Michael Downing
@kmwriter01.bsky.social
Writer. Literacy advocate. Playwright ("Still Black Remains"). Surfer. Activist. Everything New Jersey- attitude, edginess & Springsteen songs. 3X Pushcart Nominee.
SAINTS of the ASPHALT available now.
downingfiction.com
#CrimeFiction
SAINTS of the ASPHALT available now.
downingfiction.com
#CrimeFiction
Pinned
SAINTS of the ASPHALT.
A story about hard choices, broken heroes, and second chances on the streets of Atlantic City summer of 1997.
Out June 24th.
More to follow....
A story about hard choices, broken heroes, and second chances on the streets of Atlantic City summer of 1997.
Out June 24th.
More to follow....
Valentine’s Day idea:
Flowers fade. Chocolates disappear.
Give them a story about loyalty, a past you can’t outrun, & just enough love to make it hurt a little.
SAINTS of the ASPHALT
Not just a basketball book.
For the one who likes stories with scars. 💔🏀
Flowers fade. Chocolates disappear.
Give them a story about loyalty, a past you can’t outrun, & just enough love to make it hurt a little.
SAINTS of the ASPHALT
Not just a basketball book.
For the one who likes stories with scars. 💔🏀
February 10, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Valentine’s Day idea:
Flowers fade. Chocolates disappear.
Give them a story about loyalty, a past you can’t outrun, & just enough love to make it hurt a little.
SAINTS of the ASPHALT
Not just a basketball book.
For the one who likes stories with scars. 💔🏀
Flowers fade. Chocolates disappear.
Give them a story about loyalty, a past you can’t outrun, & just enough love to make it hurt a little.
SAINTS of the ASPHALT
Not just a basketball book.
For the one who likes stories with scars. 💔🏀
Reposted by Michael Downing
About that great writing news I teased…
I’m thrilled to announce I signed with RHP to publish my next novel, WAVES OF BURDEN. In working with the team last summer I found everyone to be passionate, dedicated, and so thoughtful. I can’t think of a better press to bring this story into the world.
I’m thrilled to announce I signed with RHP to publish my next novel, WAVES OF BURDEN. In working with the team last summer I found everyone to be passionate, dedicated, and so thoughtful. I can’t think of a better press to bring this story into the world.
NEW THIS SUMMER from RHP Press: WAVES OF BURDEN. The new novel from Anthony Award-winning author @curtisippolito.bsky.social. You don't want to miss this one.
February 7, 2026 at 8:30 PM
About that great writing news I teased…
I’m thrilled to announce I signed with RHP to publish my next novel, WAVES OF BURDEN. In working with the team last summer I found everyone to be passionate, dedicated, and so thoughtful. I can’t think of a better press to bring this story into the world.
I’m thrilled to announce I signed with RHP to publish my next novel, WAVES OF BURDEN. In working with the team last summer I found everyone to be passionate, dedicated, and so thoughtful. I can’t think of a better press to bring this story into the world.
Reposted by Michael Downing
AMERICAN GESTAPO: A new anthology from RHP Press this fall. We're looking for dark crime stories about American fascism. Stories of human resilience in dark times against impossible odds. Stories where the protagonist is crushed by the weight of the state. Subs open Feb 15. More info: bit.ly/4pTIdJF
February 5, 2026 at 10:06 PM
AMERICAN GESTAPO: A new anthology from RHP Press this fall. We're looking for dark crime stories about American fascism. Stories of human resilience in dark times against impossible odds. Stories where the protagonist is crushed by the weight of the state. Subs open Feb 15. More info: bit.ly/4pTIdJF
Reposted by Michael Downing
Thrilled that On Fire and Under Water is a Finalist for the Best Anthology Derringer Award!Congrats to the other five well-deserving finalists also! This is an honor and I’m so happy for everyone at @rhppress.bsky.social and our 15 contributors for making this anthology such a great success.
Derringer Award Announcement: 2026 Best Anthology Finalists
Derringer Awards,awards,Derringer Awards 2026,Best Anthology,Join SMFS,SMFS,Short Mystery Fiction Society,Derringer Awards Finalists
shortmystery.blogspot.com
February 1, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Thrilled that On Fire and Under Water is a Finalist for the Best Anthology Derringer Award!Congrats to the other five well-deserving finalists also! This is an honor and I’m so happy for everyone at @rhppress.bsky.social and our 15 contributors for making this anthology such a great success.
