By Faye Rapoport DesPres
Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience
Fiction
READER COMMENTS
“I finished your book last night, and I wished there was another hundred pages!”
“…I am in awe of your incredible gift of writing! Each page brings me to a special place and moment, and I can’t wait to read more!”
“I’ve loved reading it; each tiny story is a rediscovery of joy–again and again!”
Beautifully illustrated by European artist Anya Lauchlan, this special collection of 100-word stories is for readers from all walks of life.
Author
Faye Rapoport DesPres
Discover the books, essays, fiction, and poetry of Faye Rapoport DesPres. Enter a world of animals, nature, entertainment, and the breadth of the human spirit.
Published Books
Other Books
Memoir-in-Essays
From an astonishing blue jay to a lone humpback whale, from the back roads of her home town to the streets of Jerusalem and the Tower of London, debut author Faye Rapoport DesPres examines a modern life marked by a passion for the natural world, unexpected love, and shocking loss, and her search for a place she can finally call home in this beautifully-crafted memoir-in-essays.
Book 1, Stray Cat Stories
From a wily feral, to a member of the family, Little White’s story will charm the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. This is the true story of how Little White went from being a feral cat who faced danger at every turn to a well-loved indoor cat with a family of her own.
Book 2, Stray Cat Stories
ribbs was just a kitten when his human family abandoned him. His mom did her best to her best to find food and shelter for the two of them, but the streets are no place for a kitten! Finding their way into foster care, the two are soon separated when his mom is adopted. The little kitten is growing up fast, will Tribbs ever find his forever home?
Memoir-in-Essays
The tenth anniversary edition of Faye’s first book, released in 2024, includes a foreword from award-winning novelist and memoirist Joan Schweighardt, a publisher’s note, and two essays not included in the original edition. Find your way home again with Message from a Blue Jay.
This delightful trilogy of short stories previously published in literary journals is perfect for a plane ride or a stocking stuffer. Includes the award-winning story “Who Let the Cats Out?” as well as “Capture the Moon” and “The Varmint.”
Psychologists, healers, massage therapists, academics, creative writers, and others reflect on or tell personal stories about what it means to be able to touch or experience touch, or to have to go without it—as so many did and still do because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore how transmissions such as texting may impede opportunities for touch, while those like Zoom may make it possible for people who otherwise might be left behind to stay “in touch.” From the experience of touching beloved animals to the life-changing ways in which books and performances can touch us, virtually all aspects of touch are acknowledged in these pages.
Pre-order Now Available!
Available November 1, 2023
Message from a Blue Jay: Tenth Anniversary Edition
Creative Nonfiction
This celebratory edition of Faye Rapoport DesPres’s first published book is ready to find a new generation of readers. The new book includes a foreword by award-winning novelist and memoirist Joan Schweighardt, a publisher’s note from new publisher Huntsville Independent Press, and two additional essays that weren’t included in the original book. Find your way home again with Message from a Blue Jay or gift a copy of the new edition to a reader who has not yet discovered this moving collection of personal essays.
Faye’s Blog
Taking Flight: Notes from the Writing Life
Now Available, Verseve Butterfly Anthology (Poetry)
I'm honored to have a poem, titled "Change," in a lovely new anthology of poems now available in e-book and paperback versions. Below is the publisher's description: Verseve's The Butterflies Anthology 2025 invites you into a world, crafted by the unique perspectives...
A Literary Analysis of my new poem, “Change”
Link to new analysis of my new poem, titled “Change.” The poem appears in the Butterfly Poetry Anthology, set to be published in May.
New Poem to be Published in Butterfly Anthology
I'm happy to announce that I've had a poem accepted to a forthcoming poetry anthology on the theme of butterflies. I wrote my poem, titled "Change," in a poetry group that wrote one piece per day last month. I want to thank all of the poets in that group (you know who...
“The Secondary Witness” Is Published
Thank you to the editors of the Jewish Literary Journal for the publication of my poem, "The Secondary Witness." This is a personal poem, a poem about the past, and a poem about the present all rolled into a few lines. You can read it at this link. Thank you, as...
New Poem to be Published
My new poem, "The Secondary Witness," will be published by the Jewish Literary Journal on February 1. I'll include a link when the poem is available. During these challenging times, it is sometimes difficult to focus on writing. I promise to do my best! In the...
