Praise for Coatan

Doug Frelke deserves every award he's won, and more.  This Pushcart nominee writes with a vitality that left me breathless.  He says this latest offering of short stories is about love in all its nuances.  The rhythm of his work varies from story to story.  Some are disturbing as an irregular heartbeat in the night, others potent, pleasing, or haunting.  Still others crackle with a shattering intensity that raises goose bumps.  With Croatan, Frelke has hit his stride and joined my list of top ten favorite writers.  I'll provide a brief thumbnail of each story, just to whet readers' interest. If you appreciate memorable stories masterfully written, Croatan is highly recommended. Cover art by Staci Sawyer hints at the book's content—dark and haunting in the shadows, hopeful and encouraging in the light.  Frelke, Sawyer, and Press 53 have presented a fine package here for your enjoyment.

  — Midwest Book Review by Laurel Johnson

About the Author

Doug Frelke served in the U.S. Navy for five years and participated in the Persian Gulf War as an officer on the minesweeper USS Leader. He studied at Duke and Temple Universities before earning his ALM from Harvard as the first graduate of their creative writing program. Doug teaches English at Strayer University and Mt. Olive College and lives in Raleigh, NC, with his wife Kimberly and daughter Hannah. His work has appeared in The Harvard Review, Cutthroat, and others and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. 

Other Books by this Author