Five ‘70s flicks that you love and return to time and again:
CHINATOWN
ALL THAT JAZZ
JAWS
BADLANDS
THE OUTLAW JOSIE WALES
CHINATOWN
ALL THAT JAZZ
JAWS
BADLANDS
THE OUTLAW JOSIE WALES
Five ‘70s flicks that you love and return to time and again:
THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR
THE GETAWAY
MAGNUM FORCE
ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN
CHINATOWN
THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR
THE GETAWAY
MAGNUM FORCE
ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN
CHINATOWN
January 29, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Five ‘70s flicks that you love and return to time and again:
CHINATOWN
ALL THAT JAZZ
JAWS
BADLANDS
THE OUTLAW JOSIE WALES
CHINATOWN
ALL THAT JAZZ
JAWS
BADLANDS
THE OUTLAW JOSIE WALES
Get those stories ready and send them in starting 2/01.
I’ll be nursing a drink and listening for the sound of something going wrong….bad ideas….worse intentions…
Waiting for trouble to start.
I’ll be nursing a drink and listening for the sound of something going wrong….bad ideas….worse intentions…
Waiting for trouble to start.
REMINDER:
Send lawyers, guns, & manuscripts. Submissions for our Warren Zevon–influenced crime fiction anthology open 2/01.
We want your crooked anthems, your doomed narrators, your beautifully wrong stories. Lowlifes. Bad luck. Troiblemakers & mistakes.
You know the sound.
Now write the story.
Send lawyers, guns, & manuscripts. Submissions for our Warren Zevon–influenced crime fiction anthology open 2/01.
We want your crooked anthems, your doomed narrators, your beautifully wrong stories. Lowlifes. Bad luck. Troiblemakers & mistakes.
You know the sound.
Now write the story.
January 24, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Get those stories ready and send them in starting 2/01.
I’ll be nursing a drink and listening for the sound of something going wrong….bad ideas….worse intentions…
Waiting for trouble to start.
I’ll be nursing a drink and listening for the sound of something going wrong….bad ideas….worse intentions…
Waiting for trouble to start.
Happy birthday to The Greatest - MUHAMMAD ALI, who was born 84yrs ago today. One of my heroes….always (I have a signed copy of this photo that hangs over my desk)
"The will must be stronger than the skill”
"The will must be stronger than the skill”
January 17, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Happy birthday to The Greatest - MUHAMMAD ALI, who was born 84yrs ago today. One of my heroes….always (I have a signed copy of this photo that hangs over my desk)
"The will must be stronger than the skill”
"The will must be stronger than the skill”
Reposted by Michael Downing
ICYMI-Our new Project Announcement:
"Bad Intentions" — a crime fiction anthology inspired by the songs of Warren Zevon.
You know you've got a Zevon-inspired story just screaming to be told....now's the time. Submissions open 2/01/2026
For more details go to: literarygarage.com
"Bad Intentions" — a crime fiction anthology inspired by the songs of Warren Zevon.
You know you've got a Zevon-inspired story just screaming to be told....now's the time. Submissions open 2/01/2026
For more details go to: literarygarage.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:13 PM
ICYMI-Our new Project Announcement:
"Bad Intentions" — a crime fiction anthology inspired by the songs of Warren Zevon.
You know you've got a Zevon-inspired story just screaming to be told....now's the time. Submissions open 2/01/2026
For more details go to: literarygarage.com
"Bad Intentions" — a crime fiction anthology inspired by the songs of Warren Zevon.
You know you've got a Zevon-inspired story just screaming to be told....now's the time. Submissions open 2/01/2026
For more details go to: literarygarage.com
Reposted by Michael Downing
Big love for life in Philly.
We're cool. Plus, we got The Eagles, The Flyers, The Phillies (yeah...the Sixers too).
#fishtownphilly #philadelphia #philly
www.venturephilly.com/blog/fishtown/
We're cool. Plus, we got The Eagles, The Flyers, The Phillies (yeah...the Sixers too).
#fishtownphilly #philadelphia #philly
www.venturephilly.com/blog/fishtown/
Why Is Fishtown So Popular? A Local’s Guide to the Fishtown Neighborhood in Philly - Venture Philly Group | Philadelphia Realtors
Discover Fishtown Philly, one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Explore local parks, trendy businesses, and vibrant community life with insights from experienced Philadelphia real es...
www.venturephilly.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Big love for life in Philly.
We're cool. Plus, we got The Eagles, The Flyers, The Phillies (yeah...the Sixers too).
