What's Up at Every Day Fiction this Month

January’s Table of Contents

Jan 1	David Bright	HTML
Jan 2	William Doonan	Visions of Sugarplums: One Elf’s Descent Into Madness
Jan 3	Tony Burnett	Big Sweet Life
Jan 4	Milo James Fowler	Stone in the Sky and Bread Below
Jan 5	Elaine Olund	A Winter Break
Jan 6	Scott W Younkin	Heed the Sailor’s Tale
Jan 7	Dan Allen	Knock-Knock
Jan 8	Lydia S Gray	In Return
Jan 9	JC Piech	Imaginary Cowboys
Jan 10	Christopher Owen	Deepsleep
Jan 11	Joanna Bressler	The Shadow Woman
Jan 12	April Grey	Doing Time
Jan 13	Richard Ferri	Making Do
Jan 14	Cezarija Abartis	The Golden Rule
Jan 15	Allison Nast	Dear Baby
Jan 16	Wayne Scheer	Late Night Heroics
Jan 17	Dan Purdue	Just Jeff
Jan 18	Gustavo Bondoni	Christopher’s Retreat
Jan 19	Laura Crowe	Glass Ceiling
Jan 20	Ted Lietz	The Truth about Truth
Jan 21	A. E. Decker	The Quest
Jan 22	Michelle Ann King	There You Are, My Love
Jan 23	Jonathan Pinnock	Rôle-Play
Jan 24	Ben Carey	The Smell Of Things To Come
Jan 25	Gerald Warfield	Stonehenge in His Garden
Jan 26	Thomas Ecclestone	Grunt The Underling
Jan 27	Michael A Rose	Candy Sales Are Through the Roof
Jan 28	Jason Michelsen	Circus
Jan 29	Andy Leigh de Fonseca	Survival
Jan 30	Andrew Waters	Flame
Jan 31	Joyce Chng	Birth Story

EDP To Launch Every Day Novels

This is exciting news.  Every Day Publishing, the "power" behind Every Day Fiction and Every Day Poets has come up with a terrific new concept: Every Day Novels and they've recently announced that the Every Day Novel website for their first Every Day Novel, Lifting Up Veronica by K.C. Ball, is now live.

Lifting Up Veronica follows Michael Kovac, a sociologist from Ohio State University, as he travels to rural West Virginia in the summer of 1960 to shoot footage for a documentary during a week-long tent meeting at a Signs Followers church — a Christian sect best known for their practice of handling venomous snakes and participating in other potentially deadly practices…

Many of you already know K. C. for her many stories published at Every Day Fiction or from 10Flash, the genre flash site she found ed a couple of years ago. She has also written articles for Flash Fiction Chronicles and poems for Every Day Poets.  K.C. Ball lives in Seattle, Washington. She became an addict of the written word as a child in Ohio and began writing fiction full-time four years ago. Her short fiction has appeared in print and online; she has won the Writers of the Future award and graduated from Clarion West. Lifting Up Veronica is her first novel.

EDP has a launch promotion up right now (20% off the subscription price) but that won’t last long, so anyone who wants to benefit from that shouldn’t wait. More information about the Every Day Novels concept can be found here: http://everydaynovels.com/about/

Link to to Lifting Up Veronica:

http://everydaynovels.com/liftingupveronica/

"Wounded Moon"

Just read a review of Tim Johnston's Short Story America Anthology--a very nice one BTW--and was thrilled to see the main character of my story "Wounded Moon" mentioned!  So thrilling to me so I had to share.

"Days laters, I’m still thinking about Mason, the shattered survivor in “Wounded Moon,” by Gay Degani. And Elaine, the disoriented middle-aged mother who sees her former self in her son’s rebellious girlfriend (“This Is Not My Beautiful Life,” by Ted McLoof). I’m haunted by the old woman, Irene, slowly slipping down the dark hallway of Alzheimer’s – where the same memory keeps changing shape (“Disengaged” by Jen Knox) – and the old man, Fergus, whose spite-filled fantasies keep him alive (“Fergus” by Laury A. Egan)."

