Picture a storyteller who spins the ordinary into the extraordinary, blending the bizarre with a touch of humor—meet Don Broyles! This Tennessee-born author has captured readers’ imaginations with his debut collection, Doughboy: And Other Strange Tales, and his haunting novella, The Elevator. With a knack for turning everyday scenarios into surreal adventures, Broyles is carving a unique niche in contemporary literature.
From his eclectic career to his love for modernist and horror tales, Broyles’s stories challenge perceptions and dive deep into the quirks of human nature. Let’s explore the life, works, and growing influence of this rising literary star!
The Making of Don Broyles
Don Broyles was born in Tennessee, but his childhood was a whirlwind of moves across the United States, thanks to his father’s Air Force career. The family eventually settled in Arkansas, where Broyles spent three decades. Armed with an English degree and a stint in a Ph.D. program at Miami University, he explored a colorful array of jobs—bookseller, Arkansas Press Association editor, English teacher, and even photographer for a young Governor Bill Clinton. For ten years, he moderated at Mobileread, a hub for ebook enthusiasts, before channeling his energy into writing. Influenced by literary giants like José Saramago and horror maestros like Ramsey Campbell, Broyles’s diverse experiences shaped his distinctive storytelling voice.
Don Broyles’s Unforgettable Stories
Broyles burst onto the literary scene with Doughboy: And Other Strange Tales, a compact yet mesmerizing collection of short stories. At just 177 pages, it’s a masterclass in concise, imaginative storytelling. Tales like the titular “Doughboy” explore the eerie cries of a baking icon come to life, while others delve into the madness of clowns or the terrors lurking under a bed. Critics praise Broyles’s flawless prose and his ability to craft bizarre yet relatable narratives, making each story a quick, unforgettable journey.
His novella, The Elevator, takes a seemingly mundane setting and transforms it into a claustrophobic nightmare. What happens when you’re trapped in an elevator for years? Broyles’s answer is both thrilling and thought-provoking, blending psychological depth with his signature surreal twist. His style, rooted in modernism and horror, weaves humor and insight, inviting readers to question the boundaries of reality. Currently, Broyles is working on a novel and several longer short stories, promising more genre-bending tales.
Unlike many self-published works, Broyles’s stories are meticulously edited, ensuring a polished reading experience. His ability to pack profound ideas into brief narratives makes his work perfect for readers craving light yet impactful stories.
Why Don Broyles Matters
In a world of sprawling epics, Don Broyles’s concise, imaginative tales stand out. His stories resonate with readers who love exploring the weird and wonderful corners of human experience, offering a fresh take on contemporary fiction. By blending modernist sensibilities with horror and humor, he’s carving a path for short-form storytelling in a digital age. Though still early in his career, Broyles’s unique voice and growing fanbase suggest he’s a name to watch in literary circles.
His work also shines a light on the power of self-publishing done right. With well-edited, accessible stories, Broyles proves that lesser-known authors can make a big impact. As he continues to write, his influence on speculative and literary fiction is only set to grow.
- Birthplace: Tennessee, USA
- Key Works: Doughboy: And Other Strange Tales, The Elevator
- Influences: José Saramago, Ramsey Campbell, Haruki Murakami
Ready to dive into a world where the bizarre meets the brilliant? Snag Doughboy: And Other Strange Tales and lose yourself in Don Broyles’s captivating blend of horror, humor, and heart!