#fishtownphilly #philadelphia #philly
www.venturephilly.com/blog/fishtown/
We're cool. Plus, we got The Eagles, The Flyers, The Phillies (yeah...the Sixers too).
#fishtownphilly #philadelphia #philly
www.venturephilly.com/blog/fishtown/
Reposted by Michael Downing
Night driving. Bad decisions. A voice that won’t shut up.
A psychological road-noir with supernatural overtones, in the tradition of Stephen King’s darker short fiction.
Check out "Death Drive" by David August at the Garage:
literarygarage.com/death-drive
🎸📚
#fiction
A psychological road-noir with supernatural overtones, in the tradition of Stephen King’s darker short fiction.
Check out "Death Drive" by David August at the Garage:
literarygarage.com/death-drive
🎸📚
#fiction
Death Drive | Literary Garage
literarygarage.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Night driving. Bad decisions. A voice that won’t shut up.
A psychological road-noir with supernatural overtones, in the tradition of Stephen King’s darker short fiction.
Check out "Death Drive" by David August at the Garage:
literarygarage.com/death-drive
🎸📚
#fiction
A psychological road-noir with supernatural overtones, in the tradition of Stephen King’s darker short fiction.
Check out "Death Drive" by David August at the Garage:
literarygarage.com/death-drive
🎸📚
#fiction
Excited to share that my short story “Goin’ Down,” inspired by the Monkees song of the same name, is part of this upcoming anthology.
I took a wild, joyful track & followed it somewhere darker. Grateful to the editors for accepting it.
Cannot wait to read all these stories by some cool writers.
I took a wild, joyful track & followed it somewhere darker. Grateful to the editors for accepting it.
Cannot wait to read all these stories by some cool writers.
We have a publication date (late September) and we've filled out the rest of DAYDREAM BELIEVER's TOC. And jinkies, it's good. Thank you to everyone who submitted, @writelarrywrite.lawrenceallanwrites.com and I appreciated the opportunity to read your work.
January 2, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Excited to share that my short story “Goin’ Down,” inspired by the Monkees song of the same name, is part of this upcoming anthology.
I took a wild, joyful track & followed it somewhere darker. Grateful to the editors for accepting it.
Cannot wait to read all these stories by some cool writers.
I took a wild, joyful track & followed it somewhere darker. Grateful to the editors for accepting it.
Cannot wait to read all these stories by some cool writers.
Proud to be part of this submission call for “Lawyers, Guns, and Bad Intentions” - crime fiction inspired by the music of Warren Zevon.
Head over to @literarygarage.bsky.social for more details.
Head over to @literarygarage.bsky.social for more details.
New Project Announcement:
"Lawyers, Guns, and Bad Intentions" — a crime fiction anthology inspired by the songs of Warren Zevon. Submissions open 2/01/2026
For more details go to: literarygarage.com
"Lawyers, Guns, and Bad Intentions" — a crime fiction anthology inspired by the songs of Warren Zevon. Submissions open 2/01/2026
For more details go to: literarygarage.com
December 29, 2025 at 7:54 PM
Proud to be part of this submission call for “Lawyers, Guns, and Bad Intentions” - crime fiction inspired by the music of Warren Zevon.
Head over to @literarygarage.bsky.social for more details.
Head over to @literarygarage.bsky.social for more details.
Love your family. Love your friends. Love the ones who matter. Love the people you disagree with and who might not see the world the same way you do. Then go make a difference and make the world better.
Merry Christmas.
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄😎
Merry Christmas.
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄😎
December 25, 2025 at 3:54 AM
Love your family. Love your friends. Love the ones who matter. Love the people you disagree with and who might not see the world the same way you do. Then go make a difference and make the world better.
Merry Christmas.
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄😎
Merry Christmas.
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄😎
Joe Ely was Texas without waving a flag, poetic without being precious, and rebellious without being loud.
Think that says it all…
www.countrythangdaily.com/joe-ely-coun...
Think that says it all…
www.countrythangdaily.com/joe-ely-coun...
Joe Ely, Country-Rock Trailblazer Who Defined a Generation of Texas Sound, Dies at 78
Texas country-rock legend Joe Ely has died at 78 after a powerful career that blended honky-tonk with rock and made him a touring favorite of the Clash and Rolling Stones.
www.countrythangdaily.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Joe Ely was Texas without waving a flag, poetic without being precious, and rebellious without being loud.
Think that says it all…
www.countrythangdaily.com/joe-ely-coun...
Think that says it all…
www.countrythangdaily.com/joe-ely-coun...