--Margaret Evans, editor of the Low Country Weekly

Here's the link:  A Comeback Story 

Semper Fidelis: Always Faithful

During WWII, my parents were Marines. My father was a Lieutenant who served as a pilot instructor, my mother was a sergeant in the motor pool at El Toro in California.  They met on my mother's 21st birthday in a bar in Laguna Beach.  He was from Iowa, she from Louisiana. They fell in love and when my father shipped out to the Pacific, they got married.   They survived the war and moved close to my mother's hometown so my dad could get his Masters' degree in Economics at Tulane. They lived in Iowa too before moving to California in the mid-50's.They had two daughters and remained together until my father's death in 1983.

On this day of remembrance and thanksgiving, I honor my parents and all veterans who have served our country. Let those of us who are kept safe because of the sacrifice of others, continue to strive to be better people so we can have a stronger, more humane and ethical country. Let's put greed behind us, selfishness too, honor achievement and hard work, and move toward something good.  Let us talk and plan without thought of what we personally benefit, but rather how everyone can benefit. Then perhaps when those men and women who die for us will not die in vain.

Semper Fidelis: Always Faithful

EDF's October Calendar

I'm running a little behind this month, but here's theCalendar for October at Every Day Fiction.

October’s Table of Contents

10/1	Nicole Dunaway	Choices
10/2	M. Howalt	Focal Point
10/3	Len Hazell	Odin and Mr. Whitstuble
10/4	Sam Pelelo-Ray	Club
10/5	John Eric Vona	There Are Those Who Have the Stars…
10/6	Wayne Scheer	Just Drinks with Friends
10/7	Kaolin Imago Fire	Minimum Wage Fantasy
10/8	Sean Gibbons	Lights Like Stars
10/9	Barbara Mountjoy	Personally
10/10	Shamus Maxwell	Mank the Over-Sensitive
10/11	Shawna Mayer	Next
10/12	Erlynda Jacqui Chan	To Fly
10/13	Christopher Owen	Annie’s Book
10/14	Andrew Waters	Dancer’s Choice
10/15	Johann Thorsson	Seasons of Change
10/16	JC Piech	That Woman
10/17	Paul A. Freeman	Gifted
10/18	Sylvia Hiven	Dali Girl
10/19	Ryan Harvey	Foolish Mortals
10/20	Wanda Wande	Origami
10/21	Mark English	Giant Leap
10/22	Paula Cappa	The Nature of Sisters
10/23	James C.G. Shirk	All I Ever Was
10/24	Peter Tupper	Worn-Out Monsters
10/25	Aaron Polson	The Long Walk to Never
10/26	Brandon Nolta	All Those Things We Never Find
10/27	Oonah V Joslin	Hidden Communication
10/28	J. Chris Lawrence	The Widow’s Tale
10/29	Hector McCrillis	Scarecrow Sam
10/30	Lindsay Morgan Lockhart	Count to a Thousand
10/31	Gretchen Bassier	Lady Gaga’s Revenge

Pomegranate Stories is now available as an eBook at Amazon.com for only 99 cents.  If you prefer, the paperback edition is also available for $9.99. This is a chapbook of eight stories constructed around the relationships between mothers and daughters.


From Annie Clarkson's review of Pomegranate for the short review:

Pomegranate Stories is a brief glimpse into Gay Degani’s short fiction, and I want to read more. Her writing in this collection is visceral, has punch and explores the lives of characters that are not experiencing the easiest lives or relationships. There is some beautiful imagery and description and a very insightful approach to dialogue. 

