Short story published in Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things
19/09/2024
2024 has been a busy year so far, and I'm thrilled to announce that a story that's been near and dear to my heart for a while now has finally found its forever home.
Gently Smiling Jaws was published today in Ember: A Journal of Luminous Things, and it couldn't have found better people.
This quiet little story is a bit different from the genre fiction I usually write and read, but it's not really literary fiction either. So it often fell through the cracks when out on submission. It's really a story about unconditional love, and what we do to keep safe those we care about. The idea for it came after seeing this gorgeous painting by Peter de Sève:
Blanche had been taking her dogs to the dog park for as long as she could remember. Her favourite was the one near the East Bridge, beside that new quirky café. It had benches all the way around that often weren’t full, and she could rest her bad knee while the dogs played.
But Albert. What was she to do with Albert?
You can now dive into this whimsical little tale about your favourite cool grandmother and her unconventional Albert, whose love for him is tested when the big city no longer feels big enough.
Blanche and Albie have lived rent free in my heart for so long, and I'm so happy you get to meet them now, too.
Here's to more love in the world, friends. 🐊