Official Website of Richard Zaric
Writer. Author. Storyteller.
Welcome to my website. I strive to create stories where we learn about ourselves and the world around us. I experiment with a variety of genres and styles. My first novel, Hiding Scars, was published in March, 2018 by Sands Press. A historical fiction novel, it explores a tumultuous period of Winnipeg's past. Scroll down to learn about the era of Hiding Scars and an introduction to the characters.
About Richard
I have always had a passion for storytelling and appreciate the ability for the written word to influence and inform people. I love jumping into projects, be they short stories or longer works. I am a curious writer, willing to take chances and explore new voices or interesting concepts and situations.
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Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, I've lived in Ontario and even in the U.S. for a spell before settling back in my hometown.
Hiding Scars
Winnipeg, 1913. Something horrible happened to Marko Gobinski's wife and daughter. The Ukrainian arrives in Winnipeg to start a new life. But how can he when his past continues to haunt him?
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Mildred Spencer was beautiful, but not anymore. At least not since the horrible accident that left her with a grotesque scar on her face. Filled with self-doubt and apprehension in a society that doesn't hold much regard for women, much less damaged ones, will she ever find true companionship?
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Can two people from different classes ever be more than acquaintances?
The Era of Hiding Scars
Hiding Scars takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada between 1913 to 1919. At the beginning of the novel the city was a bustling, prairie boom town. It's population more than tripled since the turn of the century. Winnipeg had became the economic hub of the west. Thousands of immigrants arrived in Manitoba to start a new life, including many form Eastern Europe.
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A recession hit in 1913 followed by the start of the Great War. Young men from all classes volunteered, many of which would never return.
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Societal change was slow, but by 1916 women won the right to vote. In 1918, right around the end of the war, the Spanish flu came to the city, killing hundreds.
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The economy in tatters, returning soldiers had difficulty finding work. The cost of living skyrocketed. Wages were meager. Working conditions deplorable. Unionization was at its infancy as collective bargaining was not recognized. In the spring of 1919 two trades went on strike. Others followed. The Winnipeg General Strike crippled the city as the country as the country held its breath.
Contests and Published Short Stories
1 / "Same Time Tomorrow" -- Won Romance Short Story Contest through Two Sisters Publishing Through My Eyes anthology (November 2020)
Fiction story about an older gentleman who every day meets a woman from his past.
2 / "First Day Back" in Through My Eyes anthology (April 2021)
Non-fiction account of my first day back at school in Grade 11 after a tragic event.
To purchase anthology CLICK HERE
3 / "Bus of Shame" in The Rabbit Hole 5 anthology (October, 2022)
Urban Fantasy story about a man who steps on the bus and is forced to face the sins of his past.
To purchase anthology CLICK HERE
4 / "Little Free Library" in Corporate Catharsis: The Work From Home Edition anthology (December, 2022)
A woman working from home during COVID finds books she's longed to read in a mysterious little free library.
To purchase anthology CLICK HERE
5 / "Plum Coulee" on Close to the Bone website (May, 2023)
Creative non-fiction account of a bank robbery in Plum Coulee, Manitoba, Canada in December, 1913.
CLICK HERE to see story
6 / "$20" in Wyldblood 13 anthology (July, 2023)
Urban fantasy story about a guy picks up a twenty from the floor of a grocery store, but doesn't give it to the rightful owner.
To purchase anthology CLICK HERE
7 / "Guardian Angel" in Tales of Sley House 2023 anthology (December, 2023)
Slipstream tale of a ghost that tries to right a wrong.
To purchase anthology CLICK HERE
Events
Launch
May 17, 2018
The Atrium at Winnipeg's McNally Robinson was filled for the launch of Hiding Scars. Richard told a few (bad) jokes, talked about the book, read an excerpt and answered questions. The evening was capped off with a signing.
Signing
July 7, 2018
Richard interacted with readers at Chapters in St. Vital Centre in Winnipeg.
You can find Hiding Scars at the following fine booksellers:
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McNally Robinson
Indigo (Chapters, Coles)
Amazon
iBooks
Kobo