Here are some comments posted about the paperback edition of Pomegranate Stories at Amazon:

...by the end you wish there were twenty more stories to read. The stories are inspiring, thought provoking, emotional, and a pleasure to read. --John Towler

Gay Degani has a stunning voice, gripping and charged, and loaded with such authentic realism, that her literary stories borderline nonfiction horrors.  --Erin Cole

Gay is a wonder at laying bare a fictional life and reminding you so much of your heart is in that character. She is a master at cutting to the quick of emotions and then layering them with humanity.  --Kevin Shamel

The stories in 'Pomegranate' convince you Gay Degani's been in your shoes, thought your thoughts, felt your emotions. You realize that you are stronger than you thought you were, the ironies of life won't stop the rain from falling, and that we need to smile when the opportunities present themselves. Beautiful prose, beautiful stories, do yourself a favor and buy this book. --Jodi MacArthur

Alongside the growing number of short story collections published recently--some of them doing surprisingly well--comes this delicious little "sleeper" volume by Gay Degani, titled "Pomegranate Stories." 

There are only eight stories, and a few of those are short enough to qualify as Flash Fiction, but the content is so startling, so intense and provocative, so well written, that it feels like a much weightier volume. The stories are about mothers and daughters (and the men in their lives), but don't think `sentimental sweetness,' think `raw reality.'  --Jackie Houchin

Writers! A Quick Exercise Solution!

How long do you sit at your computer every day? You want to stay in flow, but it's not  good for your neck, your back, the "seat of the pants" that you want to keep in the seat of the chair.  Here's a possible solution: a work-out band that has the exercises printed on the band itself. Easy to jump up from your computer and do some "body work," allowing you to get back to work before you let go of the "flow."

My friend and exercise maven, Estelle Underwood, has come up with a useful and smart piece of equipment for exercise enthusiasts and those who aren't so enthusiastic, but find they need to do work those muscles anyway. Like me!!!  Sooooo, here's her press release and all the links for you to find out everything you want to know about The Body Works Band!

BODYWORKSBAND HITS THE MARKET PROVIDING AFFORDABLE FITNESS & HEALTH IN AN EXERCISE BAND THAT’S AKIN TO HAVING A “PERSONAL TRAINER IN YOUR POCKET.”

Long-time fitness expert creates “carry anywhere” lightweight “BodyWorksBand”—fitness equipment less than a few ounces—just in time to get in shape for the holidays.

The BodyWorksBand  (www.bodyworksband.com), a recession-proof fitness tool that addresses the fast-paced lifestyle of people constantly on the go, is now available online – just in time to get in shape for the holidays!

Affordably priced at an introductory rate of $14.95, this unique product is an almost weightless resistance band that exhibits illustrations of a full-body strength- training workout printed across the entire band.  By having the instructions printed on the band, it’s like having a personal trainer with you at all times, and users of the BodyWorksBand can be sure they are targeting muscles safely and efficiently.  In addition, the BodyWorksBand comes with a handy brochure that lists clear verbal instructions as to how to perform each exercise correctly, so an effective full-body workout is literally at your fingertips.

Founder and designer Estelle Underwood, a certified personal trainer with over 25 years of experience and co-creator of “BoneJuvenate”, an exercise DVD for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, was inspired to create the BodyWorksBand for her clients. Throughout her career, Estelle witnessed how many of her clients led intensely busy lives. From busy single mothers to working professionals, it seemed everyone was seeking a way to keep up a fitness regime either at home or on the road. Estelle also recognized the demand for a product without a huge learning curve or big price tag - something that was accessible to those who couldn’t keep up full training sessions on a regular basis. The BodyWorksBand was her answer. By having the instructions printed on the band itself, Estelle has developed a product that simulates having a personal trainer with you at all times, and users of the BodyWorksBand can be sure they are targeting muscles safely and efficiently. 

In addition to being great for travel, the BodyWorksBand is 100 percent portable and convenient for use at home, work, hotel room, gym, or anywhere at all.  With this one exercise tool, you can delight in receiving a total body workout that builds strength, increases muscle tone, and improves bone density—all achieved in minutes with these consistent, easy to perform exercises.

