The authors of “Felons, Flames & Ambulance Rides” all have some connection to law enforcement and include it in their writing. Many of the stories are real tales from the streets by police officers, firefighters, and others. The writers are all members of the Public Safety Writers Association. The organization is dedicated to helping and encouraging professional and fledgling authors with ties to public service. The short stories are by and about America’s public safety heroes whose dedication makes the world a better and safer place for us all.
Wendy Gager is the author of the Mitch Malone Mystery series. She is among the group of 30 professionals with ties to law enforcement and public safety who contributed to the anthology. Gager described the reasons the book was written. “‘Felons, Flames And Ambulance Rides’ is a tribute to our public safety heroes. Those people who put their life on the line to keep other’s safe. The book is written by and for police officers, firefighters, and other public-safety-related writers. Those who submitted short stories have a tremendous respect for those officials and wanted to share that with others. Don’t think that the stories aren’t entertaining. Some of them will have you laughing out loud and others will bring a tear to your eye.”
According to Gager, this is the second anthology by the Public Safety Writers Association. “The first book was published in 2000 and since then the group has morphed to include more public safety individuals than just cops. One thing that hasn’t changed is the caliber of stories that we all love to read. The crazy things crooks try to pull off and how they tried to escape the long arm of the law.”
“The anthology is a unique collect of sad, poignant, exciting and even downright funny stories from the mean streets,” said Gager. She added, “We do not always appreciate or thank the people who make it possible for us to be happy, healthy and safe. We can never do enough to support them. ‘Felons, Flames And Ambulance Rides: Stories By And About America’s Public Safety Heroes’ is one way we can support them and be entertained in the process.”
Gager wants prospective readers to know that the book was a group effort by many people who volunteered their time and talents. The mission of the book was to honor those who give of themselves and sometimes even their lives to help others. Gager said, “If this book makes you think or makes our laugh, we will have accomplished our goal.”
More information
Information about the book is available at policewriter.com/wordpress/flames-felons-and-ambulance-rides/.
Marilyn Olsen was the book’s editor and one of the key people who made the book a reality. Gager has four books published in the Mitch Malone Mystery Series. Her blog is at http://wsgager.blogspot.com.
Thanks, Wendy and Terry, for shining a spotlight on FF&AR! As we worked on the project, it often hit me that our public service workers cover such a range of writing, and that there is so much talent among them. And of course, I am Mitch Malone’s greatest fan!
I reread what I wrote and it didn’t come out right. Wendy’s story is super! I love Wendy’s writing style. All the rest of the stories are great too–I love the whole anthology.
Hi Marilyn, thanks for stopping by to help promote this anthology!
Terry, thanks so much for helping get the word out on this great collection of short stories!
Wendy
I’m happy to help, Wendy. I was out all day yesterday at an RWA meeting and then last night with friends, so I’m just catching up. Thanks for being my guest!
I don’t know which I admire more- our public safety workers or writers capable of creating a meaningful short story. Fortunately, this book includes both. I’m not sure that readers realize what a tremendous amount of talent it takes to write a short story. A decent writer can tell a complete story in a novel of 60,000 words and up– a great writer can accomplish the same goal in a short story of less. So far, I’m only in the category of decent, so I tip my hat to those writers included in this anthology.
Holli – And we who write short stories or have just one book out, so far, stand in awe of those of you with the talent to write a series of books.
Holli, I agree. Short stories are harder to write than novels. You have to make every word count,
I prefer books…but every now and again they are fun.
Wendy
Thanks for stopping by, Holli. I think writing either a short story or a novel can be a daunting task. For short stories you must have intense focus, but for a novel, you have to have stamina and be able to maintain an energy from beginning to end. Either way, I think they both take a lot of talent.
The book is great, and Wendy’s piece worth reading.
Thanks Marilyn! I think all the stories are great.
Wendy