“The Embarcadero” was published in the May 2014 issue, on page 16 of The Bitchin’ Kitsch. “The Embarcadero” isn’t exactly a break up story (though it’s enough of a break up story that an editor once informed me they prefer not to publish break up stories). Rather, it’s about a missed connection. I think most people have seen love thwarted by circumstances that would otherwise seem peripheral: the timing just wasn’t right. The story is also just a moment, and I will never stop being thrilled by the narrative potential of small and fleeting instants.
Editor Chris Talbot-Heindl bio:
is a queer, trans nonbinary, triracial (white, Japanese, and Indigenous) artist, educomics creator, and nonprofit laborer trying to build spaces ready to celebrate when they turn up authentically.
They have over two decades of experience working with environmental and LGBTIQA2+ nonprofits in every capacity from dedicated database volunteer, event assistant, office manager, volunteer manager, communications director, social media manager, database manager, membership and donation manager, curriculum developer and manual designer, Moodle administrator, branding and marketing creator, graphic designer, web designer, illustrator, and everything in-between. They pride themselves on being a Jesse-of-All-Trades, learning new skills as needed to accomplish what needs doing.
Chris has over four decades of experience living in a white-, cis-, het-, abled-supremacist society and 25 years’ worth of DEI training aimed at helping them navigate this world in their body. As such, they center and advocate for equity at the forefront of everything they do. If you aren’t ready to do the work with inclusion, equity, accessibility, and justice at the forefront, working with Chris won’t be a good fit. You have to be willing, ready, and excited to do this work.
Filed under Literature, Memoir, Short Story
Bound Off is defunct, but the story can be read here, and listened to here.
“Climbing” was picked up by Bound Off, an audio publication. The Bound Off editors described the piece: “In Climbing, Ben Leib’s young protagonists wrangle their way through court dates and friendship.”
Though Bound Off is now defunct, it remains available to listen to online, including on Apple podcasts. I highly recommend investigating past episodes, as Bound Off consistently published incredible work for over seven years.
Bound Off is a monthly magazine of literary short stories, founded in 2006 and based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our mission is to merge the oral tradition of storytelling with new technology to create a digital audio magazine. Bound Off is an independent, nonprofit organization committed to paying authors for their work. All staff are unpaid volunteers. We aspire to showcase work that is compelling and driven by narrative, with a force that keeps the listener listening. We are dedicated to publishing stories by both the established and emerging writer. In our interview on Duotrope’s Digest (an extensive, searchable database of current fiction and poetry markets), we discuss our decision-making process and you can view our average response rates.
Filed under Literature, Memoir, Short Story
“Nineteenth and Valencia” is a rumination in a hip café about becoming unhip. It’s a funny piece, I adore it, and you should read it. Issues are $15 a copy – the magazine is a work of art. The story was published in the 2012 issue. Query thomas.fuller@mhcc.edu for more information.
Perceptions: A Magazine of the Arts has appeared annually since 1969. The magazine is produced by students who register for WR247, The Literary Publication, a three term class.
Filed under Home, Literature, Memoir, Short Story
