Publisher Seeking Original Short Stories

I am all for defending the short story. I've had my compilation denied many times because it is a collection of short stories and not a full novel. I would love to discuss this further with you. I am a writer of both horror and children's.

If this is inappropriate to post here, I apologise, but since he put the link to his site on here himself, I reckoned I could copy a bit about the rates from their site and paste it here, because I was sorta curious... Rates* There are currently two options: 1. Fixed Rate. A payment of £5 per 500 words for each tale we publish, 50% to be paid upon signing of contract, and 50% to be paid on date of publication. Or 2. Royalty Scheme. This has been introduced for those authors who would like the chance of earning more from their work. We will pay 25% of the selling price of the publication in which your tale appears per 500 words per 100 copies of the concerned publication sold. An initial payment for the first 100 copies will be paid in advance on the date of publication. In return we may request copyright of the tale concerned or exclusivity for a period of one or two years, we will make a decision with regards to this clause soon. An example: If we sell a publication for £5.99 we will pay 25% i.e. £1.50 per 500 words per 100 copies sold. If your tale is therefore 3000 words long we will pay £9 per 100 copies sold. If we sell 2000 copies we will pay you £180 *Word count will be rounded to the nearest 500 words per story. I do not have that much experience with the going rates for publications, but as far as I know, this is not very much, is it? The fixed rate plan comes down to 1 cent or penny (whatever it's called in England ;) a word and the royalties plan pays 0.025% royalties per 500 words per copy... neither of these rates seem to be very high, if I put it mildly, or am I wrong?

Hi, I am an English writer, currently working as an English teacher in Portugal. I have short stories which I would like to submit to your publication. I have previously had articles, reviews and poetry published in various publications and I have my poetry on two websites. My short stories are varied- covering genres and themes such a humour, isolation, self-harm and city life. If you are interested I can e mail you a sample of my work. Thanks, Michelle Blower.

I have two short stories what I wrote, they are about old people, they are funny and not clever, but I suppose they have insight. Would you be interested?

Alright, I have short stories to publish, what is the process? Thanks Mr. Holt

author:syed asif desnavi i have some short stories which has been allready published in india.i want to know whether you encourage themes which deals with lifes of aborigines your coments & advices ,thanking you for your patience with start up writers

I tutor an English Language student who has written an engaging short story with a twist that you may be interested in- could you tell me what type of stories you publish? Many Thanks Susan fallon

Effects of drinking and driving, told from Victim's P.O.V.

St. Crane You're either an extrovert or, totally whako. Perhaps you're an introverted whacko. But of course you are. You're a writer. Right? You write well. So...Keep writing and...good luck with the short story Publisher who hasn't even taken time out to post a reply. Well...guess that's Publishers for you. Or should that read. 'Publishers are us.' No. Me neither. Yeah that's right. I spelt, Publisher, with a capital pee. You know. Just like God. Right?

I write prolifically in most genre' and so far have never sent any works for scrutiny. I am an Aussie Are you still accepting short stories ? and do you send the criteria you require submissions? Thanks Little Ray Of Sunshine (LROS)

I'm seeking a publisher for my new short story, but my computor doesn't like the website you gave!

Sirs: This is my first attempt to have a short story published. It is approx. 5000 words long and it is a "true" biography of my cat Blue from his perspective. It also is comical in nature.

Hi, My name is alana jane clover. I am 10 years old. I have written a story and am trying to get it published. If I can't get it published then I probely will just wait until I am older if I still want to which I dought I will try again. If I get my story published then I will be encouragred to write more. My story is about a liitle girl who finds a gold nugget but gets caught by John Mclane. please write back as soon as posibale or I will probaly lose all of my encouragment and will not try again

Hello, I have a few short stories that are ready and waiting to be published. I live in India, so all my stories have the Indian twist to them. Would you be interested and will you pay to publish, and if so how much? Thanks, Ameeta. [%sig%]

Dear Sirs Just for fun, I entered a mystery competition arranged by the Agatha Christie Society (I'm one of her big fans), but unfortnuately heard nothing more, as the organisation disbanded recently. However, my short story I wrote for the competition entitled 'The Strange Death of Johanna Haynes' and about 18 pages long and set in a hospital, I was quite pleased with. I await your thoughts on this? Thanks David Titmarsh

Hi I have childrens short stories which i would like to get published could you tell me the process in which to do this? Thanks Mel (Npton) [%sig%]

I am a Freelance Writer based in England, I have several shorts that have as yet not been published. If you are interested then email me.

I have written some short stories set in plantations in India more especially in the old days when they were run by the British. Most are of human interest - some amusing others serious, all slices of life. Would these be of interest? Regards, [%sig%]

Hi John. My name is Collin. I came across a short story I co-wrote with my friend back in high school yesterday, and while I read it to my grandmother and also my mother, I was very suprised as to how good it was. I don't want to just sit on this story, which I believe is pretty dog gone good, and also has some good spiritual and moral points to it. Thus I'm seeking a way to have it published, even though it's been like seven years since I've graduated from high school, and I have no interest in writing any more short stories. At the same time I don't want to submit this work which is like a folklore, fantasy type, and have it ripped off. Or be denied by a publisher, and a couple years later find out me and my friend's idea is a hit movie or cartoon series, or something like that. I read the description for the kind of short stories your interested in and I believe this story could be something you would really like. Please e-mail me back, and let me know whether or not you are interested, and if so, where we go from here. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Collin McAdams 1-26-05

Hi John. My name is Collin. I came across a short story I co-wrote with my friend back in high school yesterday, and while I read it to my grandmother and also my mother, I was very suprised as to how good it was. I don't want to just sit on this story, which I believe is pretty dog gone good, and also has some good spiritual and moral points to it. Thus I'm seeking a way to have it published, even though it's been like seven years since I've graduated from high school, and I have no interest in writing any more short stories. At the same time I don't want to submit this work which is like a folklore, fantasy type, and have it ripped off. Or be denied by a publisher, and a couple years later find out me and my friend's idea is a hit movie or cartoon series, or something like that. I read the description for the kind of short stories your interested in and I believe this story could be something you would really like. Please e-mail me back, and let me know whether or not you are interested, and if so, where we go from here. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Collin McAdams 1-26-05 John wrote: > www.KnightofTales.co.uk is a new publisher with a mission to > defend the short story, to encourage and reward authors of new > tales. We are currently seeking submissions from authors of > ghost, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, twist, humour and children's > tales. [%sig%]

Well done Ralph, you took the words right outa my mouth. 'GOD' it is... Yet another poor writer here, waiting for the big break... With dreams of her name becoming a house hold name... To see her name sticking outa the top of the chip wrapper, or with headlines of her latest affair. Damn I need to get a fella, or something. (Joking at the something) If you want short stories I have millions, some good and some - shall I say - weak. Yes weak would be a good way of describing 'Crap'. Hence the later ones are better. Should God wish to answer my mail, oppps Publisher (wash my mouth out with carbolic soap)- then feel free. I just want to just ask, will I be exploited or used in any form??? I'm that desperate to get published, I find the words 'exploited' and 'used' quiet a turn on... [%sig%]

I am interested in getting an idea I have for a story published. I have four chapters for the story line. If you truly are interested, please email me and I will send you some of the papers. Thank you [%sig%]

I have written short stories (well maybe articles would be more like it) about day to day living. Mostly humerous. Some of my titles: " The pile of stuff on my bed " " To china for milk" I would appreciate any advise on where to start. Thanks for your time.

I have a collection of short stories that I would like to see published. I am American and my stories have an honesty about them and a delightfully fresh perspective. I think some of them are humorous but that is just my opinion. I write poetry, humor, drama and mysteries. If you are interested in seeing some of my work, just let me know. Thank you Kathryn Gabrielle

Hi, I am an Indian woman and would like to publish my short stories. Could you help?