A Five-Star Review for The Varmint!
"...The Varmint is one of the best short stories I’ve ever read. These are finely crafted pieces that remain accessible to any type of reader." What a nice way to start the new year! I'm so grateful to reader Cindy Zelman, who left a five-star Amazon review for The...
Reflecting on 2024 and Crossing Paths with Bob Dylan
It’s hard to believe that in just two days, 2024 will be behind us. I know it’s a cliché, but time does seem to speed up every year. Sometimes I wish it would stand still long enough to allow me to catch up with everything that’s happened. So many things change from...
Two New Books Now Available on Amazon
A quick post to let readers know that Amazon links are now up for my two new book releases — the 10th Anniversary edition of my memoir-in-essays Message from a Blue Jay and the new little stocking stuffer, a chapbook of three short fictions titled The Varmint and...
Somehow, We’ll Make It
As I write this post, I’m sitting in a donut shop on a sunny day in our neighborhood. Acooling cup of coffee and an empty paper bag are situated on the table next to my iPad. I’ve already scarfed down the jelly donut that was in the bag (Saturday: a day off from...
Pre-Order Links Now Available for Two New Books
Thanks to Huntsville Independent Press (HIP), my first book, Message from a Blue Jay, is all set to find a new generation of readers. The 10th Anniversary Edition -- featuring a foreword by award-winning author Joan Schweighardt, a publisher's note, and two essays not...
My Review of Alison Stone’s New Poetry Collection, Informed
I was honored to write a literary review for Cider Press Review of Informed, the new book by poet Alison Stone. I have crossed paths with the crazily talented Alison many times in life -- we are both alums of Brandeis University and the British and European Studies...
A New Poem to Be Published
Just a quick note with some good news; a new poem, “September 1, 2024” will be published in Judith Magazine next week. Many thanks to the editors for this poem, which I wrote in the early hours of the morning just two weeks ago. Stay tuned for a link when the poem is...
Navigating the World of Social Media (or not)
It’s a Tuesday in late August, and the leaves of a small maple tree outside our living room window are glowing in the early morning sun. This summer has felt long, yet over before it began; summers have a tendency to feel both ways at once. It’s difficult to know how...
Cover Reveal Day is Here!
On December 1, Huntsville Independent Press will publish a special 10th Anniversary Edition of my first published book, a memoir-in-essays titled Message from a Blue Jay. The original book was published by Buddhapuss Ink, a wonderful independent press that eventually...
My Review of Alison Stone’s “Informed” Will Be Published
I’m happy to report that a review I wrote of poet Alison Stone’s new full-length collection, Informed, has been accepted for publication in the October issue of Cider Press Review. Many thanks to the editors. I hope poetry lovers will check out Alison’s amazing work....
Message from a Blue Jay Takes Flight – Again (along with four short stories)
If you've ever seen the cover of my first book, Message from a Blue Jay, you might have had the same reaction I had when my publisher showed it to me -- wow, what a wonderful cover! That is about to change. All good things must pass, and the truth is, my first...
New, Fun Facebook Page for My Books
Hey, I've decided to create a Facebook page where I'll talk more informally about my books, the publishing process, writing anecdotes, and more. I'll even run a few contests -- and maybe give away some books. You can find the page here:...
Two New Drabbles Are Out in the World
If you've been enjoying the 100-word stories ("drabbles") in my latest book, Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience, you'll probably enjoy my two new publications. "Figure Worship," a surprising (and perhaps amusing) take on the theme of "Alien Fetishes,"...
New Work is On the Way
It's been a while since I've posted on the blog, but never fear! Life sometimes takes me away from my creative work, but when things calm down, I can re-focus. I do have a fun piece coming out this month in a new anthology of drabbles titled, of all things, Alien...
The Puzzle of Drabbling
The first questions I'm asked in my new interview with Five Directions Press are phrased this way: Your new story collection, Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience, includes 100 stories, and each of them is 100 words long. This kind of precision, I...
Another 5-star Review for Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience
Titling her review "Charming Book," a reader named Gloria R. wrote this in her five-star review of Soul to Soul: "So much emotion conveyed in these short stories. A delight to read...Pick up this book when you have a little time and enjoy whenever you need a positive...
Thank You for the Wonderful Reviews!
