The premise for Issue #11 was...
MISUNDERSTANDING
One or more characters misunderstand an important communication of some kind.
We received 154 contest entries and chose six stories for prizes. Plus we have cartoons, and a special guest writer!
Note From the Publisher: Big changes! Read all about them!
Cartoons!: Matt Howarth illustrates six misunderstandings from co-publisher Tarl’s past.
And now for our stories...
Guojie had to go to college to get a good-paying job in the cities. His sisters needed dowries and his parents needed support.
FIRST PLACE: The Phoenix by Ken Liu
“There was still time, don’t you understand?” I said. “When I found the note, there was still time.”
SECOND PLACE: The Haunting of Joselyn Seacroft by Neil James Hudson
Praskie walked all over town with her belly sticking out as if nothing was wrong.
THIRD PLACE: Always Say Shush by Carole Carlson
“If you were a saint, you wouldn’t be here, Mr. Renninger.”
HONORABLE MENTION: Same-Day Delivery by Desmond Warzel
“We’ve done been invaded,” Jeb said. “Scout’s honor.”
HONORABLE MENTION: To the Hills by Kevin McClintock
I got the job in the traditional manner of my people – I lied my ass off.
HONORABLE MENTION: First Night on the Job by JR Ralls
“Dalgan has been our guardian for six hundred years, your Highness. He’s never lost a challenge.”
GUEST WRITER: Protector of the Realm by Frank Dutkiewicz
Frank has allowed us to publish our original critique of his contest entry, if you’d like to see it.
Note: Photo courtesy of BigStockPhoto