Blog Tour – Why I Started Writing Short Stories
By Rhea Thomas
I’ve thought about this a lot because it’s become a common question I get. Why do I write short stories? I remember reading short stories in high school and college. I liked the idea of taking a moment in time and really focusing on it. That’s something short stories do well. You can really focus on one moment and make the most of it.
To me, it made a lot of sense to master the short story form before attempting to write a longer work, such as a novel. I’m not sure that is the best way to approach writing, or if it’s even recommended, but that’s how I approached it. I wouldn’t say I’ve mastered short stories, but I’ve definitely written a lot of them now. I’ve had a handful published individually in literary magazines.
After putting together this short story collection, which is interconnected and themed, I realized that perhaps I could handle the intricacy and challenge of a full novel. I finally felt like taking that on. That’s what I’m working on now.
That’s the path I’ve taken, but every writer I know has their own journey into writing and publishing. And if there’s anything I’ve learned from all the writing books, courses and podcasts, it’s that every writer has a different path into writing. Some study it in college and go on to get MFAs, others just secretly write in their free time, never really expecting to see the light of day. Others go the journalism route. A lot of people start with a novel.
I was told that a short story collection would be hard to sell, especially as a first book. I was disappointed, but determined to try. With the help of a writing coach and editor, I eventually found a small, independent publisher who was interested in publishing it, so I celebrated that win and was over the moon to have my collection out in the world.
If I had to do it over again, I’d do the same thing. I’d write my short stories, create a collection and then work on a novel, like I am now. I’m too early in my career to decide how successful it’s been overall, but it’s all I know and what I’ve done. And taking on any writing project is no small feat, so celebrate your writing and your path and don’t let anyone tell you you’re doing it wrong.
Book Summary
Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas is a magical realism short story collection where the extraordinary sparks everyday lives toward transformation. Connected by Ripple Media, each of the fifteen characters navigates personal struggles, such as an impossible itch, a mercurial third eye, and hallucinating coffee. They discover hidden truths, purpose, or power. With whimsy and emotional depth, these stories explore identity, passion, and self-discovery through moments of enchantment that crack open ordinary reality. Let these tales remind you: sometimes, the most magical thing is becoming who you were always meant to be.
Publisher: Main Street Rag Publishing Company
ISBN-10: 978-1-964277-49-3
Print Length: 232 pages
Shopping Sites:
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/234299217-let-birds-fly
Main Street Rag: https://mainstreetragbookstore.com/product/let-birds-fly-rhea-thomas/
About the Author
Rhea Thomas lives in Austin, Texas where she works as a program manager in the digital media world. Her short stories have been published in multiple publications, including, most recently, The Fictional Café, Toasted Cheese and Does It Have Pockets. She spends her free time hoarding books, walking her stubborn Labrador retriever, playing games with her sons, kayaking and swimming in rivers, searching for mysteries and writing short stories that explore magical moments in the mundane. Her first book, a collection of short stories, is due out in August 2025, and she’s currently working on a literary mystery novel.
You can find her online at:
https://www.facebook.com/rheathomasauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rheatellstales/
Blog Tour Calendar
October 13 @ The Muffin
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
October 14 @ Kaecey McCormick’s blog
Visit Kaecey’s blog for a guest post by Rhea Thomas on how to look for sparks of creativity during your day.
https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/blog
October 16 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
October 18 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Visit Nicole’s Substack for a feature of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas in her weekly feature, 3 Things on a Saturday Night.
https://nicolepyles.substack.com/
October 20 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Visit Anthony’s blog for his review of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.
https://www.authoranthonyavina.com
October 22 @ Sarandipity
Visit Sara’s blog for her interview with Rhea Thomas on her short story collection, Let Birds Fly.
October 24 @ CC King Blog
Visit Caitrin’s blog for a guest post by Rhea Thomas on Let Birds Fly.
https://www.caitrincking.com/blog
October 25 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Revisit Nicole’s blog for Rhea Thomas’ contribution to 3 Things on a Saturday Night
https://nicolepyles.substack.com/
October 27 @ Tracey Lampley’s blog
Visit Tracey’s blog for a guest post by Rhea Thomas about tips on reaching your ideal audience through social media.
https://www.traceylampley.com/guest-author-posts
October 30 @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy’s blog for her review of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.
https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com
October 31 @ Guatemala Paula Loves to Read
Join Karen for her review of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.
https://guatemalapaula.blogspot.com/
November 1 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Stop by Linda’s blog for her interview with Rhea Thomas about her short story collection, Let Birds Fly.
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com
November 2 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie’s blog for her review of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.
November 3 @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona’s blog for a post by Rhea Thomas, including tips on titling your stories.
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
November 4 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Visit Anthony’s blog again for a blog post by Rhea Thomas on why she started writing short stories.
https://www.authoranthonyavina.com
November 6 @ Knotty Needle
Stop by Judy’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about magical moments in her life.
https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com
November 7 @ CK Sorens’ Instagram
Carrie reviews Rhea Thomas ‘ short story collection Let Birds Fly on her Instagram page.
https://instagram.com/ck_sorens
November 7 @ Cassie’s Page
Cassie reviews Rhea Thomas ‘ short story collection Let Birds Fly on her Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2cYrrc3d/
November 10 @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra’s blog for her feature of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/
November 12 @ Sarandipity
Don’t miss a guest post by Rhea Thomas about tips on reaching your audience through social media.
November 15 @ Teatime and Books
Visit Janet’s blog for a spotlight of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.
http://www.teatimeandbooks76.blogspot.com
November 16 @ CK Sorens’ Newsletter
Don’t miss Carrie’s newsletter that features Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas.
Discover more from Author Anthony Avina
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