Dear Sir or Madam My name is Stoyan Valev, a writer from Bulgaria. I am the author of four books – ‘When God was on Leave’, a novel (1999), ‘The Bulgarian Dekameron’, a book of love stories with unknown end (2002 and 2003). A play of mine was presented in two Bulgarian theaters, the Bulgarian National Television made a TV series based on a story of mine. Some of my stories have been published in many issues in USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, Poland, Nepal, Italy and some are going to be published soon. I believe that each one of my books will attract a great deal of the reading public in your country. I present to your attention my last book: ‘Time to be Unfaithful’ – a book of 40 short stories, approximately 1700-2500 words, based on unfaithfulness, mostly humoristic in style. In Bulgarian language the book contains 54 500 words. I’m looking forward to your answer. Yours sincerely: Stoyan Valev Site www.bg-dekameron.com Stoyan Valev Site www.bg-dekameron.com SYNOPSIS To The Collection of short stories “Time for Infidelities” by Stoyan Valev I present to your attention my book: ‘Time to be Unfaithful’ – a book of 40 short stories, approximately 1700-2500 words, based on unfaithfulness, mostly humoristic in style. I. INFIDELITIES AT UN UNEARTHLY HOUR 1. SEX BEFORE BREAKFAST One morning Gerry, Todor’s wife, reads him an article in a magazine, according to which the doctors have found a prescription for longer life – sex before breakfast. Todor is filled with indignation, considering the findings a complete nonsense. Gerry makes up her mind to go jogging in the morning, as she cannot make sex with her husband at that time. Thus, she meets a man, selling newspapers in the street. One morning, he joins her and they go jogging together. They find a small wooden house in the park where they make sex before breakfast. Gerry goes back home happy and with a newspaper in her hand which fact pleases her husband very much. 2. CUCKOLDING ON THE SIXTEENTH FLOOR Zachary introduces Assya, his wife to a witty professor. Zachary senses they take to each other but he keeps his wife under control. Zachary and Assya are invited to the professor’s birthday party. Zachary buys the professor an interesting present – antlers , as he knows the latter is a passionate hunter. When Zachary and Assya get on the sixteenth floor, Zachary finds out that he has forgotten the present in the car. He goes back to fetch it. Assya props the door of the lift with a slipper, thus forcing Zachary to climb up the stairs. He needs twenty minutes to do it. These minutes are especially pleasant for Assya and the professor – time enough for making love. Many years later, Assya confesses before her husband about her transgression, but it turns out that he knows it right from the start. 3. I’LL HIT ON YOUR HUSBAND! In the students’ café Katya is looking for her husband – Krassi, an assistant-professor. He is having coffee with his students. When they leave for home, one of the girls – Petya- whispers in Katya’s ear that the former will have sex with her husband. On Friday, Krassi quite unexpectedly tells Katya that he is going on a conference in another city on Sunday. At midday on Sunday, Katya receives a telegram from Petya in which Katya understands that Petya has hit on her husband, but the latter also has added that he is no good and Petya does not want him any longer. Krassi comes back in the afternoon and tells Katya that he is very tired. She agrees and shows him the telegram. The husband expects angry protests, but hears only her forgiving laughter. 4.“THE EMERGENCY” DOCTOR Maya starts cheating on her husband - Plamen because he does it. One day she invites Ivan to her place, but to her surprise her husband comes back and rings persistently on the door. What should the two lovers do? It comes to Maya’s mind that she has a white overall, as she worked as a nurse before. Ivan opens the door to Plamen, introducing himself as a doctor from the emergency service. Later tonight Plamen tells Maya that he did not see an ambulance, nor did the doctor wear a doctor’s bag. Maya understands that she is still in love with her husband. 5. TANYA’S CALCULATIONS Tanya is an ambitious woman and does not want to remain secretary all her life. She sleeps with the boss of a bank branch – Emanuil, and thus she gets his deputy at the bank. Petrakiev, the bank chief boos comes for the annual party of the branch. He finds Tanya to be a good professional and perspective boss, as well as an attractive woman. While talking to her he makes up his mind to promote her to the position of branch manager. Emanuil is to be transferred to the headquarters at a new position. The latter does not want to lose Tanya, and warns her husband that she will be with his boss that night. Petrakiev sees Tanya off and goes back to his hotel. Tanya’s husband understands that he was misled. He is very satisfied that she was not unfaithful to him, and says how much he loves her and trusts her. It is the case that night, but Tanya’s little trick allows her to be unfaithful wherever she likes. 6. YOU WERE WONDERFUL, DARLING! Assen, a notorious womanizer, has a crush on Emily. At a cocktail party, late one evening he takes Emily out, as though carelessly, right before the other women’s the envious looks. Everyone knows what will happen. Assen and Emily are kissing outside, while she asks him to excuse her for a moment. She wants to turn off the annoying lights, which exposes them to the rest. When she goes back Assen is surprised by her passion. Then, both go back into the house quite happy. But to Assen’s bewilderment, he finds Emily already inside the house, and the woman he had sex with is his wife, Mariana. Assen feels stupid while the ladies burst into laughter. While it is still too noisy, Emily whispers into his ear that they may meet tomorrow. 7. DON’T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN! Theodore is a taxi driver. Every morning a beautiful woman – Ilka, hires him. He takes her to the bank where she works. Once he dares offer her a cup of coffee. Thus starts their love affair. But Ilka’s husband becomes suspicious and follows them. When he surprises them in the city garden, he finds out that the woman is not Ilka. The latter has changed places with Mary, keeper of a café, because Ilka has been warned by an ex-lover about her husband’s plans. Theodore is bewildered and asks her whether that man was her lover too. But she tells him that if he keeps asking he will lose her. 8. ZOYA’S GAME Arseni, Zoya’s husband has bought off all the shares of the company where his partner is Lazar, when the latter was in great need. Having felt the injustice, Lazar makes up his mind to take his revenge. One day, Arseni’s secretary leaves some photos, which Arseni finds, and in them Zoya and Bogomil, his bodyguard, could be seen having sex. Arseni finds them in his flat and kills Bogomil, trying to get Zoya into hot water. But candid cameras film the whole thing. Arseni is sentenced. Before going to prison, he sees Lazar and Zoya, as well as his secretary being together, and realizes it was a setup. 9. THERE ARE SO MANY HANDSOME MEN Lily and her husband Petar are drinking beer in the pastry-shop in a shopping mall’s lobby. George, a friend of Petar’s joins them. The men begin talking on ‘male’ topics, while Lily is bored and starts looking around. She spots a handsome man, who spots her too and gives her a signal to follow him. She pretends to go to the toilet, but together with the handsome man – Pavel, the finds themselves in the security room, from where they can see all the customers on the monitors. The place becomes Lily and Pavel’s oasis. When Lily goes shopping in the mall, she always rests here. Her husband- Petar drinks beer at that time and marvels at the beautiful women around. 10. HELP ME, YOU SCOUNDREL! Mira is a shop-assistant in her own shop.. Every morning, Boris buys from her cheap cigarettes. Although quite younger than her he likes her. In the summer, Mira opens up a café near the shop, thus making her working time longer. At night she meets Boris, but one taxi driver tells her husband - Radoy about it. Radoy, who is a security man on night duty, goes on leave to follow her. Mira finds out about it by accident. Late at night when Mira is in the spare-room, Radoy rushes into it and starts hitting around, thinking that he is hitting Mira’s lover. When Mira switches the lights on, Radoy can only see a dummy, he has been hitting. 11. THE PINK STAIN Malina is happy on her wedding-day, she has finally found the man of her dreams – the handsome and rich Petyo. But she notices at the party Kroum, an old suitor, who made her happy at the time but, at one moment disappeared. Kroum, disguised as a waiter, comes close to the newly-wed couple and clumsily spills a glass of wine on the bride’s dress. She rushes to the bathroom to take out the stain. There Kroum is waiting for her and a short lovemaking follows. Four years later Kroum goes back and starts working for Petyo’s firm, closer to Malina. 12. WE’LL MEET AGAIN The two friends, Kathy and Annie are having coffee in a posh café. Cathy notices Harry, Annie’s husband in the café too, who is philandering with a young lady. Annie and Cathy go to Harry’s table and raise hell. They introduce themselves as hookers, declaring him their client, the young girl – as a beginner in the trade. Annie and Cathy charge him with perverse behavior in sex. After making him a laughing stock, they withdraw victorious, but are bound to see one another again as Harry and Annie are husband and wife. 13. VICTOR, THE WINNER Victor has long been Lydia’s lover, but it suits her very much and she does not consider breaking heir families as an option. Victor writes to Lyudmil by e-mail that the latter’s wife is cheating on him. Lyudmil tells Lydia about it, and she realizes that Victor is trying to make her feel guilty and concede. Victor keeps telling his mistress’s husband about her cheating. Lydia finds it out and makes up her mind to break with him. One day, after they break up, Victor gets home and finds his son at home. His son knows about his father’s affair, as well as about his mother’s affair. Victor realizes that, although he has lost his mistress, but has found a friend – his son. 14. THE YOUNGEST SISTER Joanna is new to the company, Bobby likes her. He thinks she is the sort of woman who is not very happy in her marriage. He soon finds out something about her from the accountant in the neighboring office. Joanna’s husband is fat and bald, her fellow-student. Bobby is triumphant that he was not misled in his conjectures. He and Joanna get closer and spend the lunch-break together in bed in a comfortable flat, where Bobby tells her how her husband used to look like. At the firm’s official party, Joanna comes up to Bobby