Short stories are somewhat out of fashion these days except maybe for the occasional magazine. Pity because short stories give you a wide variety of exposures in one balanced collection. Laugh a little. Cry a little. Feel warm a little. Shocked! a little or a lot. The experienced author can offer you something to pry you away from the television screen or the I-whatever device. Or another lukewarm meal. Enjoy a new take on an old craft!