Flash Fiction: Ester
flash fiction, NLAPW
Ester My mother died when I was thirteen years old. Never mind that my father died the same day-he shot her twelve times and then turned the gun on himself. ... Read more
A conversation with two collaborators
Latest News, Member Book Reviews, NLAPW
Why be a Pen Woman? This conversation with two Iowa Pen Women who wrote Mary & Me: A Lasting Link Through Ink together, says it all! The length of the ... Read more
Poem of the Week–Black Feather
NLAPW
Black Feather Not four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie, but rather thousands, falling from the sky in Arkansas. Drum fish decomposing in adjacent waterways. All gone. And now ... Read more
Poem of the Week–I am a Bubble
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I am a Bubble Sometimes easily burst, other times, not. I can linger around and just float into space, without direction Or I can land heavily and drop onto someone ... Read more
Flash Fiction–In or Out
flash fiction, NLAPW
In or Out? From his wheelchair, Bob reached for the doorknob and dropped his hand. Jay, his caregiver, leaned over his shoulder. “Aren’t we going in?” “I can’t face them.” ... Read more
Flash Fiction–That Sounds Better
flash fiction, NLAPW
That Sounds Better Summer in the Hampton’s: nine year old Jack, his Grandpa Tony, Grandma Peggy and I are in the living room of the rental house. Grandpa Tony says, ... Read more
Flash Fiction–Postcards
flash fiction, NLAPW
Postcard #1 The second time the waiter spilled soup in Archibald’s lap, he ended up with bouillabaisse stains on his pinstripes. The waiter—he’d better succeed next time—was positively abject with ... Read more
Flash Fiction–Between Duty and Devotion
flash fiction, NLAPW
BETWEEN DUTY AND DEVOTION Sitting with John, my mind reflects back fifty years to the day of our marriage. A hot August day in Maryland, sweating in his Navy uniform, ... Read more
Flash Fiction–War
flash fiction, NLAPW
War Strategy is the only order in the chaos of battle. Can’t tell if we’re winning or losing. Combat subsides with an uneasy calm. Losses are surprisingly limited; strength renewed. ... Read more
Flash Fiction–Breakfast
flash fiction, NLAPW
Breakfast Francine poured a cup of coffee and went outside to sit beneath the hemlock. It had been a rewarding though hectic family visit. They left behind a supply of ... Read more