in the company of a handsome and smartly dressed man – her husband. She introduces him to Booby and draws away. Bobby is surprised, but the accountant from the neighboring office helps him – she helped her youngest sister Joanna to spend a happy month in the absence of her husband, a sportsman, who was abroad at that time. II OUR MANLY LIES 1. I AM GOING FOR A WHILE AND I AM NOT COMING BACK One morning her husband tells her that he would be late for a few evenings during the week. He has a private real estate agency. She is surprised but tries to understand him – he wants to personally oversee some business contracts. A few evenings later, though, she decides to follow him. He leaves his office after work and goes to some apartment. Next evening she takes the family gun, having made up her mind to kill him. She rings at the door continuously. A family friend and her husband’s partner, a lawyer himself, opens the door and with his hands up takes her to the kitchen. At the table, getting ready to make his move on the chess-board, is sitting her husband. She remembers that he loves playing chess. She is sorry for threatening them with a gun. He calmly embraces her, puts the gun in his pocket, and they both go home. The lawyer closes the door when they are out and goes back to a room in the spacious apartment, where he must, because of a change of plans, prove to two young ladies that he is worthy of making sex for two. 2. ARSE ON DISPLAY Pancho, a journalist, has to interview Greta – wife of a newly-hatched banker and ex- fille des rues. He has to interview her without asking awkward questions, showing her at the same time in a favorable light. Pancho goes to her house where ostentatious luxury prevails and talks to her disgusted at her indifference and vacuity of mind. Pancho is quick to leave the house. At the front door, though, while saying goodbye to her, he casts a glimpse at her image in the mirror nearby. Her dress is cut out so deeply that her bottom is on display. The door slams in his face but he has already made up his mind and presses the bell again. When he comes back to the editorial office, the editor-in-chief calls him up. Pancho is told that there are surveillance cameras in the banker’s house. The banker had decided to get rid of his wife and Pancho was the scapegoat. 3. MEN’S SECRETS An old colonel and his friend, a diplomat, are discussing the ever-green topic of women. Galya, the diplomat’s wife and Vessela the colonel’s wife, are discussing men, and remembering the recent event with John the ambassador, a man, full of energy and fond of experiments with making cocktails. At a meeting of the three families, John starts making the cocktails. Now Galya, now Vessela help him, not only with the cocktails, though. They are also flirting together, away from the curious looks of the rest having fun in the yard. Fifteen years later, the ambassador, having worked in other capitals is now a retired man. On that same date, he sends postcards to the two naughty ladies, now wives of top ranking officials. The current postcard is the cause of the colonel’s and the diplomat’s disclosures, before their wives, of the fact that they were aware of the ambassador’s flirtations. The old colonel used to work for the military counter-intelligence, and with help of the video-recorded sexual adventures of the ambassador, they managed to manipulate him. Galya and Vessela feel betrayed and quite unpleasantly surprised. 4. DON’T KILL MUM! Grandmother Veneta, her granddaughter Mila and grandfather Zlati are all in the room. Grandfather Zlati is having a nap in the rocking-chair, his face covered with a newspaper. Mila is interested whether her grandma has ever cheated on her husband. Grandma made an attempt once. She ordered her sister to send her a telegram that their mother was ill and went to see her. The man she wanted to see, though for a while, was expecting her in the hotel. When she arrived in her home-town, however, her mother really got ill. Her sister accused her of inflicting God’s wrath upon her in punishing them with their mother’s illness. Veneta was quick to leave hotel and town alike. From then on, she did not have the courage to cheat on her husband. But grandpa’s explanation is different. Having awoken, he says that he thought out the set up when he realized what she was up to. After all, he decided that he loved her, as she was an impressive woman, and with such women men should always be on their guard. Mila agrees with him. III A DRAW 1. BIKINI ON THE CHANDOLIER In the late afternoon, the protagonist has a brief sex with his mistress Iva. She leaves while he prepares the apartment for the coming guests – two friendly families – Iva’s is one of them – they would both come with his wife, Zhenya. When the guests arrive and go to the sitting-room, the host spots terrified Iva’s bikini on the chandelier. He does everything that evening so that the guests would not notice the bikini. With the guests gone and his wife fast asleep, he secretly goes to the sitting-room to take the bikini down. It is at that moment that his wife switches the lights on and exposes him. She throws the bikini over the terrace. A few minutes later the house manager gives them back – the bikini flew out of their apartment because it is the only one lit up, he guessed. Now the protagonist burns them in the ashtray and it is then when the phone rings – it is Iva, his mistress, the proprietor of the notorious bikini, who tells him that she forgot them at his place. At that moment, the wife picks up the phone and swears at Iva. 2. I WAS ABOUT TO GET MARRIED TO YOU! Reni is a student who has to work as a waitress to make a living. A young businessman insists that she should go out with him every day. She is no prostitute though, and does not like to be one, either. One night, when she comes back to her place, she finds that there is no electricity home, as she has forgotten to pay the utility bills. Her parents are unemployed. The next day she gives her consent to the young businessman’s demands and agrees to sleep with him for $2000. His car is waiting for her at midnight after she finishes work. The chauffeur hands her an envelope full of money and drives off. While she comes to her senses, the car stops and the chauffeur opens the door. She notices though, that he has stopped in front of her apartment building. Reni comes back home and, on the next day, the businessman is sitting at his table once again. If she had not taken money, he would have married her. 3. INFIDELITY – ONCE AND A HALF After watching a movie about an unfaithful wife, Atanas tells her wife, Tzveta that if she cheats on him that will not go unpunished. That is true, but there is a small detail; it is Atanas who pays the bills, as he has a prospering business, while Tzveta is just a housewife and a woman. One day Tzveta meets Stefan and sleeps with him in a roadside motel. Tzveta likes taking risks and goes with Stefan to his mountain hut, a very remote place, with no roads leading to it. That evening Atanas can’t find his wife home and gets worried. He insists with the police chief that a search party should be sent for her. While they are talking it over, the phone rings and a male’s voice demands a ransom for Atanas’s abducted wife. The latter agrees. At the railway station the briefcase full of money is unnoticeably taken away, and his wife, Tzveta appears before him. A few days later Tzveta meets the police chief in the city square. He has unraveled the mystery and knows that she is behind the whole scheme, receiving half of the money. He suggests that she should give him the money, as he might tell Atanas about it. He wants the handover to happen in the same room, at the same place. The motel-keeper and the police chief have a joint business at the motel – they blackmail VIPs with the help of candid cameras. Tzveta loses her money, and the police chief – his business, as he is blackmailed in his turn by his associate, in spite of the latter’s promises not to do so. 4. ARTICLE TWO FROM THE HUSBANDS’ STATUTE LAWS Ruslan runs his own business and is often late in the evening. He tells his wife, Lily, that his job requires it. Lily is no fool, though, and is quick to find out that he cheats on her. One day she decides to give her three-year old daughter Iva to a kindergarten, and starts her own business. Ruslan gets back home and is told about his wife’s intentions. She becomes manager of a real estate agency, making more money than Ruslan. She starts coming home late, as her job requires it. Thus Ruslan understands that a man loves his wife most when he starts to share her with another one. 5. DOUBLE BLOW In the hotel’s bar his wife Stella is flirting once again before his very eyes. She is dancing this time with some German guy. At a table nearby, the German’s girlfriend Eva is bored to death. On the next morning, when they are about to go sightseeing, he knows Stella’s ready made answer – she has a headache and will not be coming with him. He leaves the hotel room alone and meets Eva at the next turning. They make friends and quickly decide to take revenge on the respective spouses. They go back to his room in the hotel and start making love. When they finish, Eva opens the door a little on her way to her room. The door opposite opens too, and Stella comes out, having made sex with the German. The surprise makes all of them burst with laughter. 6. MIRELLA’S COLLECTION OF BOOKS Blagoy is sent to a small town to become manager of a bank branch there. With him is his wife Mirella, who has nothing to do, and is bored. Blagoy is jealous and keeps a close watch on his wife. The house they rent could be seen from the bank. Wherever Mirella goes, Blagoy can see her, because the town’s centre is too small. She conceives a passion for books. At noon, under Blagoy’s scrutiny, she enters the bookshop, stays there for a couple of hours, and under his scrutiny again goes home with a new book in hand. Blagoy is satisfied. Now they have the largest collection of books in town. Years later, now the president of the bank, Blagoy meets at dinner a businessman, who was once a custom’s officer in that same little town. The ex-custom’s officer had an affair there with a lady, who used to go the bookshop every day and bought a new book. The shop-assistant was their pimp – such entertainments were necessary in the little town. The lady put down a note on the cover of each book the name of her lover and the number of sexual intercourses; it was interesting to her. Blagoy laughs at the story but rummages all the books overnight to find out that his wife bedded all the men in the town. On the next morning, he solemnly declares to her that he is going to make even with her. 7. THE SECRET THAT MUST NOT BE DISCLOSED Sonya and Doncho, sister and brother, are staying in their parents’ home for the last time, as they have sold it today. They indulge in memories. Sonya tells Doncho about their parents’ love affairs. They lived together until their death, but their father was their aunt’s lover, while their mother had an affair with a lawyer, who had actually bought the house. Doncho is surprised to hear that - it seems to him that we all live like strangers to one another. 