Features

Contest Runner-Up: Sleuth or Dare

By Bretton Cadigan Derek knocked on the detective’s door three times in succession. The first knock was determined, confident, and urgent. The second knock simply mirrored the first, producing a nice rhythm. The third knock was completely perfunctory and Derek would come to regret it. “Three knocks?! Two was more than enough!” hollered the ensconced gumshoe. “Don’t just stand there knockin’ all day like a boob. Come in!” Derek pushed through the door and stumbled Read more

By logan.farley, ago

Contest Winner: Something New

By Tenley Lillegard 5:12 p.m. The Barn at Sterling Hills. “Mom, your daughter’s a nutcase.” Lori was only halfway finished with setting the tables when her youngest approached. She spared her a quick glance, noted that she’d chosen to pair a bright fuchsia lipstick with her buttermilk-colored bridesmaid dress, and returned to preening the faux rose centerpiece at table three. “Oh, honey you shouldn’t talk about yourself like that.” “Not me. Casey!” She answered indignantly Read more

By logan.farley, ago

Ash & Wood

By Brianne Simone (TW: ableism and sexual harassment) “There is news I must share with you, Doireann.” Patrons bustled around us as Jamie stared intently at me. I could feel their curious eyes lingering as they passed, but Jamie was as immutable as a rock in a river. “It is my wish to marry your sister.” The din of the village died down to little more than a murmur. I was sure I’d understood him perfectly, yet part Read more

By logan.farley, ago

Contest Runner-up: Outage

By Zenia deHaven Just as the organist struck the first chord for “Here Comes the Bride,” the electricity in the chapel coughed and died.  This bride and groom were uncharacteristically relaxed on their wedding day. They were not the kind of people to micromanage every dilemma they could get their soon-to-be-wedded hands on. Mistakes happen. Life happens.  That said, they did not expect that a fallen power line four blocks east would fry the electricity Read more

By logan.farley, ago

Rating The Chronicles Of Prydain

By Patrick Edinger Lloyd Alexander, author of more than forty titles, was a product of World War II. During his service, he was stationed in Wales which led him to write many stories inspired by Welsh culture. Of them, the high fantasy pentology the Chronicles of Prydain may be the most notable with memorable characters like the Assistant-Pig-Keeper Taran and his companions Gurgi, Elonwy, and Fflewddur Fflam. As the story unfolds in a grand adventure, Read more

By logan.farley, ago