Written Word, #11, May 2008

Written Word continues its emphasis on dark fiction, and the darker side of human nature, in issue #11. Water, lost loves, and ghostly visions are the main themes. In the cover story, “I Came Upon a River,” Katherine leads us along the banks of a river which has claimed at least one life and threatens hers as well. Dorothy Sander metaphorically links the danger of fast running waters to life as Katherine navigates away from her abusive husband. The tragic details are revealed, along with the desperation and abuse that result when guilt and anger are turned inward and a relationship goes very wrong.

In keeping with the theme of the power and allure of dangerous waters, Joshua Allen offers “Rainbow Trout,” a heartbreaking love story. Howard reminisces on the details of the life and death of his wife, Sara, revealing the details as he goes on about his passion for fly-fishing. An unlikely allegory, to be sure, but Allen weaves a beautiful, poignant fish tale with stories about the ones Howard caught and sadly, those that didn’t get away. If you liked the movie A River Runs Through It, you’ll love this one.

“Waiting for the World to Waltz” by Tom Conoboy threads the theme of loss through a flash piece that chronicles a life ruined by fast living and drink. Water and alcohol, vodka to be exact, evoke John’s struggles in a suitably convoluted, first person narrative.

The intimacy of the first person enhances the sense of danger and tragedy in both Conoboys’s and Sander’s pieces, taking the reader inside the protagonist’s confused thought process. Conversely, Allen does the same in “Rainbow Trout,” using third person, at a less intense but no less satisfying pace.

“Introducing Brokoli” is a whodunit spoof with vegetables personifying the main characters. Dewey Flynn nails the voice of a detective investigating the triple murder of Eddie Turnip, Sasha Carrotino (a high-priced hooker), and Mrs. Maddie Turnip. Included in the investigation are Detectives Jalapeno and Azparagoos, and medical experts Doctors Wang Leek, del Salade, and Ruebarb. Brokoli and his team find the murderer in the typical twist, but he ends up acting like a pig, not a vegetable.

Clever wordplay aside, this story falls apart after the list of ingredients. It might be a girl/guy thing, but the demeaning characterization of Mrs. Turnip didn’t work for me. The motivations for her actions are in direct opposition to the reasons for her own marital infidelity. All the characters are either too good, too bad, or too stupid to be true. This starts as a recipe for a tasty stew, but it turns out to be a ragout.

“Accident Prone” by James Hartley is a fun story about a guy whose klutzy tendencies actually extend his lifespan. Any more and I’d give it away.

“More Than Gold” is a pirate tale, replete with the bloodthirsty, savage swashbucklers one would expect. But Wesley Lambert’s characterization of protagonist Clifton Turnbull is anything but stereotypical and is actually quite tenderhearted. This was my favorite in this issue of Written Word, probably because it had the somewhat happy ending I needed by that point.

“Dream Intruder” by Gloria Weber is one of those slipstream tales that leave the reader wondering if the protagonist is crazy, or whether there really are ghosts in the corner of his room. I loved the imagery and the underlying theme of dreams and imagination being tied to our creative angels, so I am willing to remain unsure, tending to believe the latter.

Conflict is the key to compelling fiction. Happy protagonists aren’t interesting. But I could use some more happily ever afters right now.