In this insightful interview, Jonathan Taylor, a novelist, memoirist, and lecturer in creative writing, discusses his love for short fiction, its challenges, and its unique rewards. Taylor emphasizes the art of compression, the importance of capturing intense emotions in brief moments, and the significance of reading widely to improve one's craft. He views short fiction as an independent discipline, rich in musicality and oral storytelling traditions, rather than a mere stepping stone to novel writing.

In Static by Alison Moore, Wilfred reflects on his marriage to Dorothy, who is now bedridden and battling illness. Wilfred, a man of routine, finds comfort in repairing old things, including the radio that first brought Dorothy into his life. As Dorothy dreams of travel and romance, Wilfred focuses on keeping their life in order, quietly cherishing the memories they've built, even as time and illness threaten to dismantle them.

Immerse in summer's essence with poetic couplets capturing its beauty and challenges. From dawn's melodies to the sunFs intense heat, these verses by Mari Lynam Fitzpatrick, Oonah V Joslin, and Ginger Hamilton vividly portray the spirit of the season through reflections, joy, and timeless warmth

Explore the evocative journey in 'Stones at My Feet' by Bill West. This poignant poem reflects on loss, forgotten memories, and the quiet solace found in nature. A powerful ode to moments and people lost to time, blending urban desolation with the gentle embrace of the natural world.

'My Crow' by Changming Yuan. It beautifully captures the emotions of loss and the fleeting nature of relationships.

'Sunflowers' is a reflective and contemplative poem that encourages readers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the limitations of human perception

'Short Shrift' by Sheila Black is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures fleeting moments and observations in a vivid and contemplative way.

This prose poem captures the essence of Jackson Pollock's art. His art is a pure, natural expression, a testament to the unwritten history of America, challenging conventional boundaries and igniting the imagination. The poem emphasizes Pollock's unrestrained artistic vision, defying justification and continually evolving, much like the mythical Atlantis.

This poem poignantly captures the lingering taste of a lost love through the metaphor of morning coffee. Each sip washes away the remnants of last night's dinner, but the memory of their past lover's taste persists, highlighting the enduring impact of love and loss. The simplicity of the imagery makes this a relatable and evocative piece.

This evocative poem by Ronald E. Shields reminisces about childhood in the 1960s. The poem vividly recalls the pretzel cart, the Good Humor ice cream truck, and Johnny the donut man, capturing the essence of a simpler time. It describes boys catching squirrels, playing stickball, and learning to "duck and cover" in school. As the world begins to change, ...

Lost Laundry by Kathleen Cassen Michelson is a poignant poem about a daughter grappling with her fatherFs aging and the loss of independence. When his pants go missing at his assisted living facility, she is overcome with emotion, recalling the significance of those pants from his last solo trip. The poem delves into themes of memory, loss, and the fear of inevitable separation, highlighting the deep bond between father and daughter amidst life's transitions.

Columibade by Jane Burn is a vivid and evocative poem exploring themes of purity, sacrifice, and the natural world. The poet portrays the birds as burnt offerings, their shoulders dusted with ash, symbolizing purity and the human desire for cleanliness. The imagery of magicians, snowy feathers, and scarlet yarn highlights the contrast between perceived purity and the harsh reality of life. The poem delves into the coexistence of pigeons and humans, emphasizing the pigeons resilience and their larger, faster-beating hearts. It touches on spiritual themes, referencing the dove as a symbol of innocence and divine connection. The poem concludes with a reflection on human limitations and the enduring purity of birds.

"The Table in the Garden" is a testament to the power of nature to inspire, to heal, and to bring people together. It celebrates the simple, yet profound moments of connection that can occur in the midst of natural beauty.

"Barely Escaped" serves as a reminder of the complexity of life and the unexpected turns it can take, encouraging a reflective stance towards our actions and their consequences.

The poem serves as a tribute not just to Plath but to all who navigate life with an acute sense of sensitivity. It highlights the beauty and curse of such a disposition--the ability to perceive deeply and intensely

Higgins crafts a multi-layered narrative in a compact form, utilizing the image of the wasp and the actions surrounding it to delve into complex themes of fear, struggle, and the human condition.

Stan Long's "Apprehension" invites readers to ponder the origins of consciousness and its profound connection to the cosmos. The poemFs exploration of seeing, believing, and understanding reflects a deep curiosity about the nature of existence and our place within it. By weaving together themes of inner vision, evolution, and cosmic origins, Long crafts a contemplative piece that resonates with both scientific and philosophical inquiries.

