This season, as the nights turn ever longer and we turn ever inward to contemplate life’s mysteries, stories like our November exclusive, “A Guide to Sirens,” seem especially to speak (or sing) to us. We talked to author Lee Conell about her inspiration for the story, about magic and the unexpected, and about creatures real and imagined. Erin McReynolds: What part of “A Guide to Sirens” came to you first: the island hotel, Frank and his job, or the wife/vision dynamic? Lee Conell: When I … [Read more...] about Web Exclusive Interview: Lee Conell
Flash Fiction
A Guide to Sirens
Frank’s island tour—offered free to hotel guests—is described by the Paradise Inn’s brochure as a brief excursion into the island’s myths, mysteries, and mermaids, its selkies and sirens. What the brochure fails to mention is that most of the tour is aimed at selling extra-cost amenities. Frank has today’s group look at the hotel’s spa, the sea-themed restaurant, the saltwater pool, and some pinkish seashells with purported medicinal properties. Only after that does he finally gather the handful … [Read more...] about A Guide to Sirens
Camera-Flash Contest Winners
We are pleased to announce the contest winner and finalists from our Camera-Flash Fiction Contest. This spring, we invited you to write quick fiction based on one of eight vintage photographs we handed out at the AWP conference. After many hard decisions, here, in order, are our winners: ASF CAMERA-FLASH FICTION CONTEST FIRST-PLACE WINNER: After Taking on the Milk Challenge the Earth Bear Learns Something About the Nature of Human Experience by Caleb Curtiss Life gives us moments, … [Read more...] about Camera-Flash Contest Winners
Heliotrope
The placenta began to speak a month into my affair with Nick. The baby had gone right down after his lunch—Tofu Pup, rice cake, cup of orange juice. The OJ was our secret. My sister didn’t like Beau to have juice because of the sugar, but I felt sorry for the kid. I believe in sugar. The placenta said, “Cold.” At least that’s what it sounded like. Which made sense—it was in the freezer. I opened the door and there it sat in its smudgy Ziploc, the blue-and-green-seal lips open at one … [Read more...] about Heliotrope