Reposted by Michael Downing
AVAILABLE NOW: Some say the world will end in fire or flood. 15 short stories from some of the best crime fiction writers today, including @kmwriter01.bsky.social. Guest-edited by Anthony winning author @curtisippolito.bsky.social. Order your copy today: bit.ly/4nOVXoK
December 12, 2025 at 1:09 PM
AVAILABLE NOW: Some say the world will end in fire or flood. 15 short stories from some of the best crime fiction writers today, including @kmwriter01.bsky.social. Guest-edited by Anthony winning author @curtisippolito.bsky.social. Order your copy today: bit.ly/4nOVXoK
Reposted by Michael Downing
For the rush hour crowd sitting on a train or a bus (not those of you in a car - wait 'til you get home). It's late, daylight's fading - perfect time to settle in with this story from @scribblerotoole.bsky.social
Read it:
literarygarage.com/the-big-man
Read it:
literarygarage.com/the-big-man
December 10, 2025 at 9:43 PM
For the rush hour crowd sitting on a train or a bus (not those of you in a car - wait 'til you get home). It's late, daylight's fading - perfect time to settle in with this story from @scribblerotoole.bsky.social
Read it:
literarygarage.com/the-big-man
Read it:
literarygarage.com/the-big-man
Reposted by Michael Downing
This morning's story from @scribblerotoole.bsky.social is taut, cinematic, and steeped in atmosphere. It reads like pure McKinty meets le Carré: morally gray, procedural, and emotionally tight.
You can read it here:
literarygarage.com/the-big-man
🎸📚
#fiction #writing #shortstory
You can read it here:
literarygarage.com/the-big-man
🎸📚
#fiction #writing #shortstory
The Big Man | Literary Garage
literarygarage.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:06 PM
This morning's story from @scribblerotoole.bsky.social is taut, cinematic, and steeped in atmosphere. It reads like pure McKinty meets le Carré: morally gray, procedural, and emotionally tight.
You can read it here:
literarygarage.com/the-big-man
🎸📚
#fiction #writing #shortstory
You can read it here:
literarygarage.com/the-big-man
🎸📚
#fiction #writing #shortstory
Reposted by Michael Downing
FFF28012025
The Story Teller
by Michael Downing
@kmwriter01.bsky.social
#FlashFiction #writingcommunity #flashfiction
#shortfiction #fiction #writing #writers
freeflashfiction.com/fiction/the-...
The Story Teller
by Michael Downing
@kmwriter01.bsky.social
#FlashFiction #writingcommunity #flashfiction
#shortfiction #fiction #writing #writers
freeflashfiction.com/fiction/the-...
The Story Teller – Free Flash Fiction
I would read her stories on quiet summer afternoons while we sat along the river, just the two of us stretched out in the tall grass, hidden in the shade of the pine trees lining the Mullica. A gentle...
freeflashfiction.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:19 PM
FFF28012025
The Story Teller
by Michael Downing
@kmwriter01.bsky.social
#FlashFiction #writingcommunity #flashfiction
#shortfiction #fiction #writing #writers
freeflashfiction.com/fiction/the-...
The Story Teller
by Michael Downing
@kmwriter01.bsky.social
#FlashFiction #writingcommunity #flashfiction
#shortfiction #fiction #writing #writers
freeflashfiction.com/fiction/the-...
Reposted by Michael Downing
We’re beginning the week with a warm, funny, tender and quietly devastating piece from Lynne Curry (lynnecurryauthor.com)
It’s an intimate story – close enough that you can feel its breath and heartbeat.
Check it out here:
literarygarage.com/the-dogs-app...
🎸📚
It’s an intimate story – close enough that you can feel its breath and heartbeat.
Check it out here:
literarygarage.com/the-dogs-app...
🎸📚
The Dogs Approved This Message | Literary Garage
literarygarage.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:31 PM
We’re beginning the week with a warm, funny, tender and quietly devastating piece from Lynne Curry (lynnecurryauthor.com)
It’s an intimate story – close enough that you can feel its breath and heartbeat.
Check it out here:
literarygarage.com/the-dogs-app...
🎸📚
It’s an intimate story – close enough that you can feel its breath and heartbeat.
Check it out here:
literarygarage.com/the-dogs-app...
🎸📚
Reposted by Michael Downing
Today we're featuring a sharp, funny, observant, self-aware, & thematically layered story from @charliekondek.bsky.social.
It lives at the intersection of satire, metafiction, & near-future social commentary.
Head over to the Garage to read:
literarygarage.com/sincerely-n-...
