Here the editor burbles on, documenting the history of the site as it developed. It's getting to be such a long list that we've had to divide it into two! Here is the older part which allows you to scroll back right to the beginning, twenty-one years ago - Winamop's "big bang".. or was it a whimper?

December 2021

Here we are again, another Christmas under the shadow of Covid. It's definitely outstayed its welcome now hasn't it?

We all need cheering up, so here's the super festive edition of Winamop to do just that.

Before we get started I must tell you that Mark Anthony Pearce has a new book out in collaboration with Tohm Bakelas & Danny D Ford. It's called "Three poets 5" and it's available here.

OK, let's get stuck in... no, not another mince pie, the new edition of Winamop!

 

Paul Murgatroyd casts a jaundiced eye over those "in charge" and finds them wanting. You can gauge his opinion from the title Moron.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg tells of Dorothy at a critical point in her life: she is about to give birth. The story is called Dreaming of A Man, A Dachshund, and A Motorcycle.

 

Captain Wozzo is here with a Christmas special. Yes, it's a repeat but that's what you get at Christmas isn't it?..

 

Orbindu Ganga. In addition to the poetry below, Orbindu Ganga has contributed two charming photographs of kittens to the site.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg again brings us a collection of her digital art. This set of six images will certainly bring some colour into dark December days!

 

Terry Brinkman has added a Christmas picture to his collection, now of eighteen art works. Have a look at Christmas Dreams, and all the others too if you like.

 

Terry Brinkman brings us a big bunch of poems this time: Old Jack Priest - Weather Permitting - Sleepy Whale 258 - Hyperandrogenous - Sonnet CXXXXVI - To Paint Her - Sleepy Whale #103 - Sleepy Whale 318 - Sleepy Whale 400 and Sonnet CLI. Wow!

 

Mike Hickman sent me these poems in September, and I lost them. I've found them now and I'm glad I did! Read Alternative Fillings as listed in the Margins of the Agenda - Positively Perpendicular - Telepathic Ted and Do-Do-one, Ron, Ron; Do-Do-one, Ron.

 

Orbindu Ganga has been writing haikus, and here are four.

 

John Grey is back with four poems: Odd One Out - Sex Education - The Military and On A Desert Road.

 

Fabrice B. Poussin is also back with a new selection of his poetry. Here we have: As the City Smokes - Between Two Deaths - Cadillac Emperor - Rain in August and Window dressing.

 

That's all for 2021, it's been an interesting year hasn't it?

I'll try and keep Winamop going but it's getting hard to find enough fiction for one edition a month. We'll see how it goes.

If you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page. I don't put it at the bottom of this page because it would take ages to scroll down to it!

Here's to 2022!

Ed.

November 2021

Late again, but in my defence I must point out that it's my birthday and I am now very old!

Let's celebrate by taking the wrapping off a nice new edition of Winamop.

Talk of wrapping reminds me that the next edition will be the Christmas one, so If you have any seasonal material to contribute, now is the time.

Just before diving in, let me tell you that Mark Anthony Pearce's third book "A Smile As Sad As Sunday" is out at Between Shadows Press. Also Gary Beck's new 105 page book of poems "Turbulence" is available at Amazon. I'm sure I've heard of them..

Here we go:

 

Andrew Lee-Hart takes us back to the sixties to meet Clara, a once-famous actress then treading the boards in small venues. She meets a young writer who may be able to help her with her memoirs, then the trouble starts..

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has a story for us. It's always a risk to bring in one species to control another, especially if the species you're controlling is human-kind. Predators’ Allies is the title.

 

Eric Suhem brings us a good short story called Time for Evelyn, in which Evelyn finds her place in time.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg again brings us a collection of her digital art. Six new eye-poppers await your perusal.

 

Terry Brinkman has added another picture to his collection, now of seventeen art works. Have a look at Fishing on Bear Lake, and all the others too if you like.

 

Vincent O'Connor is back after a long time away; welcome back Vincent! Here we have two new poems: Rural Joy and The Plural of “Beef” is “Beeves”. Well I never knew that..

 

Terry Brinkman brings us a new suite of poems, they are: JACK - To paint an Eagle - Sonnet CLX - Thousand Oaks Shooting and Government Shut Down.

 

George Gad Economou is back once again with tales of the bar the bottle and the needle. Be careful where you tread. The poems are: Corner Stool - A fridge full of beers - it's all about the game - Memories of an empty needle and the beautiful the falling leaf.

 

John D Robinson is back with five new poems of life in its raw state. We need a big red R for a couple of these. Making Distance - ‘Stay The Night’ - Finding Out - Susie’s Story and Abandoned.

 

That's all for this month. We'll be back in December, you bring the sherry - I'll bring the mince pies.

If you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story or if you have some festive material, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page. I don't put it at the bottom of this page because it would take ages to scroll down to it!

Ed.

October 2021

Just squeaking into the month due to my laissez-faire attitude (and going on a family holiday) - here is the October edition of Winamop.

I think we were all exhausted by last month's huge edition, but don't think for a moment that this one is lacking. Oh no! This is a good one.

First I must tell you about KJ Hannah Greenberg's new book "One Handed Pianist" which, she is proud to say, contains her poetry AND her writing. Sounds like a great Christmas gift idea doesn't it? Find it on Amazon.

Also check out Gary Beck's new book "Four Plays by Moliere translated and directed by Gary Beck" also available through those lovely people at Amazon..

I think Jeff Bezos just does it for the love of it doesn't he?

Plugs over, let's get going -

 

Andrew Lee-Hart brings us another of his intricate stories, in Tirana we follow a couple on a dream trip to Albania, but are they both going for the same reasons?

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg's latest story sees her up and about in the small hours. It's called The Quiet of Words.

 

Mike Hickman returns to Winamop bringing a story of a man with ambition, but no matter how successful he might be there are still some little issues to cope with. Read Shovelling the Big Rocks – Salt and Vinegar Optional.

 

Jorge Shaft is new to Winamop, welcome Jorge! He has written a series of short stories set in a space opera universe called "The Aftermath". Here is the first part, The Wishing Well. We hope to feature more in future editions.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg again brings us a collection of art works. This time all the images are digital art with vibrant colours.

 

Terry Brinkman has added another picture to his collection, now of sixteen art works. Have a look at Wright's Pond, and all the others too if you like.

 

Orbindu Ganga has a piece of art for us today, see also his poem below. The photograph is is a lovely sunset - or it could be a sunrise!

 

John Grey is back and I'm happy about that. His poems are: Digging - A Father Explains To His Children That He’s Leaving Their Mother - My Ocean Nights - Vinyl - Adults And Kids - The Phones We Live With and The Odd One Out.

 

Terry Brinkman In addition to his art work Terry has some more poems for us. They are: Gail’s Midnight - Sonnet CDLXXVIII - Sonnet CDLXXVII - Sonnet CDLXXV and Sonnet CDLXXIII.

 

George Gad Economou is in a more contemplative mood this time. Check out dawn comes with a blizzard - a cold drink by your side - Longing Nights and Homesick Blues.

 

Orbindu Ganga returns with the photograph in the art section and this poem: Reweighed from History.

 

Not bad eh?

I promise to try and be quicker with the November edition but it's all down to the contributions I receive.

If you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page. I don't put it at the bottom of this page because it would take ages to scroll down to it!

Enjoy the rest of October, it won't last long.

Ed.

September 2021

This is without doubt one of the biggest and best editions of Winamop in ages. Look at the depth of talent we have lined up for you below. Marvellous!

We have new talent (welcome to Robert Garnham), many regulars and some occasional star turns.

I have been told that regular contributor George Gad Economou has published his first book "Bourbon Bottles and Broken Beds" and it's available on Amazon in glorious paperback.

OK then, settle down in a comfy chair and get stuck in..

 

Robert Garnham [BIO] is new to Winamop this month. His first story is about a man who's dream job is turning out not to be as exciting as he'd thought. It's called Chad Bottle and his Super Saharan Dreamworld Wonderland.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg. Why did Fluffy the cat not eat the small bird that fluttered in front of him? Well, you have to see it from his point of view.. and others! Read Fluffy vs. The Hummingbird and see.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart has a dark tale for us this time. U-Bahn takes is into a nether-world where a troubled man tries to find peace amongst the wreckage of his life.

 

Mike Hickman. Wiggy is an old stager, he's been a part of the scene for more years than anyone can remember. Our man is going to interview him and, if it all goes well, he's been promised Wiggy’s Three Pieces (Of Advice).

 

Terry Brinkman brings us not one, not two but three short stories this time. They are Christmas Tree Delivery - Pittsburg and Why Red And White?

 

Steve Slavin [BIO] is back with a story about Murray Dinnersein, aka The Big D.. Surely he wouldn't amount to anything much?

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg again brings us some of her art. This time it comprises photographs featuring Pink Blossoms.

 

Terry Brinkman has added another picture to his collection, making fifteen, art works. Have a look at Ghost Bear, and all the others too if you like.

 

Michael Estabrook [BIO] is welcome back here any time. His poems are: Words - Celia - Something - Cracking and Ghosts. You will enjoy them.

 

Terry Brinkman features in all three categories! Here come five poems, they are: Silk Umbrella - Bold As Brass - Girlish Shyness - Brick Bat and Her P.P.E.

 

Tohm Bakelas [BIO] has been writing haikus, you know, short poems with a particular pattern of syllables. They are finished at 31 - laughing at the odds - declaration against idleness and my epitaph

 

George Gad Economou continues his dissolute life-style, and he's not intending to clean up any time soon. no title needed - a junk song for love - insignificant promises - Midnight Ride to Nowhere and elsewhere are the poems this time.

 

Gary Beck ‘Lacerations’ is a poetry collection that looks at the many injuries we incur, mentally, emotionally and physically as we strive to do better in this difficult life. The poems are: Doctor Visit - Moderates - Debate - Growth Spurt and Faker Spouts.

 

I am very grateful to everyone who has contributed, it's all done for the love of it and all the better for that.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

I'm off to recover from all this arduous editing!

Cheerio.

Ed.

August 2021

It's holiday season and I've been gadding about all over the place, that's the main reason why this edition is a little late..

It's a good one though!

Before we get into it I must tell you that Martin Green's book "The View From 90" is on Amazon (Kindle), e-book, only $2.99.

Let's get started.

 

Paul Murgatroyd has a story about a school, Holy Trinity Primary School in fact. We have a couple of snapshots, one from 1930 and one from today. Compare and contrast, there'll be a test later..

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg's story is set in space, but it still concerns the perennial problems of human relationships - and cribbage. It's called The Hero Code and it includes an exciting space battle.

 

Martin Green follows Paul Lerner to the funeral of an old friend where he recalls the days of The Fearsome Foursome at the old tennis club.

 

Terry Brinkman recalls another scene from his childhood. Not far from his house was a geyser, or hot spring, which would erupt so regularly it was called Old Faithful.

KJ Hannah Greenberg again brings us some of her art. This time it comprises original works and photographs featuring White Birds and Purple Flowers.

 

Terry Brinkman has added another picture to his collection of fourteen, art works. Have a look at The Bridge to Wright's Pond, and all the others too if you like.

 

George Gad Economou's new suite of poems encapsulates the emotions filling one's head when reality has turned blurry and the brain refuses to register the memory of the lines being written. No titles, just numbered I to VI.

 

John Grey is always welcome here. Here is his a new collection of poems: A Prodigal Son Pays A Brief Visit - A Man Alone - Death Of A Rock Singer - Sled Ride and Your Triumph.

 

Mike Hickman [BIO] is aiming at something a little different from his usual stories; poetry. Here are three. What He's Saying - Susceptible to the Sell and The Good Leaver.

 

Michael Lee Johnson is back. Read the latest collection from this experienced poet: The Redemption - Alberta Bound - Tiny Sparrow Feet and Beach Boys, Dance.

 

 

And we come to the end of another edition of the mighty 'mop.

Stuff is already coming in for September's edition so do come back and see how that turns out.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Right, I'm off back to the beach, where's my umbrella?

Ed.

July 2021

Hooray! We're back on track with a fine collection of stories, art and poetry. Thanks to all our contributors, many of whom have contributed multiple items.

I am also very pleased to introduce new contributor Mike Hickman to the fold, see his story below.

Before we get into it I must just tell you that prolific writer and some-time Winamop contributor Gary Beck has a new book of poetry out, it's called "Motifs" and is available through Amazon. (what isn't...?)

Here we go then..

 

Mike Hickmanis new to Winamop [BIO] and introduces himself with a tale of hapless lecturer Adrian, who's career was going nowhere until he got given the "how to teach" module. Could it be the making of him? Read Adrian’s Goldfish Bowl and see..

 

Martin Green returns with two short stories. The first is Walking with My Son is a wistful memory and Top of The Mark is about a young man taking a momentous step in life.

 

Terry Brinkman has contributed a short story, art work and three poems this time. Thanks Terry! The story is called Wright's Pond and is a childhood memoir.

 

Eric Suhem is back and his story concerns an accountant - not usually the most interesting of people - but Nesbit has a plan to make himself successful. What plan is this? Find out in The Accountant.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has been eavesdropping on communications with the moon. There's a colony up there these days and it's a busy social whirl! Find out about all the goings-on in Welcome To The Moon.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg again brings us some of her art. This time it comprises original works and photographs.

 

Terry Brinkman has added another picture to his collection of, now thirteen, art works. Have a look at Norris, and all the others too if you like.

 

Mark Anthony Pearce returns with a new collection of wonderful poems. They are: A Pseudo Faust In The Covid Age - You Gotta Do What You Gotta Do - Harden Road - Poor Ethelwald - Haruspex On Braggs Lane - Knitting Helps His Anger Issues and A Smile As Sad As Sunday.

 

George Gad Economou is still leading a dissolute life in these five poems: Dead is the Night - routine - a plea to the gods - the dancer and weekend.

 

Terry Brinkman, in addition to the story and the art, has three poems for us! They are: Our House - Sonnet CCCXI and Sleepy Whale 441.

 

 

Well that's it for now, we've reached the end of this bumper edition. I hope that you found something you liked?

Remember that if you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Winamop will be back in August with another collection of good stuff. Do come back and try it.

All the best.

Ed.

June 2021

Well it's taken a while but after a long gestation the June edition of Winamop is flying free for all to see.

I imagine some of our contributors have been otherwise occupied what with "things" being as they are?

Anyway, what we have here is a compact but high performance edition.

Let's start..

 

George Gad Economou has been drinking again, if he'd been sober he may have been able to save the old blue couch.. New furniture just doesn't have the same character, as we find out in Renovation Blues.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg. Teresa has standards, she wants to change things for the better. Perhaps getting rid of her unsatisfactory lover Liam will help? Find out in Awful Aim whether it does or not.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart has been to Clifton Hall, but it's a strange world out there, what with the war and all that..

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has some photography for this edition, and it's all arborial.

 

Terry Brinkman has added another picture to his collection of, now twelve, art works. Have a look at Yellowstone, and all the others too if you like.

 

Fabrice B. Poussin returns to Winamop for the first time this year with a new suite of poems. They are: Forgotten Shadow - Gusts - Night Crawlers - The little life I saw and Watching her Become.

 

Terry Brinkman brings us more poetry this time, so here we go with Sonnet CLXXVI - Social Distance and Horses Nostrils .. Yes you did read that right.

 

John D Robinson is very welcome here, he writes excellent poems. Here are five more: Smoking Heaven - In The First Place - You Know The Feeling - Evensongs and Outlaws Of The Bird World.

 

 

Thanks sincerely to those who keep the site going, it's a labour of love for us all!

Remember that if you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Here's to the next time.. in July? Hopefully.

Ed.

May 2021

Here in the UK it's May. I guess it's also May wherever you are? Here it doesn't feel like May, it's cold and it keeps raining. So instead of mowing the lawn or something exciting like that, why not sit down with a nice hot drink and read the warm and cosy new edition of Winamop?

First some notices. As you can see below the unfolding head has been very busy, contributing both art and poetry to us this month. Danny has also just published a new book 'Slides for Alberto' through Between Shadows Press, well worth a look.

Many of KJ Hannah Greenberg's poems that were originally published in Winamop are now part of her newly launched collection, Flames and Fire which is available on Amazon.

Once again we're a little short of stories, so double thanks go to George, Channie and Andrew for their work - without which.. etc.

We make up for that by presenting a splendid selection of images and poetry which should include something for everyone.

Let's get started!

 

George Gad Economou's protagonist has been spending Nights at The Movie, or has she? What's going on?

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg saves the day with not one, but two stories. The first is a murder mystery called The Peeler and the second is about Anfisa and her sister Natalie who are both studying, but who is the most worthy? It's called Salutogenesis.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart has a story of the amazing and tragic life of a young German girl known as Alya who, although not a Jew, became involved with the Jewish struggle against the Nazis before WW1.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has more of her colourful art for us this time: Adopted by Aliens - Abetted by a Need To Know - Dear Ones - Again, Spring - Palm 2 and Urban Landscape.

 

the unfolding head is back with more of his intriguing cartoons; I love them! There are eight new ones to enjoy. Don't miss out.

 

Adam Kluger brings us some more "charcoal and water-color" art by Dreck: Bukowski - Cabin - Lady in a Blue Dress - Satori and The Art Studio .

 

Terry Brinkman adds another picture to his interesting collection, taking it up to eleven. Have a look at Bears Ears, and all the others too if you like.

 

Fred Miller is a poet and writer from California [BIO] and he introduces himself to Winamop with a magnum opus on a Little Spider which is causing him some concern.

 

the unfolding head brings poetry to the table in addition to the splendid art (see above). The poems are good too.. Read Dinner at Mehmet’s - Rocket Propelled Rectum - Dip - Dent - Cairns and Blue Man, Las Vegas Spring 2005.

 

George Gad Economou has another bunch of super poems for us: death of a junkie - Boxing in the Dark - the ants came for me, too - Brutal Drunk Writings and declaration of affection.

 

Terry Brinkman also brings us poetry this month, so let's take a bumpy ride through Dave’s Last Ride - Wild Curiosity - Ardent Black Opal - Utah’s Plague - Indigo Brew and two more of his famous Sonnets.

 

John Grey. What can I say about John Grey? He's good! That's the main thing I'd like to point out. Don't take my word for it though, read Bones - Long Hike - The Model - Answering Machines and The Reformation and decide.

 

Mark Anthony Pearce has previously contributed a huge number of "lockdown poems" in which he observed the effects of the pandemic. He's still observing - and here's his latest collection of nine poems, kicking off with The Day Piers Corbyn Addressed A Small Crowd In Bristol City Centre.

 

 

That's it, there is no more, but of course everything we've ever published is still there for you to see. Hours of fun!

Remember that if you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Roll on summer.

Ed.

April 2021

Welcome to the slightly delayed April issue of Winamop.

As you can see below we have copious quantities of poetry and some art but I was waiting for another story to arrive, I like to have three or four stories in an issue. Thanks to Alex for stepping in to provide that extra tale.

The quantity of fiction may be low but the quality is excellent!

Before we get underway I have some parish notices to tell you about..

Arthur L Wood is a new contributor this month (see the poems below) and he'd like to let everyone know that his new book 'Poems for Susan' is available via his web-site: Poetry From The Shires. Welcome Arthur!

Also proudly announcing a new publication is Mark Anthony Pearce who's latest book "Wheelchair Tony" is now available at Between Shadows Press.

Notices read? Then here we go!

 

Andrew Lee-Hart's beautifully constructed story The Colour of My Heart, tells of a relationship which starts well, but then something changes.

