I’m thrilled to have my flash story Abandoned published by Ellipsis Zine today. A big thank you to Steve Campbell for giving my story a lovely home.
You can read my story here
Tag: loss
I’ll Have What He’s Having
I’m thrilled and grateful that Spelk Fiction decided to give my story I’ll Have What He’s Having a second run today. This story was first published 4 years ago. Thank you Cal Marcius.
You can read my story here
Blue Eyes Open and Wild
Thrilled to announce that my story Blue Eyes Open and Wild was published in the first issue of Moonchild Magazine. This journal is edited by the kind and talented Nadia Gerassimenko. A big thank you to her for giving my tale a charming home.
You can read my story here
Someday Street
Well, I am beyond thrilled that my story Someday Street was chosen as the winner of the second round of the Midwestern Gothic Summer 2017 Flash Fiction Series. You had to incorporate the prompt above and your story had to be under 500 words. A huge thank you to all the staff at Midwestern Gothic. This contest helped me break free from a lengthy bout of writer’s block.
I tend to get sentimental and corny when I find some success with my writing. Maybe it’s a symptom of getting old. But this one means so much to me because last year I was too intimidated by the quality of stories they routinely published that I didn’t even submit anything. I didn’t think I possessed the talent required to compete alongside the more accomplished writers. But this year I realized I had nothing to lose besides my fragile confidence, pride, and ego. Sometimes you have to go all-in with your writing regardless of any potential failure. A chip, a chair, and prayer, the mantra of a degenerate gambler. Or a neurotic writer of flash fiction.
You can read the tragically beautiful runner-up story by Vahid Arefi here
You can read my winning story here
Eaters of Fire
My story Eaters of Fire is live over at the wonderful Fictive Dream. It was truly a pleasure working the editor, Laura Black. A couple of months ago she sent me a file of images to choose from to pair with my tale. And sent another one closer to publication day just in case I thought it would be a better match. I stuck with the current image on the site, but it was refreshing to be included in the process. And rare. A lovely experience from beginning to end.
You can read my story here
She Gave Him Violence
I’m pretty amped to have my story She Gave Him Violence published by Easy Street Magazine. A massive thank you to Camille Griep for giving my tale a lovely home. Check out the archives on the site and read everything. And maybe submit, too. It’s a fantastic journal.
You can read my story here
Fiona & Glen
My story about a sad man and his cat is up at Twisted Sister. A huge thank you to the staff for publishing my goofy tale in their Valentine’s Day issue. On a day when men show their love via gas station roses and last minute cheap chocolate from Walgreens, you can dive into some weird, depressing flash fiction. Huzzah!
You can read my story here
El Niño
I’ve never been the type of person who gets all that upset when a celebrity/famous person passes away. I didn’t know them, it’s easy to be indifferent when you aren’t connected to someone. I might quote them on social media to show respect and whatnot but I’m not hurting or traumatized. But yesterday’s news shattered me.
José Fernández died in a boating accident. José Fernández, 24 years old. José Fernández, beloved pitcher for the Miami Marlins. José Fernández, who suffered tremendous hardship just to make it to the USA from his birthplace of Cuba. José Fernández, the kid with the electric arm and smile-inducing charm. José Fernández, a superstar.
The handsome hurler was the kind of pitcher you rooted for even if he was facing your favorite team. His repertoire of pitches was nasty as hell, and his energy and kid-like enthusiasm were infectious. He could wow us with a wicked curveball and make us smile with his endearing goofiness. Even the get-off-my-lawn old-timers were like yeah, that kid’s pretty freaking awesome. He had that rare ability to melt the hardest of baseball souls. José Fernández was the main attraction every time he toed the rubber. We were all mesmerized by his sick strikeouts and his genuine joy for the game. He played baseball the right way.
Yesterday was difficult. I got emotional a few times throughout the day because a man I never met died unexpectedly. He was so young. So talented. So happy. The silly boy inside me will miss him. The jaded adult inside me will miss him. He was unique and awe-inspiring and warm-hearted. He will never be forgotten.
José Fernández served time in a Cuban prison for attempting to defect to America. He once rescued his mother, who fell overboard during the voyage that ultimately proved successful. He dove into turbulent seas to save his mom. Come on. I can barely save chicken thighs in a Tupperware bowl, and this remarkable human being risked his own life for someone he loved. He was an inspirational and courageous man.
The baseball world is mourning the loss of a phenom who brought flair and authentic exuberance to the diamond. I can’t fully articulate my thoughts at the moment because this tragic news is so very shocking and sad. But I have been soothed by the responses of fans and other baseball players on Twitter. There is a ton of pain being expressed, as well as some wonderful memories. Baseball will never be quite the same without José Fernández.
Rest in peace, kid.
Blue Diary
BLUE DIARY
chews nightfall to grieve
captures smoke in mason jars
dips married skin in propane
hunts when he shaves
cooks memories on a spoon
sucks on bergamot lolipops
uses gravel to exfoliate loss
worships papier-mâché breasts
drowns in lagoons of silence
goes down on glaciers & tidal waves
pours atonement in silver goblets
smiles at wasps
runs/waits/stares/fondles/yawns
stumbles/soars/admires/remembers
survives
Wisp of Smoke 