Welcome to the 30th issue of Bull & Cross! This will be the last issue for some time, but I’m happy to wrap up with three great stories.
First up, we have “Jake’s Shoes.” Steve Carr has been a fixture here, and for good reason. He’s a storyteller, as demonstrated here, and here, and here. In this new story, he shows off the same strengths that have always kept me reading: smart description, careful pacing, and a regard for the characters. There’s a scene, late in the story, where the titular character’s choice bears its obvious fruit and you just want to reach through the screen and pat him on the shoulder.
Next, we have “Sisters” by Lori Cramer. I wish I had run across her work earlier. This piece sat in my inbox for a couple of weeks after I first read it, because I wanted it, but I thought I had a full roster for this last issue. Then, not long after telling her about my plans, one of the authors withdrew their piece from consideration. So, I’m very happy that I am able to count one of her stories among those I get to share with you. It’s a wonderful, quiet story, where the dialogue propels you along and the characters ring true. Like any story with loving siblings sorting out life, it’s a tale of the half-blind leading and being led by the half-blind.
And finally, we finish with a story that represents what I have always hoped to do with B&C: Gene Goldfarb’s “When We Danced All Night.” This is a good story told well. The voice is spot-on, the rhythm first traps you and then carries you along, and the humor works. After you’ve read it, you should read his other piece here. It’s also excellent, hilarious, and satisfying.
So, there you have it. Our final issue for now. It has been a true pleasure to edit B&C for the past two and a half years.
I started with a pretty simple goal: find good stories and tell other people about them. Thankfully, I’ve been able to do that. From the beginning, excellent authors have sent wonderful stories my way, and it’s been my happy privilege to share them. I hope you’ve enjoyed them.
My responsibilities at work have increased quite a bit over the past couple of years, and this last month I was handed a new role that requires even more attention and energy. I find I am no longer able to devote the time necessary to B&C. So, at least for now, the submission box has closed.
A few notes regarding details that may be of interest to the authors:
- The site will remain up indefinitely. You don’t deserve to have your stories disappear behind dead links and 404 errors.
- All rights are yours and you can still contact me through e-mail or the Contact form. If you’d like to have your story removed from B&C to make it easier to place elsewhere, I am very happy to help with that.
- I’m also happy to make use of the Twitter feed to promote your other work. Do not hesitate to shoot me a note if you’d like me to help in that way.
- You are the best.
Thank you,
Daniel R. Julian
Editor-in-chief