8. THE BIG STALK Mother Clara and her daughter Lucy are discussing Lucy’s husband and his father. Mother Clara likes her son-in-law, because she had had an affair with his father. Lucy admits having sex with her father-in-law and then marrying his son. Mother Clara is outraged to hear that and, in her turn, admits making love to her son-in-law. Lucy gets offended. Both admit that they did not mean it and there was nothing serious really. What is the truth? 9. MARRIAGE MEANS LOVE! Emmy is married to Michael, a senior scientist in the field of physics. Emmy cheats on him with gusto, for the sake of sex. Now, she takes to Valery, brother-in-law of her friend Aglika. The former cheats on Aglika’s sister. Valery is a man with influence and succeeds in helping Michael go abroad, then the former seduces Michael’s wife Emmy, who gave him a sign. When Michael is back, he finds out about Emmy’s infidelity from Aglika. Aglika takes a revenge on Emmy, because she has had a liking for her brother-in-law for a long time. Emmy is in a trap and is exposed. She is afraid of losing Michael, the ideal husband, she has chosen. Michael forgives her, because he, himself, sinned while being abroad. Thus Emmy finds out that marriage means love. 10. VERKA’S DISCOVERY Verka has discovered that her neighbor Nadya has found a lover that has changed her a lot. Verka pays her a visit to expose her, so that Nadya should stop going the wrong way and come back to her old family ways. Nadya surprises her with the discoveries she makes. Now the latter is more self-confident, she understands the others and is ready to forgive them what she judged them for severely before. But why, Verka asks, you have a husband… Nadya asks her a surprising question – does Verka’s husband often make her happy? Verka does not remember her being intimate with her husband for a long time. She goes home convinced that happiness in love is in store for her, as she has not experienced it before. 11. A NOTE OF INFIDELITY At the start of the work-day, Alexandrov is in the office of his own firm. His young secretary and mistress at the same time, hands him a letter. Alexandrov finds in the envelope a note, telling him that his wife often cheats on him in their family villa and within an hour she will be there with her lover. Alexandrov is greatly surprised at the fact and quickly leaves in order to check that out. After a number of obstacles on the way to the villa, he finds his wife with his accountant, whom his secretary told him something about, to the effect that the person in question was almost a eunuch. Subjected to many humiliations, Alexandrov goes back to his firm, having firmly decided to file for divorce. His wife does not agree, though; they swore an oath to be always together for better or for worse. The phone rings and the accountant offers him a deal. Alexandrov is either going to stop making fuss about it, or is going to lose the three of them, because the accountant is also his secretary’s lover. Alexandrov, though, can’t allow himself to lose his secretary, as well. IV THE PROBLEMATIC WITNESSES 1. I WON’T TELL MUM Luka is on holiday at the seaside with his 16 year-old daughter Ralitsa. There he meets an old friend of his and also a beautiful woman, whom he decides to flirt with. Ralitsa has also admirers. The girl is very observant and late in the evening she notices that her father is at a table in the bar with the beautiful woman. Ralitsa and her boyfriend send Luka a bottle. The father is worried very much and hastens to quit the flirtations. On the next day, Ralitsa tells her father that she won’t tell her mother that she played the Casanova. The beautiful lady is with his old friend – the one she used to be with years ago. 2. ME…WHAT?...YOU, ASSHOLE! Bozhidara is the newest and the youngest employee in a small advertising agency. Milko is a designer there. He likes Bozhidara and is chasing her to invite her to dinner. Once he proposes, but Bozhidara is busy, she has an appointment with Dessie. That fact surprises Milko a lot, and, at first, he thinks that he might have understood wrongly, but there is no mistake. Bozhidara is Dessie’s friend, and Dessie is his daughter. What a fool he is, Bozhidara is the same age as his daughter. 3. YOU BETRAYED ME TOO! Today is the beginning of the school year. The students in the final grade gather in the school yard. Zhana and Svetla, two very close friends haven’t seen each other since the beginning of the holidays. Zhana’s friend, having disappeared without giving any explanation, comes up to them. He has a suntan, an obvious sign of having been at the seaside on holiday. Zhana is surprised that he ignored her and did not go with her. The boy turns to Svetla and asks her why she has not told Zhana that they were at the seaside together. Zhana finds out that she was betrayed. Is every friendship a potential betrayal? 4. THE DOGS OF HATRED Militsa decides to attract the attention of her new boss Nedkov to herself. Lena, Nedkov’s secretary considers as part of her duties to ward off such female sieges. Militsa makes friends with Lena. Soon she befriends Nedkov as well and they spend every moment of convenience together in the firm’s special apartment for guests. One day, Militsa’s husband catches them red-handed and aims a gun at Nedkov. They make a deal and Militsa’s husband receives a large sum. He decides to start his own business. Militsa will work for him. but how did he find about the infidelity? Lena, the secretary, though having no chances with Nedkov, feels betrayed and tells on them. 5. THE HOWL OF TIME Gloria and Spiridon, an elderly couple, are sitting opposite each other by the fireplace, waiting to see the New Year in. Gloria wants to answer questions they haven’t talked about so far. Spiridon knows about her desire but thinks that these matters should not be discussed. Gloria insists that she should tell him about Vladimir, but Spiridon knows about him already. Gloria is surprised, she thinks she has managed to keep the secret and that fact has troubled her. Spiridon knows about Vladimir and the child by the latter; the same child that they raised together as their own. He has kept silent about it. But why? Spiridon has suffered but never judged her in any way. He has chosen to remain silent. Five minutes before the New Year comes in, Gloria understands that she has loved Spiridon and only him, the rest was a delusion. 6. THE TRAP OF HAPPINESS Magda is happy with her lover Nikolay. They both have families and do not want to abandon them. One evening, when Magda is getting home, her daughter Polly, a student at secondary school, whizzes past her and thrusts an envelope into her hands. In it there is a picture of Magda and Nikolay, hugging each other. There is a short note too. Polly demands $500, which the latter has to receive within a couple of days. Magda is scared, she tells Nikolay, but he thinks that she is blackmailing him. Magda makes up her mind to talk to Polly and waits for her in front of the school at lunchtime. They sit in a café completely confused in the situation. Magda tries to explain everything to her daughter, but Polly laughs at her. Polly takes out a picture of herself and Nikolay being together. Magda takes it that her daughter had sex with him and runs out of the café. The sharp braking of a car is proof of the fact that Magda gets run over. The picture Polly has shown is simply a collage. 7. MY MOTHER, THE SAINT Ilona and her mother are in the office of the inspector on juvenile delinquency. Ilona has heavy scars from cigarette butts. Ilona says that her mother is to blame. The inspector does not believe her because her mother does not smoke, and yet she feels that there is a problem Ilona does not want to talk about. At home, the mother tries to understand why her daughter treats her in this way. Ilona accuses her of murdering her father. But he is not murdered; he committed suicide. Ilona thinks that her mother inflicted him a lot of pain through her infidelity and he felt unwanted. Her mother feels guilty and tries to explain the circumstances that had enforced the complicated relationships between husband and wife. Ilona won’t listen and runs outside. The mother swallows a large dosage of sleeping pills and commits suicide. Late in the night, Ilona comes back home. She has learned from her friends that such things happen in other families as well. Everything should be settled in a sensible way. But she has lost mother too. V. INFIDELITY IS EVERYWHERE 1. JOAN, THE COLONEL’S YOUNGEST DAUGHTER Joan, born in USA, leaves with her husband Christo for remote Bulgaria, because she wants to learn something more about him, the father of her children. Christo takes her to his mother’s grave; his mother was a beautiful woman, loved by all men. Joan and Christo have lunch with Nako – Christo’s brother and with Nako’s wife – Velitchka. They talk about the land they have got back, about life and the plundering taking place in the country. Nako and Velitchka’s children go to America with their uncle to study and fulfil their ambitions. Velitchka can’t believe it yet. She rings her daughter to find out if they will remain alone with Nako. Joan does not understand everything but senses the tension. Silence follows and Christo starts wondering where Velitchka might be. Nako remembers that Velitchka made a promise that if their children left them, she would hang herself. All join in the search. Velitchka has hanged in the barn. Joan folds her knees in her arms and starts crying helplessly like a Bulgarian. 2. ZORKA’S SOUL Kiro has been unemployed for a long time. Zorka, his wife, provides for the family, sewing tapestries. Their daughter works as a waitress for a chicken’s pay. Kiro meets his old friend Dotcho, a former civil engineer, currently unemployed. Dotcho tries to persuade Kiro to go to Cyprus together. Everything has been fixed already. Kiro agrees, gets ready and leaves Zorka. She can’t overcome his departure and has a heart attack. 