Just Published at Fleas on the Dog
Goddess in the Window – New Short Fiction
Goddess in the Window – New Short Fiction. Welcome back, my lovely readers! My latest short story, Goddess in the Window, has just been published by the amazing Canadian review Fleas on the Dog. Goddess in the Window is the story of a destitute one-legged war veteran who lives in an alley, alone except for the voices in his head. The battered Vet’s meager existence is altered by the appearance of a woman in a red dress, who climbs through a window and into an abandoned building.
A story is born…
Folks often ask me where the ideas come from. I’m here to tell you, it’s a strange process. This story sprang to life as the result of a photo prompt. Friend Paul Spruell posted an evocative photo of a woman climbing into a window. Friend Dann Sill suggested there was a story behind the photo. A few shakes of the lure and–Bang–I was hooked. Here is the photo that started it all:
What the Editors Say…
WHY I LIKE IT: Fiction Editor JOEY CRUSE writes… Etheridge’s goddess is the lady in red, in the window, struggling to get over the frame. What Goddess in the Window captures is a singular moment, one in which another is not only caught in a gaze but one in which has inspired beauty. I love this piece for its reminiscences of modernism, Greek tragedy, and the sorrow of Literature after any given war.
What this story begs to question is whether or not we can truly believe that there are goddesses who walk among us. I, for one, think that there are. This piece is not a requiem but a celebration of the muses that inspire creativity, it holds dear all that can be captured in a moment and written about. The character may be a homeless, one-legged vet that hears voices and owns his place as the king of an alleyway, but for this one moment, this one singular moment, time froze and he was able to imbue the sensation for a moment’s release of his torment. Etheridge captures ephemeral release, those split seconds where, what you’re looking at, alters the entirety of the world. Reality will always be there, lurking behind, but those true moments keep you going.
There is a beauty to Goddess in the Window that reflects the tiredness of our existence and matches that exhaustion with the hope that keeps us willing to keep looking. I truly hope you enjoy this small bit of madness, tragedy, and breath of beauty. Five Stars.
Read the Story Now!
Fleas on the Dog is a great Canadian online literary journal that continues to support my work. You can share and support their fine efforts (and Indie Authors such as Yours Truly). How? It’s simple, just visit their site and enjoy a FREE read! And hey, the story is even a FREE download. Sure, they’re featuring my story Goddess in the Window, but there are tons of other fine literary treats as well. Just mash the link below.
Read Goddess in the WindowOr, if you’re button phobic, here is the link to Fleas on the Dog Issue #9, where you can read my strange story Goddess in the Window. Scroll down to story #27 and you’re there! Your free read and download are standing by, so what are you waiting for?
More Stories Breathing Down My Neck…
Speaking of divine intervention, I may need the gods of letters to lend a hand with all these new stories. I was only two weeks in Poland, but in that time, four stories have gone live. This is but the second of them. Good readers, I’m barely keeping my head above this flood of words. As a result, it goes without saying that you should stay tuned to the MEF posts and newsletter for updates and publishing announcements. Be well and safe, my wonderful readers!
