I believe every year I say the same thing. I can’t believe it’s January. How did that happen? Here’s hoping everyone made it through the holidays joyfully or at least somewhat unscathed. And of course, one of the best parts of the holidays is that we are able to amass more stories at these drunken gatherings. Wait. Did I just write that? It’s really about family and friends coming together. And then the booze. And then the stories. Much better.Heather Fowler is our sublime featured fiction writer this issue. She shares an exceptional interview, an amazing story from her collection “People With Holes,” and I have added a review of this brilliant collection. How shall I say it? She is pure brilliance!
Joe Mills delivers four hilarious micro-flash, “The Dental Hygienist Asks If I Have Any Questions,” “Coffee Break,” “On the Carpet,” and “Schematics,” on hellish encounters with hygienists, dentists and teeth nightmares. Not to be missed!
Eric Barr gives us another hysterical story, “Stranger in the Stall,” about a loan application processor, his love for his toilet stall, and the ramifications of a stranger infringing on his refuge.
Bud Smith reminds us that there are ‘Oh so many reasons’ to cherish an Underwood in his exceptional story, “The Typewriter.” LOVE it!
Carly Berg breaks us down in her outstanding story, “Paris Blue.” Class and race issues abound, but this tale blasts through it all!
Burgess Needle brings back a touch of Isaac Bashevis Singer in his sad, vivid tale “Affliction and Salvation.”
Read the exemplary stories in this issue. They are unforgettable!