Just a quick note to thank the readers who have been reviewing Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience on Amazon, BN.com, and/or Goodreads (you don't have to buy the book from one of these sites to review it there). Online reviews are so important to a book...
A Note on Writers as Teachers
Lately I've been teaching a Saturday morning creative writing class for 7th graders. The class takes place on Zoom, and I'm working with the students to write science fiction stories. In the meantime, I was invited to present a Symposium webinar on "Submitting to...
Readers Love Soul to Soul!
Now that Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience is landing in mailboxes around the country and world, the verdict is in! Readers are loving the book. Here are a few of the comments I've received: “I finished your book last night, and I wished there were...
Soul to Soul Has Arrived!
Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience is now available, right on time for the holiday season! I wrote this book -- a collection of one hundred 100-word stories -- hoping readers of all ages would find moments of hope and inspiration in its pages. With the...
New Interview on Linda K. Sienkiewicz’s Literary Blog
...even before the latest global events that are frankly frightening and challenging each of us in different ways, I felt it was timely to write and publish a book about overcoming obstacles and finding moments of hope and resilience in our daily lives. - Faye...
Pondering Thanksgiving During Difficult Times
These are strange times. The Merriam-Webster dictionary's first definition of the word "strange" is: "different from what is usual, ordinary, or expected." What is "usual, ordinary, or expected" differs widely from country to country, culture to culture, community to...
“The Art of Touch” is Now Available!
It's November 1, the official launch date for The Art of Touch: A Collection of Prose and Poetry from the Pandemic and Beyond. In this book, which I co-edited with Joan Schweighardt and which includes one of my own personal essays, the unique voices of thirty-nine of...
Light Above Darkness
I took this photo recently, just with my phone, while I was walking at a nature reserve near our home. Only days later did its significance hit me -- there is light not just after, but above the darkness. It's been a difficult month for people around the world....
Thank You
Just a quick note of thanks to everyone who has been pre-ordering Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience from Huntsville Independent Press. The book has been available for pre-order for 10 days, and I'm excited for those who eagerly ordered to start...
Pre-Order Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience – 10% Off Until October 8
October is here -- and that means Huntsville Independent Press is now accepting pre-orders for my new book, Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience! Not only that, but the publisher is offering a 10% discount through October 8 if you input the promo code...
Readers, Book Stores, Gift Stores, and Book Clubs: The First Printed Copies of Soul to Soul are Here!
Yesterday Huntsville Independent Press sent photos of the first printed copies of my new book, Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience. I haven’t held the book in my hands yet, but the pictures already reveal what a beautiful book it is - thanks in great...
Shaky Landing, but Soul to Soul is On the Way!
Last Thursday night, my husband and I returned from a week-long trip to England and Iceland. The trip had been in the planning stages for a year; we’d be surprising a friend in England for her 50th birthday, spending two days with her lovely family, and then circling...
“The Art of Touch” Editor’s Copies Arrived
I have two book releases to look forward to this fall, and I just received my contributor's copy of the first book: The Art of Touch: A Collection of Poetry and Prose from the Pandemic and Beyond. (I also received some editor's copies, as I wore two hats for this...
More Microfiction Publishing News
This is just a note to share some good news: two of my new microfiction stories have been accepted by journals that publish wonderful work. Why do writers share news like this?
“Their Own Heroes” Published at Friday Flash Fiction
My latest microfiction piece (a "drabble" of exactly 100 words") was recently published at Friday Flash Fiction. You can read "it "Their Own Heroes" at this link. As many of you know, I am a life-long animal and wildlife advocate. In fact, I wrote my children's books...
The “Situation” and the “Story” — What’s the Difference?
When I launched a new website and blog, one of the unfortunate side effects was the loss of years of blog posts from my previous website. I’d chronicled important moments in both my personal and writing life, as well as lessons I’d learned about the craft of writing....
New Interview Out with Novelist Joan Schweighardt
Faye Rapoport DesPres discusses her new interview with Joan Schweighardt, author of the new contemporary novel, Under the Blue Moon. The interview was published on Women Writers, Women’s Books.
No Need for Perfection In First Drafts, or Life
here’s this thing about writing that I think also applies to a lot of things in life: striving for perfection can be stressful and self-defeating, and it can actually prevent any progress.
New Website Takes Flight
Welcome to my new website and blog. You might want to check out The Free Website Guys, too!