 

Yash Seyedbagheri is back. There's A Party going on upstairs and Yash hasn't been invited. It wasn't always that way..

 

Alex Wyte doesn't often contribute but he can always be relied upon to help out when we're short-handed. He has a Can Do attitude!

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has some charming images for you. We have Crazy Daisy - Blossoms of Spring - Purple Cat 2 - Those Intricate Pastle Patterns and Today is Forever Tomorrow's Yesterday.

 

Terry Brinkman adds another art-work to his collection. This one is a called Road to Camp and you can see all ten of them on the same page.

 

Arthur L Wood is new to Winamop [BIO] and introduces himself with this fine collection of poems: Tourist - Macavity the Cat Part II - An Early Encounter with a Spirit and A Sonnet on Time

 

Gary Beck has been with us many times; he is a prolific poet with many published works. Here we have excerpts from "Double Envelopment": Alien Relations - Spam - Shackles of Oppression - The Lost and Lower Learning

 

George Gad Economou makes very good poems and he has presented us with six of the best: early mornings - attending classes - the small cage - staring at the abyss of gods - a box of tea and a reason to drink.

 

John Sweet [BIO] returns to Winamop with a new collection of poetry and I get the impression that he's not happy about the state of the world. Read the obvious fear - still - uncrowned king - the burning gift - poem like a dream held up to a mirror and other thoughts in the age of ruin.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg's poetry is becoming harder edged. We have Protecting Your Yahoo - That Klaxon Sound on Yom HaShoah and Long Ago, on a Halfway Hill. "Yom HaShoah" is Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel, which was on April 7th and 8th this year.

 

Super stuff.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, particularly if you can craft a short story, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Until we meet again, I am as always

Ed.

March 2021

Hello from locked-down Scotland, I'm perfectly fine honestly, not going mad at all. Definitely not. I'm OK really.

Wibble.

Oh sorry, don't know what came over me, let's get on with the news.

Bruce J. Berger (see his poetry below) tells me that he has published his first novel, The Flight of the Veil. See the Youtube trailer.

I must also let you know that sometime contributor Mark Anthony Pearce has just published his latest book "Wheelchair Tony" and it's available from Between Shadows Press.

That's that then, mentions have been mentioned, time to get down to this month's rather late edition. There's a lot to enjoy.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart's story this time is called Arcadia and it is about a man going for a walk which evokes many memories of a lost happy time.

 

George Gad Economou has a story for us in this edition. It's called Career Choices and Wine Bottles and we're in Greece at a time of civil unrest. There is some sexual content so it get's a big red R.

 

Harry Downey takes us to the swanky premises of Russell & Dorward, motor factors to the gentry. Here, a young recruit by the name of Charlie Death is ready to make his first sale. Let's hope nothing goes wrong..

 

Martin Green has a very short and sad short story for us this time. It was one of those calls that ruins your day.. Read A Phone Call.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has been taking photographs of flora. We have Alpine Forbs - High Altitude Beauty - Mountain Blooms - Opiate - Vetch and Wee Friends.

 

Terry Brinkman adds another art-work to his collection. This one is a called Blue Wolf and you can catch up on all his earlier work on the same page.

 

Terry Brinkman brings us a single poem called Ink Stains which will intrigue you.

 

John D Robinson is welcome here any time, especially when he brings such excellent poems as: Rosemary Rules - Tale Telling - Timely Excuses - The Smile and Atomic Mushrooms.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg also has some poetry for us this time. The poems are: Emptying the Audio Trash Box - Burnt Roast and Cardsharper.

 

Bruce J. Berger has written this poem in homage to Dylan Thomas. It's called Golden Shovel In America.

 

Jasmyne Painter introduces herself with a poem called Looking at Glass which will probably strike a chord with many of us..

 

I think that was well worth waiting for don't you?

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

I'm looking forward to April already!

See you then.

Ed.

February 2021

I was a bit worried about this edition a couple of weeks ago but it's actually turned out to be a good 'un!

We have five splendid stories, two art collections and three poetry collections (plus one more piece of art) for you to enjoy.

Before we get started I must tell you that Gary Beck's new poetry book "Learning Curve" is out at Amazon.

Here we go..

Andrew Lee-Hart has a new story for us called Courante where we meet Marta, a German in London after the war. She's in London but her loyalty is to Berlin.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg. We are back in "Withersmith's World" this time and Dorothy has some life-changing news for Chet. You may be able to guess what when you see that the title is And Then There were Three.

 

Martin David Edwards has a story of two men who both like feeding ducks. In fact they both like feeding the same duck! It's a Duck Off in the park.

 

Harry Downey's story concerns a group of people on a wild-life safari and their strange companion Wilkins - Leicester who was something of a photographer. All went quite well until the bee incident..

 

Martin Green brings us two short stories this time. First we visit the planet Spielberg and The Council on Earth Matters where we're in trouble again. Then there's an email exchange between two brothers in the USA. The stories are 2021 Earth-Meet and Pandemic E-Mail.

The unfolding head has some fine drawings for us this time. I really enjoy his style. They are: Barracuda - Si - Hackneyed Meats - Busy Killing Demons - Balancing Act - Shamanism and You - you alright? and ladies, ladies.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has taken to photography in addition to her cute drawings. This time we have Rosy Starfish - After Twenty Years - Peacock - Chicken Little - Swimming Off The Page and Of that Particular Ilk.

 

George Gad Economou has five poems for us this time. They are: Wandering in the Mist - Another Forgotten Angel - stepping into the Familiar Unknown - The Laughing Dragon in the Meadow and momentary Sanity lost in Blue Smoke.

 

The unfolding head also brings us poetry this month in addition to his art work. The poems are: My American Friend - Relief - Rusted - Photographers - Napanoch - Provencal and Gas and Electric.

 

Terry Brinkman has a new collection of poetry for us in addition to this new piece of art called Lake View. The poems are: Tobacco Fibers - Sonnet CCII - Sonnet CCIV - Sonnet CXXIV - Peer-to-Peer - Drink Beer not Water - Sleepy Whale 386 and Sonnet CCXXXXVIII.

 

Excellent stuff I'm sure you'll agree.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Keep you masks on, nobody wants to see that face anyway, if you're anything like me you haven't shaved in days!

See you next time.

Ed.

January 2021

A new year begins, slightly tarnished by the stain of 2020 but with a bit of optimism thrown in.

There's a change of emphasis in this issue as we have quite a lot of Art and only a small quantity of prose and poetry (relatively speaking). That's OK with me (except it takes longer to assemble Art pages!) so let's go with the flow and enjoy what we have... which is excellent!

As usual it's stories first:

Andrew Lee-Hart kicks off the new year with this story of an artist who really captures the soul of his subjects. His favourite subject being a vivacious young woman called Ester.

 

Martin Green takes us for a walk around the golf-course to blow away the cobwebs, even though the weather isn't ideal. His story is called A Walk In The Rain. I wonder what'll happen?

 

Margaret McNee. We resume our tour of the Swiss Alps with a group of young women from Scotland back in 1908. Today is July 31st and they are moving off into the mountains by train. We found some lovely old pictures to go with this episode.

 

Terry Brinkman brings us another piece of art to add to his collection. This one is a handsome lion called Sabastian.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg. If you need a little peace and tranquility then do enjoy these pictures. They are: Calm - Hedgie Love - Lipstick and Tentacles - Pow 2 and Sufficiently Happy.

 

Adam Kluger brings us more work from "Dreck". Is Dreck an art movement of an alter ego? Don't ask me! Check out Adam's page on Artx puzzles - it's for charity.

 

Terry Brinkman also has four poems for us this time. They are: Sleepy Whale 390 - Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing - Deep Velvet of the Sea and Kiss Away the Hurt-ness.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg. In addition to her art she brings three new poems for us. They are: Going To Seed - The Socialization of Knowledge and Dying in Pittsburgh with Air Conditioning.

 

John Grey has a new selection of poems for us in this edition. They are good. Read My Conveyance - I See The Kid Arrested - Smile - Photograph Of A Beach Bum and Man In A Gray Suit.

 

I hope you enjoyed that, short and sweet I suppose but I'm looking forward to a bulging in-box next time as everyone recovers from the "festive" season.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Here's to spring, that'll be a shot in the arm!

Ed.

December 2020

"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way!" etc..

In case you hadn't noticed, Christmas (or another midwinter festival of your choosing) is approaching fast.

Here at Winamop we've got it all wrapped up and ready for you to enjoy, but first let me tell you about Mark Anthony Pearce's new book "Perforated By Sirens" which is out now and available here. A gift idea perhaps?

Also on the virtual shelves this Christmas is Gary beck's new book Protective Agency, available though Amazon.

Now it's time to get started on the new edition, and we have a massive collection to keep you occupied whilst waiting for Santa.

George Gad Economou has a story this time of a trailer girl who gets an unexpected call from a man who'd danced with her at the bar where she works. He has an unusual proposal in Home of an Angel.

 

Keith Murray is a new name to Winamop and he introduces himself with his story - simply called An Allegory - which is what it is! See if you can make the connection (from a UK perspective).

 

Andrew Lee-Hart brings us a challenging story this time, dark and complex. You will need to keep your wits about you as you read Brand New Day.

 

D.A. Lastly it's that time again. The "Heart-warming Christmas story" time! This one is about Mary. Her idyllic country getaway has turned a little sour and she's not looking forward to Christmas .

 

Terry Brinkman has added a very relevant festive picture to his collection. It's Father Christmas!.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has more wonderful chromatic pictures for us (as well as new poems below). See 1 Vista - Energized - Blossoming - Morning Thoughts and There Will be Flowers.

 

Michael Estabrook returns with six excellent new poems for us. They are: Somehow - Rocking Chair - Soulmates - Woodstock 50 - My Conscience and Give or Take.

 

John D Robinson is also back with new material and it's a good read. His four poems this time are: The Trodden - The Poem Of Pen And Paper And Ink - Newspaper Poem and The Temporary.

 

James Croal Jackson is new to Winamop [BIO] and introduces himself with these five fine poems: Rink - Vehicle - Condado Beach / Condado Tacos - June 22, 2019, Morning and Someday I’ll Enter the Kingdom.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has four new poems for us in addition to the art-work above. The poems are: Manchinelle Tree - Mendacity at the Demesne and Thralls’ Barely Compensatory Rhetoric.

 

George Gad Economou also has some poems for us. They are: Rolling down the hills - Crazy Drunk - Green Flames - there’s always another drink - What’s up with poetry, man?and Fires in the Sky.

 

Terry Brinkman is another multi-tasker this time. In addition to Father Christmas he has lots of poems for us: She Can Write - Sonnets CDLXXVI, CDLXXIV, CDMXXI, CDLXIX, CCXXIV - Utah High - Sonnets CCLVIII, CCCL, CCCLI. Quite a few Sonnets!

 

I'm worried by all those Roman numerals, it's making my head hurt. I think I'll sit down with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

I really hope that you manage to have an enjoyable "festive season" despite that which shall not be mentioned, and I'll see you all back here in 2021.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Keep festive!

Ed

November 2020

All the things we used to do in October and November seem to have been cancelled due to Covid precautions... no trick or treat, no letting off fireworks, not even a pre-Christmas shopping frenzy.

What can we do to amuse ourselves then?

Well there's only one answer isn't there? Read this months fantastic edition of Winamop of course!

Before we get stuck in I must tell you that KJ Hannah Greenberg has a new book of stories out called Demurral: Lintels, Towels, and Fears, Oh My! which includes some previewed right here.

Also with a new book is Gary Beck. We've published a few excerpts from Disruptions on Winamop but here's the whole shebang on Amazon.

OK, here we go..

George Gad Economou's story this time is about a relationship that can't succeed and a life that could be going nowhere. It all happens on Cold January Nights.

 

Martin Green is "Keeping safe" and so is his character Jack Evans who decided to take a "socially distanced" walk. It should be nice and peaceful shouldn't it? Read The Pandemic Walk and find out.

 

Paul Murgatroyd has noticed that we have a tendency to elect leaders who are less than competent. Here is a glimpse into the life of one such - fictional (I think?) - leader. The Leader fills out his diary.

 

Adam Kluger returns with a story of an artist called Dreck. It is often said that an artist needs a muse and Cricket seems to be Dreck's. Find out how that turns out in The Muse. Illustrated!

 

Simon King's last biographical story for us is about the renowned composer Stockhausenas he conducted an aerial performance.

 

Terry Brinkman has added another excellent picture to his collection. This one is called Uinta.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg also has some new pictures for us, including some photography: Passionflower Bloom - Or By Inland Lakes - Sunny Fungi - It's Possible and Inspired.

 

Adam Kluger's story above concerns an artist called Dreck. Here are some of his sketches inspired by his muse.

 

John Tustin is back with four superb poems on the subject of relationships. They are: I Can’t Defy The Rain - Revelation - The Shape Of Her Mouth and Whiskey Mixed With Honey.

 

Terry Brinkman brings us a new collection of poems this month. They are Sonnet CC - Sonnet C - No Friendly Sight - Olivet's Breeze and Visit Yellowstone.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg is multi-tasking again this time and has some poems for us: Quondam Excellence - Somnolent Lounging on the Sofa and Precordial Thump.

 

Fabrice B. Poussin now brings us five beautiful poems. They are: Don’t unwrap until summer - Fading Reflection - Just Like You - Little thoughts and Those Words.

 

R. Gerry Fabian [BIO] is new to Winamop and introduces himself with these three fine poems: Cold Front Approaching - Cold Chowder and Tense.

 

What a feast of content this time wasn't it?

You should now be full to the brim with words and images.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

If I manage to keep dodging the virus we'll be back in a month's time, looking forward to a solitary Christmas eating turkey through a face mask.. Can't wait!

Pass the sherry, I'm getting a head start.

Ed

October 2020

Winamop returns, undaunted.. well, maybe a little bit daunted, but nevertheless we are back!

Here in bonnie Scotland the trees are wearing their autumn colours and the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is with us.

Just the time to snuggle down with a warming beverage and some good stuff to read.

So here it is! (The good stuff, not the warming beverage, you'll have to make that yourself..)

Terry Brinkman brings us a story about his poem Granite High. It is in fact The Story of The Poem so that covers two categories. Just to complete the set he has also added to his portfolio of art! (see below).

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg takes us into Withersmith's World for a third time; where we find Chet under pressure, Withersmith short of snacks and Dorothy feeling maternal. Now read on.. The VFW Dance Studio.

 

Simon King revisits 2008, the year of the (last) financial crash. What was going on in the corridors of power? Well, in Downing Street.. Find out in Brown.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has more colourful art works for us this month: Fish Heads and Flowers - His long Since Lost Letter - Digital - The Basis and Purples.

 

Terry Brinkman adds another great picture to his collection. This one is called Bele'.

 

Mary Cresswell is a New Zealand poet who has sent us many fine poems in the past. Here she is again with a couple of new ones: Big Guy and Apostrophe.

 

Vincent O'Connor also returns after a few months to bring us his new poem Autumn Morning. Well worth the wait.

 

John Grey is back with a new collection of poems: Got Them Karaoke Blues - The Magnolia Tree - The Housepainters - How I Turned A Student Into A Zombie and Explaining My Heart To You.

 

That's it for now, not a huge edition this month but it's the quality that counts isn't it?

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Until next time we meet I guess we must all be very careful.

Ed.

September 2020

Despite the weird environment 2020 is progressing in the usual fashion and Autumn (or Fall, have it any way you want) is with us. So before we all have to go out and start sweeping up leaves, let's get on with Winamop's fantastic September edition!

Oh, wait a minute - first I have to tell you that Gary Beck's new book of collected essays is out. Also Mark J. Mitchell has published his first book "Roshi San Francisco", illustrated with some plates by Randall Sexton.

That's all the news for now - let's get going with the stories, there are five this time! Then there is the Art, from three different artists! Then the poetry, five collections!

I'm always careful not to use too many exclamation marks.. I don't think there were too many for such a packed issue! (there's another)

Andrew Lee-Hart follows the fortunes of a young woman who studied at Cambridge during the 1939 war - the war that the Nazis won. Her Jewish ancestry would need to be kept very secret. Her name was Edith Donnithorne.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg revisits Withersmith's World, which has changed a bit since the wedding. Most disturbingly, snacks seem to be in short supply! Find out what's going on in Looks like a Ten, But Plays like a Seven.

 

Martin David Edwards. A man sees people hiding in the bushes outside his house. The obvious way to deal with this is to wear a colander.. or is it a strainer? The story is called The Bush People.

 

Martin Green. Lockdown? It's a walk in the park.. Trouble is, that's about all it is. Joe and Mary Parker are getting a little tired of it all. Every day seems to be just Another Day.

 

Simon King looks back into the lives of historical figures. This time it's Hannah Arendt, a German born political thinker who was present at one of the many post-war trails of Nazi war criminals. This trial was of Adolf Eichmann, an SS official who contributed to the murder of thousands of Jews. Why did he do it? Read Arendt.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg is multi-talented as we at Winamop know. She regularly writes poetry and fiction for us but this time she also exhibits some of her eye-popping art!

 

Terry Brinkman adds another picture to his stylish collection. This one is of a herd of bison. Also on this page are Terry's other two recent pictures.

 

Eric Suhem has contributed many stories to Winamop in the past but this time is different. Here we have a selection of photographs created using a darkroom technique utilizing lithographic film to create high contrast images. They really punch out!

 

Terry Brinkman is multi-tasking again this month and in addition to the art he brings us five poems about bars, pubs or drinking establishments: Royal Bar - Bear Pit - Bluebird - Dragonfly and Way Side Inn.

 

Michael Lee Johnson brings us not only a new collection of poetry but recordings of them too, one of which is an excellent song. Read: Flower Girl - Silent Moonlight - July 4th, 2020, Itasca, Illinois and Fall Thunder .

 

John D Robinson returns with a collection of five new poems: Thinking Wonder - The Crime Scene - Running Low - The Caveman and A Good Price.

 

Keith Woodhouse has a new web-site at https://www.keithwoodhouseworks.com where you will find his stories, paintings and poems. Here are a few to whet your appetite: Pink Spaceship - Mental Hospital 2 - Liturgy - Hilton Abstract and Cassandra.

 

George Gad Economou has a new suite of great poems for us. They are: man atop the mountain - lighthouse - last walk through the absent streets - lonesome ride and going back HOME.

 

The only problem with such a big issue is that it has taken me ages to get it all together, so I'm off for a rest.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Wake me up in October.

Ed.

August 2020

We're back at last! Sorry about the late running of this service but, as you will see from the long list of items, it's a big edition. (I'm tempted to say "Bumper" but I tend to over use that word).

It's great to welcome back many old friends and to discover new ones too.

Terry Brinkman and Adam Kluger have both sent art-work and writing this month, how versatile are these people?

Gary Beck has sent us some extracts from a forthcoming book "Turbulence" as he did a while back with "Fractional Disorder" which is now available here.

There's a lot to read so let's get started!

KJ Hannah Greenberg's story is about Dorothy and her upcoming wedding, it also concerns her idiosyncratic pets - Withersmith, Rudford and Mr. Henry. Withersmith's World will continue next month. Don't miss it!

 

Andrew Lee-Hart takes us across to Poland at the beginning of World War II. The Germans have just built a camp at a little place called Auschwitz and have gone for An Afternoon Out.

 

Simon King takes a peek into the life of the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes, originator of the school of cynicism. A colourful character!

 

Adam Kluger's story, Good Morning Mr Schmertz is about a New York guy who's on hard times. Surely today will be the day when things take a turn for the better?

