Editor’s note
It’s spring here in southeastern Pennsylvania, home of the Bethlehem Writers Roundtable. The crocuses have already come and gone, but the grass blades have pushed up from last year’s yard debris, turning the lawn area a lovely shade of green.
Here at the Roundtable, we wish you a happy spring as we usher in our latest issue, featuring several writers from the Bethlehem Writers Group. First, though, I’d like to note for readers who are writers that our short story contest deadline has been extended to APRIL 30th. If you’ve been planning to submit, now is the time to get your story in! (The theme is speculative fiction, and our esteemed judge is award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky.)
Now, back to this issue. Peter J Barbour entertains us with “Dad Stories,” in which a father shares with his sons wild tales from his youth. Marianne H. Donley’s humorous touch is featured twice in this issue. In her first story, “The Shopping Gene,” the main character reveals that she hates to shop—but excels at competitive parking. “The Case of the Missing Elizabeth Boyle Novels” dives into a collection of romance novels and why they may be disappearing.
Carol L. Wright’s tale of “Distant Cousins” takes us on a road trip to retrieve a unique inheritance. And in “The Silence,” by yours truly, someone who believes she is very alone finds a friend.
In Literary Learnings, Carol L. Wright discusses the golden age of detective fiction. And this issue’s interview, conducted by BWG member Diane Sismour, is with me.
Enjoy your spring reading as the tulips bloom! And consider submitting a spec fiction story for our contest!
The 2025 BWR Short Story Award has extended the deadline.
We are seeking never-published stories of 2,500 words or fewer on the theme of Speculative Fiction (tales of science fiction and fantasy, broadly interpreted).
The winners receive cash and publication, with the first-place winner being considered for our upcoming anthology, Illusive Worlds: Sweet, Funny and Strange Tales of Science Fiction and Fantasy, forthcoming in 2026.
The deadline is April 30, 2025. The 2025 contest judge is science-fiction and fantasy author Adrian Tchaikovsky.
For more information on the 2025 Short Story Award and for information on how to enter, click here. You can also read an interview with Mr. Tchaikovsky here.
Featured story
“Dad Stories” by Peter J Barbour
As the Jeep made its way up Route 402 just above Marshall’s Creek on the way to our grandparents’ home in the Pocono Mountains, we’d pass Resica Falls, the Boy Scout reservation. You could predict Dad would point this out to us as we passed. He always did.
Also in this issue
“The Shopping Gene” by Marianne H. Donley
“Distant Cousins” by Carol L. Wright
“The Case of the Missing Elizabeth Boyle Novels” by Marianne H. Donley
“The Silence” by Dianna Sinovic
Interview with author and book coach Dianna Sinovic
Literary Learnings by Carol L. Wright
Betty’s Tips and Mixed-Up Words