September and Other Stories

Julie Ann Dawson

(Bards, Sages)

In her dedication for September and Other Stories, author Julie Ann Dawson says that much of her work is inspired by events that transpired during rpg (role-playing game) sessions. While RPG fiction is not exactly a respected genre, Dawson proves that it not only can work, but that there is no excuse why it doesn't.

This debut collection of short stories features three stories inspired by both H.P. Lovecraft and the rpg created using his mythos "Call of Cthulu". The stories are presented in diary form and told from the perspective of Natasha Collins. Set in the 1920's, Collins is a professor of philosophy and religion who comes from an affluent family. Besides possessing an independent spirit, Collins can "see" spirits, and other types of supernatural creatures. Gifted, or cursed depending on your viewpoint, with this ability since childhood, she matter-of-factly relays the events that occur to her in a way that makes the abnormal appear to be perfectly normal. Of course, everyone around her believes her to be insane, and for a time the reader also wonders if Collins is actually experiencing the events in the stories or is simply deluded.

The characters in Dawson's stories are interesting and engaging. On of the most enjoyable characters for me is in fact a minor recurring character, Glenda Collins, mother to Natasha and her two sisters. Glenda is not content with the fact that all three of her daughters have careers. In fact, the idea that her children would rather have careers instead of getting married and producing grandchildren generates some rather entertaining dialogue.

Dawson switches gears midway through the collection, and in the process shows a surprising range of styles. Moving from the more formal and refined style of the novella September and its related stories, she produces "To Dine With a Demon," a modern story of a writer who ends up having lunch with a demon. The story walks the line between pulp horror and theology effortlessly. Flash fiction pieces like "Voodoo" and "Brown Pants" offer what seem to be real life snippets where Dawson shares her dry humor while illustrating some of the odd scenerios a writer of horror might find herself in.

The collection has 16 short stories and poems in all. Dawson's word choice and expert use of dialogue produces fast-paced and exciting dark fiction that is sure to please readers looking for a change of pace over the often blood splattered shock fiction or vampire romances that passes itself off as horror. -- Rene Archer