The desert air of July in New Mexico is a smoky inferno of forest fires that surround the state.
Not a surprise then, that I reviewed Ron Tanner’s post-apocalyptic novel, “Kiss me, Stranger,” for this particular month. I also have an outstanding array of combustive stories to follow, as well! The theme has picked itself this month with a blast of smoking tales of heated relationships, altered states and encounters that burn slowly, but ravage everything in their wake.
Ron Tanner’s first chapter from his wild post-apocalyptic novel, “Kiss Me, Stranger,” is our special feature in the column this month. I’ve written a short review and an interview with Ron on this masterful ride of a novel!
Heather Fowler is our featured mid-July writer of the month. Her multi-layered, haunting tale of two sisters in “The Ledge,” keeps us on edge with her powerful images that envelop us long after we’ve finished reading it.
W.F. Lantry brings us three flash pieces, “Mermaid,” “Visitation” and “Transference.” Film-like images of beauty traverse his exquisite stories.
y.t. sumner delivers a captivating short story, “U-Turn.” A twist of bad luck drifts into a mysterious, sensual encounter between two characters that might not have met otherwise.
Burgess Needle transports us to Kabul in his dream-like story, “Istalif Awaits.” Disturbing flashes from the narrator’s past have him in escape mode in all forms.
Robert Vaughan gives us three mesmerizing, turbulent flash pieces, “Lawyers, Guns & Money,” “The Cat’s Pajamas” and “A Box.” These fascinating characters are all driven into a transient life through divergent circumstances.