CWO Episode 201: The Fire Starter by Alexander Smith | Fiction (2017)

Creative Writing Outloud

The season two premier, "The Fire Starter", follows a tormented boy who escapes the problems of his life through torching his plastic army men in his backyard. No one knows about his compulsion. Or so he thinks until the compromising details get leaked to a group of bullies... 77% of students are bullied...Sometimes victims can stand up to their bullies. Other times they are outnumbered and can't. And in the worst cases, victims resort to suicide or retaliate with a violent outburst ... In today's fiction selection, one bullying victim turns to an abnormal love of fire to deal with bullying. "The Fire Starter" touches on themes of bullying, loneliness, and compulsion. This piece is written by Alexander Smith, who has been featured on the podcast before, most recognized for his short story "The Perfect Man". Alexander Smith is a fiction writer and poet living in Providence, RI with his wife. His book of poetry, "For Poets Must Love" is available on Amazon. He works as a freelance copywriter. Follow him on Twitter @AlexanderWrites Download Episode 26 Today!