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The idea for the anthology came to
me in early 2012 during the throes and ecstasy of planning my own wedding.
The irony of this is not lost on
me.
I had just finished reading “Many
Presents” by Mike Heartz, which is included in the anthology, and decided to go
for a run. Somehow, running down the road at full-tilt in an endorphin-fueled
state, the words “love” and “hurts” mingled, and I knew I had my idea for an
anthology, a humorous look at the ups and downs of love and how it affects our
lives.
I couldn’t be more pleased with the
collection of stories that came together as a result. The first of line of
William Klein’s “Hallelujah” is capable of stopping three conversations in your
local Kinko’s, guaranteed. It grabbed me, and the delightfully erotic and comic
journey thrilled me to the end.
“Doorways” by Jamie Mason is easily
the most creative of the stories, and proves that love is waiting for us all,
no matter how difficult the journey, if only we keep our eyes and ears open.
“I’ll Love You Forever, but…” by
April Gray, is the story of how love transcends all logic and, sometimes, even
death.
Carla Sarett’s “Career Girl” is a
delightful story about a hardworking girl in New York just looking for a guy who doesn’t
have a type. She’s a phenomenal, hard-working writer, and I expect to see great
things from her in the future.
Mike Heartz really is a primary
school teacher, and it shows. I’ve read a fair amount of his writing and in
“Many Presents” his kindness, empathy, and compassion—traits that make him an
incredible writer—show through and illuminates for the reader how early our
need for love as people, as a society, is rooted in our psyche.
“Overcoming Debbie Gilroy” by Wayne
Scheer, is a delightful little story about how life goes on, and how no matter
where we are in our lives, there’s always the chance for love. Sometimes, we
have to take that chance.
“In her Shoes” by Lizzy Huitson
allows us to laugh at our own quirks, and to know that somewhere out there is a
person perfect for us; someone who can even deal with the really bonkers stuff.
My mother-in-law raved about
Gabrielle Hovendon’s “Morning After Monologue” when she read it, and for good
reason. It truly captures our insecurity, and the profound effect worrying
about love can have.
“Falling” by Stone Showers, is just
freaking hilarious. Sometimes, we get what we deserve.
D.T. Kastn’s “Cabra” is another one
of those stories that is just too cute for its own good. Beware of goats in
dorms, and be on the lookout for love anywhere.
Michael Kimball’s excerpt from
“Unselfpublished, a Memoir of Michael Kimball, by Michael Kimball” is
hilarious, through and through. His control of language makes me envious.
There’s no reason for passion to
ever die. Not if we’re willing to work on it, like in Jim Harrington’s “Ralph’s
Ruse ”.
John Moran’s “Herbert’s First Job”
is simply divine—no, profane. It is excellently written and warns us to be
careful what we wish for.
“I <3 Lesbians” by Gabrielle
Knock, is hilarious, and sad all at the same time. Love and lust are not often
the same thing, but are often confused.
“Bragging Rights” by Sharon Goldberg examines
the lengths we will go to for love, and how low we can sink.
Lisa Douglass’s story, “Red
Starbucks Girl” is a ridiculous story about how sometimes in love and in life
we are our own worst enemies.
“Walter and Gabriella” by Catherine
Austin Alexander, is a cute and funny tale of romance fixed by circumstance
from across the pond.
Michael A. Tashjian’s story, “Of
Women’s Wiles and Underwear,” is a coming of age story that pokes fun at
courtship behavior and all the ways we attract mates.
Lastly, Payne Ratner’s “Fish
Story,” is a story like no other that is by turns mischievous, poignant,
beautiful, dark, and truthful in its fiction. Sometimes, something miraculous
happens that shows we as human beings, and our relationships, are salvageable.
I hope you enjoy the stories and that reading
them enriches your life as much as it has mine.
Cheers,
Eric M. Bosarge, Editor
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