best new writers

An Excerpt from “On the Dance Floor” by Leah Browning

NEW FICTION

That night in bed, when she placed one leg over his and began sliding her palm over his chest, he put his hand over hers and rose a little, giving her a decisive peck on the cheek before turning over with his back to her and making a big show of arranging his pillows just so. 

He heard her sigh and turn over. Good. The next day, he would start looking at rentals. He couldn’t face another six months of couch-surfing, as he’d done after the breakup with his previous girlfriend. He’d worn out his welcome with various friends and their girlfriends, not to mention that they’d worn out their welcome with him. They were all so deferential, with their bran flakes for breakfast and their “Emily wouldn’t like that”-type comments. What were they doing with their lives? It was sickening, if you asked him.

COMING SOON to New Pop Lit!

Interview: Bela Seitz

1.)  Is New York City as crazy as you depict it in your story?

Last week in Central Park, I walked by a man covered in what looked like dozens of raccoons who, amidst their striped fur and beady black eyes, lifted up a gloved hand and pointed at me to ask: “Do you want to help me feed them?” Many people might find that crazy but that was simply my Tuesday morning commute.

2.)  Who are your literary role models?

To name a few: Toni Morrison, John McPhee, David Sedaris, Edgar Allan Poe and Edith Wharton.

3.)  What motivated you to become a writer?

Everything.

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NOW read Bela’s story at New Pop Lit: “Give the People Guns.”

Interview: Aspen Audley

1.) Which would you rather be doing: writing or practicing tai chi?

As much as I enjoy the sense of accomplishment after completing a story, feeling as though I was able to successfully crystallize my emotions, experiences, and imagination into words, I would have to say that I enjoy practicing tai chi more than writing. Writing has never been easy for me. And while learning a new tai chi routine can also be difficult, I am in love with the experience of moving in time to the music, performing in perfect sync with my fellow tai chi classmates, and mastering something physically. It is my burning passion.

2.) Are there a writer or writers whose work you use as a model, or at least as an example of something to strive for?

My favorite writer is James Herriot (true name Alf Wight), the author of the All Creatures Great and Small series. I may fall short, but I always reach for his level of excellence when I write. 

3.) What’s your goal as a writer?

My goal as a writer is to capture the wisps of memory and creativity floating around in my head, share them in a way that is clear and melodic, and leave the reader with an understanding that, despite our differences, we can relate to each other through the common experience of being human. I hope that my stories make people feel as though they know me and that I care about making their day a little happier.

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NOW read Aspen Audley’s feature story at our main site: “White Crane Spreads Its Wings.”