 

Martin Green has a short story for us this time called Loneliness. Sometimes it's good to make contact.

 

Adam Kluger contributes both fiction and Art to the site this month, here are three more of his fine pictures: Soccer - Cool Girl and Friendly Doorman.

 

Terry Brinkman brought us a lovely bear last time, now here is a handsome bird and fox to add to the collection. (see also his poems below)

 

Gary Beck returns with five new poems from, ‘Turbulence’, an unpublished poetry collection that looks at some of the disturbing elements in this strange life: Pity the Lesser Haves' - The Roar of Spring - Uncertain Times - Perspective and Progress.

 

Mark J. Mitchell has a new full-length book of poems about San Francisco coming out soon called Roshi SF Poems of the City. These poems aren't about SF, but they are good. Here we have: Color Translation - To An Old Tune - Damascus - Not Exactly A Villanelle and Card Game.

 

John Tustin brings us five new rhyming poems this time. They are: Long Gone Daddy - Mourning My Lost Lenore - Some Men - Some Women and There Was A Man Drowning In A Cup Of Tea.

 

Jalpan Lala is a freelance content writer and a certified clinical hypnotherapist from Ahmedabad, India. New to Winamop she introduces herself with these five untitled poems.

 

Terry Brinkman also brings us five new staccato jabs of poetry: Sleepy Whale 500 - Sleepy Whale 498 - Sleepy Whale 499 - Sleepy Whale 496 and Sonnet CCLXIII.

 

Keith Woodhouse shows a wide range of emotions in his latest collection of poetry. He brings us: When The World Cries - Animal Metaphors - Love In The Fields - Mental Hospital 2 - Cornish Memories and Death.

 

Orbindu Ganga, as usual, brings us just one poem so we'll finish on that. It is called : The 'I' in me .

 

Marvellous. We'll be back next month with more so make sure you bookmark Winamop.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Keep yourself safe, there is a lot of idiots out there (who don't read Winamop).

Ed

July 2020

It seems that 2020 has passed its peak now and is starting to fade. It will go down in history of course - for Covid 19 - but let's not forget all the good stuff.. such as the fabulous free content on Winamop!

This month I have tons of stuff for you to enjoy.

Firstly let me tell you that Gary Beck's new novel Wave Length is out.

Then let's get reading:

KJ Hannah Greenberg's story is about Henri who works in the advertising industry. It takes place in a world where age is beauty. A new product is to be launched; but how to market it? Read Color, Texture, and Protection .

 

Paul Murgatroyd tells the tale of two men who were at school together, then went to the same university. The problem is, one loved to bully the other. This probably won't end well! Read : Symmetry .

 

Martin David Edwards' story is about a mindfulness teacher who tries to burn his house down in order to claim on the insurance. What could possibly go wrong? Find out in Mindfully Burning.

 

Martin Green has a Bert and Ernie story for us this time. How do movements get started? Maybe not the way we thought.. Bert and Ernie and the Statues explores the possibility.

 

Terry Brinkman has been making art for forty-five years and this fine beast is an example of his work. He has also written some poems for us (see below).

 

The unfoldinghead brought us some fine illustrations last time but now we have some poems. They are: Revving The Engine - Friends of Saint Alex - Boxing Day, 1998 - 56 Days - Not Yet/Aspet’ - Little Squirrel and Penguin.

 

Mark Anthony Pearce. The lockdown continued into July and Mark carried on writing his lockdown poems. Here are 11 more: Alban Berg Died From A Bee Sting On Christmas Eve - Salamano - Hud Played By Paul Newman Shape Shifts Into Dominic Cummings - Nice 2 Metre, 2 Metre Nice - Crinoline Skirt - On The Day The Shops Reopened - Marie-Chantal Contre Le Docteur Kha - The Tables Have Turned Sid, The Tables Have Turned - A Good Job I Was Wearing Underpants - The Language Of Demons and A Bat Killing A Pigeon In Dubrovnik.

 

John D Robinson is back with five new poems: Diminishing - My Father’s Prison Letters - In My Lounge - It’s Good To Know and Back & Forth. Good stuff!

 

Terry Brinkman also writes poetry (see his art in this edition) and here we have two poems with which to introduce him : Sonnet CCCXXI and Solemnities I.

 

Keith Woodhouse returns and this time he brings us four poems: Snapshot - Adriatic House - Lovesong and Firecracker.

 

Connor Orrico is new to Winamop and has written what he describes as experimental / rhyming / micro poetry. They are: through lethargic lens - here without hearing - dread - song and hymn.

 

DS Maolalai was last with us early in 2019 when he brought us some great poems. Now he's back with more. Read: Eileen Myles - Cold mornings - Raw august apples - Buildings and bridges and Ronnie's Local.

 

I hope you found something you liked? There's a new selection every month so do call again.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Until next month keep on safely keeping safe - in a safe place - or is a cool, dark place?

Probably not in the pub though..

Ed.

June 2020

Calling all lock-downers! How are you feeling?

Depressed.. Happy to be doing nothing.. Unhappy to be doing nothing.. Doing something you didn't want to do - like cleaning round the bottom of the toilet?

Well, stop all that - It's time for a nice cup of tea and a sit down (TM) and a read of Winamop!

So here we go -

KJ Hannah Greenberg has two flash fictions for us this time: A Different Hue and The Impossible Award. Two nice little vignettes.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart's character in this story From Outer Space is a woman having trouble with reality. What, or who, is actually real.. and how do you know?

 

Yash Seyedbagheri likes to make his guests feel at home, in an ideal family. But it's just a front. Read his flash fiction Pictures At An Exhibition for the full picture..

 

Bradford Middleton has a story of a birthday, a birthday going badly, then worse, then much better! It's called Sometimes It's Best Just To Be Left Alone and it has rude words in it so I'd better give it a big red R.

 

the unfolding head is an accomplished artist and here we are introduced to six of his excellent drawings. They are: lockdown dreams - by yourself, never left alone - tellin' it like it is- tough times - live fast and Boy Next Door.

 

John Grey is back with a new collection of poetry. Here we have: January Morning In Suburbia - That Sea Smell - Dawn Light - Taxi Driver and Cushioned. You will enjoy them I'm sure.

 

George Gad Economou is also back and he's in reflective mood. His poems are: Gentle Winds Blow the Dust - Dancing under the Singing Flowers - Bullet Holes - Caught in the Storm and Movie aficionado. R

 

JD DeHart has some fine new poems this month. We are all living through a pandemic and some of these reflect that fact: The First Sign of Embarking - I Wrap - A Review of Many-Storied House (in Poetry) - Found Poem from People Magazine (May 25, 2020) and The Price: Found Poem from the News .

 

Keith Woodhouse contributes five new poems for us today. They are: I Am Another - Poem 3,604 - Hilton Abstract - Bird's Eye Peas and The Dawntreader.

 

I hope that passed a few minutes pleasantly? We'll be back next month with more but in the meantime I'm musing about the big red R business.. Is it really needed? We're all grown-ups here aren't we? I was listening to a conversation between two fishermen the other day and every second word was f**k, so, as it's so prevalent in real life, do I really need to warn you about such things?

Perhaps we should tattoo big red Rs on potty-mouthed fishermen's foreheads?

Discuss.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Back to the bathroom.

Ed.

May 2020

It's Winamop's 17th birthday! Happy birthday to us.

Lockdown affects us in different ways, some are almost unaffected - being solitary souls, working away at their keyboards - and others are going slightly mad... I count myself in the second group!

Check out what new contributor Mark Anthony Pearce has been up to - writing hundreds of lockdown poems!

Although I have had a large amount of spare time, somehow I've managed to avoid doing anything useful, which is why Winamop is late. That and the fact that I like to have at least four stories and only three have come in.

Two parish notices this time: Natalie Rodriguez's new young adult novel "Elephant" will hit the streets at the end of May. Our professional reviewer JA has been reading it and her review, plus info on where to get the book, is here.

KJ Hannah Greenberg has been in touch to let me know about her newest book, Rudiments, which has just been launched. Many of the 125 poems in it were originally published on Winamop!

Here we go with the content:

KJ Hannah Greenberg is having trouble sleeping, maybe it's something to do with her diet? The Plight of Murices is the name of her story. You will learn the word "chthonic" (it means relating to the underworld), very useful in Scrabble if you have two H tiles and two C tiles.

 

Martin Green's story is set on a planet far far away where a meeting of "The Council on Earth Matters 2020" is taking place. Its purpose is to decide the future of the human race.. Good luck with that!

 

Paul Murgatroyd. It's the end of the war in 1945, is it the start of a brave new world? Or is it The End? There's certainly a lot of debauchery as befits either event! Contains sex scenes and strong language, don't read it if you have a delicate constitution. R

 

Orbindu Ganga normally writes poetry for us but this time he presents his calling card in pictorial form.

 

John Tustin returns in great form with five new poems. They are: The Hurricane Marries The Sun - Pansies Grow - A Picture With No Frame - You Are The Twine and You Are The Wine.

 

Keith Woodhouse is also back with new material. His two poems are called: Detention and Guitar.

 

John Anthony Fingleton [BIO] is new to Winamop and introduces himself with these five great poems: A Dead Silence - Frosty Morning - Detained by Darkness - Mending a Dry Stone Wall and the very affecting The Removal.

 

Michael Lee Johnson has sent in a new collection of illustrated poems. They're good! Try: Dance of Tears, Chief Nobody - Missing Feeding of the Birds - Open Eyes Laid Back and Tequila.

 

Mark Anthony Pearce has written 123 poems during lockdown! here is a selection of 19, too many to list in this introduction. Now that's dedication! They chart his experiences over the last couple of months. Let's hope there's light at the end of our own personal tunnels..?

 

Gosh! What a selection eh?

We'll be back next month with more, but only if the material keeps coming in. Many thanks to our talented band of contributors; please keep up the fine work.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

TTFN.

Ed.

April 2020

Is your home looking tidier than it ever has before? Have you even dusted on top of the cupboards?

If so, you're suffering from L.O.C.D. (Lockdown Obsessive Cleaning Disorder). Stop immediately and read Winamop.

Our contributors have been similarly affected and, in order to avoid the tedium of house improvements, have turned to writing stories and poems for you.

"It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good" as the old saying goes!

Here they are:

Andrew Lee-Hart recounts the story of The Woman Who Met Henry James and perhaps it's true? What with human memory not being infallible it's a bit difficult to tell really..

 

Martin David Edwards. An old man wants to buy a radio, a young man wants a quiet coffee. A chance meeting leads to an unexpected outcome in Radio Havana.

 

Martin Green is self-isolating - as are many of us - and has used the time to pen a couple of short pieces inspired by the current situation. They are Appointment in Samarra and After The Pandemic.

 

Simon King transports us to a meeting between Bismarck and Lassalle and speculates on what might have happened.

 

John Grey brings us five splendid poems. They are: My Way Ahead - Breathing Exercise - Thin Arm - The Hurricane and An Empty Heart.

 

John D Robinson has a few adventures in this collection of poems. Find out what he's been up to in Should Have Taken - The Rescue - Waking Up One Time - The Long Slug and No F*cking. (We need a red R because of the bad word..)

 

Tohm Bakelas is back with a new poem. I wonder which publisher he's referring to? Read 1936 Miles Away and make up your own mind.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg must be our most reliable scribe and this month she brings us three new poems: Insouciance - Summer and Hyssop, Cedar, and Scarlet. If only a little of those things could cleanse the world..

 

Well, I guess that's it for now. I kept holding off this edition because new things were coming in all the time; I suppose lock-down has given us all a bit more time to sit and write?

It means that I'm off to a running start for the May edition so do come back around the middle of the month and see what I have for you. It should be another good one.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

See you next time (if we're all spared).

Ed.

March 2020

March is here and what a strange world we find ourselves in! I want to assure you that I have washed my hands before typing this introduction so there's no risk from reading it. I am also standing in a bucket of Aloe Vera mixed with tea-tree oil and garlic so I'm safe from everything.

I guess if you're "self isolating" then you'll be in need of some entertainment? You've come to the right place! Here we have a lovely new selection of stories, art and poems, which will keep you amused for a while.

One parish notice: Gary Beck's new book "Temporal Dreams" is out. Get it via Amazon. (See some of Gary's poetry below).

OK, here we go..

Martin David Edwards probably doesn't have a "Smart speaker", you know, one of those voice controlled devices that can run you life for you. Let's hope they don't get out of control! Read Alexa’s Test Run and see what might happen.

 

Jane Seaford returns with a tale of childhood. Kitty doesn't want to be Kitty, her life is not going the way she would like. Read all about it in I am Marilyn not Kitty.

 

Joyce Walker was last with us over a year ago but I'm delighted to say that she's back with a new story. A story of sweet revenge. It's called Lovely Linda.

 

Harry Downey's story features an old man with a secret. A dark secret.. and that's not all either! There could be a can of worms opening. Read The 1250.

 

Adam Kluger is a great artist as well as a story teller and this time we have three new pictures called: Ziggy - Drowning in flame and Party girl.

 

Orbindu Ganga is back with a new selection of his fine poems. They are: Culacino - Junction and Blank.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg brings us three poems this month. They are: Desairologists’ Perspective - Replete with New Epaulettes and Fish Heads and Flowers.

 

George Gad Economou has been drinking again. He's drinking to forget.. Read: That millionth drunk text - Moonlight Drinking - Drowned in the sea of Bourbon - Tears of Brutal Nights and Nothing’s working anymore.

 

Gary Beck. Motifs is an unpublished poetry collection that looks at instances in the human experience. here we have: Unproportionate - Machine Learning IX - Mated to Illusion - Disturbance and Failure to Urbanize.

 

John Sweet doesn't like the way the world is going. These poems come from that place: i’ll fall - you’re not safe, you never will be - eating the bones of the poem - poem for when you need to understand - redon, obliquely and briefly, and in flames.

 

That's all for now. I hope you are coping OK and that you'll join us again next time.

The April edition is taking shape already and it looks as if it'll be a good one.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Keep well.

Ed.

February 2020

Well, we've kind of got used to it being 2020 now haven't we? I don't think I've typed 2019 by mistake for a couple of weeks now!

So let's carry on as if nothing's happening in the world, and enjoy another super edition of Winamop.

Our dedicated band of contributors has been working hard to bring you some fine stories and poetry this month and I'm very pleased to welcome poet Keith Woodhouse to the fold.

Here we go..

Andrew Lee-Hart takes us forward in time to a period after something terrible has happened. Things are rather different to today, although the settings are familiar. Read Turmoil (A Story From Troublesome Times).

 

Kushal Poddar introduced himself with some poems last month, this time he brings us two pieces of flash fiction: Parallels and Fish. Short but sweet (the stories, not the fish).

 

Adam Kluger. Blake Schnellenberg has had a lot of trouble with Mitzie (Winamop passim) but she's gone - hasn't she? Read The Problem with Mitzie is Resolved and find out.

 

Simon King loves to get inside the heads of historical figures and today he takes us to the end of medieval theologian Meister Eckhart's life. It's called Eckhart

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has been thinking of dunderdoodles, love and rangolis in poetic form. The poems are: Can I be Rare, Too? - Teenage Infatuation and Of Bandoliers and Boulangeries.

 

JD DeHart has a bumper collection of poems for us this time. They were once published in Eye On Life Magazine but we are pleased to give them a new home. They are: Photos at the Graveyard - Standby - Superhero City - Missing Dog Metaphors - Soothsayer - Start Stop - Fargments of the World and Fried Mushrooms.

 

Fabrice B. Poussin brings us some lovely poems. They are Hug the Pain - Making Amends - Rebuilding the Thread - The Hearse and Walking to Eternity.

 

Keith Woodhouse [BIO] is based in Totnes, Devon, and has many published poems under his belt. He introduces himself to us with Cassandra - Mental Hospital - Moonfelt - Pisces Moon and Profile.

 

RP Verlaine is also new to Winamop and has five poems for us: Old Dogs At Play - Flux of cycles on hold - Jesse 5 - Cruise Ship Entertainment and Kinder Ballets.

 

G David Schwartz is not new to Winamop, he's been with us for many years! This time there are four bite-size fun verses: Scary Movies - Happiness Is A Gift - The Cloud Looked Like A Bunnyand Oh My My.

 

That's yer lot for now, there'll be more next month.

I already have some new material ready to go into the March edition so it should be another good one.

Do call back in March to find out if it is.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Roll on spring.

Ed.

January 2020

As we dodge the shrapnel to emerge, blinking, into the harsh light of the dawn of 2020 I must say that I'm impressed!

Yes, we've got here, largely unscathed, and we're right at the start of a brand new shiny year.

What are we going to do with it?

Well, for a start we can all catch up on a bit of Winamop can't we?

There's lots to see here so let's get into it.

Andrew Lee-Hart kicks off the New Year with an interesting idea: a palindromic piece. Not letter for letter but in it's story arc. Life's rather like that much of the time anyway isn't it? It's called Do Geese see God

 

Martin Green is here to lift our spirits with a heart-warming tale set in sunny Sacramento. It's often said that similarly attractive (or unattractive) people make the best couples. Well, maybe that's true in Destiny.

 

Martin David Edwards' protagonist Arien has gone in search of a new life in Hong Kong, just when the place has erupted into civil unrest. Will that put him off his quest for a Hong Kong Paradise?

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg's first story for us this year also has romance in the air. Because of this story I've found out all about "World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms" or WWOOF - and FOMO or "Fear Of Missing Out". I'm now down with the kids, unfortunately I'm finding it hard to get up again..

 

Michael Estabrook is in good form with a collection of poems which he calls Surrealist Dreams. They are: Beans - Fire - Purple - Turtles - Escape and Coats.

 

Kushal Poddar is a new contributor to Winamop. He is a well established poet (Find him on Amazon) and here we have a couple of his new poems: Antibiotic and Insects.

 

Bella Rinne is another new contributor and she brings us four great new poems: Gone but not forgotten - open - an olive branch and something about you.

 

There it is then, only another 11 editions to go and it'll be Christmas again.

Pass me that Easter-Egg would you?

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Onwards!

Ed.

December 2019

No? It can't be that time already surely?

Well, all the Christmas adverts are showing on TV and there's fake snow in every shop window so I guess it must be December? The only thing missing is "Good will to all men" which I'm sure will be along soon...

It's been a good year for Winamop, contributions have continued to come it at a steady rate, and the quality has been excellent. So let's drink (responsibly) a toast to Christmas and the New Year in the hope that everything will turn out for the best.

Yes, well.. you have to be optimistic don't you?

On to the good stuff:

Andrew Lee-Hart makes a very welcome return to Winamop with a story called Noise or “The Liberal Consensus”. In the UK were all fed up to the back teeth with political wrangling, it's starting to affect people.

 

George Aitch is another returnee and his is a spooky tale... It's an uneventful night in a country pub, then in staggers a dishevelled man with something on his mind. Read Hit and Run.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg had a friend called Purple Cat, she used to room with her, remember that party all those years ago? No? Well, that's odd..

 

Adam Kluger wraps up the saga of Mitzie and her unsuitable relationship and bad attitude to work in The problem with Mitzie. Part 3. Things come to a head.

 

Martin Green's final story for us this year is about that round of social events that we all get dragged into at this time of year. It's a Christmas Dance. Time for a shuffle!

 

Eric Suhem brings us a great tale about The Art Curator who is bringing up the children from her relationship with an unusual artist. It seems that their offspring might be a "chip off the old block".

