Chapter 1: The Typewriter Era

In my early days, possessing a typewriter was essential for anyone who dared to call themselves a writer. Even for those merely wishing to experiment with writing, familiarity with this machine was a must. I had a decent speed of 45 words per minute by the time I reached junior high.

However, the thought of composing a novel on a typewriter felt overwhelming. Rearranging paragraphs necessitated retyping entire sections and renumbering pages, and the struggles with White Out and Liquid Paper were nothing short of daunting. The conveniences of modern writing simply didn’t exist back then.

At times, I doubted my ability to write a novel. Just because one desires something doesn’t guarantee its attainment. During that period, I wasn’t accomplishing much at all; I often found myself lost in sleep in my La-Z-Boy.

It was during this phase that a collection of short stories by Harlan Ellison landed in my hands. I devoured it while lounging in my chair. Each story stood apart, yet they all bore Ellison’s distinct touch. His intricate and unusual vision in storytelling captivated me.

Inspired, I began to wonder if I could write short stories too. Perhaps this was my path to becoming a fiction author and eventually publishing a book. Despite the discouraging typewriter, I persevered. Fast forward many years, and while I've written several non-fiction works, they aren't the fiction I once dreamed of creating.

This publication serves as a platform for my short stories. My aim is to compile enough material to produce a book-length work of fiction, which I’ve titled "Stories from the Procrustean Chesterfield" as a tribute to Harlan Ellison.

Chapter 2: The Meaning Behind the Title

The term "Procrustean" refers to Procrustes from Greek mythology. While I could delve deeper into this tale, it’s rather grim. In essence, the "Procrustean bed" symbolizes the brutal and arbitrary imposition of conformity.

On the other hand, "Chesterfield" is a term historically used in the Pacific Northwest to describe a large padded sofa. My grandmother always referred to our couch as the chesterfield during my childhood. Years later, I learned about its etymology, connecting it to her upbringing in Coos Bay, Oregon before she moved to Napa, California.

Initially, I thought about naming this publication "Stories from the Procrustean La-Z-Boy," but I realized that a brand name could complicate things. I experimented with "recliner," but it lacked the same charm. Ultimately, I recalled my grandmother’s curious use of "chesterfield," and it felt fitting.

Thus, here are my fiction stories. While I may include some poetry, the primary focus will be on fiction, especially science fiction, though not exclusively. This marks the beginning of my journey to create a collection of short stories.

Procrustes and Theseus - YouTube

This video delves into the myth of Procrustes and Theseus, exploring the themes of conformity and individuality.

PROCRUSTES PROBLEM • The myth of Theseus || Teamco Video Project - YouTube

This video examines the Procrustean problem through the lens of Theseus's journey, focusing on the challenges of fitting into societal norms.