In these seven short stories, David J. Patten explores contacts between humans and other enigmatic beings. As the stories unfold, our questions become: where are they from, and what do they want from us?
Each story depicts humans driven by their search for answers about the mysteries of life. In "Mysterious Masrur," an Indian archaeologist begins receiving messages from the Hindu deity Shiva. In "The Sotsiaph Roundel," excavators discover an artifact that could record a turning point in human prehistory. Is this a true discovery or a hoax?
Other stories involve characters who encounter mysterious strangers. In "Cassie," a psychiatrist meets a beautiful woman at a gym, and his encounters with her may transform his life. "The Singularity" features a young man who after a fatal accident meets Rosita, a beautiful seductress. What will become of them both in their altered states of being?
Patten's protagonists are mystified by what they don't understand about history and humanity. Can they find the answers to human existence and the universe?
About the Author: David J. Patten is a writer, photographer, graphic designer, and world traveler.
Patten has an undergraduate degree in art from the University of Nebraska, a master's degree in art history from the State University of Iowa, and a master's degree in information science from the University of Michigan. He has worked at the University of Cincinnati, Washington University in St. Louis, and Oberlin College. Patten also spent ten years as editor of an indexing service at a New York publishing firm.
Before retiring, Patten was a graphic designer at the St. Petersburg Times. Since retirement, he has traveled to fifty-two countries. His travel writing has been published in International Travel News. His travel photographs have been published in International Travel News andthe St. Petersburg Times and exhibited at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He invites readers to email him at djpatten@tampabay.rr.com.
