Man of many talents

He has written screenplays, played in a rock band and acted in plays. \nFrom author to actor to musician, Paul McComas has experienced a little bit of everything during his 20s. But his strongest passion has always been writing.\nWhen he turned 30, McComas realized he was spreading himself too thin and decided to focus on one area, fiction writing. \nHis latest book, "Twenty Questions," is a collection of 20 short stories which he tours the country discussing. \nHis unique writing style has made him a critical success. \nJohn Daniel of Daniel & Daniel Publishing calls McComas a gifted writer with the ability to make people come to life in his stories.\nWith ambiguous endings and well-developed characters, McComas said he wants to give readers stories and characters that live on in their imagination once the story is over. \n"I never go into a story with an ending, setting or theme," McComas said. "Instead, I focus on characterization and character interaction."\n McComas said he chose to write in such an in-the-moment manner because he believes it has a feel that is true to life. \n"I see television shows and movies that tie up the endings with a bow," McComas said. "It's dishonest. It makes people frustrated with their own life when there is lack of closure." \nIn McComas's favorite short story, "Now I Know My ABC's", he writes about a brother dealing with his sister's schizophrenia. In 13 pages he describes their relationship and a moment in their lives. \nReaders will be able to see a live reading by McComas at 2 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble. He will be performing with Ben Handelsman, a senior at IU.\nMcComas met Handelsman when he was a freshman in high school. Despite the 20 year difference in age, Handelsman considers McComas a close friend as well as a mentor. \n"Each of his stories seems to have a different writing style," Handelsman said. "Some of it you may love and some of it you may hate, but you have to respect his writing style." \nHandelsman is a big fan of the new book.\n"Every time I read it I have a different perspective," Handelsman said.\nWhen asked to describe McComas Handelsman called him a great friend, husband, musician, mentor and of course writer.