The BodyWorksBand makes it easy to find time in your day to exercise.  It is the simple, inexpensive solution to fitness in today’s world.

About Bodyworks for Total Health

Bodyworks for Total Health is the private fitness studio of Estelle Underwood, located in South Pasadena, California.

For more info, visit www.bodyworksfortotalhealth.com

Bluster-F**k up at Pure Slush

I have a story up at Pure Slush this month.

Check it out : BLUSTER-FUCK

EXCERPT:

You don’t remember much about his wife because when Bluster-Fuck’s around, he opens his mouth and vacuums the room dry, pulling every last dust mote into his gut. Even the skin cells of your own face feel like they’re going to peel right off and zoom down his gullet.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE COMMENTS:

Douglas Campbell:

Wonderful, Gay. There are too many Bluster-Fucks running loose these days, and you nailed the type perfectly. Made me both laugh and shiver!

John "JAM" Arthur Miller:

I had NO idea what to expect with a title like that, but I'm glad I read it, lol! Great read, Gay!

Bev Elliott:

It has been my misfortune to know more than one Bluster-Fuck. Thank you for a story that allows us to poke fun at people who have problems getting social context clues.

Lucinda Kempe:

Bluster-Fuck. How divine. Wonder if the real bluster fucks of the world will recognize themselves? Ha! Neva. Brilliant job, Gay. You nailed him.

Every Day Fiction's August Calendar

August’s Table of Contents

Find Every Day Fiction here.
_____________________________
Aug 1 Jennifer Foster Know Thyself

Aug 2 Andrew Waters One Way To Save a Farm

Aug 3 Gregor McGavin Going Nowhere

Aug 4 Michael Peralta Candyeyes

Aug 5 Jessica George Hungry Water

Aug 6 Daniel Vineberg True Love and Lousy Smoke Rings

Aug 7 Simon Kewin A Good Drying Day

Aug 8 Miles C. Hellyer Running From Home

Aug 9 Suzanne Conboy-Hill No Arrests in 2039

Aug 10 Cate Gardner His Name Carved on Empty Space

Aug 11 JR Hume Curse of the East Wind

Aug 12 Mary Caffrey Knapke Tomato Plants, $1 Each

Aug 13 Shane M. Gavin Just a Day

Aug 14 Anna Moriarty Lev A Night in the Park

Aug 15 Paul A. Freeman An Elizabethan Tale

Aug 16 Debbie Bennett Moira

Aug 17 Laura Davy The Guardians

Aug 18 Kevin Mathews Melon Heads

Aug 19 Douglas Campbell Fleur de Lis

Aug 20 Maria Deira Laundry

Aug 21 John Impey Divine Wind, Kami-Kaze

Aug 22 Sarah Goodwin A Three Way Division

Aug 23 Folly Blaine Eau de Public Transit

Aug 24 Linda Simoni-Wastila Poison Pill

Aug 25 Ranica Arrowsmith American Neighbor

Aug 26 Dale Ivan Smith Not So Invincible Overlord

Aug 27 Von Rupert To Grandfather’s House We Go

Aug 28 Ruth Schiffmann Meet Me at Woman Hollering Creek

Aug 29 Juliet Boyd The Rescue Plan

Aug 30 Jennifer R. Fierro Flowers for Clockwork Street

Aug 31 Brian Dolton A Loyalty Divided

Monkeybicycle, The Short Review, and me!

This has been a surprising week for me with two stories coming out as well as a review of Pomegranate Stories over at The Short Review.

"Running the Fence" is up at Monkeybicycle today. I write fiction instead of  memoir because my memories are somewhat hazy, but the channel and sump mentioned in "Running the Fence" really did exist and a boy in my class at Calle Mayor School did drown in the sump.  His name was Ronnie Middlecoff and along with an assortment of kids on our block, we'd ride bikes, roller skate, play kick ball, girls taunting boys and boys teasing girls. Then the boys ripped wheels off of their skates and nailed them to pieces of cast off wood to make skateboards and life kept moving on.

