flashquake - Winter 2001

flashquake
Contributors

Kimberly Brown's first published story was a flash fiction piece in Murderous Intent Mystery Magazine. Since then, she's had numerous short mysteries on the MysteryNet site, a mystery in the Barnes and Noble anthology, Crafty Cat Crimes: 100 Tiny Cat Tales, and a vampire story in Dreams of Decadence Vampire Fiction and Poetry. She will have a story titled "The Chain Letter" in an upcoming edition of Futures Magazine. She currently writes the markets column for the Georgia Writer's Newsletter.

Katherine M. Budris is both a poet and a dancer. Her poetry has been featured in the Carmel High School Harbinger, Youth Speak Magazine, and the Iliad Press "Crossings". She is currently pursuing her degree in English and writing at Hope College in Holland, Michigan where she has had the opportunity to study under writers such as John Cox, Jack Ridl, Heather Sellers, and Susan Atefat Peckham.

Javier Chavira is an M.F.A. candidate at Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL. He has an M.A. (1999) and a B.A. (1996) from Governor's State University, University Park, IL. Javier's 2001 exhibitions have included: Alice & Arthur Baer Exhibition, Beverly Art Center, Chicago, IL; Faculty Exhibition, Prairie State College, IL; De Nuestras Raices / Of Our Own Roots, Quincy Art Center, Quincy, IL; 9 Chicago Artists in Havana Cuba, Casa de La Cultura, Havana, Cuba; Remembrance Exhibition, Oak Park Art League, Oak Park, IL; and Latino Horizons, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, IL ATL Group Exhibition, The Arte de Mexico Gallery, Chicago, IL. Javier won 1st place in the Latino Horizons Exhibition, judged by Mario Castillo, Columbia, College, Chicago, IL. He is a member of The Friends of Community Public Art.

Paul Alan Fahey is the editor of Mindprints, A Literary Journal. His fiction has appeared in the Paumanok Review, Potpourri, My Legacy, Mocha Memoirs and most recently online at www.coffeebeanshop.com and Cenotaph Pocket Editions.

Utahna Faith lives and writes in New Orleans. Her short fiction and poetry have been published in Exquisite Corpse, Clean Sheets, The Cafe Irreal and other literary journals. Her story "Tracking the Double Yes" will appear in the forthcoming anthology French Quarter Fiction.

Charles Hiscock: "My full name is Charles Glenn Hiscock, and I'm 37 years old. I was born in Boston, but lived in 16 different places all across the country by the time I was 12. I recieved a Specialized Associates degree in Illustration form the American Academy of Art, A Bachelors of Arts from The University of Illinois-Chicago, and a Master of Arts from Governors State University. I am currently working as an Art teacher at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, and continue to work as an illustrator and fine artist in my spare time. I currently reside in Brookfield, Illinois with my wife Kelly, and my two children, Alison and Christopher."

Matthew Laurence, akamango, holds Associate in Arts from Moraine Valley Community College and Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago. He is a multimedia artist currently teaching Photography at Farragut Career Academy.

Stephanie Lenz lives in northwestern Pennsylvania with her husband and dog. Her fiction has appeared in Blue Moon / Journal of the Blue Planet, Amoret and Toasted Cheese. Recent non-fiction includes articles on writing and a column for a non-profit dog rescue organization. She is the cofounder of an online writing community and e-zine. Her website is http://piggyhawk.com.

Michael S. McKlusky: "This piece itself is somewhat autobiographical, born from my own personal ongoing argument with God. In reality, John died a few weeks ago. I dedicate this play to his memory. If I'm lucky enough to win anything, the winnings will go to John's widow Barbara to put in the trust fund for their baby Jake's college education."

Patricia Moore has been a freelance artist since 1964. She has studied at The Art Institute of Chicago. She has had one woman shows at American Bar Association, University of Chicago; and Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Her work is in the permanent collections of Amoco Incorporated, National Bank Corporation, Northern Illinois Gas Company, Aetna Insurance Corporation, and The American Bar Association amongst many others. In 1998 a painting, Star Gazer Lily was selected as an Easter Seal in a national competition. The Easter Seal was sent to 15 million homes across the country. Her work is sold in many galleries throughout the Midwest including The Sales and Rental Gallery of The Art Institute of Chicago, Fort Wayne Museum of Art.

Trix Niernberger writes religiously and still gives her allowance to pagan babies. She plans a short stay in purgatory. Her story "No Claus" will be published in the December issue of Laughter Loaf.

Roger D. Paris hasn't yet decided what he wants to be when he grows up. Writer? Artist? Editor? Traveler? Rich? "Wait, that's it! If I was rich, I could do it all. There are so many things, more interesting than work. I think, I'll win the lottery and retire and give flashquake lots of money to pay writers, poets, playwrights and artists."

Laura Rudolph: "I was born with the last name of "Ringo". I married a man who bestowed upon me the new name of "Rudolph". And to top it off, my parents felt it necessary to give me a nickname Tootsie. I had no choice but to look for the humorous in everything around me. And write about it. I have been published in The Ink Spot.com, On The Bright Side.com, Inscriptions.com and USA.com. A current work can be seen at Inscriptions.com - winner of the mock interview contest."

Phyllis Stein is a freelance writer who lives in Chesapeake, VA. She was a columnist for a weekly newspaper, and had articles published in the Norfolk Virginian Pilot.

Dee Stuart is a full-time writer who lives in north Texas with her yellow lab Star. Her published works include historical and mystery suspense novels and books for young readers. Her short stories have appeared in Futures, Over My Dead Body, Rex Stout Journal, Woman's World, Detective Story Magazine and other publications.

Karen Favo Walsh is a writer, graphic designer and electronic prepress specialist. She is writing a book for Alzheimer's Disease caregivers. Karen is an active member of writing and critique groups, and the Alzheimer's Association.

Rick Whitaker graduated from West Point. He served six years in the Army, including a tour in Vietnam. Rick attended Harvard Business School, then worked in management consulting and the energy development business. He has a wife and two sons, and lives in Texas.

Marikay Peter Witlock earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. She continued graduate studies at the Universities of Georgia and Maryland. Her work is in corporate and private collections throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Regions.