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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

But it wasn’t all work. Time was made for goofing off.

We saw the lights.

Left our mark on the hallowed walls.

Were toyed with by the locals at the sights.

But when we came upon Turk and Taylor, we knew well to turn and head the other way. No need to tempt the fates!

Watch Junk for a new story next week from an anonymous but inspired author. We think you’ll like the “high” he has to offer.

A cartoon by the talented Kevan Atteberry.

Kevan’s work has appeared in Microsoft Office, among other fine publications. He is the illustrator of many books for children, most recently, Boogie Monster Dance Kit.

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!