Performed at “Yay & Nay” on October 14, 2019. Dina glared at the phone clamped in her hand. She waited in the gloom of a windowless basement conference room packed with women in expensive clothes. The thirteenth text from her daughter Ava lit up her screen: ‘where are my yoga leggings?’. Dina ground her teeth. … More “Spin” by Catherine Orme, read by Joyce Chan
Performed at “Yay & Nay” on October 14, 2019. Ben wakes to cold feet and gut tight terror, desperately wishing today would go away. He rolls over, discovering an absence, just the lingering of Robin’s scent. Good! Better to be alone right now. He thinks how it’s supposed to be bad luck to see your … More “Cold Feet” by Sarah Evans, read by Angus Gallagher
Performed at “Crazy & Sane” on May 27, 2019. 17 minutes to the interview. Fuck. No, this is okay: 17 minutes is no small amount of time. There was an electric chair execution that lasted 17 minutes. It took five jolts of electricity to get that convict gone. He was still breathing all the way … More “The Bathroom” by Jenna Collett, read by Angus Gallagher
Performed at “Crazy & Sane” on May 27, 2019. The morning after, all the shops are closed, just as the signs had warned. Tourists from the campsite wander about, looking for food or coffee. They assumed someone would be about; but the shops, even the pubs and cafes, are locked up and dark. I watch … More “One of Us” by James Burt, read by Matt Fleming
Performed at “Crazy & Sane” on May 27, 2019. My first apartment had come semi-furnished; a bed and mattress with no sheets, a refrigerator in need of stocking, and a big empty bookshelf. I say first apartment, in lieu of a better word, but I really mean the first apartment I’m renting on my own. … More “Klaus” by Henrik Hoeg, read by Edward Gunawan
Performed at “Crazy & Sane” on May 27, 2019. Dear Mr. Hemingway, I am sorry, but we are going to pass on your book, “The Old Man and the Sea.” Although it contains some interesting passages, the story does not meet our standard for modern creative fiction on many levels. Mr. Hemingway, may I make … More “Dear Mr. Hemingway” by Michael Mclaughlin, read by Nashua Gallagher
Performed at “Crazy & Sane” on May 27, 2019. Today was the day. The day so many people had tried to stop. The day when the trees in Stanley Avenue were finally coming down. ‘About time, too,’ thought Trina, as she got ready for work. The trees took up most of the pavement and when … More “Coming to Life” by Karen Ankers, read by Jake
Performed at “Shadow & Substance” on February 25, 2019. Click here for the Youtube video. Gwen said, “You smell like you.” She snuggled closer. “That’s good,” I said. “I mean, I guess.” I felt her face smile on my bare chest. She whispered, “It is.” The scent of our lovemaking was still in the air. Gwen’s … More “Tit for Tat” by William Cass, read by Mushtaq Kapasi
Performed at “Shadow & Substance” on February 25, 2019. Click here for the Youtube video. Harry knows Christmas is getting close when two things appear on his living room mantelpiece. The first is the Lindt Chocolate Advent Calendar. The second is The List. Each morning in the four weeks running up to the big day Harry … More “The List” by Bernard O’Keeffe, read by Flo Gennari
Performed at “Shadow & Substance” on February 25, 2019. Click here for the Youtube video. That young, still in junior high, I didn’t know why I was so impressed with Clayton March. I was, however, damn impressed. As he strutted toward us, his narrow torso and twitching hips lent him a tough femininity that made … More “The Lesson” by Thomas Kearnes, read by Matt Fleming
