Cyd Webster Beacham inspires discussion and evaluation of romantic relationships in a series of short stories involving "legacies of dysfunction". Struck by Lightning and Other Bolts of Reality stories illustrate problems that can occur when baggage from the past is drawn into current relationships. The various couples appear normal on the outside, but are engulfed in trauma and turmoil behind the closed doors of their homes. The characters are narrowly wedged into tunnel vision, where options and choices seem limited, and settling in their circumstances becomes the only answer they can imagine. Each story addresses different stages of relationships from romance, from single people looking for companionship to couples involved in marriage, cohabitation or infidelity. In these stories, characters Roman, Ethel and Neesha are in a triangle that becomes complicated and shakes Roman's spirit. George and Sheila's conflicting motives lead to maddening misunderstandings for them both. Tonya, desperate to have a man, ignores the fact that Lewis has psychotic tendencies. Marsha becomes a caretaker and martyr as Craig's dependent lifestyle threatens to destroy her. Charles and Joan end up in a long-term relationship that is built on a lie but continues in a manner of twisted convenience. Ronald and Tricia find themselves in a rocky, violent relationship based on shallow ideals. Candy recklessly searches for love, and Black and Shareef take the opportunity to satisfy their desires at her expense. Pastor Jetson and Alison are torn by a happenstance meeting and strong attraction. These stories will inspire dialogue in readers as they relate the characters' exploits to their own lives. The stories are based on experiences that many people can identify with, although most people do not want to talk about these kinds of issues. These are stories about everyday people who are working out scenarios in their lives with what they bring to it and what is presented to them. Cyd Webster Beacham has also written and published the novel, HB. HB is a thrill ride into the future where war and devastation has led to inventions that provide an answer to the diminishing populations of men in the world. More information is available at Cyd's World website. www.cydwebster.com/HBSciFi.html