🎸📚
It lives at the intersection of satire, metafiction, & near-future social commentary.
Head over to the Garage to read:
literarygarage.com/sincerely-n-...
🎸📚
Sincerely, N Grsk | Literary Garage
literarygarage.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Today we're featuring a sharp, funny, observant, self-aware, & thematically layered story from @charliekondek.bsky.social.
It lives at the intersection of satire, metafiction, & near-future social commentary.
Head over to the Garage to read:
literarygarage.com/sincerely-n-...
🎸📚
It lives at the intersection of satire, metafiction, & near-future social commentary.
Head over to the Garage to read:
literarygarage.com/sincerely-n-...
🎸📚
Reposted by Michael Downing
AVAILABLE NOW: How will the world end, fire or flood? 15 of the best crime fiction writers today have an idea, including @kmwriter01.bsky.social. Guest-edited by Anthony winning author @curtisippolito.bsky.social. Order your copy today: bit.ly/4nOVXoK
November 24, 2025 at 9:23 PM
AVAILABLE NOW: How will the world end, fire or flood? 15 of the best crime fiction writers today have an idea, including @kmwriter01.bsky.social. Guest-edited by Anthony winning author @curtisippolito.bsky.social. Order your copy today: bit.ly/4nOVXoK
Reposted by Michael Downing
For the Friday night crowd-
Roll into the weekend with this great story from
@meproctor.bsky.social - retro noir in an stylish voice that blends Chandler, John D. MacDonald, & Ross Macdonald.
The pacing in this one is superb with sharp dialogue, sensory richness, and emotional subtlety
Roll into the weekend with this great story from
@meproctor.bsky.social - retro noir in an stylish voice that blends Chandler, John D. MacDonald, & Ross Macdonald.
The pacing in this one is superb with sharp dialogue, sensory richness, and emotional subtlety
New at Literary Garage: Tom Keegan is back.
Fresh off the pages of BOP CITY SWING, sharp, elegant noir from @meproctor.bsky.social that blends romance, grit, & classic detective work
Sun, sea breeze, champagne & mystery.
“Ramona” is live now at Lit Garage.
literarygarage.com/ramona
🎸📚
Fresh off the pages of BOP CITY SWING, sharp, elegant noir from @meproctor.bsky.social that blends romance, grit, & classic detective work
Sun, sea breeze, champagne & mystery.
“Ramona” is live now at Lit Garage.
literarygarage.com/ramona
🎸📚
Ramona | Literary Garage
literarygarage.com
November 22, 2025 at 4:32 AM
For the Friday night crowd-
Roll into the weekend with this great story from
@meproctor.bsky.social - retro noir in an stylish voice that blends Chandler, John D. MacDonald, & Ross Macdonald.
The pacing in this one is superb with sharp dialogue, sensory richness, and emotional subtlety
Roll into the weekend with this great story from
@meproctor.bsky.social - retro noir in an stylish voice that blends Chandler, John D. MacDonald, & Ross Macdonald.
The pacing in this one is superb with sharp dialogue, sensory richness, and emotional subtlety
I’m over at @literarygarage.bsky.social this morning with a short story about revenge.
If you have time please give it a read.
literarygarage.com/no-tears-for...
If you have time please give it a read.
literarygarage.com/no-tears-for...
November 20, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I’m over at @literarygarage.bsky.social this morning with a short story about revenge.
If you have time please give it a read.
literarygarage.com/no-tears-for...
If you have time please give it a read.
literarygarage.com/no-tears-for...
ICYMI: I have a website.
No, I didn’t code it—some days turning on the coffee machine is peak tech for me.
It’s live, it’s gritty, & it has my short stories + SAINTS info.
Fair warning: no snacks, treats, or pet pics. Just stories.
downingfiction.com
No, I didn’t code it—some days turning on the coffee machine is peak tech for me.
It’s live, it’s gritty, & it has my short stories + SAINTS info.
Fair warning: no snacks, treats, or pet pics. Just stories.
downingfiction.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:56 PM
ICYMI: I have a website.
No, I didn’t code it—some days turning on the coffee machine is peak tech for me.
It’s live, it’s gritty, & it has my short stories + SAINTS info.
Fair warning: no snacks, treats, or pet pics. Just stories.
downingfiction.com
No, I didn’t code it—some days turning on the coffee machine is peak tech for me.
It’s live, it’s gritty, & it has my short stories + SAINTS info.
Fair warning: no snacks, treats, or pet pics. Just stories.
downingfiction.com