 

Fabrice Poussin has contributed both poetry and art photography to the site in the past and this time it's a splendid collection of photographs called Forgotten - Calm - Choices - Waiting for Sunday - Night Reading 7 - True Romance Perhaps and There Will Be Light.

 

Orbindu Ganga has sent in his second collection of poems for us this year. Enjoy the charming Serendipity - Starry night and Tears.

 

Mir-Yashar Seyedbagheri is also back for the second time in 2019 with another beautiful prose-poem called Mother Night.

 

Mary Cresswell has "Three More Songs Of Yet More Experience" for us this time. They are: The Cat Looks Back - Continuing Meditation and Adieu Scuba Doo. You will enjoy them!

 

John Grey writes excellent poetry and here we have five new ones. Let's finish on a high-note with: Pulled Over - A Warning In Paradise - Warning Valerie About Hitchhiking - Life Storyand The Odd One Out.

 

I trust that you will have a very pleasant holiday - Christmas - Hogmanay - winter solstice - Chanukah - Pancha Ganapati or whatever you have to cheer up a Northern hemisphere mid-winter.

If you are down-under then enjoy the sun...

Winamop will return in 2020.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Season's felicitations!

Ed.

November 2019

Having just finished putting this edition together it's obvious that our contributors have been very busy!

There are five stories to enjoy and six poetry collections, when did that last happen? (Well, we had six of each at Christmas 2016, that's close.)

Firstly I must let you know that a couple of our favourite contributors have new books for sale:

KJ Hannah Greenberg's new book Beast There - Don't That is now available at Amazon. Four of the poems originally appeared in Winamop!

Bruce Harris' novel Howell Grange, a historical saga centred on a northern mine-owning family and beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, is out now at Book Guild and other fine retailers.

Now to the new stuff:

Kristy Kerruish returns to Winamop with another story featuring the adventurer Landrian. This time he's walking in the Peak District when he comes across The plague Stone.

 

Eric Suhem. Rhoda has just started a new job as a cashier at a most unusual store. She needs some training in the systems in use at the "Convenience Store of the Soul" - it's not just a financial transaction that The Cashier has to deal with.

 

Paul Murgatroyd introduces us to Colin Biggins, he's "big in bricks" and for some reason he's on a cultural cruise with his family. Not really his scene? There must be something to interest him here surely? Find out in Colin The Barbarian.

 

Bruce Harris tells the story of a young man and his path to becoming a journalist, a journalist known as "Trouble". The story is Driftwood Dolly and the Trouble Guy. Don't forget Bruce's book!

 

Martin Green is back and brings with him the story of two brothers who have drifted apart. One lives in California and one in Florida, they haven't met for years, until the phone call... Read Jake.

 

Mark J. Mitchell is new to Winamop [BIO] and brings us some poetry with rhymes. I love rhymes. We have: On A Theme Of Matthew Arnold’s - Geomancy - Coffee Cantata - Ides and Warm-Up Sonnet.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has some poems for us this time and she has something to say in Superiors’ Specifications - Not Loving the CDC’s Word Ban and Other Olden, “Logy” Communications.

 

Brian Rihlmann is another new contributor [BIO] and he sets out his stall with five poems: That's All - The Mystery - No One Can - A Great Job and My Demons Are Not Night Owls. Try them!

 

Gary Beck is welcome any time. Especially when he brings great poems like these from 'Disruptions’ an unpublished collection examining the various interruptions to the daily struggle in this difficult life: Treatment Center - City View and The Shattered Calm.

 

George Gad Economou has been drinking again, and other unhealthy things too.. will he live past 30? Who can tell. Read: Bourbon Memories - Healthy Life - Drunk in the Rain and rolling down the hills and decide.

 

John D Robinson has been thinking about the process of writing in these five poems: To Move Forward - The Reminder - Here Is - The Refuge and Most.

 

Whew! What a super edition that was.

There'll be more next month when it'll be perilously close to Christmas, please join us for the festivities.

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

All the best.

Ed.

October 2019

Here comes the October edition, steaming over the hill, bringing with it a feast of entertainment.

We've got stories (lots of them), pictures and poetry too.

I've been away on holiday again, living the life of Riley (whoever he is) so I'm delighted that so many contributors have been working hard whilst I haven't!

Just one parish notice this time and it's another new book from Gary Beck: "Earth Links" available at Amazon.

On to the edition:

Andrew Lee-Hart is in fine form again this month and this detailed story follows a lowly born lad as he finds employment and love with a "gentleman" called Arthur of Wollaston Hall, Nottingham. A good career move?

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg tells of a fairly typical domestic scene: she has a cleaner but cleans up before they come so as not to look too scuzzy. All was well until The "incident with Quella". It's called, appropriately, Scurryfunge.

 

Kevan Youde is back with a spy story. There's a man, there's a mission and there's a strong incentive to complete it. Read First, Do No Harm.

 

Martin Green's story this time concerns a recently retired man on a cruise with his wife and his meetings with an attractive younger woman... dangerous waters! It's called A Shipboard Acquaintance.

 

Simon King looks back to a day in July 1945 when a war-weary Britain was about to be led by the man who some describe as the most successful British Prime Minister of all time: Clement Attlee.

 

Adam Kluger returns to the SMS correspondence between Blake and Mitzie. Her relationship with Montgomery has taken a turn for the worse in The Problem with Mitzie (part 2). There is some strong sexual content so it gets a big red R.

 

Adam Kluger also contributes some art this time, four excellent original works called: Chester at the diner - Papaya - Subway Kiosk Man and Old friends.

 

George Anderson is new to Winamop and I'm very pleased to welcome him as his poems are marvellous. Enjoy Canada’s Godhead - The Job Interview - Jury Selection - The Reading and Cobra.

 

J.B. Pick was our founding father and he was a prolific poet. This time we look back at his 1981 collection called Early rising. The poems are: Objectively speaking - To gardeners - Early rising - Stone circle and The language.

 

John Tustin is also new to Winamop and his poems are full of passion: Blue Light - A Drunken Mermaid - Scars Along Her Chest - She Takes Off Her Shoesand Thinking Of Your Body Above Me And Beneath Me. R

 

Mir-Yashar Seyedbagheri [BIO] is yet another new contributor this time and he brings us a rather good prose poem called Suckerfield Sorrow .

 

So there we are, another packed episode in the life of Winamop.

I hope that you will tune in again soon to find out what we've been up to...

Remember that if you wish to contribute, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Time for another holiday!

Ed.

September 2019

We're running a little late this month AGAIN! It's partly due to the fact that I've been away on my holidays to the clean (and damp) air of Ullapool - and partly due to a shortage of fiction for this edition.

I always like to have a good balance of poetry and story-telling on Winamop so I am very grateful to Adam Kluger and super-contributor Andrew Lee Hart, but a special thanks goes to KJ Hannah Greenberg for helping out with a story, in addition to the poetry that I had already scheduled for this edition. Thanks Channie!

Anyway; what we do have is all top-notch and I'm sure you will enjoy it.

Adam Kluger tells the tale of Blake and Mitzie. Mitzie has issues with Montgomery you see.. and it's all getting a bit out of hand in The Problem with Mitzie.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart writes excellent stories, immersing you in the atmosphere of a particular place and time. This one is about a woman finding her way in a cruel world of men. Is she Deborah, or Molly, or?.. Find out in Nineveh.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg comes to the rescue with a story. It concerns twins Redoine and Rocket who looked the same but were different in character - so much so that it lead to conflict. It's called Tête-bêche.

 

George Gad Economou isn't getting on so well... the bottle is the answer to the problem - which is the bottle - and women. It's all a bit of a mess. Check out Rattling Leaves - Dancing with Jim - Staring into Modern Hell and Tequila Courage.

 

Darrell Petska is new to Winamop [BIO] and he introduces himself with four new poems: When the Zombie Apocalypse Arrives - Applications of Hawking - The Cryonics and Eentsy Weentsy.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg is here again with three new poems on various themes relating to society and politics. They are: Simple Physics - A Pool of Private Students and A Sunny Day in Beer Sheva.

 

John Grey is a fine poet and this selection of five new poems impresses. The poems are: Average Day - Dead Canaries - To The License, Poetic And Gun - Geese Attack and Pillow Talk.

 

Tom Snarsky is also new to Winamop [BIO] and makes a promising start with these five poems of varying style: The Fateful Hand - Soft Cloth Car Wash - voire mortel - Time and Seed Library.

 

Well, that's the lot for now.

If you wish to contribute, and we really need more short stories if you have them, just click the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Back soon (hopefully..)

Ed.

August 2019

Oh deary me! We're WAY overdue with the August edition of the mighty 'mop but here it is at last.

At the beginning of the month I was sitting here wondering if there was going to be enough material but then it started to arrive - more and more - until we amassed the super-abundance of great stuff which you can see below!

Dive in..

Andrew Lee-Hart kicks things off with the story of Tobias Bennet, a devilishly talented musician with some devilish habits. His journey through life seems to leave a trail of destruction. Where will it end? Find out in Discord.

 

Martin Green has an Uncle Pringle. He's a useful sort of fellow who knows all the right people. When Weaverville had a little trouble over a statue Pringle was the man to sort it out. Read Uncle Pringle and the Statue.

 

Harry Downey returns with the tale of Miss Potter. She was a miserable old so and so, nobody liked her except her cat. Then one day she wasn't miserable any more!

 

Adam Kluger was last with us in 2016 but now he's making a triumphant return with some fiction - and next month some art too! This time we have Faith. Some days you just need it.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has four poems for us this time. They are: Like Stars in the Sky - Select Taxons of Behavior and Hospitality for a Star Traveler.

 

Vincent O'Connor brings us two new short poems this month. Contemplation and It Is What It Is. Short but sweet.

 

John D Robinson is a self confessed "poetry whore" and he's back with more.. The Poetry-Whore - Nothing To Me - For J.T. - The Commonplace and Pardon Me. That's OK John we understand.

 

Mary Cresswell makes a welcome return to the fold with three new poems: Ozymandias In Orange - Lord Byron To His Car Dealer and The Pied Pipers Of ... You will love them.

 

Robert Plath is another returnee and he brings us four new poems this time: empty & distorted - 4,800 x an hour - existential fake news and ease.

 

Whew! Quite a lot to consume in one sitting. I hope you found something you enjoyed and that you'll come back for more soon.

If you wish to contribute, use the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

I'm off for a lie-down.

Ed.

July 2019

It was fifty years ago that man, well two men, walked on the moon. In fact they jumped about a bit too I seem to remember. It's all to do with the lower gravity up there.

We only deal with the gravest gravity here at Winamop, everything is deadly serious.. apart from the things that aren't of course, which - come to think of it - is quite a lot of it!

May I draw your attention to some new product out there by our contributors? KJ Hannah Greenberg's newest volume of poetry, The Wife/Mom, has just been launched by Seashell Books and Martin Green's latest compilation of short stories called Potpourri II, Stories, Observations & Essays is out in a Kindle edition.

So now you know. Enough of my waffling, let's get into the new edition, it's packed with good stuff.

Aubrey Malone. Back in 1969, exactly fifty years ago, a young man was about to leave rural County Mayo for a new life in Dublin. Meanwhile on the moon the Eagle had landed. Read A Small Step.

 

M. E. Neiberg is just starting out on her writing career, so obviously she's new to Winamop! This story is about caves - well, it features some caves - but really it's about longing. See what you think in An Unexpected Find.

 

Martin Green visits an Independence Day barbecue in this story. There are always new people to meet and new opinions to take on board at this kind of event aren't there? (Don't forget Martin's new book on Amazon.)

 

Sunita Thind has been a model, a primary and secondary school teacher and a make up artist, [BIO] but now has found time to devote to writing. Here is her first piece for us called The Island of Death Behind  ‘Pulau Blakang’ (Malay).

 

Simon King looks into the lives of famous characters and imagines a pivotal day. This time it's chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer in his hotel on the day before his match against Boris Spassky.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg returns to poetry and her word-smithery ranges over sadness, conflict and romances. The stuff of poetry.. Read Lacrimation - Foodstuffs of the Heart and Kowtowing to Social Fads: A Tragic Romance.

 

Jack Henry has been a long time away, about ten years.. but he's back now with three new poems: Mayakovsky - relapse and a call to prayers. Don't make it so long next time Jack!

 

Bruce J. Berger was last with us in March with his Prose poem in Three Parts which you might like to catch up on. This time he brings us a hard-hitting poem called On the Border. Donald won't like it..

 

That's all for this month. I'm pleased with that collection, I'm sure you will have found something to enjoy and I hope you'll be back for more.

If you wish to contribute, use the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Until we meet again.

Ta ta.

Ed

June 2019

This month is often described as "flaming June" but this year is more like "flooding June" over here in the dis-United Kingdom of Brexitshire.

I've got my wellies on as I type this just in case the heavens open again.

There's plenty of sunshine in the Winamop inbox though, we have stories and poems galore. So shut the windows and draw the curtains, there's no point in going out there and getting wet when you can stay indoors and read Winamop!

Off we go:

KJ Hannah Greenberg is advocating getting along with others. Who can argue with that as a sentiment in this troubled world? Read Sugar, Spice, Earthworms, and Entrails.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart takes us back to the 17th century for this story of love in difficult times. It's called simply; Gardens, but there's more to it than that..

 

Simon King goes inside the heads of famous names from the past. This time he imagines the night before a big match in the hotel room of Argentinian soccer manager Marcelo Bielsa back in 2002 as he prepared for the FIFA World Cup in Tokyo.

 

Martin Green is approaching his tenth decade and feeling somewhat upset by recent events in his life. But there's always something to lift the mood. His tale is called A Day In May.

 

JD DeHart is a thinker, get on board his train of thought and read Word Bubbles - Take Two - In the World and I Want to Be in a Comic Book.

 

David Boski's new collection of poems is tinged with sadness. Here we have All We'll Have Left - Hours of Chaos - Feel Better - Crying Game and Luck's Run Out.

 

John Grey can always be relied upon to come up with some great ideas. This time we have She Was Never The Crash Victim - Drunken - Disturbance, 2.00 AM - The 70'S Strangler and Early Morning, Northern Woods.

 

Not bad eh? Now you've read Winamop why not put fingers to keyboard and contribute yourself? It's probably still raining outside..

If you wish to contribute, use the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

If we aren't carried away on the tide I'll see you next month.

Ed

May 2019

"Never cast a clout before May is out" they say, but I'm going to cast Winamop out into the firmament before the month is over and hang the consequences!

Yes, I know that there is some controversy as to whether "May is out" means the month is over or the may-flowers are blooming, but who really cares?

We have a nice collection of stories and poetry this time for which I'm very grateful to the following contributors.

Whether May is out or not I do hope you enjoy it!

Martin David Edwards brings us a story set after "Brexit" (the UK's interminably slow exit from the European Union). An Englishman "returns home" to Dublin after Brexit and tries to fit in. It's called 1916.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg returns to story-telling this time. You probably know some ex schoolmates who you didn't get on with at the time but have turned up later with a different view on things? Well, here are The Dillion Sisters.

 

Aubrey Malone's story this month is about a marriage in terminal decline. Why has this come to pass? Well, read Mechanical and you'll get the general idea..

 

Martin Green has taken on the role of our U.S. political correspondent (not a real job). The Mueller Report has been filling the media over there, just like brexit over here.. Possibly there are more important things?

 

George Gad Economou turns his hand to poetry this time but the mood is just as dark and dirty as last month. It starts with Morose Nights at the Gutter, so you get the flavour, then continues with Another Tree Chopped Down - In the Streets of Broken Dreams and Losing Battles. R

 

Linda Imbler is new to Winamop [BIO] and introduces herself with a collection of fine poems, some with a musical flavour. They are: Music of the Spheres - Changelings (an Etheree poem) - Drycleaning the Suede Guitar - Forfeit and Radio Waves, a subject dear to my heart!

 

Luis Cuauhtémoc Berriozábal is from West Covina, California and is another new contributor. His charming poems are A Bird’s Life - The Butcher Can Just Stay Home - The Sweet Songs - I Let You and Words Have Meaning.. They certainly do.

 

Gary Beck is our last contributor this month and he has sent some more poems from "Fractional Disorder" his unpublished collection that examines the anomalies, frequently unnoticed, that confound us. We have Advancement - Descent - Precipitation - Scientific Progress and Madness Unleashed.

 

Smashing! I hope you found something you enjoyed and do check out Gary Beck's new book "Transitions" which is getting rave reviews and is available on Amazon.

If you wish to contribute, use the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Until we meet again.

Ed

April 2019

It's "swings and roundabouts" round here. Some months I get a surfeit of poetry and hardly any stories, and others - like this one - I have lots of stories and only a few poems..

Not that I'm complaining, I'm pleased to have such a diverse group of writers and artists contributing. Keep it up!

So, story fans, it's your lucky edition, but poetry aficionados have something to enjoy too.

Let's get started:

George Gad Economou. There are bars you feel happy to walk into and there are those which it's probably best to avoid. This tale concerns a bar in the latter category. It's Just Another Night of Insanity; enter if you dare..

 

Andrew Lee-Hart enjoys a pancake. There have been several occasions in this imagined life where pancakes have played a significant part. Enjoy some yourself in Pancake Day.

 

Martin Green brings us a tale of young people making a new start after the Korean war of the 1950s. In a hot and sweaty New York, just passing time until life gets properly underway. Read That Summer.

 

Paul Murgatroyd is new to Winamop and his story is all about a haunted house. Well, it's a haunted hotel really, should attract some kindred spirits I suppose? It's called Stan.

 

Harry Downey brings us a small "Amuse Bouche" to finish today's selection. If only the door had been shut properly this senseless loss of life would never have happened. Read The Intruder.

 

Vincent O'Connor has written us a poem for Easter, a short poem, a very short poem - in fact this introduction is longer! It's called Conjoining

 

JD DeHart brings us a collection of short, pithy poems this time. They are: Valentine’s - Stutter - Gave a Word and Write for Yourself.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has three poems for us this time, they are: A Recession-Proof Job, The Momentum of Needles that Kill and Scorning Dragons over Lost Burial Rites

 

I hope you found something you enjoyed in our selection this time. If you feel that you can do as well, or better, then put your mouse where your mouth is and send it in!

Use the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Cheerio and happy Easter.

Ed

March 2019

2019's still going very well isn't it?

Isn't it?

Oh dear, I really haven't been taking much notice, but I'm sure it'll all turn out for the best.. after all, what's the worst that can happen?

Oh, I see, that is pretty bad.. but never mind all that doom and gloom, the new edition of Winamop is out!

We have old favourites and new contributors all with something to say.

Here we go:

Kevan Youde was last with us in September and I'm very happy to welcome him back with this story of office politics and the drive to get ahead.. literally! Read Three Eyes.

 

Martin Green, as has been said before, is getting old. This story, called A Day in April sees him on a typical day, just going about his business when something odd happens.

 

Aubrey Malone, is new to Winamop but has been writing for ages. Here is his Bob Dylan related story King Bob, Approximately. See how many song titles you can spot.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg brings us poetry this time, three new pomes in fact: Nuclear Springtime - I Observed The World and Pleomorphic Happiness. Just so you know, pleomorphism is the ability of some micro-organisms to alter their shape or size in response to environmental conditions. Educational and entertainling!

 

Fabrice Poussin [BIO] has brought us both art and poetry in the past and this time he is in poetic mood with Breaking Away - Collapse - Forever Ago - Her Domain and Like a Pearl. Try them, I think he has a really nice touch.

 

Tohm Bakelas is also new to Winamop and he introduces himself with this fine poem about a time that we have all dreaded at some times in our lives: Monday Morning.

