There is something to be said about a group of diverse authors and writers residing in the Monterey Peninsula of California that in 2000' decided to form a writing group with the objective of improving their skills by subjecting their masterpieces to straightforward, rigorous, and mutual critiquing. As Bryon Merritt, one of the principal founders of the group, pointed out to me, this was a group that was not formed to become publishers. However, fortunately for lovers of short stories, this did in fact occur with the publishing of its first anthology, Monterey Shorts. The initial venture has now spawned more stories with its second edition, Monterey Shorts 2: More On The Line: Stories by Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula. 

This latest ambitious anthology runs the gamut from absorbing stories reflecting the history of the Monterey Peninsula to its culture and even the psyche of its inhabitants. There is Byron Merritt's A Break In The Trail -a story based on a real person, Charley Parkhurst, who worked for the stage coach lines in the Santa Cruz area in the 1850s and 1860s. Readers will be in for a surprising ending! Another is a comment on the art scene of the area with Frances J. Rossi’s Framed, wherein we read about a love triangle involving a transplanted easterner, Rosalie, who falls in love with Pete, the owner of a picture framing store called Figueroa. Then there is Moving Day authored by Mike Tyrrel reflecting Californians concern about protecting the environment. This story is thought provoking, as we read about an obnoxious family living in the Monterey Peninsula that couldn’t care less about their neighbours, the environment, or for that matter anyone or anything other than themselves. Ken Jones’ Canned Hunt is an excellent story about how some inhabitants are unconcerned about endangered animals.  Some of the others in the collection are feel-good tales, where a certain statement is made, such as Shaheen Schmidt’s Love Potion that involves an Iranian, Donya, and her Carmel Valley neighbour, Betty, who was not getting along with her husband. The wise Donya comes to her rescue with some charming advice. The end of the book contains short bios of each of the contributors.

Without doubt, this impressive collection of refreshing and clever short stories is sure to find its way on the night tables of many of the B&BS that dot the Monterey Peninsula coast line. These authors definitely deserve recognition and respect from their peers, as well as their readers, not only for their writing skills but also for their tenacity in striving to perfect their craft.