Chad Collins

Run To The Fire is the exhilarating true story of the incredible life of Rick Collins. A Vietnam veteran whose body was maimed by battle, Rick returned home to extreme tragedy and loss. An unlikely superhero, he blazed a standard of endurance, faithfulness, and sacrifice to be emulated. Living an intentional path of extraordinary purpose, Rick rescued those in need, fought for the voiceless, served his community faithfully, and changed the world around him, blazing a legacy for generations to come. Rick's story will inspire you and challenge you to be the type of person that when faced with impossible odds, will run to the fire.

Dad's Down Under chronicles the tumultuous-- and often humorous-- funeral of an emotionally abusive husband, told from the point of view of the man's eighteen year old son. Present are the distant relatives and immediate family, all of whom have different recollections of what kind of man he was. His immediate family views him as a monster, while his side of the family remembers him as a kind, loving, and generous man. - A semi-autobiographical account written from the young mind of someone who has witnessed many of the events in the short story. - The perspective of an eighteen year old provides fresh and keen insight into the issue of domestic violence and how it impacts children in such harrowing circumstances. - The short story structure allows for a swift-- albeit emotionally satisfying-- journey through the funny and, at times dour, narrative. - The funeral setting allows for readers to relate to similar experiences of their own. - The narrative element of an uninvolved paternal figure is something many young readers will be able to relate to. Chad's journey may also provide a source of comfort for youth unaware of how their similar situations will play out. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.