My story “Death and the Lady” (from Tales of Falling and Flying) is on the Selected Shorts Podcast right now, as read by actor Denis O’Hare (that terrifying guy on the first season of American Horror Story). This is I think my 11th story to appear on Selected Shorts (and the 6th from Tales of Falling and Flying), and I have to say, it’s my favorite performance! O’Hare does a wonderful job, frightening and funny at the same time. I admit to getting a bit weepy as the ending approached. Anyway, it’s Episode #22, “Reality Checks,” and also includes “The Leap” by Louise Erdrich and “In Dreams Begin Responsibilities” by Delmore Schwartz. Check it out here or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

I have a new story called “The True Story of George Washington and the Cherry Tree” up over at R&R (the new literary journal of Relegation Books) today! This one grew out of my lifelong confusion over why in that famous story George was ever chopping down his father’s cherry tree to begin with. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it! Many thanks to editor Joey Grantham for all his help on this one—and for finding the perfect Brad Holland painting to go with it!