Oblivion

Editorial Reviews:

“Ultimately, Oblivion is the most thought-provoking, insightful, raw, introspective piece of meta-writing I’ve read in a while. I kept thinking what a universal conceit this is-the novelist at constant risk of being thwarted by the world. Why hasn’t it been done before? And if it has, not like this? Hats off to Shepherd for carving out this wonderful niche and nailing it.”
—Sidik Fofana, author of Stories from the Tenants Downstairs

“A funny, sometimes even moving treatise on the dangers of the mythologized life, ‘Oblivion’ is as reflective in language as it is in theme. Shepherd uses the Chorus, the Sirens, and the anti-hero’s journey to dig at the pitfalls in cliché; and a carefully blended, elastic pair of voices – narrator’s and character’s – to undress the indulgent presentation of the artist and expose the perils hidden beneath.”
—A.L. Kim, author of Qwan

Description:

He hates clichés. It’s apparent in every dust-filled corner of his life.

While he’s pouring one too many drinks, hovering in the airless loop of his apartment to savor every bit of his misery, and pinching his bruised heart whenever memories flood forward, he’s chronically blocked from writing his next novel. He hates taking the path most trodden. Overanalyzing everything as if it’s a scientific experiment – too proud to take advice or to grow up. But he can’t help himself.

Tempted with second chances but reluctant to reach out from his cocoon, will he ever get over himself, shed this façade of dissatisfied dread, and recover an authentic life?