And the Editors’ Choice Is… “XYLYL” by Richard Edenfield Richard is on a roll after winning last month, as well. Congratulations to Richard for winning 6 Months of Kindle Unlimited ($60)! Secret Prize If you don’t know about our weekly book giveaway, now is a good time to know about it. If you want a chance to…
Writing Contest - Issue 7
Below you will find all stories that were submitted for this contest.
Thirty-Four
By Rachel Dull
This year, when I blew out the candle on my gourmet chocolate cupcake, I made a wish. It felt childish to wish for something at all. Selfish, even, to waste my wish on the stuff of fantasy. When the dissonant notes of the Happy Birthday song resolved, I looked around the room filled with my beloved…
Turnabout
By Jim Freeze
The year is 1957, the morning of my first day in junior high. I walked to school, just as I had my first six years. This morning is different though, having heard news of the underground tunnel all summer. The tunnel of violence and doom runs under a busy four-lane highway; by rule, it’s the…
Messy Morning
By Nathan Sampey
Cold, black rain thuds on the scanman’s head. A day’s work ahead, and just one messy morning to get it done. But complaining is not in a scanman’s nature, so… Bzzzt. Bzzzt. On the third bzzzt, the once-red door of the once-blue house snicks open—only a cautious crack. An old woman peers out and up.…
Ten Minutes
By Riley Sadlier
It takes me ten minutes to get home. I’ve waited around long enough that dinner should be on the table for me, not yet cold or congealing in its juices. I ease slowly into drive, carefully selecting the few songs I’ll be able to fit in. A woman runs up beside my car; she tries the…
Miscalculation
By Shakuntala Banaji
Kavita chews her pen, glances up. Ink-stained lips purse silently. She looks through me, aloof, indifferent. Sighing pointedly, I position her steaming cup on a coaster. Retreat. Maybe I’ll go for a run. Repaint the kitchen. Call an old lover. It’s been like this for nineteen months now. And it’s my fault. I convinced her…
Venice War Song
By Richard Edenfield
Time warping 60’s hotdogs and the slide of touchdown bikinis crossing the line as everyone watched replay. Beatles blasting Revolver while palm reader languished over Silver Surfer. 10$ a pop for the future. Psychedelic Sarah 16. Mother taught palmistry. Armless man, Vietnam casualty, approached wanting palm read. Sarah graciously took invisible hand in hers, like…