James Brega: What I Write Instead of Nothing

Monday 3/19 John and I attended my first book release party–for the anthology A Year In Ink 5 published by the group San Diego Writers, Ink. I was surprised and a little alarmed when the mistress of ceremonies announced that the authors were going to “read through the book,” including the introductions by prose editor T. Greenwood and poetry editor Brandon Cesmat. I knew that my story, “Things Could Be Worse,” started on page 117 and wondered how many hours of waiting I was in for.

I needn’t have worried. At the end of the three hours (with a fifteen minute intermission) I was hungry for more and reluctant to go home. The pieces read by my fellow authors were often beautiful, always interesting, and universally good. The intros by the editors were inspiring and masterful. I realized how honored I should feel to be included in the book–and I am. The entire evening (including pre-event Mexican dinner treat by my writing circle partner, Alice Lowe, and her husband Don Strandberg) was delightful, and, I believe, would have been so even without the Margaritas!

Just received word today that my story “Little Red Bird,” which was featured in the December, 2011 online issue of Foliate Oak,  has been selected by the journal’s editors for publication in their annual anthology of the best stories of the year.

I’m so happy that this story has found a second life in this anthology. I like the story a lot and think of it as a tribute to my spouse John’s three sisters–Cathy, Laura, and Connie–who have taken on the responsibility of daily visits to their parents in separate long-term care facilities.

The anthology will be available in May, but you can read the story here or by clicking on the “Non-Fiction/Essays” section of this blog.