Trust Your Government by Sean Ambros Debuts on Inauguration Day, Warning of Democracy’s Fragile Future
A bold literary work that confronts power, fear, and the uncertain path ahead
Media Inquiries
CHICAGO (January 20, 2025) - Coinciding with the 2025 presidential inauguration, Clock Gate Collective proudly announces the release of Trust Your Government (Everything Is Fine I Promise) by Sean Ambros. This powerful collection of novelettes, short stories, and poems captures the anxieties, hopes, and fractures of an America at a crossroads. Featuring illustrations by acclaimed artist Tatienne Émile, the book is both a reflection on turbulent political times and a call to confront uncomfortable truths.
“When the foundations of democracy began to crumble, I had no choice but to write. Trust Your Government challenges us to face the hard truths we can no longer avoid.”
– Sean Ambros
Written during the political upheaval of 2024, Trust Your Government captures the tension and uncertainty of a nation divided. Born out of a need to process the chaos of that turbulent year, the book serves as a reflection on the past and a call to consider the stories we carry forward. Released on Inauguration Day 2025, it allows readers to pause and examine the choices that shape our history and our future.
“Sean Ambros and Tatienne Émile have created something compelling with Trust Your Government. Sean’s fearless storytelling cuts to the heart of our collective fears, while Tatienne’s evocative illustrations bring those emotions vividly to life. This collaboration is a testament to the power of art and narrative to spark critical conversations about the future we are building.”
– Ryan Arnold, Founder of Clock Gate Collective
Stories That Speak to the Moment
- Writ Without Regard: A chilling exploration of mass deportations and militarization policies, this story delves into the loss of humanity when power is wielded without compassion.
- The Last Archivist: A retired historian must unearth buried truths, navigating the cost of complicity and the courage to preserve history against manipulation.
- While She Slept: A personal response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, this story examines the human toll of draconian reproductive health laws.
- The Shadow Room: A metaphorical exploration of guilt and grief, this story follows a family confronting their deepest fears and finding resilience in connection.
- The Power, The Secrets, and the Fall: A scathing critique of corruption within the Supreme Court, examining the collapse of justice when ambition overtakes integrity.
Excerpts from Trust Your Government
The following excerpts from Trust Your Government provide a glimpse into the emotional depth, political commentary, and imaginative storytelling that define the collection. Each piece reflects the urgency of our times, exploring themes of power, humanity, and the courage to confront unsettling truths. These selections are meant to spark curiosity and conversation.
.png "3. Writ Without Regard (cont)")
.png "5. The Last Architect (cont)")
.png "8. The Shadow Room (cont)")
.png "10. The Power, The Secrets, and the Fall (cont)")
Illustrations by Tatienne Émile
Tatienne Émile’s evocative illustrations bring the narratives of Trust Your Government to life. Combining traditional charcoal techniques with algorithmic illustrations, Émile’s work mirrors the raw emotions and themes of the stories. “Tatienne’s art amplifies the stories’ impact, blending tradition and innovation in a way that speaks to the book’s deeper messages,” Ambros notes.
Trust Your Government is available in hardcover ($22.99), paperback ($14.99), and Kindle ($9.99) exclusively through Amazon.
.png "1. Writ Without Regard (Tatienne Émile)")
.png "2. The Last Archivist (Tatienne Émile)")
.png "3. While She Slept (Tatienne Émile)")
.png "4. The Shadow Room (Tatienne Émile)")
.png "5. The Power, the Secrets, and the Fall (Tatienne Émile)")
About the Author
Writing under the pen name Sean Ambros, this short story writer delves into themes of human connection and personal growth. Born in Chicago and raised across the Midwest, Ambros blends small-town simplicity with the rugged charm of New England. Now residing on the coast of Maine, Ambros continues to craft reflective and insightful works that challenge and inspire.
About the Illustrator
Tatienne Émile, working under a pseudonym, explores themes of creativity and resistance through visual art. Blending traditional mediums with cutting-edge techniques, Émile pushes boundaries to deliver illustrations that complement the book’s emotional depth.
About Clock Gate Collective
Clock Gate Collective is a creative hub for publishing, media production, podcasting, and art. Named after the Clock Gate in Youghal, Ireland—a historical landmark and symbol of resilience—the Collective bridges tradition and modernity through bold storytelling and innovative projects.
Founded by Ryan Arnold, whose roots in County Cork stretch back generations, Clock Gate Collective celebrates the Irish storytelling tradition while amplifying new, creative voices worldwide. Learn more at ClockGateCollective.org.