Sunday, September 25, 2011

A 2 Z: Safari Snapshots


A few years ago I read a submission to one of my Peculiar People projects and fell in love with the characters and the writing style. The author was Lisa Mikitarian and that encounter began what became a friendship between us. I still think of her story in that book as the one about the two “small brown boys” finding forgiveness, because that phrase of it has stuck in my mind all these years.

I’m now thrilled to announce that Lisa has had a whole book of her short stories published. I’m proud to take credit for being the one who "discovered" her talent and published her first, and was excited to get a copy of this collection. She weaves the most delightful stories; ones that are powerful because of the truth and real-to-life experiences woven through them all.


demmehouse

Her Safari: Snapshots Along the Way, is focused on women characters in all stages and walks of life. You’re sure to find a story that resonates with your own, as well as getting some chuckles and maybe even tears. She even wrote one character who has fibromyalgia, the same disease I have. The short story format is perfect for reading one before bed each night—though be careful because if you’re like me you’ll stay up late reading “just one more” because they are so engaging.

I read Lisa's book in entirety last month but now as I've skimmed it, looking for my favorite story to share with you, I'm finding quite a number of "favorite" stories. Her book is worth reading several times, apparently. Here's an excerpt from one of the stories, "You Are No Dachshund," about a mom getting a puppy for the family. They've decided that, objectively speaking, a dachshund would be the best choice (though the mom had sort of dreamed of a bigger dog).

puppy 1But a funny thing happened en route to the breeder, who lived out in a barely populated countryside. Frieda was driving along, minding her own business, when her eye veered off the side of the road, caught by a gigantic cardboard sign outside a ramshackle gas station and convenience store. FREE PUPPIES, it shouted. She pulled into the parking lot, suddenly thirsty. There would be no peeking at the puppies. Under any circumstances. 
They called to her from a box next to the cash register, but she ignored them. 
Back outside, in the Indian summer air, she found an ultra-smooth bench that appeared to have been a church pew in an earlier life. She sat down and twisted open the Coke she'd just purchased, feeling slightly guilty. Simon didn't approve of carbonated beverages. It burned going down her throat, but she let it. Her pipes weren't going to become corroded from one bottle. 
That's when she heard the muffled yelping over the fizzle of her drink.

Read the rest of the story by ordering a copy of Her Safari here. While you're at it, get some for the women on your holiday shopping list, too. And wait, there's more! If you comment on this blog, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $5 Starbucks gift card. The drawing will be held on September 28th. The winner will be announced here, so be sure to check back.

As always, read more "S" posts in the "From A 2 Z 4 U & Me" meme at www.pattywysong.com and feel free to jump in with a post of your own.

15 comments:

Rita Garcia said...

Wonderful post, Amy! Thanks for participating in the blog tour for, Her Safari! "You Are No Dachshund," was also one of my favorites stories in this extraordinary collection of short stories.

Joanne Sher said...

Great post! I'm still reading through the book and enjoying it so much!

Mari said...

I loved the "coke" scene in this story...along with the rest of it.

I don't know if I can pick a favorite. I may have to read it again...

Laury said...

I don't know Amy. Lisa's talent couldn't be hidden for long. You just happened to come along first. Lucky you were:) I loved ALL her stories. I tried to pick a favorite but it was impossible.

Leah Nichols said...

Glad you "discovered" her....we've all been blessed. :)

Niki Turner said...

Cool post! Thanks for sharing the excerpt and FURTHER whetting my appetite to read it!

Barbara Lynn Culler said...

I've also recently started reading this book!

dandelionfleur said...

Thank you, Amy! I loved being part of your Post Card Project!!! And it was thrilling to be published for the first time! You've given many writers their first publishing opportunity.

Shann said...

This is great, I definitely want to check out the book after this teaser! You are a great friend. This blog is just one example of your sweet generous nature. (no I'm not trying to flatter you just to win the gift card, I don't even drink coffee!:)

Jon Califf said...

Excellent review.

Nancy K. Sullivan said...

I purchased "Her Safari" at the FW conference and began reading it on the way home. One of my (many) favorites is "How to Create a Really Memorable Christmas" -- a story I won't soon forget :) There's a devotional resting inconspicuously in each wonderful story.

Sparrow said...

I had my mom pick a random number and she picked 3. Mari is our $5 Starbucks gift card winner! The card is sponsored by the generous Dr. Rita Garcia! :-)

Patty Wysong said...

You did a beautiful job with Her Safari, Amy!! Lisa is a gem and we love her writing! =]

Hugs!!

Sara Harricharan said...

Lovely post for a lovely lady. :) That's so cool that you 'discovered' her, Amy! Awesome! ^_^

Shelley Ledfors said...

I'm late with both posting and reading the S posts, but great job on this. Love Lisa's book!