29 Things in The Carrier Bag

I have a short story out today!

You may find my story “29 Things Rose of Sharon Will Do if He Does Not Come Back” in the inaugural issue of The Carrier Bag, out now and free to read on their website. The first issue of this magazine is named “A New Leaf,” and explores ideas of newness, change, loss and growth.

I mention a recipe in the story which I have never made or even tasted – flammkuchen. It sounds quite good, although I do wonder if a lactose-free variation on this Alsatian onion, bacon and heavy cream topped “pizza” is acceptable.
While it might seem like I wrote this story after deciding to learn German, with it’s European food mention, in fact, it was written during the extended period earlier this year when I was toying with the idea of taking on a new language.
You will find a sentence in the story that reads: “She hasn’t decided which language she will teach first.”
Well, that was in fact me, trying to decide which language I will learn next!

There were some other things going on when I wrote the story – it’s partially a response to a Bradford Exchange dish. I see so many collectible dishes at the flea market, it’s amazing. I do also see some people checking them out, and occasionally buying one, so even if they’re maybe not a really cool thing to be into at the moment, if you’ve got some collectible dishes, don’t just chuck them in the trash – you might be able to find someone to come and take ’em off your hands.
(To clarify, I personally don’t collect these, but I’m a regular poke-arounder at the local flea!)

The story is also tangentially related to a couple of other short stories I’ve written in the past year or two. There has developed a small series of stories which are sort of part of the same “story universe,” following the same characters or similar characters at various points in time and reality. Some of these stories of mine are still unpublished and some are still in development.

“29 Things” is, while grounded, set especially vaguely in history, perhaps it’s the 1960s or 70s, or the 80s, I’m not sure, but I don’t think it’s quite now. If you read it, let me know when you think it’s taking place!

I think the theme is not irrelevant today!

Thank you for your support.