3. A LESSON IN GREEN Marina rings the police late at night and admits murdering Rado, who raped her. Her father, an old accountant, encourages her in her trouble. The whole town has been shook by the misfortune. A lot of signatures are gathered in her defense and she is acquitted of the crime. One day, a young man meets her in the street and tells her that he knows the truth. There had been no rape at all. Marina had simply killed Rado and stole from him $100 000 – the money they meant to spend on their departure for Canada. The underworld has a rule – whatever gained is to whoever gains it. Part of the money though belong to the firm Rado worked for, and now Marina has to give it back. They make a deal and in a few days Marina hands the money over while the man simply disappears. When Marina gets home she finds out that the rest has been stolen. At the same time she has become a student at a university in the capital city and leaves to begin her studies. Years later, she has become a perfect lawyer. When her father dies, she goes back to her hometown to bury him. she also decides to sell the inherited apartment and finds out in the drawer a letter by her father to her. In it her father tells her that he knew the truth about incident years ago and had himself made certain that she would not receive the money. He did not tell the police but invested the money, and multiplied several times. At that moment marina finds out how much she missed her father. 4. THE JOKE The dying minutes of the last century are passing away. The TV anchor Elisabeth is about to congratulate the viewers on the new millennium. Suddenly, in the studio appears He, Christ look alike or maybe Christ, himself?! Elisabeth is perplexed. Christ talks about Judgment Day, about the coming together of the dead and alive alike, just for a day. Elisabeth can’t make herself believe it. Christ says that if all the people are to come together, they have to forgive one another in the first place. Doesn’t Elisabeth believe that love can save the world? Down will descend not only the murderers but their victims too – for example Elisabeth’s first husband. No! That is not what Elisabeth wants. Two minutes left. Then Elisabeth can see them and several rounds of shots fill the studio. Christ is shot through many times. In the first minutes of the new millennium, the minister of home affairs and the TV channel director address the audience. Who shall take the responsibility? The director claims that it has only been a show, it was no Christ but an actor. The minister replies that the whole thing was tormenting the audience. Though at the price of a corpse, the show is bound to be bought everywhere in the world! What Elisabeth realizes is that no one has understood that she has killed her husband. Stojan Valev was born and live in Bulgaria, Eastern Europe. He is specialist in Bulgarian language and literature. He graduated Paisii Hilendarski University in Plovdiv in 1982 and taught there 5 years as an assistant in Russian literature of XX century. He used to work as a journalist in radios, weekly papers and daily papers. He used to be chief editor of the weekly “Freedom”, the daily press “Maritza” and “Twenty-four-hour news maker”. He published his stories in the Collection of stories “A Murder on Christmas” and “A Murder of Love”, in the following editions “Paper for the Woman”, “Woman’s Kingdom”, “Review”, and “For the Woman”. In 1999 Hermes Publishing House published his first book “When God Was On Leave”. In 2000 two Bulgarian theatres put on scene his play for teenagers “An United Class”. His second book is “The Bulgarian Decameron”, in two volumes published in 2002 and 2003 by Golden Apple Publishing House. The two volumes include 30 stories about the love life of the Bulgarian in the past. His screen script on his story “Unfaithfulness – one time and a half” won a competition of the Bulgarian National TV in November 2002. the film was ended in December 2003. In 2003 Golden Apple Publishing House published a story collection of 40 stories named “Time for Infidelities”. In November 2003 the American Long Story Short magazine is publishing his story “Bikini On The Chandelier” from the same story collection. Some of his stories have been published in many issues in USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, Italy, Poland and some are going to be published soon. Publications: USA: Long Story Short, Readingdivas, The 13-th Warrior Review, Evolution magazine, Our Pipe Dreams, Thought Magazine, About Teens, A Jealous Mistress, Tintota, Nthposition, Donard Publishing /44/, ken*again, Double Dare Press, E-Blimey, WHISTLING SHADE, Spring 2004, Bohème Magazine Online, writeThis.com India: Onmag.com New Zealand: Southern Ocean Review Poland: Wydawnictwo „e media” Italy: OSSERVATORIO LETTERARIO Canada: Writer's Cramp Australia : Retort Magazine www.bg-dekameron.com “When God was on Leave”, Publisher: “The Hermes”, Plovdiv, 1999yr - a novel about the drama of the Bulgarian village in the time of socialism and after 1989. “The Bulgarian Dekameron. 1001 nights of love”, part one, 2002 yr., Pages: 192, Format: 210x145, Weight: 180grams(6 ounces). The book is an assembly of love novels based on tales from the Bulgarian folklore. Stoyan Valev’s style of writing is amusing and intriguing; he tells the stories about our ancestor’s passions with a great sense of humor. The Bulgarians hold the first place in the art of love-the author says. The book contains novels like “The soul of the widow”, “Make the below pay!”, “How priest Zlatan helped a baby to be made”, “The witty wife of the barber”, etc. The Bulgarian Dekameron. THE UNFAITHFUL WIFE OR THE WOMAN ALWAYS WINS WHEN IT COMES TO LOVE”, part 2. Author: Stoyan Valev, Publisher: “The Golden Apple”, Sofia, 2003yr, pages: 224, Format: 205x145 Weight: 180grams(6 ounces) 12 more novels about the Bulgarians’ endless passion to love. And one short story- “The unfaithful wife”, in which a man bets with his wife that she won’t be able to be unfaithful to him. He loses the bet shamefully, but he is more happy as well. Now that the two books of “The Bulgarian Dekameron” are here, we Bulgarians now have our own encyclopedia of the art of love. THE TRAP OF HAPPINESS, by Stoyan Valev Translated from Bulgarian by: Ivailo Dagnev The trap of happiness snapped and Magda found out that love was possible. A desperate pain blew up her eyes and they drowned in burning, blissful tears. Nikolay got even scared when he looked at her. She tried to explain it to him but failed. Isn’t it ever possible to grasp happiness, let alone make another one share it to the same extent, even if the person is the one you love. Is it necessary, in the first place? Is it permissible at all? Magda was driving her humble mini Fiat home and was beside herself with rage and spite alike; some spite that seized her out-of-nowhere. So many wasted years! Half her life! Now that I am 39 and youth is gone, I have found out that I have lived foolishly, Magda whispered, as if she was telling it to the steering wheel in her hands, and she kicked the gas pedal. The car speeded up as if in an attempt to catch up with the irretrievably past years… Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the small café, she was already past, and had to apply the brakes. She put the car into reverse and negotiated it into the small parking lot. Then she almost flew out of the car. “Whiskey” she whispered to the bartender, the latter nodded at once. When he was handing her the glass, he leaned towards her, looked into his eyes and said in a half-smile: “Cheers! To him!” While drinking, sitting comfortably in the corner, she was trying to calm herself down. Little by little, what scared and infuriated her faded away. Her kids and Emilian, her husband, were slowly fitting in this new reality of hers. Why isn’t it impossible for me to fall in love? Would it be so difficult for them to understand me? She even imagined the bold way she would tell it to them – at the table. Emilian would wipe his lips with the napkin and light a cigarette, deep in thought. Polly would stand up abruptly and would cry out of amazement, Tommy would only laugh. She knew the three of them so well, that she could picture every gesture of theirs at any moment. That would be the surprise effect, what next? She did not care, come what may! She snapped her fingers and the bartender gave her the same once more. Polly, her daughter, was a strange mixture of her’s and of her father’s. From Emilian she inherited for eternal use his persistence and patience, without his skill to adjust incessantly like a chameleon. She took after Magda’s skill to see through words and deeds alike, and to read easily the true motives. While Magda kept herself to herself about the discoveries she made, Polly, however, tried to unmask explicitly everyone and everything. That might be characteristic of her age, Magda bitterly smiled to herself, then she would be just like me – she would meanly conceal her opinion of the others. That means one hundred percent loneliness, she dreaded. We are looking with helpless tranquility how our children are not turning into what they must; they sink, while we remain unperturbed. Why are we doing this, she sobbed deep in herself and took a drink. Then she waved her hand and decided that she should be grateful to God for the happiness that befell her. What more could she ask for? Nikolay had a family too, hadn’t he? Two kids and a wife. He had been her husband’s friend from childhood. What now? Is he a friend now too, after he had slept with his friend’s wife? She drank the rest and stood up. She got back home, and while she was putting her shoes off, Polly hurtled along at full speed. It was not until she heard the door bang that she realized that she had put off only half of the pair of shoes and had an envelope stuck in her hand. It was foolish, that way. The envelope wasn’t even sealed. She was about to put it down on the chest of drawers, but a picture slipped out of it. She picked it up and froze – she was in it with Nikolay! Together! In an embrace! She felt the blood rush into her head. She flushed with fear or shame, she did not know, perhaps with surprise… Or, perhaps, the feeling of betrayal? Or that her happiness had been revealed and now judgment should be passed? She turned the picture over in frenzy and found the judgment there in a message! It read: “The price for my silence is $500, due by July, 15, Thursday, 10 o’clock. The money should be put into my brown dressing-case, the one you gave me as present for the New Year’s celebration. Polly – a spy, a judge and an executioner.” It was simply blackmailing, Magda sighed, almost near the point of fainting now. She felt sudden loathing. She has been racketing me. My own daughter! But how did she come by the picture in the first place, had someone followed us? They met every workday in his mother’s house; the latter had died a long time ago. They both worked until 2 o’clock, and the rest to 5 they managed to be together. Tomorrow I have to tell Nikolay, Magda decided and sank into her bed. Sleep grabbed her passionately, rapaciously, like an insatiable lover. When she opened her eyes and looked around the apartment she found out that Emilian had not come back from