fred shira
Engaging tales rooted in americana available in paperback and eBook.
fred shira
Engaging tales rooted in americana available in paperback and eBook.
Discover the World of Fred Shira
About the Author
Fred Shira is a prize-winning storyteller whose diverse experiences enrich his writing. An English professor, horse trainer, and rodeo rider, he crafts engaging tales rooted in Americana, creating lively reading experiences. Residing in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Fred draws inspiration from his surroundings and his multifaceted background.
books
No Man is an Island
No Man is an Island
No Man is an Island
It’s 1936, and Robert Jordan has just lost his job as an English professor at a small Montana college. Having lived and studied in Spain, he feels compelled to join the patriots of the duly elected government against Francisco Franco's fascist army. Just before leaving, he learns that his father has died by his own hand. On the way to the funeral, he recalls his family's stories. His grandfather, Jonathan, an ex-Confederate captain, leaves Appomattox Courthouse after General Lee's surrender. He travels west with a friend and his sister, trailing a herd of horses. They encounter a cavalry troop and are attacked by Indians. Sally, the young sister, is kidnapped, and unable to find her, Jonathan becomes a buffalo hunter and rancher. As he travels east to join the Abraham Lincoln Brigade in New York, he remembers his older brother who fought and was wounded in WWI. In New York, he meets a young woman, joins the brigade, and makes the treacherous trip across France and the Pyrenees. In Spain, he fights against the fascists and is wounded. This story serves as a prequel to For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.
The Sport of Knaves
No Man is an Island
No Man is an Island
A horse racing mystery reminiscent of Dick Francis unfolds from Kentucky's Bluegrass pastures to major racetracks, where the once noble Sport of Kings has succumbed to greed, becoming the Sport of Knaves. In the opulent world of Kentucky planters, the transition from hardworking farmers to wealthy horse breeders occurred as they recognized the superiority of their locally raised thoroughbreds, thanks to the calcium-rich soil that strengthened their horses. However, ambition and avarice soon tainted this sport, leading to fierce competition and questionable ethics.
During the TURF CLASSIC STAKES, excitement buzzes as the horses enter the gate. The race begins dramatically, with Indian Dancer leading, closely followed by Topango and Brookfield Ruler. As the race progresses, Brookfield Ruler initially takes the lead but struggles with a labored stride, barely clinching victory. Observing his limp in the winner's circle, two men acknowledge the risks they take in pursuit of accolades, aware that their competition is poised to capitalize on their horse's condition.
Ride With Me
Skyline 2021: Prose and Poetry by Central Virginia Writers
Skyline 2021: Prose and Poetry by Central Virginia Writers
Immerse yourself in a captivating collection of eleven thrilling adventures that span diverse settings, including the exhilarating world of horse racing, the tumultuous era of the Civil War, the vibrant streets of New York City, the rich tapestry of 17th Century Spain, and the intriguing culture of Nogales, Mexico. Each story invites readers to explore unique narratives filled with action, drama, and historical intrigue, promising an unforgettable journey through time and place.
Skyline 2021: Prose and Poetry by Central Virginia Writers
Skyline 2021: Prose and Poetry by Central Virginia Writers
Skyline 2021: Prose and Poetry by Central Virginia Writers
The Skyline anthologies, now in their eighth year, spotlight Central Virginia writers in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Building on the legacy of the Blue Ridge Anthology collections, they feature works from the annual juried writing contest of the Blue Ridge Writers chapter of the Virginia Writers Club. Skyline 2020 includes varied first- and second-place winners, while Skyline 2021 features single first, second, and all available third-place works, totaling thirty-eight pieces by twenty-four authors. Fred Shira is one of them.