Magers & Quinn Booksellers hosted a four-author Interfictions 2 salon on January 29th. The store was packed, with about 40 audience members in attendance.

The authors read alphabetically by first name, with Alan DeNiro contributing "(*_*?) ~~~~ (-_-) : The Warp and the Woof," David J. Schwartz performing "The 121," Kelly Barnhill offering "Four Very True Tales," and William Alexander (me) reading "After Verona."

The evening began, gleefully and characteristically, when Alan smiled and explained that the title of his story was unpronounceable. An accident of the alphabet put David next, but that pairing turned out to be illuminating.

Both Alan and David's stories are politically charged, near-future dystopias. Both explore the origins and consequences of certain explosions. Both are also really funny, if you like your humor dark and dry. The overlap isn't as apparent in print, where the stories are surrounded by so much interfictional variety, but it was a revelation to get these two tales back to back.

Kelly Barnhill followed, representing the anthology's Interstitial Annex. Her lovely and lyrical series of stories was the only piece short enough to be read in its entirety. This was satisfying. It was also fun to see Kelly's daughter in the audience, since the fourth very true tale is a dialogue between the two of them.

I wrapped up the reading with selected bits of my ghost story – mostly the bits set in that very bookstore. Afterwards I got to show curious audience members the creepy freight elevator in the back.

IAF veteran Victor Raymond supplied the wine, cheese, chocolate, and closing remarks about interstitial things. The ensuing shindig raged through the night and filled the store until closing.

Photos

Alan DeNiro (courtesy Magers & Quinn)

David J. Schwartz (courtesy Magers & Quinn)