Mumbai: Michelle Ayon Navajas, a renowned Filipino poet and bestselling author, is set to captivate readers once again with her latest literary masterpiece, “Locker.” Following her remarkable success in the realm of poetry, Navajas has embarked on a new journey into the world of fiction storytelling, seamlessly blending the artistry of poetry with the narrative techniques of flash fiction. This eagerly anticipated collection of poetic flash fiction stories is scheduled for pre-order starting on July 16, 2023.
Flash fiction, a creative medium that challenges writers to convey a complete narrative in 1,500 words or less, has become one of the most intriguing forms of expression in today’s literary scene. Navajas fearlessly takes on this challenge, crafting over fifty mesmerizing flash fiction stories that transport readers into diverse worlds and evoke a wide range of emotions. With “Locker,” she invites readers to indulge in each story individually, without the pressure to consume the entire collection at once.
“Locker” intricately weaves poetic qualities into its narrative form, delivering a captivating reading experience that immerses readers into each story. The collection adopts a first-person point of view, allowing readers to assume the role of the characters and establish a deep connection with their experiences. Furthermore, Navajas employs a stylistic choice that infuses a melancholic ambiance into each story, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the characters’ stream of consciousness.
In Navajas’ words, “We can close our eyes to reality and pretend things didn’t happen the way they happened.” Through the pages of “Locker,” readers will embark on a journey that challenges their perception of reality, prompting them to explore and understand the depths of their true nature.
Accompanying Navajas’ enchanting tales in “Locker” are forewords penned by esteemed individuals from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Alicia Tuason-Almendarez, a retired Journalism Professor, Dr. Eliseo Cuevas, another retired Journalism Professor, Kritika Maheshwari, an Indian origin writer, and Nigel Byng, a freelance writer from the USA, all contribute their unique perspectives to this literary gem. Additionally, Chanda Espiritu, a fashion and image stylist, adds her creative expertise to the mix.
The title story, “Locker,” serves as the banner narrative of the collection, unraveling a tale within the confines of a small, lockable compartment that silently witnesses the beginning and end of a relationship. With evocative prose, Navajas explores the complexities of love, deception, and heartbreak. Each word and emotion masterfully crafted in “Locker” invites readers to contemplate the profound impact that unspoken and denied love can have on one’s life.
Another poignant story within “Locker” is “Father,” which delves into the heart-wrenching journey of a parent experiencing the loss of a child through miscarriage. Navajas paints a vivid portrait of grief and resilience, revealing the raw emotions that accompany such a profound loss.
Michelle Ayon Navajas, born on June 23, 1976, has established herself as an international bestselling poet, with several of her books swiftly rising to the top of bestsellers lists upon release. Notably, her eighth poetry book, “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark,” reached the number one spot on both the bestsellers list and new releases on Amazon shortly after its publication. Navajas has achieved the remarkable feat of having four consecutive books listed as Amazon bestsellers and three books topping Amazon’s #1 Hot New Releases/New Releases charts.
Navajas’ poetry has garnered recognition from various international literary magazines and anthologies, including Spillwords NYC, MasticadoresUsa, and Masticadores.
