Happy to share that the piece I intend to make the final story in my short story collection received Honorable Mention in the 2015 Carolina Woman Writing Contest. “Money Changes Everything” is part of a collection of interconnected short stories I have been developing for…wow, about five years now!

The collection of stories take place on Long Island and involve a superstitious family after they experience a death. The story that received Honorable Mention will appear online in the coming months and I will share a link when it is live. For now, here’s the intro and a few markets if you have short stories you are interested in submitting to journals. Follow the link if you would like to learn more about my short story collection.

Intro to “Money Changes Everything”:

The shovel was probably still stuck in the fresh soil at our Great Aunt Harriette’s grave and my family was already playing tug-of-war with her possessions. Realtors had stopped by the house and delivered the disappointing news that her home was worth about $100,000 less than what was anticipated. One agent tapped her patent leather pumps on the peeling linoleum and shrugged. Another broker straightened his tie and pointed out how the chimney was separating from the house, then played with his Rolex while discussing the buried oil tank. Even though you could walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world from the porch, this Long Island house was a money pit.

Literary journals seeking short stories:

1. Ploughshares. Reading period open June 1st-January 15th.
2. Tin House. Reading period open September 1st-May 1st.
3. The Southern Review. Reading period open September 1st-December 1st.