I seldom actually played with Ronnie. I ate my cheese sandwiches on Debbie Stinson's porch, and there were plenty of girls around our age.  Our street was a half-moon called Theo Drive on one end and Mayor Drive on the other, both emptying out on Calle Mayor.  I lived on the island created between the smaller street with two names and the busy main boulevard behind us.  On the other side of our arc behind that row of houses, was the fenced water channel and the sump.  Later when they built South High School, they removed the sump.

Almost every house had kids, so occasionally we would play together, but not often.  Still I have carried the memory of Ronnie's death not because we were best friends, but because he was the first young person I ever knew who died.  I didn't really think we could die (kids I mean) before that.  It shocked me, unbelievable.

I'm glad I've finally written a story about this.  I've tried to do it for a long time, but I just couldn't figure out how to do it.  As I said, my memory isn't great, he and I weren't really friends, but ye,t he been there, in the middle of our street, playing tag, or maybe it was hide and seek and then he was gone. He was only 10.

As for Pomegranate Stories, I am thrilled with the generous review Annie Clarkson has given it at The Short Review.  You can read her write-up here:

the short review: Pomegranate Stories 

And you can read the interview here:

the short review: Interview with Gay Degani

ORANGES at Every Day Fiction

My short piece, "Oranges," is up at Every Day Fiction. It came out on Tuesday so if you want to read it, use this link:  Oranges. 

You can leave comments if you'd like.  You just need to scroll down past the ad and click on Comments.

Breaking BAD is SOOOOO Good

Just watched  the final episode of last season's Breaking Bad.  If any of you have read Robert McKee's book "Story" and struggle with his concept of "the negation of the negation," you really should see this series from the beginning. If there was ever a terrific example of characters who start out being one certain kind of person with certain ethical limits who then must become another kind of person in order to survive--the total opposite of kind of person to what that person is supposed to be--and then, yes, is forced to go BEYOND even that to "the negation of the negation!" this show is that example. Creating characters who go through hell is exactly what the creator and writers of this series do.  It is amazing to watch this story unfold.  Season 4 starts next week. Rent 1-3, Tivo it, Netflix it, stream it, rob someone's stash of DVDs, just SEE it.

July EDF Calendar is Here!

7/1	Townsend Walker	It’s About a Moose?
7/2	Moana Brantwood	The Unwanted Wish
7/3	Charlotte Nash	The Two Boys
7/4	Mary Ann Back	Subdivision Smack-Down
7/5	Ruth Schiffmann	Deep Water
7/6	Annie Tupek	Eve of Destruction
7/7	Virgie Townsend	Even When
7/8	Gale Haut	Tentacular
7/9	Sandra Crook	Ouma and the Wood Pigeon
7/10	Sophie Playle	Screaming Red Paint
7/11	Stephen Duffin	Maud
7/12	Sylvia Hiven	Not Enough Venus
7/13	Wayne Scheer	A Good Citizen
7/14	Samantha Memi	Bouffant
7/15	Carla Sarett	For Better or Worse
7/16	A.I. Wright	Heaven for Heroes
7/17	Dean Giles	Harold Smalls’ Big Adventure
7/18	Paul Salvette	A Daughter’s Inquiry
7/19	Jeff Samson	Let The Bastards See Your Teeth
7/20	Michael Peralta	Scholar’s Mate
7/21	Randall Brown	Shades
7/22	Jamie Feldman	Rubber Boots
7/23	Jonathan Ruland	The Sounds in the Woods
7/24	Mary J. Daley	Long Ago and Far Away
7/25	Christopher Allen	…and Counting
7/26	Gay Degani	Oranges
7/27	Isabella Boettcher	Eggs
7/28	JR Hume	The Woman in Blue
7/29	Henry Lara	My Death in Three Parts
7/30	Mark Oliver	Great-Grandma’s Hands
7/31	Douglas Campbell	Dead In Blue Heaven