The Basket Weaver" by Clare McCotter celebrates the art of basket weaving, juxtaposing traditional craftsmanship against modern therapeutic practices. The poem describes a newly qualified occupational therapist who embraces basket weaving, despite its outdated perception among peers. The narrator, considered a "basket case," finds solace in creating a basket, symbolizing a sanctuary for thoughts and prayers. Through vivid imagery and a reflection on change, the poem underscores the enduring value of hands-on creativity and its calming influence on the mind.

"Literary Vagabond" paints a vivid and multifaceted portrait of a controversial and dedicated writer, likely James Joyce, capturing the essence of his rebellious spirit, creative genius, and the personal sacrifices that accompanied his literary achievements. Through rich imagery and poignant themes, Ian C Smith offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a literary icon whose works continue to challenge and inspire.

"Rue has a bitter scent" captures the essence of regret and the haunting nature of past mistakes through its vivid imagery and introspective narrative. The poem eloquently conveys the speakers internal struggle with memories and the deep yearning for redemption and reconciliation. Through its exploration of lost love and personal reflection, Ian C Smith offers a poignant and relatable meditation on the complexities of human emotions and the passage of time.

Knotted Fables, Novella Excerpt, by John P. Bourgeois
Based on how frequently she saw the stork and heard the bird's clacking beak, the hare knew she was kilometres ahead of the tortoise. Comforted by this, she stopped to graze at a particularly emerald patch of nettles and dandelions. The run had famished her, but the hare did not want to eat her fill at the banquet. Not in front of the other animals.

The Whole Circus by Oonah Joslin
Pyro the dragon flew around the big top trying to create a breeze, make the banners flap, make the canvas sides billow out -- anything to get seen. He watched the audience applaud as Julianne somersaulted on Tiny’s back. Tiny’s huge feet plodded round the ring kicking up swirls of sawdust. He trumpeted with his long nose, knelt and stood and swished his little tail. They even went 'Oooooooo’ when he did a huge poo -- right there -- on the circus floor.

On the third Tuesday of every month, Elspeth joins her eclectic book group, navigating the peculiar dynamics and varied tastes of its members. This month, Alison presents "CassiopeiaFs Hair," a mysterious book with a murky past linked to her uncleFs strange death in Tangier. Despite warnings of the book bringing bad luck, the group decides to read it. Amidst personal revelations and conflicts, the enigmatic FreyaFs departure and a final twist leave Elspeth pondering the thin line between fiction and reality. A tale of intrigue, relationships, and the unexpected impact of a single book.

After a night of dancing, two elderly couples, James, Charlie, April, and Isabelle, leave the hotel ballroom in high spirits. Drunk on laughter and nostalgia, they reminisce about their youth, especially a memorable night swimming at sixteen. Deciding to relive that moment, they take a train to the beach, where under the cover of night, they strip down and wade into the cold water, feeling young again. This poignant story captures the essence of friendship, the passage of time, and the longing to reconnect with the past. Dive into a tale of joy, reflection, and timeless camaraderie.

"Elderflower Moon" by Sheree Mack is a lyrical and atmospheric poem that captures the reader's imagination with its vivid natural imagery and mystical elements. The poem invites readers to explore and find the speaker in a serene, enchanted setting, blending the boundaries between human presence and the natural world.

"Porcelain Prisoner" is a rich, multi-layered poem that explores complex themes through vivid imagery and a reflective narrative. It captures the essence of familial bonds and the enduring impact of memories, inviting readers to reflect on their own connections to the past.

The Deadly Poppy Field by L Frank Braum
Our little party of travelers awakened the next morning refreshed and full of hope, and Dorothy breakfasted like a princess off peaches and plums from the trees beside the river. Behind them was the dark forest they had passed safely through, although they had suffered many discouragements; but before them was a lovely, sunny country that seemed to beckon them on to the Emerald City.

In this gripping narrative, Saul, a tortured artist, navigates the treacherous waters of creativity and personal demons. Amidst the shadows of his past and the complexities of his relationship with Emily, he searches for truth in his art, embodying the quintessential struggle of the creator.

"Love Song of a Divorce Attorney" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, masterfully blending the personal with the professional, the emotional with the environmental, to reveal the complex tapestry of life that unfolds even in the most ordinary momen

This narrative provides a fertile ground for exploring themes of perception, reality, and the thin line between sanity and madness. It also touches on the deep human need for connection and understanding, and the ways in which people cope with challenging circumstances.