Guest Blogpost in Superstition Review

The great folks at Superstition Review were nice enough to ask me to write a guest blog post. I came up with something that I hope is interesting and maybe generates some discussion: the concept of “likeable characters” in fiction. It’s called “What’s Not to Like?” and you can find it here. Just scroll down to the December 15 entry. Also be sure to check out the other awesome fiction, poetry, and interviews in Issue 10 of Superstition Review.

New Story in REDIVIDER!

I’m pleased to report that the latest issue of the outstanding journal Redivider contains a story of mine.  My story answers the eternal question: “If the Invisible Man Dies and Nobody Sees it, Does He Really Die?”

The journal is available in print copy, so please treat yourself to a literary feast!

Here’s a link.

Superstition Review!

The new issue of Superstition Review has just launched, and I’m pleased that they wanted to include an interview with me in their issue. Their editor Christina Arregoces asked me some really interesting, perceptive questions about stylistic choices in my stories and things of that nature. I hope you will check it out, as well as checking out the rest of the stories, poems, nonfiction, art and interviews in this fantastic journal.

You can find the latest issue of Superstition Review HERE.

You can go directly to my interview HERE.

How did I become a writer?

If you’ve been dying to know the answer to this question (as I have), then please read this interview with yours truly HERE

Thanks to the wonderful fictionist and wonderful human being Kelcey Parker for including me in her series of interviews. You all should go buy her excellent story collection, For Sale By Owner! You’ll be amazed and entertained, truly.

Uncomfortable hat

I was tired of looking at my recent posts and wanted something new. So here’s a photo that appears when you do a Google Image search for “uncomfortable hat”:

U.P. Book Tour!

As usual, I’m tardy on my posts. Not that anyone really cares. It’s just another way that I make myself feel like a slacker. Anyway, I wanted to report on my humble portion of the mighty U.P. (Upper Peninsula, for those from out-of-state) BOOK TOUR, which recently wrapped-up after a solid month of readings, panels, book signings, and workshops.

I gave a reading at the Negaunee Public Library and participated in a panel discussion at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette, Michigan. My thanks to everyone who came out to these events, as well as to the librarians for their generous hosting. It was really a great experience meeting and reading with the many Michigan authors, and it made me proud (prouder — I was already proud) of this great state. Poets and fictionists Jennifer Burd, Saleem Peeradina, Matthew Gavin Frank, Linda Nemec Foster, Eric Torgesen, Phillip Sterling, and Patrick McGinnity were all there and all gave sparkling readings. Tyler Tichelaar was an outstanding moderator at the panel, and of course author Ron Riekki — tireless inspiring (and inspired) Ron Riekki — made it all go off without a hitch.

It was a great pleasure to be involved in this project, and I look forward to many more years of the UP Book Tour!

Join My Workshop!

This week I’ll be participating in some of the events of the U.P. Book Tour, which is an amazing and ambitious series of readings, book signings, panels, and workshops by Michigan authors. This was all put together by writer Ron Riekki, and you can see a list of all the upcoming events HERE.

Personally, I’ll be doing a reading on Tuesday July 12th at 5PM at the Negaunee Public Library, which is near Marquette, MI. The next day, Wednesday July 13th, I’ll be hosting a writing workshop from 4-6PM at the Vista Theater in Negaunee. It’ll only set you back $25. We’ll be writing some original fiction in class, creating original characters, and talking about the fundamentals of storytelling — or whatever folks would like to talk about! It’ll be a laid-back atmosphere, so don’t worry if you’ve got little or no experience with fiction writing.

If you’re interested in signing up or just want to learn more about the workshop, please contact me at darrin dot doyle at cmich dot edu (spelled out to discourage spambots) or post a message here and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

More Stories to Read!

Hey — the most recent issue of TOAD is now up. They have graciously accepted three of my body part flash fiction: “Eyes,” “Mouth,” and “Neck.” They also have some excellent other content, including an interview with acclaimed musician Dan Bern. You can read my stories HERE.

Give Yourself a “Hand”

Hey! The Spring issue of Blackbird is out, and it includes my story, “Hand.” Please check it out! It’s a stellar journal, and I’m really excited to be included among all the fine writers they’ve published. You can go directly to my story HERE.

Horizon Books Invasion!

Recently returned from a reading at Horizon Books in Traverse City. I was fortunate to read with my good friends and outstanding poets Robert Fanning and Jeffrey Bean, and we had the added pleasure of the company of a large group of Central Michigan University students, who made the 2-hour trip to hear us read. Wow! That was a really nice surprise, and very touching that these folks came all this way. Just shows how lucky we are to have such great students. And Horizon Books was a fantastic place, too — such an active, thriving independent bookstore is great to see! Thanks to Jill and the rest of the staff, who made us feel welcome and provided a terrific venue.