Authorpreneur Dashboard – Steven Manchester
Ashes
Literature & Fiction
Middle-aged brothers Jason and Tom Prendergast thought they were completely done with each other. Perceived betrayal had burned the bridge between them, tossing them into the icy river of estrangement. But life – and death – has a robust sense of irony, and when they learn that their cruel father has died and made his final request that they travel together across the country to spread his ashes, they have no choice but to spend a long, long car trip in each other’s company. It’s either that or lose out on the contents of the envelope he’s left with his lawyer. The trip will be as gut-wrenching as each expects it to be . . . and revealing in ways neither of them is prepared for. At turns humorous, biting, poignant, and surprisingly tender, ASHES puts a new spin on family and dysfunction with a story that is at once fresh and timelessly universal. "Artfully written and full of essential truths" – Meredith Wild, #1 New York Times bestselling author “Ashes uses a poignant cross-country expedition to explore the shared history of an interesting pair of estranged brothers charged with fulfilling their father’s bizarre last wish…. I loved it.” – Anne Hillerman, New York Times bestselling author, Rock with Wings “Sometimes raw, always engaging, Steven Manchester’s novel is a wry and wise journey through the ruins of the American Dream.” – William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author, Ordinary Grace
Book Bubbles from Ashes
Salem at Halloween
One of the stops on the brothers' fated journey is Salem, Massachusetts. Visiting this historical city during Halloween has always been a treat for our family. I wanted Tom and Jason to begin their trek in New England, recalling glimpses from their shared childhood. It was also a cool way to capture family memories. Although my wife takes the pictures when we travel, I'm more of a "word" guy..
Hook, Line
When writing Ashes, I needed to entice both brothers to embark on a road trip that neither would ever want to take. “Ashes is a richly developed, deeply moving tale that redefines the modern quest story. Steve Manchester’s clever romp, tracing the plight of two brothers on a cross country trek to scatter their father’s ashes, makes us laugh, cry and, most of all, think. Cut from the broadcloth of Philip Roth and Kurt Vonnegeut, Ashes is a literary triumph of rare depth and pathos.” – Jon Land, USA Today bestselling author, Strong Light of Day
Unwelcome Reunion
In this early passage, brothers Jason and Tom Prendergast--estranged for 15 years--meet at an attorney's office to hear their cruel father's last will and testament. Even as middle-aged men, they are reduced to children in each other's presence. And it is at this vulnerable, uncomfortable place that I send them off on their journey together.
