These are interesting times, the like the curse goes. You know the one, “May you live in interesting times.” It’s a disaster, waiting to happen. It’s dread, lurking at the door. It’s overwhelming.
So, until recently, I haven’t been writing much, just plugging away at the new novel, which has taken on a title, finally. Tell me if you like it: “Taker of Memories, Taker of Time.”
Also, I’ve taken to writing flash fiction, because it’s the attention span I have to give right now. I’m aiming for one flash piece a month. If they end up being longer than 1,500 words, so be it! Who am I to question the muse?
Speaking of flash, I got a little ditty published, and I’d be mighty flattered if you could go purchase a copy of the anthology. A group called Queer Sci-fi (my kinda people!) do a themed anthology of super-short stories. The challenge, to address the theme of “impact,” to have LGBTQIA characters, and tell a complete story in, get this, under 300 words.
I got an honorable mention for my story, “Thirteen Nails.” It’s as cheerful as it sounds. Go support queer literature and get many, many stories that you can read in the time it takes to put on a pair of socks.
How to buy:
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FC91HH2
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/impact-j-scott-coatsworth/1129055097
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/impact/id1409688669
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/impact-84
Angus & Robertson: https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/x/p/9781732307537
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40779373-impact
What I’m reading right now:
A weird variety of stuff. “Auntie Mame” by Patrick Dennis. Yes, the book that inspired the movie that inspired the musical that was ruined by Lucille Ball. I love Lucy as much as the next gay, but she should never have been the title role in Mame. The book is quirky and delightful and a study in popular literary style in 1955. I may borrow some of stylistic gems embedded in there. Also, “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris. It’s used as an example of exemplary thriller style in “The Story Grid: What Good Editors Know” by Shawn Coyne. So I wanted to see what the hubbub was about. It’s masterful, now that I know what I’m looking for. Some of the best, most incisive dialogue I’ve read in a long time.
So tell me, what are you reading?
A lifetime of creativity 
I’m reading The First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough. It’s historical fiction about Rome 110BC. It’s a real page turner. I stayed up waaay too late last night reading. In addition to all the engaging storylines it offers incredible insight into what Roman life was like 2000 years ago. I highly recommend it. (I hope the ending doesn’t disappoint.)