More on “Ma, In Fragments”

The non-fiction editor at The Doctor T.J. Eckleburg Review was kind enough to ask for a little piece on the story they published in April (“Ma, In Fragments”). Originally, I had different ideas for “Ma.” Strange how the course of a story or a play or a novel sometimes mutates, changes, or even fizzles.

Thanks to non-fiction editor Chelsey Clammer.
You can read about “Ma, In Fragments” here.

“Gears” Is Back at Powell’s Books

After selling out last month, I’m so happy to announce that “Gears” is back in stock at the wonderful Powell’s Books. If you happen to be in the Portland area, you can walk in and snag a physical copy. If you’re floating around the Internet, you can order it and circumvent the Big Bad Wolf of booksellers (you know who that is).

Powell’s, and in particular Kevin Sampsell who handles indie presses, have been amazing to me, continually supporting this collection. I cannot begin to properly express my gratitude to Kevin and the staff.

You can buy “Gears” here.

Wigleaf Longlists “The Osseous Tissue of Fish…”

Many thanks to the editors and staff of Wigleaf Magazine for long listing my story “The Osseous Tissue of Fish, Two Poems and one Song, How to Safeguard a House Key, They Drank Water Out of Jars, Where the Microphone is Hidden.”

Long title, innit? This story is part of a “triptych” that was published originally in FRIGG in the fall of 2012 (thanks FRIGG editor, Ellen Parker).

I most likely would have never known about Wigleaf’s nod … not if it hadn’t been for my friend, writer Matt Robinson who congratulated me on “that Wigleaf long list thing.” (paraphrasing). I answered back with a tweet: “?” He then had to explain.

Usually I have no idea when awards are given or what for they’re given, so I’m out of the loop big time on that. Maybe I should investigate; maybe I’ve won something else. There may be some moneys due…  There’s an oul’ story about William Faulkner not ever opening his mail unless there was a check in the envelope. He’d hold it up to the light and investigate.

Hey, being recognized is nice and much appreciated…seeing that check in the envelope is more favored, to tell the truF.

Thanks also to writer and friend Mel Bosworth who sits on the editorial board of Wigleaf and possibly had a hand in choosing my story to long list. And if not…who cares, Mel is a friend, so I’ll just thank  him for that.

You can read my story, in FRIGG, here.

Folio Prize To Allow Self-Published Work

The Folio Prize has confirmed it is to consider self-published entries, a move which has been welcomed by the Alliance of Independent Authors.

This, in effect, constitutes yet another nice slap in the face of those who still hold the antiquated opinion that self-publishing is “vanity.” Some is, some isn’t. Just like some indie presses/Big 4 presses put out rubbish, and some don’t.

Those who de-legitimize good work because it’s self-pubbed are the dinosaurs of yesteryear; the status quo, boxed in and held hostage by outdated tradition.

Read the article here.

“Ma, In Fragments”

Thanks to fiction editors Rae Bryant and Kyle Noe for publishing my new fiction short story, “Ma, In Fragments” in Johns Hopkins University’s esteemed The Dr. T.J. Eckleburg Review. It’s a true short story, so you’ll need a little time to get through it.

Read it here.

Some Housekeeping Notes

A day filled with great news…I’ll have a long fiction piece called “Ma…in Fragments” published in Johns Hopkins University’s outstanding journal The Doctor T.J. Eckleburg Review coming up on May 6th. I just went over the galleys yesterday and approved the story; I think you’ll like it. It comes in at around 3,000 words and I’m so happy it will live at the esteemed Doctor T.J. Eckleburg Review. It’s one of the publications I often go to for my fill of good fiction.

The second bit of good news is that “Gears” will soon be available again at Powell’s Books, both in-store and online. After selling out a couple of weeks ago, I’m so happy to have “Gears” back in stock at Powell’s…a fantastic alternative to other major retailers and a true supporter of independent artists and small presses. Many thanks to Kevin Sampsell who handles all indy presses and authors at Powell’s. 

Guernica Fiction Writers

Many thanks to Guernica-A Magazine of Art and Politics fiction editor Meakin Armstrong for including my book “Gears” among so many other great writers that Guernica has featured over the last few years, with their own books. I am truly honoured. (Jose Saramago is one of my literary heroes)

And a quick FYI: “Gears” is still sold out at Powell’s but we’re working to replenish the stock. Meanwhile, you can always get it from Amazon. Many thanks for your support.