Arlene Duane Hemingway is a celebrated author and musician who has helped thousands make positive changes in their lives through both pen and music for decades. Her new book, A Twist of Lemon: 100 Curious Stories in Exactly 100 Words, heralded as “absolutely brilliant” by Readers’ Favorite®, celebrates the little-known form of microfiction named the drabble, which is a story of precisely 100 words—no more, no less. Hemingway’s short-form prose leaves nothing out—managing suspense, humor, deception, irony, intrigue, tragedy, tenderness, and even bitter, unforeseen endings, hence the title. It’s as if Hemingway’s assortment of compelling, life-like characters are willing her to tell their unique story; whether to educate us, entertain us, or rouse us to action, these ever-so-human archetypes run a gamut of experiences rarely seen in one collection, causing readers to reflect on much in their life but also on the human condition as well. Says Hemingway, “In a matter of minutes—and a mere 100 words—we undoubtedly learn something about our self or another that moves us to consider our own humanity—something that we are all called to face at this time.”

After graduating from the Julliard School of Music, with a Master of Science Degree in music, Hemingway wowed audiences as a music director, teacher and recitalist, performing with the likes of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and helped launch a composer’s new work at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Now, guided by her gentle but driven spirit, she is bringing a new kind of healing through her love for writing drabbles.

Hemingway has developed such a passion for drabbling that she now considers it her purpose to engage others in this powerful form of microfiction. “Drabbles are perfect for our time,” says Hemingway; “they are the ‘no-excuse’ solution for a busy or worried mind!” Drawing from tidbits of information gained from personal and social encounters, Hemingway speaks about her drabble work as being “directed.” From topics to character names and fates, she creates purely from intuition. She allows the characters to tell their story, without judgment or interference. The result is a collection of commanding tales that often unfold in unexpected ways, always delighting and surprising both her and her readers.

Beyond the joy of crafting these petite gems, Hemingway’s urgent call is for us to appreciate all forms of art but especially the art form of writing—either through writing or reading. The drabble is a perfect form for both. “Everyone has a story to tell,” says Hemingway. “No one person’s story is more important than another, and I am certain that through storytelling we will have a better chance of creating the more compassionate and equitable world that so many of us wish to see.”

“Hemingway expertly crafts her short stories with tidy endings that are reminiscent of maraschino cherry in a well-shaken Manhattan…[A] cleverly constructed collection.”
– Kirkus Reviews