Why humor for a Tales2Inspire series? How does humor inspire us? Simply by lifting our spirits and transporting us from the here and now to several moments of pure amusement. In the words of Josh Billings, Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one place. Bravo to the authors of the stories in this Crystal Collection, all winners in the Tales2Inspire annual ‘Authors Helping Authors’ contest, for bringing a smile to our lips. and some joy to our hearts.
"The crystal is the perfect representation for the humorous stories in this Tales2Inspire Crystal Collection. These stories are well formed observations, funny with sharp edges. Crystals, too, are perfectly geometric and precise, enabling the viewer to look through them and see the world from a different perspective." Linda Maria Frank Author of the Annie Tillery Mystery Series , Host of The Writers Dream cable TV show
Can you imagine being punished for your first forays into writing? Well that's exactly what happened to me as a 4 1/2 year old child. Oh. did i neglect to tell you this one little detail? I was practicing writing A-B-C's all over my newly papered bedroom wall!
As I grew into adulthood, I traveled many paths - from educator to parent, writer and journalist. active volunteer wherever my interests fell at the moment. After managing to secure a NYC agent to represent me with my first full length book: SEx, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery, a book she was quite certain was going to fly, I met with the harsh realities of the world of publishing. "Great book, but she doens't have enough of an author platform' were the words that came back to me. Ouch, thst hurt.
After dusting myself off, I began to think, "There must be many other talented writers out there facing the same dilemma, so let me reach out to them in a helpful way while continuing to fuel my passion for writing." And that's how Tales2Inspire was born, an Authors Helping Authors project and contest all in one. And thanks to the support and fabulous PR provided by Dan Poynter, news spread like wildfire.
To date I have self-published sixteen Tales2Inspire books filled with the winning stories of that year. Although each year the theme changes, one thing remains the same: There are no entrance fees to participate.
Tales2Inspire ~ The Crystal Collection: Stories that Tickle the Funny Bone
Lois W. Stern, creator of ‘winning stories by talented authors from across the globe’, has outdone herself with her latest collection of stories; the first collection ever of strictly humorous stories. As author and publisher Stern admits, funny stories are more difficult to write, edit and judge since what strikes one person's funny bone might go right over the head of another. This is not the case with these unique stories encompassing all walks of life, and unusual situations — did I mention funny?
My personal favorite, the story about a ’chicken zombie’ is a laugh out loud story that is almost unbelievable. I know I'll never feel the same toward chicken again. In another story, leaving two little girls alone with gallons of different colors of paint makes one smile. One story proves with slapstick humor that machines can be extremely mean to young housewives.
“You can't spell ‘DON’T without ‘DO’” is proven in a hysterical short story about a young boy who cleverly beats the system, avoiding punishment. “Love in Bloom . . . Remembering When” is a sweet funny love story, a thoroughly satisfying read. Author Stern adds her own comical account of how a redhead proves she's a true redhead.
Each of the stories in this collection of humorous anecdotal tales is well-written, the authors are all contest winners and their work is edited to perfection. The lovely crystal on the book cover is perfect for these types of stories as some shine with brilliance, others are sharp and witty, and still others smooth and pleasant. But as the creator, Lois W. Stern writes, they are all ‘sparkling crystals of laughter.’
The type of stories in the Crystal collection is perfect reading while traveling or waiting for appointments. Just be careful where you chuckle or burst out laughing. Those enjoying this book in the Tales2 Inspire series will want to check out the other collections. I know I did.
Oftentimes, what one person finds funny will barely crack a smile on the face of another; likewise, even the most staid of individuals can find himself in an uproar over material that falls flat when presented to a more fun-loving personality.
The aforementioned sentiments apply as easily to books as anything else, but in Tales2Inspire: The Crystal Collection, editor Lois W. Stern skillfully transcends the perils of relative humor in compiling a thoroughly humorous collection of short stories. Gathered from various individuals from all walks of life, The Crystal Collection highlights a plethora of different emotions and experiences, spreading the humor in indiscriminate fashion. From youthful attempts at avoiding punishment to the verity of being a redhead – to yes, even a chicken zombie – The Crystal Collection is sure to open readers’ eyes to, and help boost their appreciation of, the lighter side of life. Highly recommended.
I was not really impressed with this book. I mean the stories are interesting but they are not what I would call funny stories. None of these were very funny in my opinion. The stories are nice to read and written well. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest unbiased review. This has not influenced my opinions on the book.