I just approved the last correction to the new book so it can now go to print. Yes! So it shouldn’t be very long now until we can have it in hand: Warren County Days – Short Stories of Opal Pratt.
Warren County Days Goes to Print
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Author Archives: Diane Thomas-Plunk
Author Interview
My short story, Decisions, is included in the anthology of Southern writers titled ‘What Would Elvis Think?’ Here is my author interview related to promotion for that book.
What Would Elvis Think?
Mississippi Stories
Diane Thomas-Plunk
“Decisions”
Who is your favorite author and why?
I don’t have a single favorite author. I like short story writers Ellen Gilchrist and Alice Munro. Of course, Truman Capote and Harper Lee. I also enjoy John Grisham and Dean Koontz. I love variety.
Why do you write?
I write because I must. I always have — since my first short story in third grade – Tanya & Lanya, the jungle girls. Really. I’ve written in a multitude of forms throughout my life. It’s who I am.
What is the story behind your story in the book?
I wanted to write something current, and I was horrified by Afghan trainees turning their weapons on their American military instructors. Terrible for a young pregnant wife turned widow to endure. But what if another crisis is layered on top of that? That’s when you have Decisions.
Imitation of Life
It was a thought that resembled an action.
A whisper that seemed like spoken word.
A reaction that imitated emotion.
A habit that looked like a bond.
It was a charade that vaguely resembled my life.
Warren County & More
While I’m waiting for galleys on Warren County Days to come in for my read, I’m industriously working on my THIRD — yes, third — book, Mothers & Daughters. This collection will be about — you guessed it — mothers and daughters throughout the years. The one I completed this weekend is called The Family Pratt where, for the first time, you’ll get Momma Pratt’s back story. You’ll just have to wait until next year.
Happy Monday!
Going to Vicksburg
I’m headed to Opal country — Vicksburg, MS — on Sunday, March 18, to visit with a book club about Opal, my collection of related short stories. If you’re in the area, come on over. The Opal discussion will take place this Sunday, 5:30 p.m., at Cottonwood Public House, 1311 Washington St. in Vicksburg. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. Lorelei Books, of Vicksburg, arranged the event.
Opal Sequel Is Coming
The sequel to Opal is nearly complete and will be out in the spring. The title of the new book is Warren County Days – Short Stories of Opal Pratt. You’ll run into characters you previously and meet some new ones. Look for more information here.
Wisdom
Daddy said boys only want one thing.
Mama said dress real pretty.
Mammy said keep your knees together.
My girlfriend said everyone’s doing it.
The boy said you will if you love me.
The doctor said wisdom always comes too late.
Mother
Mother
There she is again,
As always when I least expect her.
In the storefront window
As I look at my reflection.
In the mirror when I check my hair
And sometimes she looks back
And I see she’s getting gray.
She looks at me through a misty windowpane
And holds my gaze.
When did I become her?
When did the child become mine?
Where did I go when I became my mother?
What Would Elvis Think?
One of my stories (not an Opal) will appear in an anthology of Mid-South writers’ work that is scheduled to come out this winter. Also included will be stories from two friends (Linda & Stephanie) in our mutual writers’ group. Another story to be included is from the creator (Daney) of this writers’ group. Her story was submitted posthumously. I love the collection’s title,What Would Elvis Think? I’ll let you know when the book is published and post a link if there’s an online presence. Pretty happy about this one. Very happy to be a part of this with friends.
Diane Thomas-Plunk 