End Matter

End Matter
Ezekial Cartwright
Flying Ophanim
Amazon Digital
April 2016
50 pages

"These stories must never make it to paperback.  I don't want them edited, and they must never change from their existing format.  They're written this way for a reason, and..."
The stereotypical author is introverted, creative, and extremely analytical.   These attributes lead greatly assist them in examining and writing about the world around them, whether real or only in their imagination.
Nathan Cartwright fits this description.  Living alone in Maine, he is very reclusive to the point of being almost a hermit.  His only contact with the real world is through his son, Danny and his granddaughter.
Nathan has an advantage though over most authors.  The major publishing houses want his writings, but he refuses to work with each of them, choosing to have his work strictly available through self-publishing only.  He tried to write romance and even drama novels with little success, but his magic touch was the thriller.   Why?
Nathan is facing the reality of his life ending.   His physician has informed him that his days are numbered.  Now is the time for him to do one final good deed.
His son needed money for his wife's  cancer treatment.   Between the medical costs and raising a daughter, Nathan feels obligated to help with the family needs with money.
He is returning to being a successful writer of thriller novels.  His books almost have a magical authenticity to them with so much explicit gore that he given the nickname, "Grisly Grandpa."
Nathan now wants to publish a book that will secure Danny's financial needs and those of his granddaughter.
With finally completing the latest novel on his tablet,  Nathan meets with his illustrator at a nearby coffee shop that will change all of his plans.
It all begins with a server who eventually recognizes him.   Who could predict how this would send his life into a downward spiral?
The author, Ezekiel Cartwright propels his interests into his writing while being influenced by his childhood in New England and writers such as Stephen King, HP Lovecraft, and Dean Koontz.
This novella is tightly wound into an introspective tale around the theme of striving for greatness while being aware of the impending cost of responsibility in that achievement.   With realistically flawed characters striving for hope and a better life, the reader views the world through Nathan with his daily frustrations and challenges.
End Matter is a different novella with a unique authenticity that is  a frightening page-turner.