in gloomy contemplation of his plight. It is soon revealed there is a coffee shop table with the word W-R-I-T-E etched into it that offers hope. It is at this table where the writer can write again, due to a shadowy figure who prompts a kind of deal with the devil. But what seems like salvation is really a trap, and the writer must navigate this harrowing, dreamlike existence. After a chance encounter with another young, struggling writer and a moment of spiritual awakening, the narrator finds the strength to regain control of his creativity. This determination sets in motion an ultimate battle of survival between man and demon.
A 2024 Eric Hoffer Award Finalist and B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, Leon’s tale is working on a metaphorical level as he explores themes of identity, power, and control of one’s destiny. This dark allegory examines the power of art and how art shapes the artist who relies on that ability to create in order to live, both literally and figuratively. Divided into three sections, the poetic and haunting narrative is disquieting, leaving the reader with an underlying sense of apprehension. The tension is heightened further by Shannon Brocas’ phantasmagoric illustrations that depict the nightmarish circumstances. This is an intriguing novella with minimal characters and fast-paced plotting that supernatural and thriller fans will certainly appreciate.
A 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalist