Reader Views is very happy to be talking with Chuck McCann, author of Short, Shorter and Shorter Stories: For People Who Have to Wait. It is a collection of stories of varying lengths and topics that will keep the reader interested as they go through the experience of waiting.

Juanita: What a great idea for a book! What was the inspiration behind Short, Shorter and Shorter Stories?

Chuck: The inspiration, if it was inspired, came from a book, which I've forgotten, filled with stories written with a limited number of words, perhaps 59 or less. It challenged me, so I tried and the idea. People reading some of my stories enjoyed them I put a collection together, result my book.

Juanita: How long have you been writing stories?

Chuck: I put my mind to writing 9 or 10 years ago. The local college offered writing classes, so I enrolled intending to write memories, but I changed to fiction for the most part. The actual book took about 2 years.

Juanita: Without giving too much away, what are some of the storylines in Short, Shorter and Shorter Stories?

Chuck: I try to fool my readers with my stories using newspapers, fairy tales, family happenings etc. Meeting Jack the Ripper was a college contest winner. Meeting him face to face but not identifying him is a challenge to the reader. Putting a baby in a car seat doesnt appear difficult, but ends a criminal career. And stories of Benjamin and his attempts to be a crook please many people because no one is that inept.

Juanita: Do you have any favorites in this collection?

Chuck: Do I have favorites? Certainly. Firing Squad, a one page story, shocks the reader with the total horror of war. Benjamin attempting a holdup without a gun or falling asleep during a robbery are humorous. Mother's Day Breakfast is one of my funniest. Really, they're all favorites, since I've tossed out a few.

Juanita: What has been your least favorite waiting experience?

Chuck: My least favorite wait, 6 hours or so in New Zealand, waiting to board a cruise ship.

Juanita: Short, Shorter and Shorter Stories is a book for everyone. I could imagine it being in someones car, purse, backpack, or in waiting rooms. I was just waiting at an auto shop yesterday with nothing to read but an old Sports Illustrated. Who is reading audience, and where would you like to see your book?

Chuck: I hope anyone waiting for time to pass would have my book. Example: waiting for the kids coming out of school, practice, mall, etc., the doctor's office, train station, airport, hospital bed, car repairs, or falling asleep, or wherever you are. I can see my book in any waiting area in the world. I was asked by an instructor, if my stories could be used in the classroom. Why not?

Juanita: Who have been your influences during your writing career?

Chuck: My wife, she encourages me in all my endeavors. I've tried selling a pull embroidery needle I designed. Bankrupt. Painting, here I've done alright, even winning awards. Pro bowling, good enough to be a pro, however, many were better than me, so I dropped it.

Diane Williams, my college instructor that pushed and pulled writing out of me. Pat DePrima encouraged me into workshops, contests and writing groups. Lisa Dedier taught me to pay attention to the story, rewrite and reward the reader.

Juanita: Chuck, you dropped out of high school, yet went back at a later time and not only finished high school, but went on to receive your Masters Degree in 1964. You became a teacher and have taught at every level from pre-school to college, and yourself, have taken classes every year. Tell us about your passion for learning and teaching.

Chuck: A year after I married in 1951, I realized my railroad job led nowhere. I enjoy helping people so I picked teaching and went back to school. I really gain so much from other people teaching me and how they do something. I try their way then I try with my changes.

Juanita: Chuck, I understand that youve had Parkinsons since 1984 yet still bowl (very well from what I hear), golf and play tennis. How have you managed to stay so active and where does your obvious enthusiasm for life come from?

Chuck: Being active, I think it comes from growing up in a Catholic Charities institution. We played or worked all day with a one hour school study period (homework) in the evening. We were kept active so we'd stay out of trouble; somehow I managed to get into trouble anyway. Enthusiasm, my daughter, Linda said it best, Why do drugs? I'm high on life." Me too. Example; I'm up at about 6:00 and paint pictures 'til breakfast at 8:00. Then, there's housework (sometimes), tennis or bowling, or attend a class, or nap. After supper I read awhile, perhaps TV, and by 8:00 I'm at the computer writing 'til midnight.

Juanita: You also do quite a bit of volunteer work. Can you tell us about these pursuits?

Chuck: Volunteer work, a Spring 'til Fall job. In our area developers are taking large lots and farms and building houses. When I locate these sites I try to get the developer or construction people to let me look for valuable perennial plants, scrubs or small trees. I worked as a County Naturalist for 11 years and can identify many plants. If they approve, I get help to dig them up and transplant them to out local Park District golf course.

Juanita: What advice would you have for aspiring writers out there?

Chuck: I actually told my pupils, if you fail quit. Go do something else. Then, if you want, do it a different way. If writer's block comes up, I shut my eyes and type a letter, make a noun, verb, adjective with that letter, try a sentence with those words maybe a paragraph. Or type twenty letters without looking, can you find several words? Now, try a short sentence.

Juanita: That really is good advice. Trying the same thing that once caused failure is a trap we all fall into at some time or another. Yet, sometimes thinking out of the box can be scary as it involves risk. What do you say to someone that is stifled by fear?

Chuck: As I said just now, shut your eyes and start - one letter, one word, one sentence and keep going.

Juanita: Do you have any plans for writing another book?

Chuck: Yes, a story joining the major events of history, from the days of Alexander the Great until WWII. It isn't a Wells, Time Machine story, but there is an interesting connector between each event.

Juanita: This sounds like a very interesting undertaking. We will be looking forward to hearing more. Chuck, how can your readers contact you if they would like more information about your endeavors?

Chuck: My book is available at http://www.ChuckMcCann.npauthors.com Directly to me try xuckrita@comcast.net

Juanita: Thank you for talking with us today, Chuck. You will serve as an inspiration to people that it is always possible to follow your dream and try new things. We wish the best for you and your writing career. Are there any last words youd like to share with your readers?

Chuck: If you want to write, keep pencil and paper handy; bedside, bathroom, car, next to wherever you usually sit. IDEAS GO IN THE STRANGEST PLACES AND TIMES. Be ready for them.