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Gardner, D.B.
Blind Alleys of the Heart is a story about desperation, desire, and the search for identity in an increasingly fractured world. The motivation for writing this piece comes from personal reflection and observations, both internally and externally, of myself and others, as we struggle to connect, to find ourselves, to get comfortable in our own skin. The second-person narrative was a suitable vehicle for this type of exploration, as it felt more personal.
Gnanadesikan, Mukund
My work generally reflects on daily observations of the contemporary world, as well as more introspective discussion of thoughts and emotions that may be relatable to numerous others. “Visibility” was inspired by all the disadvantaged kids I’ve worked with, and the common desire we all have to establish a distinct identity. “Life Ends in Immolation” is the tale of a woman who I knew only by sight (from the grocery store) who burned herself to death when she lost custody of her child after fleeing an abusive relationship. “An Alternate Universe” is a nod to all my friends of color who experience life differently than I do. Last but not least, “In Memoriam” mourns the loss of my daughter.
Green, Kris
I’m motivated, even in the grimmest of my stories, by shining a light on something good. Candles illuminate the darkness. The world is too beautiful and wonderful to spend all our energy on the negativity and cruelty we see.
Hannas, Kris
What motivated this story was an overheard conversation at a coffee shop. A man said, "Maybe I just don’t want to stand and die for hours," something I felt said a lot about his self-awareness and what he valued in this life. I wanted to pick up that quote and drop it into a different context. I focused on that idea of value, both in terms of time and physical possessions, letting the two main characters explore that space and what it can mean to different people.