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In addition to a career as a newspaper editor, publisher, and manager, Robb Grindstaff has written fiction most of his life. The newspaper biz has taken him and his family from Phoenix, Arizona, to small towns in North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin, from seven years in Washington, D.C., to five years in Asia. Born and raised a small-town kid, he’s as comfortable in Tokyo or Tuna, Texas.
The variety of places he’s lived and visited serve as settings for the characters who invade his head.
His novels are probably best classified as contemporary southern lit, and he’s had more than a dozen short stories published in a wide array of genres. His articles on the craft of fiction writing have appeared in various writer magazines and websites, and one of his seminars was presented at the Sydney (Australia) Writers Festival. He also has taught writing courses for the Romance Writers of America, Romance Writers of Australia, and Savvy Authors.
Robb retired from the newspaper business in the summer of 2020 to write and edit fiction full time. He and his wife relocated to the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Robb also edits fiction and non-fiction books for authors from around the world. It helps that he's fluent in five languages: U.S. English, UK English, Canadian English, and Australian English, plus his native language, Texan.
Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite
June Bug Gothic is a motley collection of eighteen Southern gothic tales from Robb Grindstaff, ranging from short stories to flash fiction. The first story narrates how the scent of the magnolia tree on summer nights can bring about sweet dreams. In another one, the desert rains mask the approach of an unrelenting lover who has pursued his love interests for decades. The most innocuous people at the airport could turn out to be spies. “Evolution of Love” shows how the universe provides a miraculous sign to even the strongest non-believer. After relocating to an old house, a lonely widower treats unusual patients. In “June Bug,” a little girl does not understand why they cannot see her mother anymore. In the ultimate story, two addicts carry out a futile search for the head of their decapitated friend.
Albeit a quick read, June Bug Gothic made a lasting impression on my mind. I marveled at Robb Grindstaff’s seemingly effortless ability to create such bite-sized tales that enchant readers within moments. Each story introduced an unexplored dimension using only a few meticulously chosen words. For every written word, Grindstaff seemed to leave an entire novel unspoken. The themes were diverse, with the author possessing equal mastery in romance and horror, fantasy and realism. Yet, each tale boasted elements of surprise and intrigue. Many stories, such as “Magnolia Nights” and “Airport Lounges,” left me speechless with their unexpected endings. “Of Was and When” and “Ellie’s Head” left me grappling for an explanation, while “Dreams” and “Sarah Mae’s Holiday” provided dark humor. If you are a fan of the macabre, this is the perfect read for you.