 

John D Robinson returns for the new year with a collection of poems that will make you laugh, cry and - best of all - think. Try The Iron Door - The Punk Rock Kitchen - The Sinking - When The Gig Is Up and Hand It Over.

 

Bruce J. Berger is another newbie round here and he has written a Prose poem in Three Parts which is well worth a read.

 

Super!

Time for me to pack up my belongings in a red-spotted hankerchief, hang them on a pole which I shall carry over my shoulder as I sneak back into a dark corner of the internet where nobody can find me until next month.

Except of course if you would like to contribute to the next edition (which I'd very much appreciate). Just send me your stories, poems, art of whatever you have created via the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Until we meet again. Goodbye!

Ed.

February 2019

2019 seems to be starting well, if we ignore politics of course..

Here in the world of Winamop the land is flowing with milk and honey and I have what can only be described as a "bumper" edition for you!

There are new stories from some of our favourite contributors and absolute riches of poetry from Winamoppers old and new. For the children there is even a new, well old actually, Captain Wozzo story I found behind some musty folders when I was tidying up.

I don't know what the weather is doing where you are but it's being a bit February-ish here, all cold, wet and windy. A good time to sit indoors and settle down with a nice edition of Winamop.

So here it is:

Andrew Lee-Hart has a somewhat unsettling account of a damaged child in an adult body. What is going on inside his head? Find out in Samuel’s Psalm

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg. When Doctor Davis Totana lost his autistic younger brother he was distraught, his life would never be the same again. Read the full story in Public Mail Collection Boxes and the Necessity of Compassion.

 

Simon King returns with a riff on the lives of Charlie and Edgard, that's jazz-great Charlie Parker and ground-breaking composer Edgard Varèse.

 

Captain Wozzo. Now, from the sublime to the ridiculous, it's time for another story about our brave super-hero and inter-galactic crime fighter. This one pre-dates the other Captain Wozzo stories and finds him on the trail of a UFO.

 

Rajnish Mishra [BIO] is an Indian poet whose work originates at the point of intersection between his psyche and his city, Varanasi, from which he is exiled. I am with them - You made me - Innocence lost - Yes, I live and For write I must!.

 

DS Maolalai returns. [BIO] This time he has been having trouble with a wine bottle, pills, priests and poetry itself. The titles are: Cork, How are you, The preacher Preaching Sin, Wilderness and The eventual poem.

 

David Boski is a new face on Winamop, [BIO] he lives in Toronto and has recently returned to poetry. In this selection we have: droughts & dry spells - A cup of coffee - Uninvited Guest - A Special Moment in Time and No Mas.

 

JD DeHart has been with us for some years now and as a special bonus he's back with eight poems, some old and some new: Idiomatic - Loud Music - Toading - Bald Eagle - Real Looker - Caretaker - Sloth's Sway and High-Back Chairs.

 

John Grey is also an old hand at Winamop, so I'm very pleased to welcome him back in 2019 with five new poems: Guide To The Track - For You - At The Bend - The Snake At The Bottom Of The Garden and Awaiting A Fisherman’s Return.

 

You may have noticed that the [BIO] links now take you to the poetry (or stories) page where you will find all the other work from that poet or story-teller. I think that's a better idea than the muddle that was the "Us" page. I shall migrate a few more across when I get the time.

That's it for now, I'm putting on my hat, coat, gloves and scarf now because it's Saturday and I need to buy food.

Cheerio.

Ed.

January 2019

New Year resolutions already broken?

Dry January turned wet?

Never mind, Winamop is here, live from Scotland!

Just before we get started I'd better tell you about Bruce Harris' new poetry collection in aid of the Huntingdon's Disease Association, ‘The Huntington Hydra’, which is now published in both print and e-book form. It is available at Caparison Books.

Right, let's get on with it. Here we have a choice selection of stories from some of our best writers - and poetry from some familiar names plus one new one.

It's all good stuff!

Andrew Lee-Hart kicks off 2019 with a tale about a man with a hobby, a hobby which he hopes will make him famous. It's a rather unusual one (thank goodness). Find out all about it in Retirement.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg visits the world of three sisters, children of - and heirs to the fortune of - Sasha and Laila Jones. They are bound to be a handful aren't they? Read Marybeth’s Predicament and find out!

 

Martin Green is getting old, what is there to look forward to? A game of chess perhaps, that shouldn't be too eventful should it? The story is called Depression.

 

Ken Allan Dronsfield [BIO] brings us a new collection of poems for the new, shiny year. Here we have Upon the Sea - Specter of Essence - Diary of Don Juan - Of Raging and Château. I hope you enjoy them.

 

Taunja Thomson returns to Winamop and here's her [BIO]. By way of re-introduction she sends us these five fine poems: Brace Yourself - (I See Him) Floridly - From which They Came - Meeting — and Cage of Sky.

 

Orbindu Ganga returns with just one poem this time. It's very evocative and it's called Ashes.

 

That's it then, we have set off boldly into 2019 with not a care in the world (I'm lying of course).

I suppose we'll just have to make the best of it won't we?

All literary contributions gratefully received, please mail them to me via the button at the bottom of the home page.

See you soon.

Ed.

December 2018

Come along everyone, we need to "spend, spend, spend" or all the shops will go broke!

Well, I think I've done my bit, I've bought myself some cosy slippers and large bottle of malt whisky.

Happy Christmas!

But before I start on the mince-pies I'd better introduce the December edition of Winamop. There's much to enjoy here, and there's probably nothing good on TV.

Here we go..

Martin David Edwards wrote this Christmas story from a slightly unusual perspective. Everybody has a favourite meal for the festive season, I wonder what turkeys eat? There's a clue in the title: Human For Christmas .

 

Andrew Lee-Hart is back with an unsettling case of child murders. This used to be such a good area, who could be doing something so awful? It's called Shards.

 

A Christmas story from the in-house team resurfaces as we reboot Oilstain for the festive season. Join Matt on his quest to find the true spirit of Christmas.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has contributed to Winamop every month this year, she ought to win a prize! I wonder if I have any mops left? This time it's three poems: On Sounding Like a Basset Hound - Duplicitous, Bleeding Hearts and Vagabonds and That Sexy Hamster.

 

Robert Allen Beckvall introduces himself to Winamop with this new poem The Trials and Tribulations of Champions. We salute him.

 

Gary Beck's 'Mortal Coil' is an unpublished poetry collection and Gary is giving us a sneak preview. Here are Winter Warning - Interactive Dynamics - Warning Signs - Give Until… and Illegal Entry.

 

Joyce Walker brought us a story earlier in the year but this time she brings poetry. This selection has some to make you laugh some to make you cry. A Jack The Lad To His Mrs - A New Me - Census At Bethlehem - The City - Incy Wincie Spider and She Takes The Floor. Superb!

 

I hope you have a good holiday - if holiday it is where you are - and that we will see you again in 2019.

Don't forget that we are always looking for new talent, some big names started here you know!

If you feel you would like to join them please send your contributions to me via the "Mail Us" button on the home page.

See you next year.

Ed.

November 2018

Time marches on and now there isn't much of 2018 left.. how did that happen?

Firstly, one parish notice: JD DeHart's new book A Five Year Journey is out now.

Let's get the November edition on the streets before Christmas comes round again!

This month the wheel has turned and we have a bucket-full of poetry but not so many stories, I just can't win. But to balance things up we have some art photography from story-smith Martin David Edwards. It's a little different to our usual fare, see what you think.

Off we go!

Harry Downey wrote this piece some time ago, he sent it to me and I lost it. It's so small it went down between the cracks. Here it is at last, it's called From Mary's Point of View.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has a moving story for us. Well, it's a story about moving, which is also moving in itself. Read Change, Too, is Good.

 

Martin Green is here to tell us about A Day In March. Yes, I know it's November but you can't rush these things. Oh, wait a minute, I'd better go and put the bins out..

 

Martin David Edwards has written many a story for us, but this time he brings some art photography on the theme of a Winter Wonderland. It's all about that cool look.

 

Perry L. Powell returns to Winamop. He writes tender and beautiful poems. Here we have The Lineaments - Unaccountable and Denuded.

 

George Gad Economou takes us into some dark places. Starting with Another Dry Bottom and the epic Mornings of Intense Insanity we then dive into the depths of Boozehound’s Last Song before maybe finding some hope in Abstinence.

 

JD DeHart has three new poems for us this month. They are called: Glossophobia - Jab and Costumes. By the way, he doesn't wear his underpants outside his tights.. that's Batman.

 

John D Robinson is also back with new material. Some bad things have happened but the poems are all the better for it. Try The Bum’s Dispersed - The Same - The Hollow People - The Excercise and Much More.

 

What did you make of all that?

I'm always amazed and impressed that so many contributors are willing to nail their colours to the mast and contribute for no reward except the sheer joy of it.

If you feel that you'd like to do something similar, or something completely different, then please get in touch using the "Mail us" button at the bottom of the home page. I'm sure I don't have to remind you that Christmas is coming so anything a little seasonal would be very welcome!

Goodbye for another month or so.

Ed.

October 2018

October ought to be the 8th month really, what with "octo" being Latin for eight.. It's all because the year used to start in March so April would be month 1, May month 2, and so on, making October the eighth month. Then about 450 years ago some busy-body came along and moved the start of the year to January. Oh well, if we didn't know any Latin I don't suppose it'd bother us?

Why am I wittering about this anyway? Whatever the month is called, it's time for Winamop!

This month I bring news of a new book by Andrew Lee-Hart through Wild Wolf Publishing. Find it here https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GDS5WVZ

On to the content..

KJ Hannah Greenberg has written a short piece for us this month. Short but sweet! It's called The Whiteness of Sheets.

 

Robert Steward introduces himself to Winamop with a fine story set in an English class in Bologna, Italy a few years ago. Read Imagine.

 

Martin Green used to have a cat. For all I know he may still have a cat, but not this one, this was his first cat and her name was Mickey.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart returns with a story of a well-respected(?) teacher in a primary school. He'd been there for years and years. We begin at the end; at his funeral. The title is Shepherd, mainly because that was his name.

 

Margaret McNee. Lastly we continue to follow the diary of a group of young Scots on a "grand tour" of Switzerland in 1908. This time they visit the Lutschinenschlucht and have some tea!

 

Sandeep Kumar Mishra is a new name to us [BIO] and he brings us a collection of five interesting poems. They are: The Books - My gallery has ended - The Death of the Seas - I Painted an Ocean and A Rainbow Memory.

 

EG Ted Davis is also new to Winamop and introduces himself with this poem Just plain ordinary Jesus. He's not impressed..

 

Things swung the other way this month; lots of stories and not so many poems, that hasn't happened for a long time.

I'm not complaining though, it was all good stuff and I hope that you enjoyed it.

If you feel that you would like to join our happy band of contributors then please do so.

Just click on the "mail us" button at the bottom of the home page to send it in.

Goodbye for now.

Ed.

September 2018

As we fall into autumn (a bit of a pun, sorry..) the weather here at Winamop command and control centre has turned wet and windy. A good time to be sitting inside reading this august journal. Of course if your weather is fine then it's also a good time to sit outside reading Winamop on your ICD (Internet Connected Device, evidently..). If you are reading on a small screen remember to try the "Printer Friendly" option by clicking on the smiling printer at top right of most pages. It might be clearer.

Parish notices this time concern JD DeHart who has a new book of poems out called A Five Year Journey, available at Dreaming Big Publications. We have some great poetry by JD on the site this time too.
Gary Beck tells me that he has another new book: Dogs Don't Send Flowers now available through Amazon.

Waffle over, let's get on to the content..

Andrew Lee-Hart's story this time is about an elderly lady who treasures a passionate poem written for her in her youth by a now-famous poet. He's coming to town to do a reading soon, perhaps he'll remember her? It's called Cleopatra.

 

Kevan Youde brings us a day in the life of a detective called to the scene of an attack. A familiar scenario leads him to believe that this may be the work of a serial killer he'd been looking for. Read Never saw it coming.

 

J.B. Pick left a large archive of unpublished work which we occasionally dip into. Here is a story from his early days, a somewhat spooky tale called The Phantoms.

 

JD DeHart has a new book out (see above) and to whet your appetite here are five poems. The first three The Fate of Our Forest Home, Herd Instinct and A Night for Neighbors are new work. We also have and The Whale in the Sky and On the Stalk.

 

John Sweet is back with five great new poems. Check out - houses burn - one after kahlo - your enemy's momentum, your lover's god - dolorosa and in the age of gold.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg's poetry makes you think. That must be the purpose of any written thing surely? Sometimes the thinking slows the flow of the poetry, so just pause and give it another read. It'll be worth it.

 

Vincent O'Connor has written a new poem for us, it's about insomnia. It won't send you to sleep!

 

We've had more poems than stories this month, so come on story-tellers let's have some more prose next time!

Just click on the "mail us" button at the bottom of the home page to send it in.

Until we meet again, enjoy your time on planet Earth.

Ed.

August 2018

I'm late, for a very important date! The August edition of Winamop is running behind schedule but has finally turned up, apologising profusely, wearing odd socks and with its shirt hanging out.

It isn't our biggest ever edition but it has hidden depths.. For a start Andrew's story weighs in at 3,287 words, get yourself a cup of tea before you embark upon it because you won't want to stop. And, although It may look as if there are three stories, in fact there are four, as Martin has provided two!

It's not just quantity either, all the stuff this month is top-notch, I do hope that you enjoy it.

Andrew Lee-Hart's story is about a dying man. You know how your whole life is supposed to pass before you at that moment? Who's to say what life that might be. The story is called Untrodden Ways, I recommend it.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg introduces us to an old woman living in Tsfat, Israel. Lonely Planet calls it "an ethereal place to get lost for a day or two" but if you're old and lonely you need the comfort of family.. Read A Time of No Redemption.

 

Martin Green recalls a couple of experiences he had during visits to London. I've put them together as a "two for one" deal as they sort of follow on from each other. It starts with Ruth Rendell has my pen and goes on to Helen Ingalls.

 

Ann Christine Tabaka [BIO] was last with us in October and it's been worth the wait as you will see when you read her latest collection. It contains: A New Day Dawns - A Storm is at Hand - Dying Embers - Night Refuge and The Final Mile.

 

Michael Lee Johnson brings us four new poems on the business of life and increasing age. We have Old Men Walk Funny - Just Because, Bad Heart - Canadian seasons Exiled Poet and Injured Shadow.

 

J.B. Pick Once more we revisit one of his little books. Here we have six excerpts from "early rising" published way back in 1981. The poems are The runner - The Expedition - The road - Father and Mother - Time and Evening.

 

And so we come to the end of another fine edition of the venerable 'mop. If you would like to contribute yourself please feel free to do so. Just click on the "mail us" button at the bottom of the home page.

Until this all happens again, goodbye.

Ed

July 2018

Summer-time and the livin' is easy.. Time for a small but perfectly-formed edition of Winamop perhaps?

I must first tell you about Gary Beck's new publications: He has a chapbook "Voices of War" out on Atlantean Publishing, and a paperback/Kindle poetry collection called "Blunt Force" available through Amazon. What a busy fellow he is!

Also busy are our stalwart contributors this month, a select band of the finest writers and poets around..

Jane Seaford returns to Winamop with a super story about a marriage on the rocks and an unexpected relationship which follows. It's called The Atheist and God.

 

Harry Downey is back with a story about a cricketer, a dog owner and most exceptional man. Knowledge of cricket is not necessary in order to enjoy - The Eyes Have It.

 

Martin Green describes a February day in the life of an octogenarian living in a Sacramento retirement community. Well, it can't be that bad can it? At least the weather's always nice in California!

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg continues in her poetic vein this month. Here are I Gave You Me - Some Boats and Juliet Capulet, Her Nurse, and the Moon. Some of her best yet.

 

Sofia Kioroglou has written us a new poem. I'm sure you've had a dream in which you were achieving something wonderful? Like perfect gymnastics perhaps?.

 

John D Robinson [BIO] continues his poetic journey through the harder side of life with power and humour. Here are: What Is It? - 1st Time Gloves On - A Vasectomy And Sibelius - A Bright Sunshine and Over-Time.

 

A.J. Huffman brings us five new poems this month. Enjoy My Mind Recedes - I Dream In Shark - Of Hive - I Am Building and A Touch of Champagne.

 

A nice diversion from the tedium of another day on planet Earth?

I must get out more!

See you next time, and don't forget that you can contribute too, just send me an email via the button at the bottom of the home page.

Ed

 

June 2018

Well, that's 2018 half-way through already. Goodness gracious! Doesn't time fly when you're enjoying yourself?

Before we get down to the mid-summer edition, I must just tell you about Bruce Harris' new collaboration with "Wordsmag.com", just go to their web-site and scroll down to number 5 and you'll find Bruce's stories, and others too.

So, what have we here on Winamop? A few stories and quite a few poems to enjoy, that's what!

Andrew Lee-Hart starts proceedings off again this time with a tale of a house - now a museum - , a visitor and a curator who seems to know the place well.. read The House of Memories.

 

Martin Green has been on this earth for some time now, what's left to do? I guess time just sort-of passes doesn't it? Here's a typical Day in January as an example.

 

J.B. Pick takes us to a world somewhere where music has been banned.. not just those auto-tuned nasal singers that we could do without but all music. Imagine the effect of hearing it for the first time.. read Beware of Music.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg returns to poetry on this occasion with three new ones for us. Here are We've Learned It's Moot, Lost Potential after Lambing and The Mage’s Incomplete Solace.

 

George Gad Economou is new to Winamop and I can't tell you much about him.. We'll let the poetry speak for itself. Here we have Chained on the Bed, Cockroaches mating under the Mattress, Flying Needles and Harrowing Moments of Bourbon.

 

Sofia Kioroglou writes poetry in hot and steamy Athens. I hope she has air-conditioning! This one is called The Fig Tree Will Bear Fruit. If it gets watered of course..

 

JD DeHart returns once more with another collection of poems. They are The Smartest, Old Sayings, Detective, Tiny and Dramatic. All those things and more!

 

I hope you found something you liked, maybe it inspired you to write a story or some poetry yourself?

If so, come and join us, the e-mail link is at the bottom of the home page.

Bye for now.

Ed.

 

May 2018

Before we start I must tell you about Gary Beck's new chapbook "Internet Yearnings" which is available from Fowlpox Press. For some reason the web-site plays Coleman Hawkins - How Come You Do Me Like You Do (I enjoyed that) but don't let that put you off reading Gary's book.

I'm sorry you missed the birthday party, we had jelly and balloons and everything!

You'll just have to console yourselves with the May edition which is right here.

So let's head off into our 16th year starting with this splendid crop of stories and poetry, from some old friends and some new faces.

To make the newcomers feel at home we'll go round the room and each of us will introduce ourselves to the group, then we'll break for coffee.

Anyone need de-caff?

Where are the biscuits? Oh, wait a minute, who wanted cookies?

Why can't anyone else in the world make proper biscuits? Ones that you can dunk in a cup of tea..

Oh never mind, scrap the bonding exercise let's get straight to the content:

Andrew Lee-Hart is back with another historical piece featuring Lancelot at the time of King Arthur's Camelot... and beyond. Read Forlorn.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg's epic tale concerns a relationship unravelling, then the strands intertwine in different ways. It's called Familiarities.

 

Bradford Middleton returns this month with a tale of a man barely functioning, how will he get through the day?.. Will he even make it 'til lunchtime? Read A Morning Circling The Drain.

