Where can you read a story about members of the Epsom Fire Department, a retelling of "Rapunzel," a science fiction-like view of small-town life, or about an alien that ends up in Pelham? Well, in Sci-Art Media's new short story anthology, "Carved in Granite: Storytellers of NH."
This collection is the result of a New Hampshire short story contest sponsored by Sci-Art Media out of Temple. After an overwhelming response, the book was whittled down to its current 15 stories and will be released on July 19.
James Maynard, the man behind the Media, not only sponsored the contest but also has a story in the collection. He feels that New Hampshire is brimming with great authors and storytellers and he put together this collection as a way of showcasing some of the talent here in the Granite State.
His story, "Zero," takes a look at a futuristic society and the effects of computer implants that were once used for good but have now become a means of governmental control. Another entry by Silas Yeaton, titled "Decline of Reason," follows a research student beginning a descent into madness who not only doesn't fight it but decides to document it as well. This eclectic collection, featuring writers from Lebanon, Manchester, Derry and Wilton, to name a few, appears to have a story for every interest. There are stories about relationships, Model "A" cars, folk legends, purgatory, planets and angry parents.
"Carved in Granite" also contains a humorous story set right here in Chester. "Trash Talk" is actually my entry into the contest, which was chosen to be in the collection. This is my first story to ever be accepted into a book collection and it centers on a new resident and his first foray to the town's transfer station. You will meet Roy as he attempts to navigate the rules and regulations of refuse. He encounters a host of the town's characters on his first visit to the community within a community residing at the transfer station. In trying to simply throw out his trash, he ends up getting a lesson not only in small-town life and local politics, but he also learns the hard way that he's not in Massachusetts anymore. The names of places will be familiar to you but the characters and the story are purely fictional.
All the works in this anthology are previously unpublished and are a testament to the fact that imaginations are alive and well in New Hampshire! So if you're looking for an interesting read and a way to support your state's local storytellers, then visit your local library or bookstore.
The Chester Public Library Board of Trustees will be sponsoring an author reading and signing on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chester Public Library.
Library Director Melissa Rossetti will be reading excerpts from her story "Trash Talk" and signing copies of "Carved in Granite: Storytellers of New Hampshire." For more information, contact the library at 887-3404.
Melissa Rossetti is the director of the Chester Public Library. The Chester Public Library is located at 3 Chester St. For more information on library events, call 887-3404 or visit the library's Web site at www.chesternh.org/library.html.
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Chester Library summer reading program
Story times: July 22 and 29, 10:30 a.m.
Visual arts entries deadline: Wednesday, July 30
All logs and bingo cards due: Thursday, July 31
End of program party: Friday, Aug. 1, 3 p.m. Sign-up is required.
Call the library at 887-3404 for more information.
