Instant Ancestors - Presposterous tales sprung from a shoebox (ePub)

In his literary debut, author Russell Shuler takes audiences on a riotous journey through space and time with his cast of fictitious characters in "Instant Ancestors." The founding universe for this fantastic journey is nothing less than an old shoebox of antique photos found in a local antique shop near his home in Asheville, NC.

Taking the old expression "a picture is worth a thousand words," Shuler ups the anty on what a single picture can conjure up, using his lop-sided imagination to breathe life into every conceivable slant of shenanigan and predicament. Each story features a "character portrait," with story details subtly portrayed visually in light and shadow.

Experience "the long hard stare" of Cletus McHaggis as he faces off with the "devastating beauty" of twins Ismerelda and Desdomena, circling one another in the ancient game of "dupe and roll." Follow the conjurings of Gloriah Jellylooloo, the infant "Memory Catalyst," who brings cinema to events thought long buried (and even those yet to occur). Track every move Ignatious Crackebox makes as he untangles a web of political corruption and small-town vice. Be amazed at the creative mind of struggling fashionista Ethela Oregard as she employs serendipity as her primary muse. Observe Smabdolem Ik as he encounters a troop of beautiful dwarf strippers with a dark side. Alien explorer Dorkus Ilamdril travels from his home planet of Xenolabyrinthia to Earth only to be confounded by what he thinks are complex hieroglyphics, only to discover they are, in fact, urban graffiti. Meet Claudia Felonia, a makeup artist in the mortuary field who communicates with loved ones who have crossed over. But when she falls victim to a nefarious character's prank, see how she unleashes her Old Testament wrath on him. Be amazed at the spiritual discoveries (and others) made by Jame "Smitty" Smythe, Jr. as he navigates his complicated young life. Try to stay up-to-date with the show-stopping ideas and insatiable eroticism of exotic fan dancer Izzy Ibrahim and her creative partner (and son) Shelley. Follow Beatrice Ohdeshitgo as she lives every minute of her life as if scripted to be part of a more considerable cinematic work.

Strap on your mental safety belt and take "Instant Ancestors" for a spin. It's a wild ride, guaranteed.