 

Simon King wrote a story about British Prime-Minister Edward Heath last time and now he's turned his attention to Charles Crumb, brother of the notorious cartoonist Robert Crumb. It's called Charles.

 

The editor. Yes, I have written a little history of the site which I hope will interest those of you who regularly visit Winamop. Why we did it.. that sort of thing. Not interested? Oh well, you can't please everyone.

 

Neil Ellman has a knack of interpreting works of art in poetic form. The poems stand up without the pictures but the combination is delightful. This time he is inspired by the work of Roberto Matta, Yves Tanguy, Sam Francis and Paul Klee.

 

DS Maolalai introduces himself to us with this suite of five well-made poems. BIO Here you have 2nd hand - The wine. Like Macbeth. R - My new leather jacket. - Drinking with Matt. and A beautiful Tuesday.

 

JD DeHart turns his hand to poetry this time, and he makes an excellent job of it too! Here are three new ones called Underpinnings - Creek and What We Come to Know.

 

Adam Levon Brown is the brains behind Madness Muse Press BIO and he introduces himself to Winamop with five impressive poems: Serpentium - Seeking Solace - Thy Kingdom Come - Midnight Stroll and Bullets and Fire.

 

Boff!

That was good wasn't it?

If you want more, come back next month and I hope that we will have some for you. That, of course, depends upon the fine band of contributors who keep us going.

You can join them, write something and send it to me. Use the email button at the bottom of the home page.

 

Ed.

May 5^th 2018

Today is Winamop's 15^th birthday!

Who'd have thought, back in 2003, that it'd still be going after all this time?

2003 wasn't a particularly good year: the Columbia space shuttle fell apart killing seven astronauts, Saddam Hussein's regime was being toppled (that went badly..), David Blaine was suspended in a glass box by the Thames and had things thrown at him (didn't go too well either..), Ian Duncan-Smith resigned after only 2 years as Tory Party leader (wasn't going well..), Liverpool based soap-opera Brookside ended after a 21 year run (nobody noticed), George Bush visited London (didn't go well.. huge protests over Iraq war), Rover brought out the City-Rover (absolute crap) and DVDs overtook VHS as the most popular home video format.. DVDs? what are they?

So it looks as if - along with Birmingham's^* Bullring Shopping Centre - relatively speaking, Winamop is one of the more successful things to come out of 2003!

If you'd like to see what Winamop looked like in 2003 when were riffing on Winamp's web-site, click here to enter our time machine.. (we actually used to give away mops!).

We'll be back in a few days with our 15^th birthday edition.

Don't miss it!

Ed

* Winamop is based in Birmingham UK

April 2018

What a fool I am, to be away on holidays whilst I should have been here preparing Winamop..

As it happens, it has just allowed the in-box to fill up to bursting point with excellent stuff for you to enjoy.

So let's get underway with this, the late-running April edition:

Andrew Lee-Hart has come up with what sounds to be a useful text, it's called Guidelines for a Good Life (or Lessons I have Learned), but having studied it I should probably recommend caution before following it all to the letter!

 

Joyce Walker hasn't written for us before but here she is at last.. It's amazing how many words there are in the English language isn't it? Words for things that we didn't even know existed until told about them. Joyce learned a few when moving house..

 

JD DeHart has always wanted to write a story - this story. This is the story he always wanted to write, and now he's written it. It's calledThe Story I Always Wanted to Write:. Visit Slam City, but keep your eyes peeled..

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg is spending a little time in 1957, when all things were possible and a bunch of kids could organise a carnival all by themselves. Let's hope the weather turns out nice! It's called Just Three, 1957.

 

Martin Green has been writing his "Uncle Pringle" stories for some time, but this is his first one for us. Uncle Pringle is a mediator, a man who can un-knot a knotty problem. This story concerns an incident some forty years ago, which could have serious consequences today.

 

SuzAnne C. Cole is new to Winamop and introduces herself here with five new poems, mostly on the subject of spring. How appropriate!

 

Sofia Kioroglou returns with this evocative poem about a characterful street in Athens. If you are curious you can find it on Google Maps.. it looks nice! It is Dionysiou Aeropagitou street.

 

Splendid!

Do join me for the 15th birthday edition next month, fancy dress optional!

Ed.

March 2018

Just when we thought spring had sprung, the "beast from the east" blew in to the UK.

No, not Mr Putin, but a spell of icy weather streaming in from Siberia. Brr!

Time to stay indoors in the warm and assemble Winamop for March.

It seems as if our contributors have been snuggled up to their warm PCs too and have produced a bumper crop of writing for us this time.

Let's get started..

KJ Hannah Greenberg is probably our most prolific contributor, for which I am duly grateful. She has been with us since 2008, but her story this time concerns an even longer relationship. It's called Thirty-Four Years or So, Give or Take a Shoe.

 

Harry Downey, last with us in 2015, has come back to the fold with this tale of skullduggery and tax avoidance. Read A Rose By Any Other Name.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart is a fine story-teller who has brought us many great reads. Here we visit a parallel existence where tolerance is seriously lacking. Uncomfortably close to home I think. Read Hugh and decide.

 

George Aitch BIO has this tale of two students on a trip down to London. Their favourite band is playing at last and this will be a show not to be missed! Read We Go Out .

 

Michael Lee Johnson has contributed poems before and this time his poems are illustrated with pictures. Audio of him reading them is also available. A multimedia experience! We start with Heaven is My Horse Fly.

 

John Sweet has been in Winamop a couple of times and here he is again with another five rather good poems.They are: time, in all directions, Universe A, Glorified, this is the fire and looks up, shoots at the sky.

 

John D Robinson appears to live a colourful life, judging by the company he keeps in his poems! Here we have Spiteful Annie, The Alien Object, Business As Usual, ‘I’m Making Movies’ and Welcome Back To Work Interview.

 

A.J. Huffman writes emotional and insightful poems and we are happy to have five new poems on the site this time. I Dream in Seclusion, Aquamarine, Rainbow Bridge, Glitter Unplugged and Of Egg.

 

Gerard Sarnat is celebrating a Jewish heritage and mourning the loss of life due to the Californian droughts, fires and floods. The collection comes with pictures and is called Spring Fever Transcend Dances .

 

That's the lot for March, here's hoping that spring will be back soon here in the top half of the planet.

I already have a few pieces for April so it looks as if that should be a good edition too. Don't foget to come back and see us soon.

Remember that it is our fifteenth birthday in May so I am looking for birthday or anniversary related material for that special edition. Not long now..

Ed.

February 2018

Here we go again!

It seems that our contributors have approached 2018 with great enthusiasm and started producing books galore!

First we hear from Bruce Harris whose new book of stories The Guy Thing - which he has published to raise money for Huntington's Disease charities - is now out (excerpt featured this month). His partner of over thirty years, Anthony, was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease in October 2016 and since then Bruce has been working to raise money for Huntington’s Disease research. The book is available here.

Bruce's stories are excellent as you will know if you've read any of the ones we have featured in the past. Here.

Adam Kluger has a new illustrated collection of flash fiction: Desperate Times: Short Stories (45 stories) which, he says: "Has miraculously been published by a wonderful French Publisher, Belphegor Editions. It's available on Amazon as a paperback and is soon to be translated into French for the French Book Market".

Also new on the market from one of our contributors is Gary Beck's short story collection Now I Accuse. "Diving deep into love, enmity, compassion, and regret, acclaimed poet Gary Beck brings us through the complexities of life with his brilliant collection". Find it at Winter Goose Publishing.

Bruce Harris's book The Guy Thing is out, as mentioned above, and we are lucky to have an excerpt from it to whet your appetite. It's a story of school days - but relevant to life at any age. Read Us and Them.

 

JD DeHart brings us a piece of "Prose Poetry" this time, I'm in a quandary as to where it should go. Should it be in the Prose or the Poetry section? Well, it's here now and it's called Green Sandal Monologue.

 

J.B. Pick started a satirical literary journal called "POINT" back in 1957. In this article from the first edition (which hardly anyone read) we meet Adam Picklewit and John Charlatan, stars of the book "A Land Fit For 'Eros" which also came out in that year. You now have the chance to find out about The True History of Vacuism - an entirely new art movement..

 

Orbindu Ganga has another poem for us this time and this one is about a close encounter of the amorous kind. The title is Touch me not ... .

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg returns to poetry this month. She has created these three intricate poems: Clouds of Bad Attitude Precede Rainbows, When Adopting Great Dangers and Least He Foment.

 

Cattail Jester was last with us in 2016 when he was starting out as a published poet. He has stuck with it and is making waves. Here are three of his latest poems: Glider, Routine Creature and Tongue in Cheek.

 

Jenny Lu is an imaginative poet who contributed to Winamop last year. She's back in 2018 with two super new poems Ready, Row and Butterfingers . I hope that you will enjoy them!

 

It's funny how things ebb and flow isn't it? Everyone's publishing books and writing poetry but we're a bit short of stories this month. If you have a story in you I'd love you to send it in to Winamop. The e-mail button is at the bottom of the home page.

I already have lots of poetry for March.. let's hope we can find some fiction (or fact) too!

See you next time.

Ed

January 2018

2018's been going for a couple of weeks now and so far it's business as usual, the wars continue, Trump's tweets cause shock and awe, Brexit bores the pants off everyone and the NHS is suffering its usual winter crisis.

And I've had the flu!

So really, it can only improve..

One bright spot on the horizon is Winamop's 15th birthday in May, so get your thinking heads on and see if you can come up with anything birthday-related for the special celebratory May edition.

Meanwhile it's time to get the January edition underway, so here we go!

Andrew Lee-Hart has another of his beautifully crafted multi-chapter stories for us. We join a homeless man on the streets. He doesn't know his name, he doesn't let that worry him, but but he does have some pretty bad dreams.. The title is Homesick.

 

Eric Suhem's story this time is about a toll-booth cashier, someone you might meet every day and hardly notice. Maybe if you struck up a friendship it could lead to something? Read The Toll-Booth Cashier.

 

Martin Green is getting old, it happens to most of us, but sometimes it's hard to appreciate the gift of a long life.. His piece is called Egrets.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg kicks off the new year with a conversation recorded in a Royal court somewhere. The Beggar King has taken charge.

 

John Grey has five excellent new poems for us: When She Hung The Painting, Here Tell, Another Bad Hair Day, A Child Born To Ageing Parents and Las Vegas Encounter.

 

Mindy Watson introduced herself to us in September 2017 and I was very pleased to receive another collection of her poems recently. She is experimenting with poetic forms. Here are: Seesaw (a villanelle) and Shark Cage (a rondeau).

 

Rob Plath was last with us in 2013 and now he's back with three new poems. We start with homemade earring, then an untitled piece and we finish with just shrug, you son-of-a-bitch.

 

JD DeHart also brings us three new poems for 2018. We start with A Day of Cancellations, I Write Words and end with You Never Can Tell. C'est la vie!

 

Well that's it, we're underway with a shiny new year, and it's up to us to make it a good one!

See you next time.

Ed.

Christmas 2017

Welcome to the Christmas and New Year edition of Winamop! Here at Winamop central, it has been snowing, and we've been eating mince pies, which means we are all feeling very Christmassy.

It's been a good year for us with a consistent supply of fine material from our faithful band of contributors. I thank them all sincerely.

Unfortunately we have lost a few along the way, some may return, others cannot. Adios amigos.

I have one piece of news: Gary Beck has a new chapbook out at Atlantean Publishing it's called Hallowed be Thy Gun and is written as one single poem starting in the French and Indian War and on through war after war in America.

Right! Before we have to suffer all the trauma of having to remember that it's 2018 when we've only just got used to it being 2017 any more; let's get into the last Winamop of 2017.

Merry Christmas! Or if that's too late; Happy New Year!

KJ Hannah Greenberg The Hedgehog republic is in trouble, send for Bill, Phil, Milly, and Dill! And watch out for those lethal lizards! There's going to be a blood-bath in Fences and Neighbors.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart. Ian is a minister, he has a lovely parish in Shropshire and a young wife, he should be happy.. but he obviously isn't as he's run off to London where he has met Prince Albert’s Daughter. There's trouble afoot.

 

Now back to 1908 with our series on the Scottish girls' grand tour to Switzerland. Transcribed from Margaret McNee's diaries it's a fascinating insight into life over 100 years ago. This time we join them on a trip to the Trummelbach falls.

 

Captain Wozzo is our children's hero, ready to fight the good fight wherever and whenever he is needed.. except when he's busy of course.. He's back with a Christmas special.

 

Sofia Kioroglou has sent us a new poem. It's called Maria Skobtsova - The Holy Fool and is about that remarkable woman.

 

Michael Estabrook was last here in 2016 but he's back - right back - to prehistoric times and the days of the real and/or legendary creatures which we can envisage roaming the earth millions of years ago.

 

Orbindu Ganga paints a wintry picture this time, which is most appropriate! His poem is called My Snout-fair Snow …

 

J.B. Pick loved the cold, crisp winter landscape around his Scottish home, and of course he wrote about it quite often. Here, as a special Christmas treat, is a selection of some of his evocative winter poems.

 

That just about wraps it up for 2017, I wish everyone a bright and successful New Year.

Now let's launch ourselves into 2018! Winamop will be fifteen years old, so what will befall this stroppy teenager as the new year unfolds?

I'm hoping for a nice full in-box in January so that I can start off with a great edition.

I've already written to Santa..

Watch this space.

Ed.

14^th November.

We have returned, I've been on holiday to the not-so-frozen north of Scotland and you've probably been doing something awfully exciting as well.

That all pales into insignificance now, because we're here and ready to go with the November edition of good-old Winamop.

Off we go!

Linda Casper is back! She was last with us in 2014 with Rita The Recycler and she has another short piece of fiction for us this time called Write On. It's good.

 

Martin David Edwards would like to demonstrate a new lifestyle App for your smart-phone. This really is the pinnacle of A.I. It can even find your perfect date.. or can it? Find out in The App, available in your App store tomorrow.. maybe.

 

Kevan Youde takes us back in time to the dining room of a commandeered château where a young aide de camp meets his new commanding officer for the first time. First impressions are all important in A Natural Progression.

 

Jerry Vilhotti tells it like it is in his hard-hitting Page 94 piece In the Land of Milk and Venom.

 

Bruce Harris is campaigning in support of the Huntington's Disease Association and has a new website devoted to the cause. Here's a trip back in time to an old story of his that's well worth a read.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg turns her hand to poetry for us this month. We start with Tomorrow’s Bleak, Worry-Woven Landscape then No More Notice and to finish we go Home, to Jerusalem.

 

Sofia Kioroglou brings us just one short but powerful poem this time. It's called A Monster. You can decide who fits the description..

 

Orbindu Ganga [BIO] is new to Winamop this time and his poem Being Frolorn... is all about autumn..

 

J.B. Pick's little books of poetry were always a highlight at this time of year. He isn't here to write them any more so here are a few poems from the 2007 edition called Evening Light.

 

Well that's all we have for you this time. I hope you'll come back and find Winamop bursting with goodness in our Christmas edition.

For that to happen we need our contributors to get festive, but not too festive to write! Send us a contribution by using the email button at the bottom of the home page.

Bye for now.

Ed.

6^th October.

If I were a tree I'd be losing my leaves, but as I'm an elderly man I'm merely losing my marbles. At least a tree can look forward to a new set of leaves next spring, but my marbles ain't coming back any time soon..

I do like autumn though, those leaves change colour before they fall, the mists roll in and the skies darken, makes you want to sit indoors all warm and cosy with a nice new edition of Winamop to read doesn't it?

So, with apologies to those of you in the southern hemisphere who are just embarking upon spring, here is the autumnal October edition of Winamop.

Christopher Branson joins us for the first time with this story of a young girl's life cut short. What would she have become? A ballerina maybe? Her parents certainly thought so..

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg is having a family discussion. It might be about food, it might be about sex, it might be about a misbehaving web-site. Whatever, it's funny and worth reading! It's called Genetic Drift.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart has written another of his well-crafted stories for us. This is actually two interwoven tales and it starts when an estranged wife finds an old diary in the back room of a house when helping to clear it out. The title is Angels.

 

Martin Green is back to the keyboard and has come up with a sci-fi story concerning a time machine and Donald Trump. That's the thing about time travel, I sometimes wonder what sort of future I have wandered into!

 

Wayne Russell has been taking beautiful photographs of buildings, mainly old ones, in his travels around the United States. Here is a gallery of five of them.

 

Ken Allan Dronsfield is feeling autumnal. He brings us five new poems, mostly reacting to the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Enjoy Sting of a Snowflake, Where Tall Trees Dance, Au Revoir to Summer, Respite and A Stellar Ballet .

 

Blanca Alicia Garza [BIO] returns with a selection of poems, some of which have been published elsewhere. It's a great showcase of her work. The poems are: Autumn Skin, Golden Moonbeam, Bittersweet, Soul Serenade and A Cold Shiny Stone. I love cold shiny stones..

 

Ann Christine Tabaka [BIO] introduces herself to you with this lovely suite of five poems. We have: Seaside, Ritual, On the Shelf, What We Say and New Age.

 

Vincent O'Connor makes a very welcome return to the pages of Winamop with this selection of three sensitive poems: Delirium, Photographs and To Thine Own Self Be True.

 

A mighty collection, and all due to the skill and goodness of heart of our contributors, to whom I am most grateful.

If you also have a desire to write - draw or whatever, a generosity of spirit and some talent, then please contact me, the email button is at the bottom of the home page.

Ed.

11^th September.

What's going on with the world? Earthquakes, hurricanes, nuclear sabre-rattling and The Great British Bake-off on Channel 4?

Well, there's not a lot we can do about it, so let's just immerse ourselves in some fine stories and poetry.

Before we start I must tell you about Katie Lewington's new self-published chapbook Popcorn, which you can find here at Amazon. It's well worth a look.

Good; now for the super September edition of Winamop.

I'm really pleased to be able to bring you a fine selection this time, and our contributors have been working so hard that we've caught up a little time. That means you didn't have to wait a whole month for this edition.

Enough of my waffle, let's get to the good stuff..

Andrew Lee Hart returns. I have been looking forward to bringing you this story since it arrived, just after August's edition was finished. It's of the usual high quality from Andrew and it's called Dead and Buried.

 

Martin David Edwards is also back with another excellent story that I've been eager to present to you. The synopsis for this one is "A man seeks a thrill but gets a shock". It's called Braintease.

 

Martin Green takes another trip to the planet Euphemista where things are similar, but not quite the same, as here on Earth.. This story is all about the pitfalls of Getting a Promotion on Planet Euphemista.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg takes us out into the world of the wild where one species feeds on another. It's a hard existence for a bird trying to raise a family in Redwing.

 

Jenny Lu is new to Winamop and introduces herself with a suite of poems on the subject of relationships. We have Switzerland - 2015, Muddy Socks, Au Revoir and The Silver Lining.

 

Mindy Watson is also making her first appearance here with: Lucidities (two ovillejos), A Queen of Infinite Space (a rondel), Shifted Spaces (a kyrielle), and Emergent’s Roots (an acrostic sonnet).

 

Sofia Kioroglou brings us a single poem this time, but it's a good and uplifting one! It's called If life ain't been no crystal stair . She has a YouTube video for this one too!

 

John Grey [BIO] has a brand new selection of his high quality poetry for us to enjoy. The poems are: During The Riots, On The Red Line, Human Sacrifice, City Folk and A Disappointing Year, Same Old Pond.

 

Well that was good wasn't it? We'll do it again next month so long as the contributions keep coming in.

If you feel that you would like to send something in then please contact me, the email button is at the bottom of the home page.

Ed.

