“Home Improvement” Audio and Text for Patreon Members

Starting with floors and paint, he renovates the kitchen after a month of smaller projects while he’s on leave. But do we need track lighting? his wife asks. Their yellow lab stands half sentinel, half coworker who never works because of drink, food, nap, or bathroom breaks. William Auten, “Home Improvement” “Home Improvement” (1,000-word shortContinue reading ““Home Improvement” Audio and Text for Patreon Members”

“King Tide” for Patreon Members

“King Tide,” my first Patreon post, is up and available for members. The 1,885-word story centers around a family celebrating their child’s birthday before a King Tide arrives. At the top of the stairs, I yell at Keith that we have to hurry and go now because the time has changed. My heart races. MyContinue reading ““King Tide” for Patreon Members”

“Moonflowers” Now Available in Illuminations

If he could plant flowers on the moon for her, he would—lilacs in craters’ shadows, roses in grayscale cracks, and daisies (among her favorites) facing the long, rough edge fading into space, their yellows and oranges spiraling in front of endless black; and if he could spell her name on that same surface, he wouldContinue reading ““Moonflowers” Now Available in Illuminations”

“Creek on the Right” Now Available at Dead Mule School

All but one of the horses stand in the stable. Shielding the fireplace’s glow, Tom double-checks the window. Often in winter light and in sightlines from the living room to the pasture, the palomino can disappear. William Auten, “Creek on the Right” “Creek on the Right” is now available at The Dead Mule School (“No good SouthernContinue reading ““Creek on the Right” Now Available at Dead Mule School”

“Start of the Season” Now Available in Valparaiso Fiction Review

Something about a tattoo he had and wanted to talk to her about while they stayed on the cape. Not wanting to make a big deal about it, but he wanted her to know. From his youth, he said, smiling when he mentioned this feature, which she had not yet seen, somewhere on his body.Continue reading ““Start of the Season” Now Available in Valparaiso Fiction Review”

In Another Sun Praise – Alice Kaltman

Beautifully rendered and mesmerizing, In Another Sun is a book to treasure. This story is a gift of words, strung together like beads on a twisting strand, leading us forward and backwards through Vanessa Ochoa’s life. Her reflective journey is an ode to time and grace, a story of lives intersecting and loves lost, of treasured connectionsContinue reading “In Another Sun Praise – Alice Kaltman”