The Final Draft

About the Book

After collecting the short stories and essays, it became increasingly apparent that there was a hint of a theme thinly woven into most of them - almost without exception they seemed to be about the common man and the common woman - the Joe Sixpack, the John and Jane Does of society. Their problems take twists and turns, but there are no deus ex machina resolutions, there are no Hollywood endings. Frequently, they simply end - not much different from our own nonfictional lives.

About the Author

John Marran is 71 years old and a retired professor of philosophy, emeritus. He is married to Theresa, his wife of 29 years. They have a son, Matthew, who teaches social studies in Colorado, his wife, Megan, is a anesthesiologist for a large animal Vet in Colorado.

John has been writing in one form or another during his teaching career which spans 39 years. A recent medical condition prevents him from typing, so his writing is done through voice recognition software. Many of the selections in this book were written before his paralysis, and it is John's contention that he writes much differently than he speaks. Not better or worse, just different.

In the year 2000, he took first place at the Writers Conference at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. The short story was one that is included in this book: Class Reunion '48

It is John's hope that you enjoy this book - your enjoyment is the primary reason why he writes these stories.