The premise for Issue #10 was...
DELICATE
One or more characters have to handle an object, person, or situation that they consider “delicate” (whether it really is or not).
We received 186 contest entries and chose six stories for prizes. Plus we have cartoons!
Note From the Publisher: What Happened to the First-Time Author Idea?
Cartoons!: Matt Howarth illustrates Tarl’s only slightly exaggerated story of how to hire people in the U.S.
And now for our stories...
She was the one who kissed me first. That doesn’t make it right.
FIRST PLACE: Not in This Life by Laura Loomis
I’ve been jealous of my little brother ever since I found out he has superpowers.
SECOND PLACE: The Problem with Ike by Joe Celizic
The ring is where delusions come to die.
THIRD PLACE: The Boxer by Dawn Allison
The men, stewing in their testosterone, only had to make it through another day or so.
HONORABLE MENTION: Father’s Day by Beverly Akerman
Lately the whole town has been on edge because a local nicknamed Pretty-Pretty...has been carrying around her dead baby.
HONORABLE MENTION: Trouble in Melee by Cassandra Lewis
If the boss got hold of our little treasure, he’d probably kill it on the spot or throw it out to suffer and die alone in the cold.
HONORABLE MENTION: Last Meal by Tony Klein
Note: Photo courtesy of BigStockPhoto