How I Came to Write Fantasy, by Michael Libling

[F&SF]

★★★☆☆ Honorable Mention

(Modern Epic Fantasy) At 19, the narrator fled a failed romance and made a friend who claimed to be chasing the same girl for 400 years. (10,862 words; Time: 36m)

Recommended By: 👍RHorton.r+1 👍STomaino+1 (Q&A)

At the Old Wooden Synagogue on Janower Street, by Michael Libling

[Asimov's]

★★★☆☆ Not really speculative fiction, but a very strong story

(Mainstream) Ben’s family all died in the Holocaust, so he’s astonished to see them turn up in his diner in 1960. (2,403 words; Time: 08m)

Recommended By: 👍STomaino+1 (Q&A)

Mike has a deeply moving companion piece to the following story on his website. How a Comic Book Ad Taught Me about the Holocaust

Wretched the Romantic, by Michael Libling

Find this issue

(Horror Humor) When he's not stalking his ex, Richard earn extra cash scattering the ashes of dead people. (11,291 words; Time: 37m)

Rating: ★★★☆☆, Average

The Grocer's Wife (Enhanced Transcription), by Michael Libling

[Asimov's]

★★★★☆ Recommended

(SF) Thomas is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, and his wife, Lynn, is trying to support him. Andy is spying on him, and wondering why the government is interested in a retired grocer. (5,471 words; Time: 18m)

Recommended By: 👍RHorton.r+1 👍RSR+1 👍STomaino+1 (Q&A)