I’m still fairly new to writing short fiction, and it’s been a fun/interesting challenge to write it, and to pursue publication. I’m very proud that in the last year, I’ve gotten eight pieces published. I hope to add more to this page soon!
“Not Right Now” in Sledgehammer Literary Journal
My first published short piece, this story is about 80s era female ambition, love, marriage, and abortion.
“We all Own the Sky” in Tangled Locks Journal
Tangled Locks Literary Journal publishes fiction that features strong and complex female protagonists, so I was especially honored that they chose my story, “We all Own the Sky.” It’s about an identical twin who’s drifting through life, trying to figure out what to claim as her own.
“Orange Crush” in Bright Flash Literary Review
I won’t lie: this piece has “grad school student” written all over it! I was going for dark humor w/a Flannery O’Connor type of ending. I also used elements from my past, like an orange Volkswagen Rabbit, and the Kansas City Country Club Plaza, to add authenticity.
“Eight New Messages” in Café Lit Magazine
I had a lot of fun writing this one. It’s actually loosely based on a true story, about when I bought my very first answering machine.
“Don’t Go Chasing Manufactured Waterfalls” in Potato Soup Journal
The inspiration for this story came from playing mini-golf at Pirate’s Cove in the Wisconsin Dells, and from a prompt that read something like, “I’ll tell you the truth. God help me, you’re the only one I’ll ever tell.”
“That Damn Selfie” in The MetaWorker Literary Journal
I wrote this piece after watching a rather trashy true crime TV show. After getting rejected by multiple places, The MetaWorker (who I’d forgotten I’d submitted to and who happens to be highly selective) accepted it. I was so honored!
“Everything a Bronte Fan Could Hope For” published in Idle Ink
This story was the first in my triptych about each Bronte sister’s seminal work. Originally, I wanted them all published together, but that didn’t happen. I was very excited when Idle Ink accepted this piece, about female desire and fantasy versus reality.
“You and Jane” in Abandon Journal
This is my favorite piece of all time. I got several rejections (a few were of the you almost made it in, but sorry…type.) That was almost more frustrating. I’d given up hope when I heard from Abandon Journal, which I’d forgotten I’d submitted to. They only publish a few issues a year, and maybe accept 5% of their submissions. So when they wanted “You and Jane” I was thrilled! It was inspired by Jane Eyre, but the absurdist style of the piece was also influenced by Donald Barthelme’s “The School.”
If you enjoyed my short fiction, you’ll also like my novella, which is an adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s classics! Sign up for my newsletter and you’ll be sent a safe & secure download.
