2024 Next Generation Story Awards: Anthology of Winners – Associated with the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, this not-for-profit project honors stories in 22 categories. My story “What Child Is This?” was named the winner in the Family and Parenting category. I’m particularly pleased in that my story is one that examined the conflicts, stresses, and ambivalence that comes with parenthood, for which not everyone is fully suited. The anthology is available for purchase through Headline Books. I’m proud to be included.
Azure: A Journal of Literary Thought – from the Lazuli Literary Group. Each year, Lazuli issues a print anthology gleaned from the year’s work published online, with a few “bonus” stories. My story, “With Apologies to Anton Chekhov,” is one of them, and I am honored to be included. It seems Chekhov once sketched out a note for a story about a man with a troubled heart, but never wrote the story. So I, as a longtime lover of Chekhov and other Russian literature, stepped up. I hope Anton Pavlovich will forgive me, for writing “his” story,” and for making him a physician who turns out to be wrong about his patient. It was great fun to write, and I love the delicate, wry, elegant drawing with which artist Evgenia Barsheva graced its pages. Look for it on bookshop.org!
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grief, Loss, and Healing
My beloved cat Basil died on a summer-storm day, when we were away from home and alone. What I did to honor his memory and my sorrow, steeped me in new insights and the power of ritual to comfort. My story of that day is one of 101 tales of solace and moving forward in this new volume from Chicken Soup. It’s also one of five of the stories featured on the Chicken Soup for the Soul podcast – you can hear the episode HERE.
BOOK REVIEW – for Russian-novel lovers. Have a look at my review of Alex Christofi’s brisk and readable recent biography of Fyodor Dostoevsky, focusing on the thrills, terrors, agonies, and joys of the people and things he loved. Follow Parhelion Literary Magazine for more thoughtful, illuminating literature from bright voices.
The Snake Lover – a riff on my favorite fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. I was never quite happy with the ending, so wrote my own version. I am honored to have it included in Issue 4 of Zizzle, a lovely compendium of stories “for literary and young minds,” accompanied by charming and poignant illustrations by Hong Kong artist and activist Humchuk. Available from your choice of independent bookstores via bookshop.org.
December 2021
County Fair – in The Voyage: A Young Adult Literary Journal (online). A short story about a farm girl and a new friend, when rural and urban cultures collide over a pig.
January 2021
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Dogs
ISBN 9781611590678
July 2020
$14.95
My story, “Flying Blind,” is in honor of my Italian Greyhound, William, who went blind at the age of 7 from a genetic disorder. He may have been a sighthound, but he carried on, using his nose, his ears, his paws, and a little help from his sighted canine and human partners to continue to enjoy life to the fullest.
20 copies signed by me (and on William’s behalf) sold out in three days as a fundraiser for the Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation. The Foundation helped me get William examined and tested by a Michigan State University veterinary ophthalmologist studying the inherited condition that caused William to go blind, progressive retinal atrophy. They have now been able to create a genetic test for PRA, to help breeders identify carriers and avoid perpetuating this defect in Italian Greyhounds. William could not benefit, but played a part in keeping other dogs healthy. I am glad I could offer this gift of gratitude to IGRF for all they do and have done for not just my IG, but IGs all around the country.
PODCAST: Publisher Amy Newmark talks about William – and his guide dog Pippin – on their podcast, titled “When Dogs Rise to the Occasion and Find Their Purpose.” Check it out:
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ikzjwpprm6g2knrv2pb5b7ksmz)
Apple: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/chicken-soup-for-soul-podcast/id1085746482)
Or other podcast sites like Stitcher and Spreaker… or go to https://www.chickensoup.com/ and click on Podcasts! Once the story has dropped, it will remain up indefinitely – so have a listen.
The Death Project: An Anthology for these Times
ISBN 9781734227260
September 2020
$12.00
This rich, deeply-felt collection of essays, memories, and poems reflect the thoughts of writers from across the world and across faiths, contemplating the end that we all must face. I am honored to have my essay, “Assisi Pilgrimage,” included. It recalls my journey to the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi, to pay respects, to ask a favor, and to honor the animals beloved by my family and friend. It’s about remembrance, contemplation, and the power of story to assuage grief. All proceeds beyond production costs are donated to Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, or other organizations serving those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.