Sunday, July 19, 2009

New short story


My short story "Heart" appears in the new (Aug. 2009) issue of INSIDE JERSEY magazine, currently on N.J. newsstands and home-delivered (in certain zip codes) with today's (7/19) copy of the Newark Star-Ledger. Individual copies are also available by calling (800) 876-2326.

The story is a prequel of sorts to the new novel, GONE 'TIL NOVEMBER, which will be published Jan. 19 by St. Martin's/Minotaur. They both feature Morgan, an aging enforcer for a Newark drug gang. "Heart" is set at N.J.'s Monmouth Park during a summer stakes race. It's accompanied by a terrific illustration from artist Andre Malok.

Readers with good memories will recall an earlier version of a short story with the same title that appeared in Maggie Estep and Jason Starr's excellent anthology BLOODLINES a few years back. The new version is much improved, albeit slightly cleaned up in terms of violence and profanity. Many thanks to INSIDE JERSEY editor Rosemary Parrillo for taking a chance on it. It's the first piece of fiction the magazine has published, though hopefully not the last.


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And totally unrelated:
There have been many great interpretations of the songs of Bruce Springsteen. But this one, from actress Mary-Louise Parker, has to be among the best. She does leave out a few verses though. 

5 comments:

pattinase (abbott) said...

Congratulations! Wish I was anywhere in New Jersey to read it. Is that ocean still roaring in?

Wallace Stroby said...

Yes, but although the air temps are in the 80s, the water temps are still in the 60s. Not too comfortable.
Hopefully it will warm up soon.

I'll likely post a complete version of the story here, closer to the book's publication. I don't want to steal any of the magazine's thunder in the interim though. And for real Jersey cred, the same issue has a Q&A with actor Frank Vincent.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

Congrats!!

tintin said...

That's great. I'll look for it in the city. Assume you're back from Ef El.

Jmags said...

Read the story. Very good, and looking forward to the book. The most telling paragraph was how Morgan reacted to Byzantium's showing at the race. The same issue also has a good piece on growing figs at home (potted-style) and a good article on South Jersey by Peter Genovese.