"These, and other reminders, some wanted, even in their bitter sweetness, more still desperately not, shaping themselves for half a heartbeat..."

Read Billy O'Callaghan's piece, "What the Snow Brings," in the Winter 2025-26 issue of Ploughshares! bit.ly/4ry7wT7

Like waiting for buses only for two to arrive together: my second story of the week is published, this time in the wonderful South Carolina Review.
I am so pleased to find it among such fine writing, thanks to the journal's editor Keith Morris.
blogs.clemson.edu/southcarolin...

It's always a good day when a new story enters the world, and I am thrilled to have one in the latest Ploughshares (Winter 2025-2026): 'What the Snow Brings'.
A lovely start to the new year. Find it, digitally or in print, on the Ploughshares website: pshares.org/product/wint...

I've a new Christmas short story, Silent Night, in this morning's
Irish Examiner. My gratitude to the Examiner for the continued support & special thanks to Features Editor Vickie Maye for asking me to contribute this seasonal story. Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy &peaceful Christmas.

Every year, probably from as long as I've been writing, I submit work to The Threepenny Review, and every year I've fallen short - until now. You can read my story, Cowboy, in the just-published Winter 2026 issue, & thanks to Threepenny's editor Wendy Lesser my bucket list is shortened by a line.

Today is German publication day for my novel, Life Sentences. Was das Leben uns Gibt (What Life Gives Us) is translated by Klaus Berr & published by Btb Verlag (who published My Coney Island Baby – as Die Liebenden von Coney Island). I am grateful to all involved & love the gorgeous, evocative cover

There are a few spaces left to include your submissions for Southword as we are now reaching full capacity. If you would like to be included, please submit your entry today if possible, otherwise you may lose the opportunity to be included. Thanks to all who have sent in their submissions already.

Spotlight on Issue 3 contributor Billy O’Callaghan. Find the full issue with our stockists & online www.the4facedliar.com/shop @munsterlitcentre.bsky.social @irishpen.bsky.social @irishwriterscentre.bsky.social @writing.ie

The Abroad Summer Experience offers a unique opportunity to explore historic destinations while enriching your creative spirit.
Featured Authors: JANE SMILEY, CRAIG SANTOS PÉREZ, ANDRE DUBUS III, JACQUELYN MITCHARD, RUTH PADEL, SARAH GRISTWOOD, BILLY O’CALLAGHAN
Abroadwritersconference.com