The Story Behind the Stories
Welcome to the 'About' page of M.Dennis.Writer. Here, you'll discover the inspiration and purpose behind my writing, exploring the themes of social justice and magical realism that define my work. Join me as I delve into the narratives that seek to provoke thought and inspire change.
Empty Shifts
More Than a Story
When all 280 Hispanic workers in a small Iowa town disappear overnight after an ICE visit, Mayor Patricia Henley and her community are left grappling with more than economic collapse—they face mysteries that defy explanation. Security footage goes blank. Parish records contradict themselves. A child’s drawing predicts her family’s disappearance. As the town searches for answers, they confront the uncomfortable question: how well did they really know their neighbors?
“Empty Shifts” is a contemporary tale of magical realism that examines immigration enforcement through the lens of those left behind. Inspired by Douglas Turner Ward’s “Day of Absence,” the story explores the invisible labor that sustains rural America, and the way fear can make people vanish more completely than any policy ever could.
My Writing Journey
"Empty Shifts" is my first short story published since I retired as a public relations professional. I now write short stories as a way to address social issues through fiction. My other prize-winning achievement was interviewing Mya Angelou early in my journalism career.
Social Justice Through Storytelling
I write fiction that engages with urgent social issues. Empty Shifts" doesn’t offer easy answers—instead, it sits in the discomfort of a community forced to reckon with what they’ve lost and what they may have enabled. My aim is to "park conversations and encourage reflection on the complex issues facing our society.
"M.Dennis.Writer's stories are more than just narratives; they're a mirror reflecting the uncomfortable truths of our society, urging us to confront them with empathy and understanding."
A Satisfied Reader