Author Archive

« Older Entries

The Point of Failure by Alan Schulte

Posted in journal updates with tags , , , on April 17, 2012 by Tim Elhajj

Alan Schulte’s story is the story of Everyman, addict or not.

Failure is a condition of life, the point of which sometimes happens in unexpected places. While addicts might be encouraged, more than most, to direct a spotlight into the darkest parts of their soul, it is every writer’s burden to tell their story in such a way that the spotlight shines in the reader’s soul as well, illuminating our deepest fears, and reminding us that the light won’t kill us after all.

Join the Junk editorial staff in celebrating Alan Schulte‘s story, The Point of Failure.

Leave A Comment »

A Reason to Smile by Alan Kaufman

Posted in journal updates with tags , , , , , on February 15, 2012 by Tim Elhajj

The esteemed Alan Kaufman closes out our winter issue with A Reason to Smile. This story is an excerpt from Kaufman’s new book, Drunken Angel.

A Reason to Smile is wonderfully pointed criticism of American values, especially care for the poor, mentally ill and homeless. It’s exactly the sort of political, self-aware writing we love.

We visited San Francisco and heard Alan read from Drunken Angel and were suitably impressed. We’re so proud to present his work on Junk.

Later this month we’ll sit down with Alan to discuss writing and recovery.

Leave A Comment »

Goodnight Sweet Pea by Laurie Woodum

Posted in books with tags , , on February 9, 2012 by Tim Elhajj

Junk contributor (junkie? junketeer?) Laurie Woodum has recently published her first memoir, Goodnight Sweet Pea.

From Laurie on Goodnight Sweet Pea:

Determined that her mother will die in her own home, a daughter faces floundering as an inexperienced caregiver, job loss, a strained marriage, and restricted freedom. And she discovers the unexpected beauty and humor along a path paved by dementia and lined with the deeper rhythms of life. Goodnight Sweet Pea: Falling in Love with My Mother–A book about loving and letting go.

Congratulations Laurie!

February is going to be a great month for us. We have another author interview from esteemed author Alan Kaufman, as well as an excerpt from his latest work, Drunken Angel.

Leave A Comment »

When You Wake Up by Aimee E. Millwood

Posted in journal updates with tags , , , on January 16, 2012 by Tim Elhajj

Aimee Millwood lights the house on fire with her story, When You Wake Up.

I’m so blow away by this piece. I love how she stays in the aftermath of the event throughout the story. Absolutely the best way to tell a story like this, so unrelenting and frightening for the reader (smart, smart choice to tell it in second person).

The fine detail and excellent imagery stand as testaments to her recovery, the return of her skill with language. And the ending… Just sublime. I can totally relate, I’m sure most people will.

Leave A Comment »

2011 in review

Posted in Hurm on January 1, 2012 by Tim Elhajj

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,400 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 40 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Leave A Comment »

Junk’s 2011 Pushcart Prize Nominations Announced

Posted in editor's corner with tags , , , , , , on December 2, 2011 by Tim Elhajj

Junk announces its 2011 Pushcart Prize nominees:

Slow Burn by Erin Murphy

Cracked by Shannon Barber

One of the delights of running a literary journal is seeing the new work come in and feeling the sense of pride that comes with being able to publish it.

What an honor to be trusted with such great work.

1 Comment »

A String of Lights by Allison McCabe

Posted in journal updates with tags , , on November 15, 2011 by Tim Elhajj

Allison McCabe closes the door on the Fall 2011 issue with her haunting look at the San Fernando Valley in A String of Lights.

I love how unabashedly nostalgic this piece feels, but without pulling any of its punches, the way talk of the past often does.

Junk is proud to present, Allison McCabe, my friends.

Allison McCabe.

Leave A Comment »

New work for October will get you “High”

Posted in journal updates on October 17, 2011 by Tim Elhajj

Higher Ground, the new work for October, is an amazing piece.

Most people consider addiction a disease. But if it is a disease, the stories we read about addiction are unlike any ever told about, say, cancer or autism. With addiction, there is usually some element of contrition. Not that there shouldn’t be. After all, if it is a disease, it’s a disease like no other.

But when you come across a story that does something different, as Higher Ground does, it’s really quite amazing. Not an ounce of contrition. But it’s not a romantic story about the old days, either. And there is something spiritual here. Some sort of natural commune with nature.

Check it out. See if you agree.

2 Comments »

Brock Kingsley kicks off Junk’s Fall issue with All Filler

Posted in journal updates with tags , , , , , on September 19, 2011 by Tim Elhajj

Brock Kingsley’s story, All Filler, kicks off a new Fall season on Junk!

All Filler captures the capricious nature of addiction, the mystery of how some people fall, while others narrowly miss disaster. It’s a mesmerizing story.

In the comments section, Gary Presley, author of Seven Wheelchairs: A Life beyond Polio, notes how subtly Kingsley ratchets up the tension, even as the story’s opening line reveals the ending. Until Gary mentioned it, I hadn’t noticed that aspect of the story. Part of the joy of sharing these stories is when someone points out something I might have otherwise never noticed. I love these conversations!

Upcoming Fall issue contributors include Joe Whalen and Allison McCabe. We couldn’t be more pleased with the wonderful stories we’ve been so fortunate to receive at Junk.

Enjoy!

Leave A Comment »

Tom Pitts live!

Posted in journal updates with tags , , , on July 15, 2011 by Tim Elhajj

Junk is proud to present Stalemate at Turk and Taylor by Tom Pitts

During the run up to publishing his fine work, every piece of mail I got from Tom made me grin. He’s quite a guy: a fabulous writer, able to tell a great story, and he performed this piece live last year at Lip Service West in San Francisco.

Enjoy!

Leave A Comment »

« Older Entries
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 124 other followers