19^th August.

Welcome to the sizzling August edition of Winamop. Our contributors have been working hard to fill it with the finest stories and poetry - when they could have been away on holiday. That's how dedicated they are.

If you're lying on a beach somewhere or trekking up a rock-strewn mountain I hope you enjoy reading it. On second thoughts, if you are trekking up a rock-strewn mountain you'd probably better look where you're going and read Winamop at base camp!

Ready? Set. Go!

Eric Suhem gets this edition off to a flying start with a tale of young entrepreneurship clashing with big business. The title is Lemonade.

 

Jane Seaford first featured on Winamop a year ago. Now she's back with a story about a meet-up between two sisters on the occasion of one of their birthdays; what could be nicer? Quite a lot of things evidently.. Read Happy Birthday and see.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg reflects on the relationship between parents and their almost-but-not-quite-adult offspring. Often a tricky time.. No! You can't have any more money! Post - Teens is the title.

 

Simon King is new to Winamop (Welcome Simon!). If you are over 55 and live in the UK you can probably remember the demise of Edward Heath's government in the face of rising industrial unrest. Simon takes us back in his story Heath.

 

JD DeHart returns! In Hamlet 2.0 he places the prince in the modern age of Twitter and Instagram. Does that improve the situation I wonder..

 

Jake Sheff introduces himself to Winamop with an excellent set of new poems. Here are The Way A Mother Dances - In Times of Economic Hardship - Estate Sale - And Yet, They Rage and The Political Poet.

 

John D Robinson is back with a new set of poems. I have to warn you with a big red R because some of them are pretty strong stuff. Good though!.

 

J.B. Pick, our founding father, left a rich treasury of poetry and prose when he died and occasionally we dip into it. Here are some of his short poems from two of his little books games & short words and As simple as possible.

 

That's about the size of it for August. September is shaping up nicely already, if you are considering contributing please do so soon! The email button is at the bottom of the home page.

Ed.

22^nd July.

Back in June and I feared that we wouldn't be able to continue putting out monthly editions, but thanks to all the contributors below, we've managed to assemble a terrific collection of stories and poetry for you.

It's great to have Donal back with us, as well as Martin, Channie, Andrew, John, Vincent and Fabrice and also to welcome new contributors - Bradford and Gale - to the site.

Before we get to the content there is just one parish notice: KJ Hannah Greenberg tells me that she has a new poetry book, Mothers Ought to Utter Only Niceties, available on Amazon.com, but if readers buy it through https://www.createspace.com/7261710, they can use the discount code, KRJ5K8P5 to get 30% off!

OK. Lots to enjoy so let's get started..

Donal Mahoney returns! Great to have one of our most prolific contributors back; this time it's with the story of Rudy who is in a wheel-chair. Most people don't have a problem with that.. Read A Problem with Rudy.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart is a great constructor of worlds and this one lies before and after the second world war when communism was both fashionable and feared. It is called Entertaining Angels. I recommend it.

 

Martin Green is also one of our most prolific contributors and he's back too! He tells the tale of a planet far away, but strangely familiar, where feminism has been cranked up to 11. What would that mean for Love on the Planet Euphemista?

 

Bradford Middleton [BIO] has written his first story for us, it's called Love Around the Corner and it's about Jack who has become disillusioned with relationships and has rather let his life go - but maybe there's a slim chance of him finding love?

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg makes the case for the older and more experienced writer. She's pushing at an open door here! The piece is called Saggy Skin’s Beauty Queen Prose.

 

John Grey is an accomplished poet who has written for us many times. Here we have We Pioneers, Swinging Gate, Death of a Cat in These Parts, Breakup With Joanna, Sleepless and Pregnant Rita.

 

Vincent O'Connor returns to Winamop with a couple of new poems: She and Losing.They are tender and poignant.

 

Gale Acuff [BIO] is new to Winamop and introduces himself here with a suite of poems on first love at Sunday school. You'll enjoy them.

 

Fabrice B. Poussin has contributed some photography in the past but now he brings us a suite of poems, some with a sense of warmth and some with a sting in the tail.

 

Well, I hope you found something you liked in this month's edition. If all goes well we'll be back again some time in August.

If you'd like to contribute, just contact me via the email button at the bottom of the home page.

Until we meet again.

Ed.

22^nd June.

We did it!

Thanks to all those who rallied round, put fingers to keyboards and wrote until they could write no more. That elite band of authors and poets which you see arrayed below.

Fine contributors all.

So, this edition may be a little behind schedule but it's a good one.

I hope that you enjoy it.

Kristy Kerruish [BIO] brings us a story about a couple of archaeologists who have unearthed a stone head. It's obviously very old but, as it was buried in the ground it can't mean much to the locals can it? It's called The Beltane Fires.

 

Kevan Youde returns with this tale of an inquisitor so effective that he can squeeze a confession out of anyone. How does he do it? Read The Inquisitor and find out.

 

Eric Suhem takes a trip into the country to visit some unusual villages. If only one could find the perfect place to live, maybe this next village will be it? The story is called The Village of Belonging.

 

JD DeHart is here to introduce us to Doctor Milo, who bamboozles everyone with his amazing mathematical prowess. But is he all he seems to be?

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg reflects upon her life as a writer in this piece called Beasties, Babies, Publishing, and Circuses. Surely it can't all be bad?

 

Gary Beck kicks off the poetry corner with a selection from his collection Ignition Point. Gary also has a new 116 page book out called Virtual Living which is widely available. Get yours today!

 

Neil Ellman is the poet who references works of art in his pieces. Last time he featured the work of Paul Klee - and we have a Klee painting here too - but this time he casts the net a little wider...

 

Michael Lee Johnson has got trouble. Trouble with doctors, trouble with women, trouble with life.. He's not down about it though, and brings a touch of humour to his poetry.

 

"With a little help from my friends" we got by - well it is the 50th anniversary of the release of Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band!

Thanks to you all, readers and writers alike.

Until the next time.

Ed.

6^th May

Are you feeling full of the joys of spring? If not, why not? The blossom is on the trees and the sun occasionally shines, so it seems that 2017 has finally got into its stride.

If you've mown the lawn or watered the window box or just stumbled in after a nice healthy walk - or perhaps just crawled out of bed after a heavy night in a seedy bar - then just relax and unscrew the lid from our jar of delights. You've earned it!

Here in Britain we've got a general election going on, Winamop brings you up to date with all the candidates who want to lead us through the next few, difficult years in our News section.

There's also a new Page 94, but that's not important right now. Let's get on with the good stuff.

We have some top fiction in the Stories department and a small but perfectly formed Poetry section which will inspire you.

Off we go:

Donal Mahoney has written many stories for Winamop. By my reckoning this is number 56.. quite some achievement! This one is about Two Old Poets, One in a Rush, and that's what it's called.

 

Eric Suhem has brought us the story of a wife who has been married to a birdwatching husband for 30 years and her daughter who plans to marry an ornithologist. A marriage made in heaven?

 

Andrew Lee-Hart joins us again with the tale of Samson; a boy growing up in a turbulent Warsaw before the second World-War. His life was influenced by an inspirational Rabbi, an influence which lasted to the end.

 

Martin Green has been feeling his age, what about a spot of light gardening to lift the spirits? Those roses need feeding..

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg's story this month is one of her "Bunnies" tales (sorry, can't resist a pun). Here Plumper makes a big sacrifice for her offspring in Rabbit's Foot.

 

Gerard Sarnat kicks off a small but excellent poetry section this time. Gerard is a much published poet and a medical man BIO. This collection of pieces is most entertaining and should make you think.. and there will be more soon!

 

John Grey [BIO] impressed me with his last collection of poems and now he's back with more, equally fine, poetry. This time we have Jamaican Sunday, Why I'm Stuck Here, Ms Unique, Not Even Thinking of Love, Beachcombing and On The Subject of Spring. Superb.

 

That's all we have for you this month, hopefully we'll return in about 30 days with some more. If you feel like contributing don't forget to get in touch, the email button is at the bottom of the home page.

À bientôt, as my Scottish grandmother hardly ever said.

Ed

8^th April

Happy Easter everyone.

I have just returned from a land far, far, away - only to discover that it's time to finish Winamop's April edition (no fooling!).

Before we start I have some exciting news from KJ Hannah Greenberg: Her new book, Can I Be Rare, Too? is now available via Amazon. It includes some stories you may recognise!

And whilst on the subject of Winamop contributors publishing new books: Gary Beck's new volume of poetry Tremors is now available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition.

Parish notices over?

Yes.

Start the music..

Donal Mahoney's story this time is about the way an upbringing which is less than ideal usually has consequences further down the line. It's called An Affective Disorder, the Doctor said.

 

Andrew Lee-Hart is back [BIO] with a new story concerning an aspiring architect, a drunken Duke and his pet project. His stories are full of colour and detail, a very good read. This one is called Folly.

 

Martin Green reckons that the Martian's are coming. Well, the way politics are going it probably couldn't get worse.. Or could it? Find out in The Martian Invasion.

 

Alex Wyte is an occasional contributor to Winamop and this is one of those occasions. He's been spring cleaning with unexpected consequences. Still, it'll make a good story.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg is finding it difficult to feed the family - especially the large ones - without spending a fortune. What about quinoa? That's cheap and nutritious, they'll love it!

 

Martin Friel has written another poem. Every month I sit here and ponder on the place of Winamop in this world. Is it worth the time and money that I expend upon it? What is the point of me doing it?
Well.. This is the point. (Thanks Martin).

 

John D Robinson returns with a new collection of five excellent poems; this time examining the life of a poet in some detail - and it doesn't look too healthy. Is it too late to consider a detox?

 

JD DeHart has created a "prose poem" for us next. Looks like prose, reads like poetry. Well.. why not? It's called Faulkner in February.

 

Jim Spriggs has written nothing at all...

 

 

It's about this time that an Easter bunny comes on and says "That's All Folks" and I crawl back under the bed-clothes until next month.

In order to ensure that there is an edition next month I'll be needing some submissions. The E-Mail button is - as always - at the bottom of the home page.

¡hasta luego! as they may say in the Canary Islands (if I've got my Spanish right).

Ed.

8^th March

Yes it's March, watch out for mad hares and that fellow Brutus.

Before we get to the new edition, a bit of news:

Erstwhile contributor Bruce Harris has been in touch he would like you all to know about his new web-site at www.harriscentral.org It has interview material from Joanne Harris, Alison Moore, Sue Moorcroft and other leading writers.

The site is intended to provide support for the Huntington’s Disease Association, following his partner being diagnosed with this hereditary illness in October of last year. A worthy cause.

Meanwhile back here on plain old Winamop we're settling in to 2017 quite nicely. This March edition is quality all the way.

We'll start with, as always, stories..

Donal Mahoney's father came to the US from Ireland at a time when relations between the Irish and the occupying English were very bad. His youthful zeal for the cause of Irish independence had landed him in serious trouble. He never forgot his mistreatment, but he did learn a new trick..

 

Martin David Edwards makes a welcome return now with The Happiness Retreat a story in which a man goes to a weekend happiness retreat, determined to get a refund. He'd rather have had a lawnmower..

 

This little fantasy from JD DeHart takes us to a land where dragons roam and Odin (occasionally) walks the streets unrecognised (due to his unusual coiffure). It's called Raven Man.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has been trying to decide what Halloween tricks to play next year. She doesn't want another Halloween like last year! (Channie's word of the month is "periphrastic" meaning "circumlocutory" or "roundabout").

 

Martin Green gets philosophical in this tale. Is our life's path all mapped out for us from the start? Or do we have the option to change course? Or do we just think we have? I don't know - but watch out for the cat.

 

Martin Friel has turned his hand to poetry this time. This captures the essence of a life not quite complete as the art in the soul is suffocated by the mundanities of daily life. It's called Death of the artist. I like it!

 

It's good to have another suite of poems from John Grey . He really immerses you in the scenes. Here we have: Blood Rites, In Their Field, Art In Wartime, Suburban Neighborhood - Full Moon, Into Each Life and The Young Woman Who Will Be Old Some Day.

 

Michael Lee Johnson has sent in another collection of his poetry. Here we have Sing it Frank - Physical Therapy, Ding Dong School, Compliance, Give Me Booze or Give me Jesus and Journaling, Labeling Theory .

 

That's all we have for now, I enjoyed the selection and I hope you did too.

You are welcome to contribute to the site, just email me your writings in almost any format except PDF because they are a bit of a fiddle to deal with.

The email button is at the bottom of the home page.

I'm off to see the sun now, back in April.

Ed.

8^thFebruary 2017

February already? We'll have this year all done and dusted in no time!

I have just returned from Scotland where the weather was doing nothing in particular so I haven't been able to build a snowman. Most disappointing.

I have been able to get February's edition of Winamop underway though, and to prove it - here it is..

Donal Mahoney's story this month concerns a married couple with a nocturnal problem. No, not that sort of nocturnal problem! It was what might be termed "restless sleep"; very restless sleep. A cure was eventually found..

 

It's good to have Martin Green back on the site with a new story. It's an inevitable consequence of getting old that you tend to become forgetful; our protagonist has lost his cap.. he'd probably lose his head if it were loose!

 

Steve Slavin returns to Winamop next with his story The Runner. It comes from To the City, with Love, which was recently published by Martin Sisters Publishing. Ready, set, go!

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg goes back to story-telling this time and here she relates the tale of a photographer "down and out in New York City" and looking for that break. It's called Serendipity.

 

The poetry section is headed up by Gary Beck with a sample from his unpublished collection Fractional Disorder which examines the anomalies, frequently unnoticed, that confound us. The poems are: Preservation, Change is Constant, Fallen Empire, Downturn’and Rabid Disease.

 

Time now to welcome Indunil Madhusankha [BIO] to Winamop. This Sri Lankan poet has contributed five poems which cover a wide range of subject and style.

 

I have another introduction to make: Stephen Philip Druce is a poet from Shrewsbury here in the UK and he has sent four unpublished poems for us. They are Sea Creature Disco, Sugar River, Real Friends and She Is Sci-Fi.

 

Finally a little dalliance with Harry Fox, courtesy of Sofia Kioroglou. Watch your step!

 

That was good wasn't it?

I do hope you'll pay Winamop another visit in the near future and, if you are that way inclined, perhaps contribute yourself?

There's an email button at the bottom of the index page which will put you in contact with me.

Bye for now.

Ed

7^thJanuary 2017

Here we come, rubbing our eyes and trying to focus after an orgy of consumerism and over-indulgence.. Oh, you've been at a vegan gluten-free retreat during the festive period have you? Well, I've been contributing to the Scottish economy by drinking all their whisky!

Whilst I consult my diet plan and wonder what on earth awaits us in 2017 you can relax with the all-new January edition of Winamop.

Here we go:

We kick of the New Year as we finished the old one: with a story from Donal Mahoney. The parents of a soon-to-be-born child are faced with a dilemma in The Farmer and Toulouse Lautrec.

 

Now it's time to introduce you to Andrew Lee-Hart, who has sent in this excellent story about an art tutor with a very promising, but unsettling, student. It's set at the beginning of the 20th century and it's called Who by Fire.

 

I have another introduction to make; Ozimede Sunny Ekhalume is a Nigerian author and poet. His writing has appeared in The Missing Slate, Poetry Pacific and elsewhere. Here we have a flash fiction piece called My Neighbours' Dog.

 

An unusual piece next from KJ Hannah Greenberg. It's a conversation based on snippits of songs. How many can you sing? Have a go with Didn't Kill 'em: A Musical Confession.

 

Poetry now, and we start with the return of AJ Huffman who brings us 5 poems: In the Hungover Bathroom of Wakefulness, Crevices, Of Fire, I Count Memories and The Waves Have Teeth.

 

Some of you may be familiar with Adam Levon Brown as he is editor of Madness Muse Magazine amongst other literary endeavours. Today he has brought three poems for us: Queer Confessional, The Pursuit of Joy and Mediatainment.

 

Time now to welcome back Blanca Alicia Garza who was last with us in April. This time she brings us a new collection of five sensational poems. Read Hush Love, Blush, A lonely Night, Free and Winter Night.

 

A super new collection of poems now from Allison Grayhurst. Allison, who is a Canadian poet, has written for us before and the quality is always excellent. Here are: Without Hunger, Break The Chain, In The Centre, It Is and What Is Good.

 

We finish with a new collection of ekphrastic poetry by Neil Ellman. This time he has been taking inspiration from the work of the twentieth century Swiss expressionist painter Paul Klee.

 

Not a bad start to a fledgling year is it?

Let's hope it continues in the same way..

Ed

December 8^th

Looking out at the leaden skies of December it's easy to succumb to a little S.A.D. but here's something to bring some light into your life: The super-duper Christmas edition of Winamop, covered in flashing lights and bulging like Santa's sack with all the delights you could wish for!

Let's start with some fiction:

We must have a Christmas story at this time of year and Donal Mahoney has brought us this one about a man who always got to play Santa Claus. The trouble was - he didn't like it much.. Read A Not-Too-Jolly Santa Claus.

 

Now a splendid tale from Kevan Youde. The Emperor's forces are deep in Portuguese enemy territory, our heroes have a simple task, just guard the bridge. What could possibly go wrong?.. Read Captain Macaco.

 

Next we have a super story from Martin David Edwards. Simon has gone to Bulgaria for a sales conference. These things can be so boring.. but it's in Bulgaria - that should be interesting - and maybe he'll make friends? It's called Welcome to Bulgaria.

 

Now a slightly spooky one from Kristy Kerruish who brought us the most enjoyable Waiting for Hippo earlier this year. This is set in an old house which is reputed to be haunted, but is it? Read The Visitors and find out!

 

Over to the news-room now - and Martin Green reports on the 2016 Earth Debate from a planet far far away where our petty concerns (like who's just been elected president of the USA) are nothing to them.. or are they?

 

We leave the fiction section with this piece by John Gabriel Adkins [BIO] which he describes as "a strange, minuscule story that I cannot really describe" - OK so there's no description - just read Single Parenting; it won't take long!

 

Into the poetry section; and it's a pleasure to welcome James Diaz [BIO] back to Winamop. He brings us The Radio, Playing Our Song - Listen Kid - The Place With No Name, Call It Home - Can. Did. Do and Mother Nature Smoking A Cigarette Against A Chain Link Fence. Great stuff.

 

Also returning with new material is Ken Allan Dronsfield. This time we have a slightly wistful collection of Corn Stalk Scarecrow, Times of Joy and Raven's Gold.

 

New to us this time is John Grey, an Australian poet resident in the USA. I think you'll enjoy this selection: Dear Famous Guy - Meet The Mummy - The Equestrian Statue - Chicago In The Fall and How To Keep It Going.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg returns with two more poems this time. Here we have: We Walk Honeysuckle plus Jasmine and Biting into Bok Choy.

 

The second new name this month is Sudeep Adhikari from Kathmandu [BIO]. He is a structural engineer and he certainly know how to structure a poem.. (sorry about that). Please enjoy God Is Dread.

 

We finish with a bit of fun from G David Schwartz - well it is a holiday edition! We have: I Threw An Onion In The Air - I Knew A Girl Named Barely - I Didn't Know Jackie Robinson - I Do Love The Onion and There’s A Pill You Can Take.

 

A good selection to end the year upon and I hope that you will join us again in the New Year.

I'll raise a glass in hoping that it'll be a better year on this troubled planet!

Have a good holiday.

Ed.

November 8^th

Brrr! It's cold out there.

A good time of year to stay indoors and surf a little. Winamop can help because here is the new edition of our under-the-radar under-resourced e-zine.

