Editor’s note
Summer is a time to unplug from the busyness of the every day and soak up some down time, whether at the beach, in the woods, or at another place that brings you a sense of peace and relaxation. For me, that’s a walk in the forest to hear birdsong, or dipping a paddle in lake waters to explore along a new shoreline.
Whatever summer has in store for you, I hope it’s enjoyable. Which brings me to the latest issue of the Bethlehem Writers Roundtable. There’s plenty to bring you pleasure.
First, we are excited to announce the winners of the 2022 Short Story Award:
#1: “The Tabac Man” by Eleanor Ingbretson
#2: “Money, Truth and Lies” by Steve Shrott
#3: “For the Love of Dottie” by Ellen Kazimer
This issue’s featured story, “Sales Man” by Zary Fekete, takes us along on a summer job selling door-to-door, in which that next pitch goes a bit differently than planned. Our featured poetry, “Funeral Home on a Friday Afternoon” by Anastasia Jill, plays commerce against grief.
Carol L. Wright interviews mystery author (and BWG member) Debra Goldstein, whose new book Five Belles Too Many was just released in June.
Among our & More offerings, two other BWG members weave entertaining tales: Emily Murphy’s “The Muse” gives a different spin on the concept of a writer’s inspiration, and Carol L. Wright’s “Connecting the Dots” takes us on a treasure hunt into an attic and back into time.
Rounding out that section is Marie Anderson’s story, “Duckles,” about newfound friends, and Liz Chang’s sobering poem, “Why Am I Angry at My Favorite Folk Singer?”
In addition, Ralph Hieb shares his love of good books in Literary Learnings.
So, unplug, put your feet up, and dive in!
The 2022 Short Story Award
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
2022 SHORT STORY AWARD WINNERS!
First Place
Eleanor Ingbretson, Pike, NH
Second Place
Steve Shrott, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Third Place
Ellen Kazimer, Evans, GA
See the
2022 Short Story Award tab for more information.
Featured story
“Sales Man” by Zary Fekete
The sun is baking the top of my head as I turn toward the last house in the cul-de-sac. I feel the wheels of the pull-cart thunk into my Achilles tendon for what feels like the hundredth time. I wince every time it happens. A thin stripe of sweat slides down my back leg, underneath the black polyester pants that the company gives us to wear. Mr. Bishop even discouraged us from hiking up the material to air out our skin in between sales attempts. “It looks unprofessional,” he said. “You can be young, but you must be professional.”
Featured Poetry
“Funeral Home on a Friday Afternoon” by Anastasia Jill
We schedule the cremation.
The director is named Bill.
He is a man of big gut
and little comfort.
Also in this issue
Interview with author Debra Goldstein
Short story “The Muse” by Emily Murphy
Short story “Connecting the Dots” by Carol L. Wright
Short story “Duckles” by Marie Anderson
Poem by Liz Chang
Literary Learnings by Ralph Hieb
Betty’s Tips and Mixed-Up Words