A Brunette On Blondie

I went to a Blondie concert last Wednesday night at The Fillmore and had a fabulous evening. At sixty-four, Debbie Harry sounded and looked fantastic. In truth, in an age where women are under impossible pressure to remain young and be "beautiful," I feel conflicted about just how awe-struck I felt in Debbie Harry's presence--I can't count the number of times I said to myself "she's gorgeous, she's frigging sixty-four and she's still gorgeous."

I can only imagine the physical and financial toll it took for Debbie Harry to look that hot, and the increased, unrealistic pressure that her sultry sexiness puts the rest of us women under can't be condoned, but it was hard to feel anything but admiration for her. She is a super star.

Ultimately, it was Debbie Harry's energy, the purity of her distinctive voice, and the songs that are as fresh, original and relevant now as they were thirty years ago that won over a screaming, jumping, gyrating audience. And no amount of money or cosmetic surgery can buy that. Throughout, it was clear that Debbie Harry and the rest of Blondie's band members were artists fiercely dedicated to their craft, willing to go to any lengths to be the best at what they do. What's not to love?

Fueled by Blondie's stellar performance, Ketel One with soda, and the company of dear friends, I had one of the best nights I've had in far too long. Laughing harder, I was struck by the diverse roles I'd played that day:

AM: Mom: parent-teacher meeting
PM: Good, Irish Catholic: mass to receive ashes to mark the beginning of Lent
PM+: Rocking Chick: you go, Debbie!

I felt equally comfortable in all three roles, such is my lot. Equally comfortable, but it was at the concert that I felt most alive.

So Not Tina Fey

Abandoned Towers Magazine just published my short "So Not Tina Fey." You can read it here under General Fiction. Thanks.

A Beautiful Monday (despite the storm outside)

My story "Life By Any Other Name" is up on Gloom Cupboard. Gloom Cupboard out of the UK is a great read and I'm thrilled to be a contributor.

Another great magazine is Camroc Press Review. I feel in excellent company amongst its fine writers and moving works, congratulations Barry Basden, Editor. My short "Absent" is up here. Enjoy, and thanks for reading.

A micro piece, "Word Gatherer," is also up at Flash Fire 500: http://flashfire500.blogspot.com/2009/02/word-gatherer-by-ethel-rohan.html

Where would writers be without outstanding editors and these excellent ezines, anthologies, and literary magazines? Thanks all.

Writing Close To The Bone

My short story "Iron For The Soul" is up on Word Riot in both text and MP3. I had the same reaction to hearing my own voice as I do when looking at myself in photos: I can't quite believe it's me.
You can read and/or listen to my story here. Thank you.

Six Sentences

What No One Told Me: here's what I wrote for Six Sentences. Thank you for reading, and to Robert McEvily and all at 6S, bravo.

Less Is More

How much story and truth can we fit into fifty words or less of fiction? Check out this fascinating ezine 50-to-1 and I think you'll agree the answer is: a surprising amount! My attempt "Shadowboxing" can be found at http://50-to-1.blogspot.com/search/label/50%20words Enjoy!