Irony of Survival — Multiple Authors

Irony of Survival being the second in the Zharmae Anthology series takes a deeper look at survival and how irony's effect on it can grow into something we may, or may not have anticipated. While we wonder to ourselves, how it managed to happen, it does. That is the law of irony, if the possibility exists, then the instant will occur. So we must look beyond the instant, to the series of occurances and ask ourselves: Is this really what was meant to happen? The answer to that, in our heads at least, is no. The reality may be far different. When I was asked to sum up the theme of this year's top shorts obviously the title comes to mind. It's simple, quick, and to the point. Does that really answer the question “What do the contest entries actually say about the theme, and what does that say about the reasoning behind the theme?” Probably no, and probably nothing at all. Now, when I say “Yes, we did just survive that; but it's ironic that we did, because now, What the hell!” Is probably a better demonstration of the theme at hand. This is the look at life, and what it really takes to survive. How irony seems to play a dominant role in our lives with concurring thoughts such as: It worked out differently in my head. Or the ever so ingenious. I didn't die on the trip to Mars, though I should have, only to be killed 12 hours after arriving by Martian children. Of course! But why is this important? Sometimes irony works to your advantage. Sometimes, irony is what helps you to survive in the first place, what allows you to see beyond the near term and envision a future that was not present before. Sometimes, the irony of surviving allows for the greatest of accomplishments. Featuring the top rated short stories of the 2012 Annual Spring Writing Competition, the Irony of Survival takes a keen look at the future, while strolling along a summer park full of adventure, love, and fright. The stories within these covers are spectacular and compelling even for those who scoff Irony in the face.