Hillfire Anthology, Volume 3
“Stay on the Boat” is a suspenseful short story about a sailing adventure gone wrong. It was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in November 2024. The story was inspired by Ian Kopp’s safety briefing before a two-week ocean passage from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands to Rockland, Maine, documented here. Carly is happy to report that she and the Kopp family (mostly) stayed on the boat.
Little Fish, Big Bait
In “Intimations,” a rare, passing exchange between two London commuters sends them each on their own daydreamed journey. Well-steeped in cozy urban anonymity, this short story finds humor and relief from loneliness in transitory connections and the imagined lives of strangers.
“Artifacts” is a stream-of-consciousness story following a young man in shock as he collects his fiancee’s belongings from a police station.
Jambalaya Magazine
“Memory” is a short story about the ripple effect of Alzheimer’s across three generations. As a grandfather, son, and five-year-old granddaughter spend time with one another and grapple with how their lives have changed, we witness three different expressions of heartache, resilience, and love.
Carly Craig 