and the soul-sapping malaise of adulthood. Avary’s collection examines what happens when pricklyprotagonists live their awkward truths but refuse to own the consequences. Sharp edges, handle with care.

In his debut collection, PRICK, J. Archer Avary breathes life into characters who, more often than not, acquiese to their worst impulses. These cringeworthy, often hilarious stories offer snapshots of misdirected teenage angst, reluctant conformity with social norms,

Count me in for the list - about to ink a deal with @leftoverbooks.bsky.social for a short story collection out in 2025