I’m an American, of the Midwest variety, living in Zurich, Switzerland, with two spoiled cats and an ever-growing library. I write emotionally resonant literary fiction short stories and novels with a twist. You can also expect a heavy dose of magical realism and a healthy sprinkling of humor.
Since childhood, I’ve been enthralled by the worlds books open and have also loved creating my own. I realized soon after moving to Zurich that I had let myself lose some of that spark, having morphed into a mini email factory fueled by endless to-do lists and spreadsheets. My own voice was becoming a stranger. Now, I stay in touch with my voice daily, writing and reading to hone my craft. I also participate in local writing groups and storytelling competitions.
I dream of having my recent novel, with the working title Megalomanic, traditionally published. In ~85,000 words, I showcase my lyrical style in a swirling ensemble narrative with compelling characters, dynamic pacing, and evocative imagery. The idea started as an indulgence of my love of historical rabbit holes, with mythology and mathematics as a starting point, and quickly became a thrilling exploration of what “I’ll love you forever” really means. When souls reincarnate, and the infinite is no longer a dream, a life shifts to, perhaps, a liminal space. In this recreation of a Greek chorus, who holds claim?
“The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things…And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours.” — Alan Bennett, The History Boys
J.J. Silkwood 