XE, as I call it, is a perfect entry into my writing for those who have not yet read a Jim W. Coleman book. Basically, it's a collection of short stories written over the last 20 years. Some are very humorous, some are a bit scary, some are creepy and some might just make your toes curl. But one thing they all have in common are their endings - unpredictable and on-the-edge.

You see, my inspiration while writing this book was Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone." Each story is like a "Twilight Zone" episode in and of itself.

A man recognized me on the street the other day and told me that he'd just finished XE. "Jim," he said, "if Rod Serling were still alive, he would tip his hat to you." What a compliment! Another said, "I am halfway through the story about the guy who is trying to quit smoking. You hit it dead on, Jim. Good job!"

The book, newly available on amazon.com is my latest and also my best. Additionally, it contains samples of the three previously-published novels, plus a peek into the upcoming novel: The Rogue.

After each story, you'll find several pages that explain how I got the idea, how the story developed and what inspired me to write it. These are the questions I'm asked most often and this book answers those questions. In almost every case, people are surprised to find out that little, ordinary things we all see and experience every day inspire the stories in the book.

If you are an aspiring writer or if you are just an avid reader, this is a book I would encourage you to get from amazon.com. It makes a perfect gift or ... outside of that, it's what I call perfect "bathroom reading" - short stories that are quick, hard-hitting and thoroughly moving.