The Contest and Other Stories – A Tootie-Do Press Original

THE CONTEST and OTHER STORIES

Short fiction by Joe DiBuduo and Kate Robinson

“Love the atmosphere and story narration. . . vivid and gripping. . . The frame narrative is more compelling than expected. . . has hints of beat literature, and the story arc about an art magazine is interesting.”     –PekoeBlaze

Inspired by the works of international artists, this Young Adult – New Adult collection of nineteen spellbinding magical realist, paranormal,  slipstream, dark fantasy, alternate history, and fabulist tales (with a connecting novella) is collaboratively authored by Joe DiBuduo and Kate Robinson:

Peter John Rizzo, a 1960 graduate of Yale University’s journalism program, inherits a floundering art magazine from his uncle, John Rizzo, with the provision that he must increase the circulation or forfeit all assets to creditors.

Peter Rizzo, Pete’s father, is a banker who scorns careers in the Arts and Humanities, and is jealous of his late brother’s influence upon his wife and son.

Classic Art Exposé’s devoted but unorthodox editorial assistant, Jason, and two university interns, sisters Shirley and Evie, help Pete start a monthly short story contest with artwork prompts, hoping to expand and save the business.

As the four friends publish the winning (and sometimes disturbing) stories over the following eighteen months, Pete battles his father’s attempts to ruin his business and his reputation, and in the process, discovers a sordid family secret. What else could possibly go astray?

DiBuduo is a retired house painter, and a budding sculptor and glass artisan who stays busy filling his front yard in Prescott Valley, Arizona with giant sculptures and traveling around the country to check off adventures on his bucket list. He’s the author of two paranormal novels, another connected collection of short stories, a historically relevant memoir, a popular nonfiction narrative, and his signature “flash fiction poetry,” quirky flash fiction, and children’s stories featured in anthologies and journals.

Robinson whacks words in a redwood glade in Humboldt County, California and promises to dance always with paradox and absurdity. Bookwise, she’s the author of a metaphysical sci-fi novel, an upcoming novella constructed from dreams, and two history books for middle-graders. Her short fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and children’s stories are featured in international anthologies and journals.

The Contest and Other Stories is available in full color and BW softcover editions.

E-book distribution TBA. | Cover by Yocla Designs | Interior and editorial by Starstone Lit

Color edition

ISBN 10: 0692962212

ISBN 13: 978-0692962213

BW edition

ISBN-10: 0692973680

ISBN-13: 978-0692973684

Tootie-Do Press | Redwood Highway 101   

  Phone: 714-858-7144 | Email: tootiedopress@gmail.com

About Tootie-Do Press

Tootie-Do Press publishes intelligent speculative fiction with a romantic twist.