his routine meeting of the board of directors at his firm, Polly was sleeping in her bedroom, smiling happily, and Tommy was peering into the computer display. It was already one o’clock and she came back to her bedroom. Thus she could meet none of them because she woke up at five o’clock, as the morning radio program where she was sound – engineer started at six. Before meeting Nikolay, she hesitated long whether she should show him the picture immediately or let him caress her for the last time. Somehow she knew in advance that whatever had happened between them had come to an end. Powerless, she chose to wait and, when they lay down on the bed exhausted and naked, she reached for her handbag. Silently, she took the picture out, and Nikolay stared into it, and then cast a glance at her full of suspicion. He said nothing. Magda understood. She read his mind and hated him for that. The trap of revulsion snapped. Suddenly, she realized that she had never loved that man – she had lied herself about him! And she rose straight away. “This thing here…“ Nikolay started and waved the picture in his right hand. “Turn it around!” Magda hissed, while she hastily got herself into her bikini and bra and grabbed her skirt… Now he carefully read through the short message. He wasn’t surprised. Magda poured herself a glass of whiskey and lit a cigarette. She was watching him – what she saw was a different man. No, that was not the Nikolay she knew, he was a stranger. “Here you are. The money.” he said through clenched teeth. He did it with an overt relief. He held out the banknotes to her, but she did not accept them. Then he opened her handbag, which was on the night-table, thrust the money in, together with the picture, and zipped the bag carefully. Nikolay had always been very careful with the objects. Accurate, he said. Hence the objects’ obedience to his fingers, their complete submissiveness. The way my body served him, accuracy for accuracy, just like a contract, Magda smiled maliciously, took a drink, and realized that she had understood something important. Something about her, about him, about her husband, her daughter. All that remained was that it should be formulated, not now, of course. Not here! She left the house in a hurry, almost running down the steps; Nikolay didn’t even move a bit. She got back home and put the banknotes in the dressing-case. She locked herself in the bedroom and started to wait. She heard Polly’s sneaking steps – in and out of her room, and then the latter went into the sitting room. She heard her laughter…Emilian’s voice… Tommy’s loud footfalls… They had dinner at eight, as usual, the TV was on. At one moment Magda was sweating with fear, at another she got furious. She was asking herself if it was possible that Polly would throw a copy of the picture on the table and suggest: “Why don’t you have a look? Look here, brother! Pa, isn’t mummy cute?” Polly was up to it. Magda looked like one in fever and did not try to conceal it. She looked up and met Emilian eyes. He was watching her carefully and fixedly through his thick glasses. “You don’t look well” he said slightly worried. It sounded like a question and a statement at the same time. It was typical of him – he didn’t express himself fully. “It’s true” she admitted quietly. “It’ll pass.” It was as if they said something else, enough only for him to understand. He only slightly nodded. They had been living like this for years. “Nothing’s wrong with her!” Polly said rudely, all of a sudden. Emilian looked at her in surprise first, then with disapproval. Tommy laughed. Magda all but gave a sob – was it possible that Tommy knew as well?! Interesting though, sleep snatched her the moment she went to bed. On the next day Magda waited for Polly outside the school. “I am at your disposal, ma’am! I gather, you are waiting for me!” the other one’s voice startled her. Polly had gone not from the main entrance but from some place aside. “Yes, yes!” Marta nodded helplessly. She tried to catch her daughter hand in hand. A long forgotten gesture, now surfacing unexpectedly. Polly guessed right and drew back abruptly, then giggled. The passing girls and boys turned to look at them. “Let’s sit down somewhere… to talk” Magda whispered breathlessly. “Got it. Lemme get you to a hole” Polly said and then started at her mother. The shoe was on the other foot. Polly, as usual, in her jeans and loose sweater and dirty trainers, was taking wide strides, in a bossy manner, while Magda, in her long skirt and high-heels, was tripping next to her daughter, barely able to follow her. We are sure a funny sight to see, said the mother. Thanks God, Polly stopped and pointed at a nondescript little entrance, above which there was a small sign: “Bar: Hope”. The café was comfortable, though a little dirty, but there was not a soul in and it was somehow ominously hopeless. They sat in the corner. “A whiskey for mummy, two bottles of beer for me!” Polly cried to the bartender, who had stuck out his head, and served them immediately. Magda did not take long to halve the glass and after she lit cigarette, she plucked up courage and asked: “Why?” “Why what, mum?” Polly looked at her innocently and raised the bottle. “Why what, is that all you have to say?” Magda was amazed. “Take it easy!” Polly said and took another drink from the bottle. “Do you hate me?” asked the mother. Polly started laughing. Like a child she slapped her thighs, too tightly squeezed in her jeans. Magda started looking around in a confused way – the bartender started to giggle and send them kisses. Startled, the mother turned her look away. “Why are you making such a fuss about it?” Polly squashed the cigarette box. It was empty. Magda wanted to offer her one of her cigarettes, but Polly pushed her hand away. “Hit me with a packet, you – know - what, dude!” she cried out to the bartender. He stretched out a hand, picked up a box from the rack and threw it to her. Polly caught it dexterously, lit a cigarette and put her leg up on the next chair. She turned her eyes to Magda. “Fuck whoever you want. Big deal!” “What about the money? You have blackmailed me!” Magda stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray. “What about the money?! I needed it. Big deal! 500 bucks! Listen, what you ‘re talking about?” she spread her fingers indignantly. “Why did you need it, Polly?” Magda felt stupid. Just like an old and boring teacher. It was late, though. “What’s that got to do with you?! Don’t you have your buddy?! Polly snapped. “The same again, dude, come on, move it!” She told the bartender. “Listen…” Magda caressed her hand. “Don’t you touch me” Polly moved aside. “Why?” Magda asked confused. “I’m your mother.” “Nope” Polly pulled aside once more. “You are a woman!” She uttered it with unfeigned hatred, desperately, it sounded like a call. The bartender came up to them and dumped the bottles of whiskey and beer. He didn’t go away, though, but was looking at them with curiosity. “If I have to choose between you, Polly, and your mummy, I’ll pick up both of you! He sighed and caressed them both on the heads. How dare you, Magda wanted to say, but Polly’s laughter stopped her. “Did you pass the exam, you fool?” she put his hand down and slapped it in a friendly way. “One more time, I was a rocket scientist and I despise myself.” he said languidly and pinched Magda by the neck. “You are cute, ma’am!” Then he lazily shuffled his legs to the counter. “Doesn’t he take it too far?” Magda asked hesitantly and blushed; she realized instantly that it was stupid of her. “No, why?” Polly seemed amazed. “He behaves like a fool, but he reads for the bar. He keeps the bar, together with a friend of his. He, in his turn, studies sociology. Smart guys. Magda stared into her daughter’s eyes – they obviously were talking at cross-purposes. When did it happen? The same thing happened with her mother and herself. They had been meeting for years and didn’t have anything to say – they kept silent for hours. It was horrible. Was it happening once again? “You are a woman. Just a woman” Polly said unexpectedly. “What do you expect me to be? All mothers are women”, Magda started ardently. “Would I ever have been a mother, if I wasn’t a woman? It’s simple. I’m sorry to tell you that.” “Thank you!” smiling ironically, Polly bowed her head down. Then she became curious: “Do you hate Dad?” She asked quietly, but her tenseness in her expectation was evident in her voice. “No!” Magda exclaimed. “Not at all. I have always loved him. And…” she hesitated but said: “I still love him. Much deeper, somehow more really. Now I am going to rediscover him... Yes, that’s it! Do you know wh...” Polly was laughing. The bartender giggled, snapped his fingers and cried out: “The show must go on, dudes!” Magda started to look around feverishly, as if she was searching for someone to help her. The bar was completely empty. ”It’s true, Polly, I love him. Nikolay and Emilian are very different. It’s not true that one man is enough for a woman. You’ll find it out. That’s the biggest lie in the world1 I’m ashamed to tell you this, but I was the happiest when I managed to be with both of them in one day…” She said this and was quick to realize what she had done. Should she ever have done such an idiotic confession? To her daughter? Was she going nuts? “Interesting” Polly said. “It means that a man is not enough for any woman.” “Why not?” Magda asked peevishly. The strange cocktail of whiskey and enormous tension began to have its effect on her. She felt hot waves lifting her up; then she felt brave, even happy. Here she was, sitting quietly with her daughter in this pleasant afternoon and talking about the things in life that really mattered. “Ok, let’s say that I got your point. But!” she leaned towards her mother: “Would you mind if I check out how matters stand personally? With the guy over there and his buddy?” and she pointed at the bartender, who was playing with the remote control of the TV. Magda got scared. What was Polly driving at?! “Oh, no!” Magda said frightened, the girl laughed. Angrily. “Don’t run away, mummy. Nikolay gives you my father can’t. The only thing I can’t understand is why don’t you have the courage to tell Daddy about it? Are you afraid? Is that so?” Polly asked relentlessly. “Yes, I’m afraid”, the mother admitted. “Your father is capable of anything – killing me, committing suicide.” That laughter again; it filled the empty bar, and the bartender whistled cheered up. “You say, Dad can take his life?” Polly asked, laughing. “Yes! I don’t see the anything fumy here? Magda was filled with indignation. “You are so naïve, mummy! I took the picture you received yesterday from his desk drawer!” “So, your father knows?!” Magda was horrified and shivered. “Of course he does”, the girl said in a businesslike manner: “Not