New Short Story Collection Explores Time, Memory, and Fate

Mark M. Tillinger's debut book, "The Past Captures Us Forever," blends personal discovery with societal commentary.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Mark M. Tillinger's debut short story collection, "The Past Captures Us Forever," takes readers on a profound journey through time, self-reflection, and the forces that shape our lives. The nine distinct stories in the compilation explore themes of love, identity, and fate, offering unique perspectives on how the past binds us and defines our choices.

Why it matters

Tillinger's stories reflect an ambition to reveal the untold tales of ordinary lives, drawing connections between individual actions and collective consequences. The collection combines a rich philosophical perspective with compelling, emotionally driven narratives that will resonate with a broad audience.

The details

The Past Captures Us Forever opens with "Twenty Betty Whites and You're Back to Jesus," a story that introduces readers to the challenging, often paradoxical nature of time and memory. Other stories in the collection tackle a range of topics, from high-stakes espionage to the emotional turmoil of lost relationships. Each narrative stands alone in its style and tone, but they are united by Tillinger's exploration of how the past always catches up with us.

  • The Past Captures Us Forever is Tillinger's debut short story collection.
  • The book is set to be released on February 19, 2026.

The players

Mark M. Tillinger

A writer whose work explores themes of time, human nature, and societal evolution. Tillinger has a background in both creative writing and philosophy, bringing a unique perspective to his fiction.

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What they’re saying

“Every story in this collection explores the human struggle to make sense of the past and how that understanding shapes what we become. It's about the undeniable link between who we were, who we are, and who we will be.”

— Mark M. Tillinger (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

The Past Captures Us Forever is now available for purchase in both print and digital formats, and will be featured at major booksellers worldwide.

The takeaway

Tillinger's debut collection offers a compelling mix of intellectual stimulation and gripping storytelling, inviting readers to reflect on how the past shapes our present and future.