Xeno Hemlock

On March 2016, I released my first self-published fiction book Walden and Hyde (and Other Short Stories). It was the spinoff/sequel partner book of my then upcoming debut novel I Killed My Friends and It Thrilled Me. Originally, I only wanted to debut in the fiction world with a novel. Insecurity, self-doubt, and lack of writing credibility held me back from finishing my novel on time.

One day, I visited a book store and saw Neil Gaiman’s Smoke and Mirrors book. I felt that strange feeling right away the moment I took it from the shelf and looked at the cover, one of those destined moments, I must say. Not very familiar with Gaiman’s body of work, I trusted my gut instinct and bought the book anyway.

The scare from Smoke and Mirrors’ short stories added to my existing scare of facing the inevitable destination of finishing my novel. Something magical happened though. Scare plus scare triggered a lightbulb moment. “What if I wrote short stories first to ease my way into a bigger writing project (a novel)?” I thought. Walden and Hyde was born.

Three years after the book’s release and with the COVID-19 pandemic hanging over the world like a Galactus-like storm, I think it is time. The best thing I, as an indie author, can contribute to the world facing this crisis is to offer something from my young bibliography.

For you people quarantined at home, especially the bookworms and book lovers, I give you the original version of Walden and Hyde (and Other Short Stories).

Download your free copy.

“They called her Wilma Walden. I loved and hated her my entire life.

My name? You have to download the book to find out. All the important things about me are in there: the color of the crayon that I ate, the place where I secretly found my parents f*cking (yes, you read that right–f*cking), the person I referred to as the Bitch, the worst song/composition/whatchamacallit ever in the entire world, like EVER, ugly Grandma Eyeglasses, and the girl whose boobs I envied.

There’s more: the boy who I wanted to be my first boyfriend, the man who became my real first boyfriend, that other man who became my extra boyfriend (he abused and used me like a doll in cheap motels), and the traitor who desired to steal my first boyfriend.

And yes, that’s me on the f*cking bloody cover. Don’t I look beautiful? Say yes or you’ll regret it.

Did I mention that they called her Wilma Walden? As for my name, that’s for you to find out.”