only does he know, but he knows that I know! “Oh, my!” the mother whispered. “So, you learned it from your father, didn’t you?! “You didn’t express yourself correctly, mum; I stole it from his desk!” Polly smiled benevolently. He learned about it and asked me, in the morning, to give it back. Yes, but I’m going to give another one back! “Do you have another picture?” Magda rose alarmed from her chair. “Here it is”, Polly slowly leaned to one side, and produced from the back pocket of her jeans a picture and placed it before her mother. Magda tried to take it, but the girl pushed her hand rudely. “Just look! Don’t touch!” the daughter whispered authoritatively. Magda couldn’t believe her eyes – Nikolay and Polly were naked in bed together! “You?! You?!” she asked, out of breath. She felt dizzy, demented. “Why not?!” Polly whispered feverishly. “Is it you who can do such things?!” Magda rose, and staggering, made for the door. She didn’t close it, and the noise of the traffic rushed in. The sharp screech of brakes was heard, someone screamed wildly. The bartender touched Polly’s shoulder and shook her. “I know”, the girl said. The bartender went out quickly, came back and sat opposite Polly. “What did you tell her?” “Did she die? It was a collage. I just lied to her” Polly said and tore the picture. The bartender nodded and bowed down his head. Polly helplessly spread her hands, rose and was about to leave, but she sat down, instead. The piercing wail of an ambulance siren was heard outside. DON’T KILL MOTHER!, by Stoyan Valev Translated from Bulgarian by: Nevena Pascaleva Mila, the favorite granddaughter of the old Venneta, sat down on the floor by the armchair, and asked: ‘And have you loved granddaddy all the time, granny?’ ‘Certainly, dear, how can it be otherwise?’ the old woman caressed her cheek. ‘And you didn’t get tired?’ said the girl, amazed, ensconcing herself in her granny’s feet. The old Zlati had drifted into his usual sweet doze on the rocking chair by the window, his face covered with the unfinished newspaper. At his side lied stretched Rudi, the Germen shepherd, whether sleeping, or keeping watch, however, the girl suddenly wasn’t certain. ‘Well, he did make me mad sometimes. We had our quarrels.’ the old Venneta became thoughtful for a moment, giving a peek where her husband snored peacefully, then laughed quietly. ‘Can you ever love one man for good fifty years?’ her eyes screwed up cunningly, ‘I’ve taken some rest. I have given myself a break.’ ‘A break!’, the girl felt bewildered and exclaimed, ‘You must be kidding me, granny!’ ‘The marriage is a job, my dear’ the old woman shook her head, ‘You need a time off. After the holiday, you work better, isn’t that right . . . ?’ the old Venetta was smiling cunningly, somehow mischievously and playfully, but honestly all the same. ‘And during the break, what?’ the girl gave her a conspiratorial wink. ‘Ah, me . . . should people share all their secrets?’ the old woman shook her head and gave the old man the same mischievous, childish look, ‘Besides, you are still very little, the time hasn’t come yet for you to listen to that sort of things . . . ‘ ‘Nonsense! Once women at eighteen already had already children of their own! Tell me, please!’ demanded the girl and pressed her cheek upon her granny’s knees. ‘Well, all right, all right!’ the old woman waved her hand, bowed her head and started her tale, in a very low voice, seemingly in the girl’s ear, but actually her voice was echoing in the room. ‘Once, I had got myself, too, a certain ‘friend’, as you call it now, but at the time we used to call it simply:’ lover’ and this is the truer word, I think. His name was Radko, a colleague of your granddad. I hated the long-drawn unfaithfulness: I wanted to be with the man I liked one, two, three days and … then everyone on his own path! So, I breathe the word to my sister over the phone and a wire comes from her at once and I still can see its preposterous contents: ‘Mother seriously ill. Come immediately.’ Mother lived with my sister so there was nothing suspicious it was exactly her to send me such telegram. So, I leave immediately, the very same night after receiving it. Your granddaddy harps on coming, too, but I said to him: no, no, you shouldn’t leave your work just like that, you have just been promoted, you have to prove yourself now! He complied to let me go alone, and all in all, I didn’t want him with me, because you understand I have other things on my mind. There was nothing wrong with my mother, of course, you understand it was just an excuse for him’, she beckoned towards her husband who was snoring on and off under the newspaper. Now the dog was taking part in the snoring, too. The old woman pursed her lips and exclaimed: ‘However, the moment I showed up, mother got ill! What a wonder! I, of course, had fixed it so that my new friend was coming, too, and he stayed at the local hotel. The first day, anyway, - we spent it locked in the hotel room.’ ‘A whole day!’ Mila exclaimed, admiringly. And a whole night, too!’ the old woman smiled mischievously and suddenly sighed. – But my mother goes worse and worse! My sister, frightened out of her senses, runs around, gets the doctor, and he says: She must be taken to hospital, her life is in danger! What’s wrong with her, ask I, but he mumbles, one can’t make anything of his chattering. At the same time, my sister, God forgive her, pulls me aside and tells me right in my face: ‘God’s punishing Mom because of your unfaithfulness! Go away, don’t kill mother!’ What could I do? I left. When I came back, my first job was to phone the doctor – sudden improving, says he! And again, all over me with his Latin gibberish! God sees all and punishes us, mark me, dear child . . . yes, it is true . . . ! Since then I hadn’t taken time off from your granddad! Here, honest to God!’ and the old woman crossed herself, her gaze fixed on the icon of the Virgin Mary, placed in the corner of the living room. ‘Yea-a . . . ‘ the girl agreed, stunned by her grandmother’s story. ‘That’s why one shouldn’t be unfaithful.Until that time, I was easy-going, taking my fancy to one man, then another, I didn’t care a cent that I’ve vowed before God to be faithful to this here man!’ the old woman pointed at her snoring husband and caressed her granddaughter’s hair, ‘However, I understood, you can hide no secret from God! He sees all!’ and the old woman again hastily crossed herself. ‘My God, what a horror you’ve been through!’ Mila exclaimed, taking both her grandmother’s withered hands between her palms, kissing them. ‘Nonsense! How can you fill the child’s head with such drivel?!!’ thundered old Zlati sharply removing the newspaper from his face. ‘I called your mother and she decided to play that little nice trick on you! Even your sister took part! He-he! Aren’t you stupid?’ ‘Oh! But he’s been eavesdropping!’ said old Venneta, startled. ‘Granddaddy! Shame on you!’ said Mila resentfully, but the old man gave her a cheerful wink and said: ‘And when you talk behind my back, doesn’t that, by any chance, make you feel ashamed, my dear girls? Venneta abruptly turned towards the old man, and snapped, but bewilderment showed in her angry voice: ‘ Can this be the truth you speak, Zlati?’ ‘What do you think?’ he smiled and slowly folded the newspaper. ‘I don’t think, I ask!’ said sternly the old Venneta. ‘The marriage is a competition between two people, Mila!’ explained the old Slavi to his granddaughter, waving his finger mischievously, ‘ The smarter, the more ingenious, is the one who always wins, as is with life, my dear child!’ ‘ Wait – are you serious, or you thought it up while listening in on us?’ asked the old woman suspiciously. ‘Yeah-!’ the old Slavi nodded, ‘I’m quite serious. I had decided never to admit that, but – here – stupid of me! I made a deal with your mother at the time. For a mother-in-law she showed much love for me!’ ‘Really?!’ the old woman couldn’t believe her ears. ‘And how!’ giggled the old man. ‘What a villain!’ the old Venneta half-rose from the arm-chair, outraged, then sat down again, grown extremely weak with the overcoming agitation. Her hands began to tremble in her lap, and clumsily, she tried to hide them away, but couldn’t – she didn’t know where to put them. ‘Well, all right’, said the old man ’You tell me, Mila, if I had acted like a villain, hadn’t I been provoked enough by her?’ Mila sighed – the case was too difficult to solve. She only shrugged helplessly. ‘Women, for some reason, always imagine themselves very sly and smart. But I won’t have that.’ Obviously contented, the old man started caressing the dog and the dog growled with pleasure. ‘But, granddaddy!’ exclaimed Mila and broke off. Actually, he was right. ‘So, be a winner in this competition, my child! Don’t believe your granny, nobody supervises us, life is in your own hands but love most of all. Win or somebody will win instead of you. There’s no equality in marriage – there’s a winner, or a loser! Take that from me!’ ‘I will’ nodded the girl and suddenly, she saw her granddad in a completely different light: strong, clever, ingenious. . . . ‘Come on, Rudi, my dear friend . . . Time for a walk!’ the old man was laughing while the dog scurried towards the door, then came back with the lead and bent his head.’ No, you don’t need a lead, dear friend, you are a man!’ ‘Take care, you hear, old boy!’ called the old Venneta after him, mischievously, as always, though her voice was trembling with agitation. ‘I will. I have learned to take care that half a century I’ve spent with you, sweetheart!’ grinned the old Zlati, ‘Would I manage to keep such a beautiful and loved woman like you, if it were otherwise?’ ‘Crazy man!’ the old Venneta started shaking her head. She absently caressed Mila’s neck, after the girl had lain her blond head on her granny’s lap again, ‘Well . . .so goes the world, my girl. So many years have I been with this man and I still don’t know what goes in his mind.’ ‘Well, he took you in, what’s so hard to understand?’ Mila smiled. ‘No, you are wrong, you are wrong . . . ‘uttered the old woman thoughtfully and then exclaimed:’ But I must have loved him for that; for this strangeness and mystery of his!’ a quick smile crept upon her lips and again, she shook her head ironically, with disbelief ‘although – who knows? From outside, came the barking of the dog. ‘Someone must have come!’said the old woman, surprised, and rose with a sudden liveliness; then went up to the window and looked through it. ‘Do you know who’s here?’ she asked excited her granddaughter ‘Radko, the same I told you . . .’ ‘That one, from the hotel?’ asked the girl, surprised and quickly joined her granny at the window. ‘The very same!’ nodded the grandmother fervently and her hot breath dimmed the glass in front of her eyes. ‘But how come . .

