And the Editors’ Choice Is… “Stitches” by Derek Harmening Congratulations to Derek. Featured Stories The following stories made the short list and have been put into our Featured Stories category. They are listed in no particular order. “Melancholy Flowers” by Brandon Salkil “On the Other Foot” by Don Tassone “The Sirens Sing” by Museworthy Man…
Writing Contest - Issue 24
The Golden-Stair Life
By McKenzie Richardson
Life as a princess is hard. It’s even harder when you have to relive your story day after day. I’m not talking “happily ever after”; I’m talking “happily ten seconds” before it starts all over. Locked in a tower, people yanking on my hair, only to be trapped in a marriage with a prince I…
Missing
By Anna Sanderson
Mom cleaned my apartment today. Months of mess and painful memories swept up, thrown out, hidden away. I should have been grateful, said thanks. Instead, I yelled. “Where is it? Where’s his bear?” “I don’t know.” Tears shone in her eyes as we searched frantically. “I’m sorry. I don’t know.” It sounds stupid, arguing about…
The Sirens Sing
Sirens sing. Should I heed the law of their lure? Steer my craft aground? Their beauty by watery reflection, shimmering, coming ever clearer as the distance ‘tween us diminishes. Nearer, their call—pervading, consuming—as the mating cry of the blue whale. Closer now, filling my horizon. Every raindrop holds their light; all air holds their song. I…
The Autograph Hunter
By Ian Rennie
I queue at Mike Fox’s signing table. His real name is Nigel something. He smiles as I hand over the grimoire in one of his dust jackets. He signs. The connection is made. There’s power in names that people don’t realise. A name describes your shape in the web of reality. A name you’ve created,…
Stella’s Escape
By Susan Gale Wickes
Stella closed the curtains and locked the door. She had to make sure they weren’t following her again. She reached into the small pocket of her handbag and took out her cell phone. Better turn it off, she thought. It was the only way to cut off all ties with the world. She needed this…
Dad’s Wife
By C L King
She strutted down the church aisle, her heels tapping out a staccato. I shuffled behind, choking down the fog of her perfume. Dad was slightly ahead of us. Her blonde bob swayed across the shoulders of her red coat. I wished I had done something with my own hair, which was mousey brown like Dad’s.…