My lifelong writing goal has always been simple: walk into a Barnes and Noble and see my name on a book. Well, I’m almost there 🙂
Instead of seeing my name on a book, I can see my name in one. F(r)iction’s newest issue, Oceans, is out, and unlike every other print magazine I’ve been published in—which were only available online—F(r)iction is stocked in Barnes and Nobles stores across the country! They already sent me my contributor copies, but I still had to go see my name in person.
As you can see, F(r)iction is not your ordinary literary magazine. Each issue is themed, and each piece has custom art created for it. I got a behind the scenes peek at their whole process and it is crazy cool.
I first saw F(r)iction three years ago at AWP in Seattle, and I knew immediately that if there was any magazine that I wanted a piece in, it was F(r)iction. I didn’t realize the issues were themed initially, and the first piece I sent in got rejected. But when I saw the Oceans theme coming I knew exactly what story I wanted to tell. It was mere days after submitting that they responded and wanted to work with me.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but the story is based on a character from a novel I’ve outlined. I changed him a little so it made sense for a short story, but the novel’s character is a marine geologist who makes a world changing discovery near some thermal vents. For the short story I took the implications of his discovery, shaped them into a character, seasoned them with relationship drama, then let it simmer until the story was fully cooked.
I do have to thank Nate and Helen over at F(r)iction. Especially Nate. Without their input this story wouldn’t have the same oomph. We writers always have blind spots and they did an amazing job shining a light on what I was overlooking.
So head to your local Barnes and Noble and find it in their newsstand section (You may want to call first to see if they have it, the only location in my area that did was the Mall of America location). Or order it online if that’s easier. My story isn’t the only fun read in the issue either. You’ll find my story alongside work by Charlie Jane Anders, James Bradley, Dr. Ocean, and other brilliant contributors. It’s a gorgeous issue—go check it out.
Eric Taveren 