I am a teenager and several of my friends have read my books and thought they were quite excellent. they are ove 100 pages long is that a problem?

I suggest you all email the publisher: [%sig%]

Hi John, re- previous e-mail sent to you. I pressed preview to check out what I'D written and for spelling mistakes and must have posted the e-mail instead. Sorry if there are errors in my previous e-mail was'nt intentional Please tell me what you think about my idea. Linda

I have stories that would fit several genres, mystery stories that are humorous, humor stories that are mysterious. Some are true stories that defy belief, others are purely fictional embelishments of nothing in particular. Interested? Drop me a line.

My daughter who is 12 years old has written a short story and would like to see if someone who published books would give her some advice? Its a short story on her life so far in this world. If you do not do this could you please direct us to the right people? Thank You Sandra Evans

i have original short stories about people in western N.S.W. and their experience with the bush.Some are character stories with a twist . I would like to send a sample for your assessment.

Hi, I have several finished humorous (some might say wacky!) short stories and quite a few works in progress and am looking for a window of opportunity in which to present them. Or something like that. Kind of. If you would like an example, I will gladly send you one for your delectable inspection, ok? Ray Cowie

Is it just me or does anyone else feel that this thread is like a bottomless wishing well that's swallowing the hopes and dreams of the hopelessly naive?

foxy you read my mind. its so sad its pathetic

I have 20 short stories of 3,000 words - not all fit your requirements but they have been judged as nicely written and some do have a little twist in the tail. Of interest? Peter

Dear Friends, I have a collection of writing which includes short personal essays of wit, humor, philosophical twists, and inspirations. I would like to email some of this material for possible publication. I have had one article published as a ghost writer in a small town in California Sierra Nevada foothills. It was about a battle I witnessed first hand of two rattlesnakes fighting. Pretty cool eh? You can see my bio and some products at: www.lightlove.com Take Care Sincerely, John St. Pierre

If you can find a publisher that's all and well. However, I find it easier if a publisher can find me. If you go the Wright Site you can obtain a profile page for free. They at least claim that publishers look at the profile pages. I haven't hit pay dirt there myself, but I noticed that Google seems to like my profile page at least. So, who knows? Maybe someone will notice it someday. At least its neat anyway. Take a look if you care to. http://www.writesight.com/writers/Tim_Mack/

Hmmmmm. I wonder!!!

Wow! That has to be the longest post ever. Stoyan (or Stojan) Valev has just posted 11,700 words in one single post! I'm impressed! Surely even Funky's never beaten that.

I have been writing short stories and plays since I was in second grade. I was too poor for toys, so my imagination was all I had. Throughout the years I've lost control of my inner stories and now they consume my life. Every task I perform I become a character in some slternate reality. When I put it out on paper the stories flow as rapid as blood loss. The paper and ink become extensions of my body. It's as if my life is static and writing finally completes the circuit. I believe life is just a random lottery of brief moments and near misses, but in my writing I make every breath, every drop of sweat poetic. I like to focus on the most common, unexciting events in life and turn them into a ballet of predestined happenings. Such as when you arrive at the same small resaurant the man driving ahead of you has entered; and by awkward coincidence you are ready to leave the same time as him, or even worse: use the bathroom at the same time. The stand off begins and questions of etiquette, fate, even homophobia arise. Of course this all revolves around a freakish sci-fi fantasy style plot. I'm bringing real life and real thought into the most unreal circumstance. The story I wish to submit is just that: His day starts like all others. Decisions on whether to get up and pee, or take your chances and sleep longer. Rules of shower masturbation. How to judge a person's salary based on their uniform and the work uniform he must where. The difference between this and any other day is subtle. It starts with an itch on the palm of his hand, a simple itch that unveils the power burning inside him. One day trekking through this new, powerful gift spins his entire life (past, present, and future) out of control. New families are born, friends become foes, and the murder of the love he has never met must somehow be prevented.

I have been writing short stories and plays since I was in second grade. I was too poor for toys, so my imagination was all I had. Throughout the years I've lost control of my inner stories and now they consume my life. Every task I perform I become a character in some alternate reality. When I put it out on paper the stories flow as rapid as blood loss. The paper and ink become extensions of my body. It's as if my life is static and writing finally completes the circuit. I believe life is just a random lottery of brief moments and near misses, but in my writing I make every breath, every drop of sweat poetic. I like to focus on the most common, unexciting events in life and turn them into a ballet of predestined happenings. Such as when you arrive at the same small resaurant the man driving ahead of you has entered; and by awkward coincidence you are ready to leave the same time as him, or even worse: use the bathroom at the same time. The stand off begins and questions of etiquette, fate, even homophobia arise. Of course this all revolves around a freakish sci-fi fantasy style plot. I'm bringing real life and real thought into the most unreal circumstance. The story I wish to submit is just that: His day starts like all others. Decisions on whether to get up and pee, or take your chances and sleep longer. Rules of shower masturbation. How to judge a person's salary based on their uniform and the work uniform he must where. The difference between this and any other day is subtle. It starts with an itch on the palm of his hand, a simple itch that unveils the power burning inside him. One day trekking through this new, powerful gift spins his entire life (past, present, and future) out of control. New families are born, friends become foes, and the murder of the love he has never met must somehow be prevented.

Hi, I have written a short ghostly story with a twist, which has sent shivers down the spine of those amongst my friends who have read it. They have suggested I should attempt to have it published. Would you be interested, and how would I proceed to do this? I am also writing a novel - a back in time theme - surrounding Henry the VIII's third wife Jane Seymour and a modern day girl presently. Thank you, Jane [%sig%]

hello. you may call me Cat. I am young, but as far back as I can remember I have loved to write and think up stories even before I knew how to spell! however, I have never been able to finish anything because I have so many ideas, but I have recently been able to complete a few short stories for a friend. it is my biggist dream to become a writer and one that a hope that I can fulfill.

I have recently self published a collection of short stories I call MINI TALES I have written several stories since then. I would like to have your guidelines for submission. Thank You Darlien Breeze