News Summary
St. Petersburg author Erick Edwards, writing as Bickford Penn, debuts with ‘The Trouble With Telling’. This quirky novel follows protagonist Thomas Johnson Telling III as he navigates his unusual life marked by awkward arousal and personal challenges. From college football to unexpected mishaps, the book offers comedic insights into growth and resilience. Edwards, a retired bio-statistician, pursued writing following a creative course and overcame numerous rejections to publish this engaging story. ‘The Trouble With Telling’ is now available at local booksellers and online.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Bickford Penn, the pen name of author Erick Edwards, has recently released his debut novel titled The Trouble With Telling, a quirky exploration of awkward humor experienced through the life of its protagonist, Thomas Johnson Telling III. The story chronicles Telling’s unusual life as he navigates uncontrollable arousal in inappropriate situations, stirring curiosity among friends, family, and a girlfriend who are all desperate for answers.
The narrative takes readers on a journey from Johnson’s earlier days as a college football player to a pivotal technology presentation, during which several unexpected mishaps occur. This blend of comedic moments and personal turmoil sets the stage for a unique storytelling experience, attributed by the author to a scene from the 1981 comedy film Arthur, wherein a character finds himself laughing uncontrollably at inopportune times.
Author’s Journey to Publication
A bio-statistician by profession, Edwards retired in 2015 from his role at the United Network for Organ Sharing, after which he relocated with his wife to St. Petersburg. He decided to pursue his long-time ambition of writing by enrolling in a creative writing course. During the course, he started sharing segments of his novel with peers, allowing him to gauge audience reactions and refine his work.
Edwards faced significant challenges in getting his manuscript published, submitting between 75 and 100 query letters to literary agents with limited success. Ultimately, he secured a publishing deal with St. Petersburg Press, which accepted The Trouble With Telling for release. The book is now available at various local booksellers including Tombolo, Amazon, and the St. Petersburg Press website.
Character Development and Themes
Throughout the writing process, a character initially thought to be minor—Charlie Jankowski—gained prominence in the story following a friend’s suggestion. Charlie’s narrative arc involves her struggles against drug smugglers and the quest for a more meaningful path after grappling with personal challenges. This subplot contributes to the novel’s overarching themes of personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
Edwards describes the novel as funny, quirky, and full of unexpected twists, elements designed to engage readers and evoke laughter amidst more serious themes. The blend of humor and drama helps paint a relatable picture of human experience, as seen through Telling’s eyes.
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Edwards is already at work on a second novel that pivots to a different genre. This new story will center around the life of a hit man who undergoes a profound transformation upon discovering that he must care for his estranged sister’s adopted daughter. This shift in focus signals Edwards’s willingness to experiment with narrative styles and themes in his writing career.
In conclusion, The Trouble With Telling is a testament to Edward’s creative journey and his exploration of humor in life’s awkward moments. With its charming characterization and captivating plot, the novel is poised to resonate with readers searching for a unique blend of laughter and introspection in their reading experience.
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