November 15, 2024
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LocalLit author spotlight: Norm Cowie of Chicago is back

LocalLit is a new short story newsletter that connects local authors with local readers. The newsletter kicked off April 24. Norm Cowie of Chicago was the second featured author and he's back with a second story. Recently Cowie took a few minutes to speak via email with Herald-News features editor Denise M. Baran-Unland.

By DENISE M

Baran-Unland: Why do you write? Cowie: Mostly because I have a funny bone that needs to be scratched...But that’s not all. I don’t outline my stories at all, they just pop up out of the ether between my two ears. So when I’m creating a story, the story is actually creating itself right then. I can’t tell you how many times my characters do or say something that takes me completely by surprise causing me to snort up my venti decaf white chocolate mocha. So I guess I just love that moment of creation and temporary nostril discomfort.

Baran-Unland: Why do you write? Cowie: Mostly because I have a funny bone that needs to be scratched...But that’s not all. I don’t outline my stories at all, they just pop up out of the ether between my two ears. So when I’m creating a story, the story is actually creating itself right then. I can’t tell you how many times my characters do or say something that takes me completely by surprise causing me to snort up my venti decaf white chocolate mocha. So I guess I just love that moment of creation and temporary nostril discomfort.

Baran-Unland: What does your writing routine look like? Cowie: I have to get out of the house. Away from ESPN, honey-do lists and other distractions. That usually means hanging out at the library or a coffee shop, pretending I can’t get on the Internet so I won’t get on the Internet and do something other than writing. Baran-Unland: Give a one-line summary about your featured short story. Cowie: Cave Man like having fun – and not being eaten.

Baran-Unland: Tell us about your current work-in-progress and/or future works. Cowie: Right now, I’ve been submitting my new young manuscript to agents. It’s a fun, scary story about a dog and cat that see their owner turn into a werewolf in the living room and end up being bitten – and then they turn into were-humans who have to deal with opposable thumbs, reality TV and loss of fur. While I’m waiting for agents decide it’s a great book, I’m writing another book about a boy, his shadow and strange things that happen after an eclipse.

Where can people find more information about you? Cowie: Well, if they hang out at the right coffee shop, they can see me there. But if they can’t find the right Starbucks, they can check out my website, www.normcowie.com. Do it soon because I’m working on a redesign, so it’s going to be as extinct as the cave men in my story.

Each week LocalLit will deliver an original short and family-friendly story by a local author to the newsletter's subscribers. Authors with a connection to our readership area may submit. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Stories should be edited and between 1,000 words and 7,500 words.

In addition, featured authors will be spotlighted in publications before the newsletter runs so readers have time to sign up. To submit and for more information, contact Denise M. Baran-Unland at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com. To sign up for the LocalLit newsletter and read McGee's story, visit www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/#//.

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