Tag: free reading

All Stories, auld author

Writers Reading. Review by Paul Kimm

literallystories2014

The Unfortunates by B. S. Johnson

I’ve always enjoyed reading books that challenge the reader, turn the experience on its head a bit, make me do some work in return for the work they’ve done, and just make me think about what’s possible with writing. There are those that do it with such force it makes for some mental heavy lifting and cognitive contortionism from the reader, David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest and Julio Cortazar’s Hopscotch being prime examples (even though I admit to having enjoyed reading both those), but I want to talk about one of my very favourite writers, B. S. Johnson.

Continue reading “Writers Reading. Review by Paul Kimm” →
Editor Picks, General Fiction, Humour, Latest News, Short Fiction

Week 501: Rage! Rage! Rage! Five Rave-Worthy Tales; Short Books Long on Story

ireneallison12

Rage!!!

But before I explode, I want to thank David Henson for his post last week (and I think he should return with more in the future). Guest posting is not going to be a one off, so who knows, maybe you will be invited to do the same. Now on with the show, as it is.

*****

Everyday I count my blessings then give Heaven the Finger. I took accounting in school (for one semester) and learned the credit/debit system, which I use to total my physical blessings versus the “other stuff” in my existence. The other stuff is made up mostly of new conditions/diseases they give you and charge your insurance for at doctors, ophthalmologists, dentists and Medieval Barbers.

Continue reading “Week 501: Rage! Rage! Rage! Five Rave-Worthy Tales; Short Books Long on Story” →
All Stories, General Fiction

Sea-bound Places I’ve Come to Know by Tom Sheehan

literallystories2014

Brocklebank, Warren’s Point, RI is this place I’ve come to snug between rolling lawn and touching sea of brawn with million years of wear on salted rocks. Oh, the sea talks to me endlessly. And someone else must live here, turned into secret rooms, corners of the house dim as catacombs, and hearth that says: “Aha, I am warm. I have seen the fire. Let him leave who must retire.” Whose legend is that? Who the scribe? What heat of heart? From what tribe? Oh, someone in times past who passed by in single file, one act born of seaward trial?

Continue reading “Sea-bound Places I’ve Come to Know by Tom Sheehan” →
All Stories, General Fiction

The Jubilee by Michael Barbato-Dunn

literallystories2014

The day before the ceremony, Adeline raked leaves into a multi-colored mound on the Kinsey’s enormous lawn. Ezekial hovered nearby in anticipation. When she finished, Henry stopped his chores and helped her bind a rope to the willow’s strongest branch.

Continue reading “The Jubilee by Michael Barbato-Dunn” →
All Stories, General Fiction, Romance, Short Fiction

Acid Drop by Samantha Barrow

literallystories2014

A ring of strawberry lipstick circles the smoothed edge of the blunt as she passes it to me, and I try, I really do, not to imagine what it would be like to kiss her—to taste the berry directly from her lips instead of getting my hit secondhand from this pineapple flavored cigarillo wrapper.

I’m unsuccessful.

Continue reading “Acid Drop by Samantha Barrow” →
All Stories, General Fiction, Horror

All History in a Day by Ismael Hussein

literallystories2014

What do bombs do?

They shatter.

How does the sky feel?

Broken.

Where do the bullets go?

Everywhere.

What do the children say?

Help.

What do the mother’s scream?

Stop.

What does the world say?

Nothing.

What does God say?

We don’t know, yet.

Continue reading “All History in a Day by Ismael Hussein” →
Short Fiction

Literally Reruns-The Devil You Don’t Know by Dave Henson

ireneallison12

Dealing with The Fallen One is one of the oldest story ideas in the book, and yet it still can be fresh. Longtime site friend and contributor, David Henson proves that with a doozy of a new angle in his The Devil You Don’t Know.

Continue reading “Literally Reruns-The Devil You Don’t Know by Dave Henson” →