We're a little late as I was hanging on, hoping for more fiction pieces to turn up.

Let's start with the ones that did:

First up as usual is Donal Mahoney. This story is about an octogenarian called Elmer who's looking back on his relationships with women and has come to the conclusion that the one thing he wants is a reaction.. be it Love or Anger.

 

Now we go over live to our intrepid reporter JD DeHart who is with Dr. Cree's expedition into the previously unexplored world of the the X culture, an ancient Latin-American tribe only recently discovered. I expect it'll be perfectly safe! It's called The Ruin.

 

Adam Golub [BIO] is a new contributor who claims he has enough mops - so isn't concerned that we only issue virtual mops these days! He definitely qualifies for one with this story of a teenage band; it's called The Drummer.

 

Now it's time to call in the reserves. I like to write the odd story in case there's a lull in the proceedings and I'm afraid we're a bit short on the fiction front this month. Therefore I must introduce you to Breeze-man. I hope you enjoy it.

 

We may not have enough stories this time but we do have some excellent art photography from Fabrice B Poussin. I'm sure you will enjoy this selection of his recent work. Click on the small images for a full-size view.

 

Into the poetry section now and it's great to be able to bring you a new suite of poems from Richard Schnap. I'm sure you will enjoy these. We have: Exposures, Bequest and Phantasm.

 

Next comes KJ Hannah Greenberg with her latest poetry collection. Philosophical as usual and always very articulate. I usually learn a new word from Channie's material, this time it's "cishet" - meaning someone who's heterosexual and has stuck with their birth gender. There's a word for everything and we celebrate the fact.

 

Now it's my pleasure to introduce Sheikha A. to Winamop. She is a poet from Pakistan and The United Arab Emirates [BIO] and her poems are full of colour. Here we have Cliff Tops, Kotri Bridge and Paper Windmill. Well worth a look.

 

A couple of short poems next from Sofia Kioroglou. The first is a Christmassy piece in the poetic form Nonet (9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 syllables) called Beit Sahour and then we have "Raitho". A veritable Middle-Eastern tour!

 

Lastly I welcome back AJ Huffman [updated BIO] who has been busy doing domestic things by the sound of it. Inspiration comes from all corners and these poems demonstrate that wonderfully. We have The Baseball Cap was Moonlighting, Self-Portrait as Sea Crate and I Refused to Fishhook a Piece of Chicken.

 

Christmas is coming so readers will be expecting a "bumper" holiday edition. As you can see from above, we are always well supplied with poetry but the fiction is more difficult to come by. Have you a story for us? The EMail button is at the bottom of the home page.

I'm off to start writing my Christmas list, I don't want all socks again this year..

Ed.

October 3^rd

Have you noticed the nights getting longer, the days getting shorter? The leaves turning? If you're reading this in the Southern hemisphere I guess not.. but I have. Funny how we all live on the same planet but experience it differently isn't it?

Anyway that's all totally irrelevant because the most important thing to happen world-wide is the publication of the October edition of Winamop!

In the editorial department (ha!) we've been deluged with new material.. thank you to all those who have contributed, your efforts are appreciated. I have selected the best of the submissions and you will notice that the poetry section entirely features the work of new contributors.

Let's start with the stories:

First a short story from Donal Mahoney. Have you ever considered that there may be beings around us who are not quite the same as the rest of us? They may be those Strangers in a bar, sitting nearby. Sammy may find out soon though..

 

All's right with the world as we follow Donal's story with one from Martin Green - who has been with us for over 10 years! What a stalwart (that's meant as a compliment). He tells me that his new book The View From 85, is now available at Amazon, Barnes&Noble and some other sites. Martin's story this time is called Becoming A Southern Californian.

 

Talking of stalwarts; we now feature KJ Hannah Greenberg who has been with us since the end of 2008. She tells me that a collection of her poetry entitled A Grand Sociology Lesson, has just launched. Why not take a look?
Her latest story is a snapshot in the life of an author who appears to be neglecting her family responsibilities in the cause of her art. Read Paragraphs Trump Pizza.

 

Now it's time to welcome Martin David Edwards [BIO] back to Winamop. His last story for us was a couple of years ago and he returns with the tale of a girl called Fortune. Unfortunately, up until now Fortune seems to have attracted only bad luck..

 

We begin the "all new" poetry collection with a single short poem from new contributor Gary Floyd. Gary's piece captures that empty feeling after a break-up. It's called One Lone Sock.

 

We follow that with a collection of four poems from our second new contributor: Jess Mize. Her poems are called Making Paper, Chrysalis, Tebeth and Sincerity.

 

Rebecca Weigold also introduces herself this month and brings two new poems. They are I hold these truths (What you give) and Had I the pleasure. I hope you enjoy them.

 

Now here's another new talent - Wren Tuatha. Wren really has a nice style and the poetry is thought provoking and enjoyable. Here we have Bigger than Birdseed, Forty Different Jaspers, Purple Movements, walking meditation and Broom Zen.

 

The fifth new contributor this month is Lourdes Verónica, a Moscow-born translator and teacher currently living in Rome. In her collection we have Yearning between Species, This heart is such a whore, Why Be Given a Body and Self-Portrait as the Eden. It's passionate stuff!

 

Well that's it for this month, the contributions are already rolling in for November but remember that we're always in need of fiction pieces, so if you have anything to contribute click on the EMail button at the bottom of the home page.

Cheerio.

Ed.

September 3^rd

According to the TV weather man we are now in "meteorological autumn", another milestone on the road to 2017..

Right on cue the weather here has turned a little autumnal, which is why I'm indoors tapping away at a keyboard instead of surfing or hiking through the Quantocks or something.

The outlook for this edition of Winamop is therefore sunny - with lots of good stuff for you to enjoy.

Let's have a look shall we?

We'll start as usual with

Donal Mahoney leads us off again this time with this one about a man who perceives things differently, he has to, he's blind. Then one day he hears a pair of heels approaching.. Read Jimmy the Blind Man Says He's in Love.

 

JD DeHart is back and this time he brings us the story of John Ramm, a creature plucked from the wild and assimilated into the human world of concrete and neck-ties. But when push comes to shove.. Read The Ramm Heart.

 

Now I'm happy to be able to introduce Vesna Main to Winamop. She is a Croatian-born writer living in London or France [BIO] and her first story for us is about a sex worker and her client, so it has to carry a red -R-. It's called The Bottom Line.

 

I like an original format, it spices things up a little. So I was pleased to receive new contributor Samuel Cole's collection of five individual 100-word pieces of fiction for us. Tapas for readers.

 

We enter the poetry department and discover a little selection of KJ Hannah Greenberg's new work. Three poems called Duties Indigenous to Possessing a Magical Stone, Except for the Lops and Fritzi: A Child’s Comfort.

 

Next I'd like to draw your attention to the work of Geoff Anderson [BIO]. I think he has a real talent. I hope you enjoy Misquoted, Posthumous Spam, Primal Astrology, and First Love Poem.

 

I hadn't heard from Lisa Zaran [BIO] since 2008 when she was sending in some very fine poems. I'm glad to find that she's still heavily involved with poetry and I'm delighted to be able to bring you two new ones from this talented poet. We have Why I Love Old Men and The Day We Knew the World Was Coming to an End but Didn't.

 

John D Robinson [BIO] is an adaptable man. In the past he has written poetry for us and when we were short of stories he wrote one for us. This time it's back to his first love - poetry. We have Tears, Falling In Love With Paris and The Editor.

 

Marvellous.

Thanks to our faithful and diligent band of contributors I already have a lot of material for the next edition so it looks as if that'll be another belter.

Join me again in a few weeks.

Ed.

August 3^rd

It's up up and away with the new edition of your favourite on-line magazine... Well, OK, it may not be your favourite but at least you're here reading it!

Winamop has been going for such a long time that we have amassed a vast collection of material, and it's all still on the site for you to enjoy. I did a random pick to see what came out, like ducking for apples, and came up with this poem from Yvette Managan dating from 2011. It's great, and there's more where that came from - so why not have a good old root around by clicking the genre tabs at the top there and see what you come up with?

Of course the main event is the freshly minted stuff we have for you this month, and there's a lot of it!

So without further pontification, let's get straight to it.

 

We'll start again this month with a tale (tail?) from Donal Mahoney. This one comes with a warning to cat lovers everywhere - it contains a recipe which you may not like, and your cat certainly won't! Read An Immodest Proposal but don't try it at home..

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg is another regular contributor, and she's definitely on the side of the birds and bees. Well not exactly birds and bees in this story; see how long it takes you to guess the nature of the protagonists in Snack Attack.

 

Now it's time to introduce a new contributor to Winamop; Jane Seaford [BIO]. Her rather disturbing story features a family group who have to face up to some unhappy truths.

 

Martin Green is on Page 94 this time (our satirical essay) and it seems that Tom Watkins has been watching television again. No good will come of it I'm sure..

 

Sofia Kioroglou is live from Athens again this month with a paean to mothers everywhere. Where would we be without them? Well, obviously we wouldn't be at all! It's called "Like Nigella Damascena".

 

Now it's my pleasure to introduce Anita Nabonne [BIO] to you. She has a dog called Bobble! Here she brings us six splendid poems: Ambidextrous Art, Alabaster, Stairway To... , Fatigue, Retro and Marionette.

 

Gary Beck was last with us in December 2015, but he hasn't been idle, as you can see from his updated [BIO]. Despite all his other commitments he has found time to pen five new poems for us. We have Social Adaptation, Unregulated Emissions, Desertion, Missions and Values.

 

We end with another new contributor - Taunja Thomson [BIO] - who brings us six very fine poems: Levitating Over (In Hell There Is No), Only Being Two, satori, This apex is ours, Portrait of Solitary Hazel: Chuck, and Sweeter Garden.

 

A sincere thanks to all our contributors and apologies to those who got left out this time, if it weren't for you lot there would be no Winamop, and I'd have to find something else to do on a rainy day.

I'm already starting work on September's edition so you'll get your chance soon.

I'm off for a cup of tea and a lie down (but not at the same time or there'd be spillage).

Ed

July 1^st

Wow! Winamop uploaded on the first of the month? What's happened?

It could be because I'm a little distracted at the moment. To the surprise of everyone, including those who wanted to go, Britain seems to be about to leave the European Union.

In case you haven't been following the news, we had a referendum and the "Great British public" voted to leave. A bit like turkeys voting for Christmas I suppose, but I guess we'll have to lump it because it's a democratic decision. One made in the face of an enormous barrage of disinformation from both sides, but a democratic decision none the less.

It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good of course and people have been inspired to put "pen to paper" on the subject. We have a couple of Page 94s this month, one from Martin Friel (maybe it should be Page95?) plus the usual selection of stories and poems for you to enjoy.

Never mind the boll.. I mean politics, back to the important stuff!

It's been a good month for Winamop with our contributors working hard to entertain and inspire you.

Stories first as usual.

We'll start with Donal Mahoney. I always learn things when preparing Winamop. This time I have learned that U.S. KFCs sell more than deep-fried chicken! Gizzards and gravy anyone? No? Well try Chicken Breast or Rump Roast. Saucy but nice!

 

Martin Green is back with us and this time he brings us the tale of a house guest who has started to outstay his welcome. What can be done? Read A Visit From My Brother Jake.

 

Now it's time to welcome Jerry Vilhotti back to the fold with a piece of flash fiction. This is about a little sibling needling. It's called No Ears.

 

Louis Sisto contributed some flash fiction last month, but this time he has a full length story for us. This is a rather unsettling tale called A Sober Mourning.

 

 

On to poetry - and it's been a couple of months since we last heard from Richard Schnap [BIO], but now he has returned and he brings as a wistful poem called Suspended Animation.

 

Neil Ellman has been studying art works and producing poetry to accompany them for some time now. Here we have his latest collection featuring works by Endre Bartos, Hannah Hoch and Tadashi Nakayama.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has a poem for us this time, and I must also inform you that she has a new book out called , Friends and Rabid Hedgehogs, available from Amazon. The poem is about the trials of The Five to Eight Parent.

 

Now to our Athens correspondent Sofia Kioroglou who returns with three super little poems. I Try, A War and the rather sad Like the Measles.

 

Perry L. Powell writes good poetry; ideas captured on the wing. This collection of five poems is called The Mixture As Before. I hope you enjoy it.

 

What a collection!

Well done all, let's do it again in about a month's time.

I'm looking forward to it.

Ed.

June 6^th

Well I am chuffed! ("pleased, happy," c.1860, British dialect, from obsolete chuff "swollen with fat").
Yes, well I am slightly over weight but let's concentrate on the happy part.

Why? Because this month's edition of Winamop is absolutely bursting with good stories and poetry!

I hope you enjoy it.

Donal Mahoney kicks the edition off again this month with a salutary tale called Mike Fitzgibbons and His Morning Paper. Just don't let those little things get you annoyed..

 

It's good to have a Martin Green story in this edition; this one is about a couple of brothers and their opinions of eachother's wives. Dangerous ground.. there's some apologising to do!

 

Next I'm glad to be able to introduce Angelica Fuse to Winamop. She describes herself as " a voice that refuses to be quiet", that's OK in a crowded world but not so good in a library.. Here she brings us a flash fiction piece: Crunch Time.

 

I have to make another introduction now, welcome to Louis Sisto - who was born and raised in Chicago Illinois and currently lives in Macomb in the same state. This flash piece is called Across The Road. We're all going there eventually..

 

Up next is KJ Hannah Greenberg with another story about Albuquerque Quisling Jones, a woman you'd probably rather not meet on the Egged bus. Egged bus? Yes, I wondered that too; turns out they are the number one bus company in Israel.

 

Kristy Kerruish informs me that Jimmy's Brilliant Idea is free to return to Winamop so you can read that again - but more importantly - she has a new story about taxidermist Derick Bannantyne who's ambition was to stuff a hippo.. well, why not? It's called Waiting For Hippo.

 

Last in the fiction section is Katie Lewington who last appeared on Winamop in 2015 [BIO]. It's a series of scenes from the life of a teenage boy.. I was one of those once. Yes, amazing isn't it? She didn't give a title so I'm calling it simply Scenes.

 

 

Poetry now, and time to meet Martin H Levinson, with not just a taster but a full set of five poems for you to enjoy. Check out I am an Iceberg, Signal Reactions, Thoughts I Had When You Told Me to Eat Shit, Lost in Thought and Singular Dudes.

 

Our next new voice is HR Creel who claims that he "is getting too old not to write".  Well, on the evidence of this collection of five poems it's a good thing that he feels that way.

 

Now it's good to be able to welcome Sofia Kioroglou back to Winamop. Here she brings us one poem Flying by the seat of my pants. That's life I guess..

 

To round up the poetry section we have yet another new contributor - Nate Maye. He brings us four new poems: Lights On, This November, Famine and Gestures.

 

Well done all.

We are back on track now, having cleared the backlog of material. So let's be having your submissions for the next edition.

Until then.

Pip pip!

Ed.

May 4^th

May the fourth be with us!

Sorry about that, couldn't resist it..

First of all I have to say a grateful thanks to all the contributors who responded to last month's appeal for more stories . You did a great job and we're back on track with a good mix of prose and poetry.

I'm very happy, and the sun is shining.

Right, let's get started.

This month Donal Mahoney brings us the story of a young man coming to his grandfather for a story. A story that will earn him an A-grade when he writes it up for school. Gramps has a story all right! Read Fake with Your Left.

 

Now it's time to welcome back Martin Friel. He has a tale concerning a man hell-bent on making a scientific breakthrough, well, some kind of breakthrough anyway. It's called Tam The Bam for reasons which will become apparent.

 

Ken Allan Dronsfield has brought us a lot of good poems in previous editions, and he does so again this time, but he also responds to my appeal to story-tellers and has sent in this heart-warming piece of fiction: Three Pennies, Buttons and Lint.

 

Another previous poet turned story-teller this month is JD DeHart (thanks JD!). This one is a bit spooky so don't read it on a dark night just before bed-time.. It's called I Did That.

 

OK, so there’s the hedgehogs, who are the good guys, then there’s the cats – moggies – felines – whatever, who are out to get them. This gets messy! It's KJ Hannah Greenberg's Agent 5764’s Soured Mission.

 

 

Follow me now - into the poetry section - where we meet Ken Allan Dronsfield again. Ken's answer to the rallying call for new stories is featured above, but here he brings us a new collection five poems.

 

It's time to introduce Sofia Kioroglou who is an award winning Greek poet [BIO]. These are her first for Winamop: The looking-glass self and Can I tell your dog a secret? They're good!

 

Next it's Perry L Powell who steps up to the keyboard and lays down some new poems for us. Perry is a poet from Georgia in the USA and he has a very nice touch. Here we have Mission Statement, Now I Know Why and Full.

 

Our last new contributor this month is j. lewis (no capitals it seems) who makes you think, and entertains too. This is what poetry is for! Read could it be this, eighty-seven years and newman's own.

 

I already have a whole bunch of stuff lined up for June so remember to check back here for that!

Until then, adieu.

Ed.

April 8^th

I like the spring time. The days are becoming longer, it's not cold and dark all the time and there are flowers everywhere.

The only trouble is, although the spring weather has inspired our poets to great heights and I have been inundated with poetry, our story writers our out enjoying the weather and not writing anything!

Donal Mahoney has come up trumps as usual but, if it weren't for him, some 110 year old diaries and a drunken rant we'd be two stories short of an edition.

So, come on story tellers, the gauntlet has been thrown down (it's probably in the bushes over there) and you must rise to the challenge.

Poets; I'm afraid that there is now something of a backlog, I already have enough for the May edition, so I won't need any more for a few weeks - thanks!

Housekeeping over. Here we go..

Donal Mahoney takes a turn towards the macabre this time. Lenny had always borne a grudge against Fred, but Fred didn't take him too seriously. Read The Bully, The Psychopath, Libby and Lorraine

 

This time we have a new Page 94 (our satirical essay). Our alcohol correspondent has discovered some good news. I'll drink to that!

 

Now we return to our group of adventurous Scottish girls and their "grand tour" of Austria and Switzerland in 1908. This time they are on their way up to see the glacier. Brrr!

 

 

Into our poetry section now and I'd like to introduce you to Blanca Alicia Garza [BIO]. She is a poet from Las Vegas with a good style. This collection includes Cherished Dream, My Dear Me, My Beloved Poet, Whispering Stars and Searching.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg also has poetry for us this month. First While Dancing Elsewhere the Mortise and Tenon followed by Broken Mouse Ears. This month's word is "demimond".

 

Another of our new contributors this month is Cattail Jester, a very new poet "just trying to get my writing out there". In this instance I'm happy to help. Here we have Year of Family and SOL.

 

Now to another collection from Richard Schnap. Richard's poetry is full of ideas and scenes, you'll enjoy reading No Less a Life, Child of Nature and Notes on the Music of Humanity.

 

Marvellous!

Ed.

March 4^th

We're back!

I heard a weather man say that we are at the beginning of "meteorological spring" here in the Northern Hemisphere, but it's still a bit chilly outside, so I've been sitting in the warm office preparing this simply gargantuan edition of Winamop.

This time it runs to a magnificent ten pages. If it gets any bigger it'll need scaffolding.

Let's dive in without further ado..

Paddy Murphy, a once-famous footballer has died. Maggie, his widow, is holding a wake and it's customary at County Kerry wakes that nobody leaves until the widow has shed her tears. Donal Mahoney brings us Paddy Murphy's wake.

 

Now to a fantasy tale of a boy who wanted to fly. Impossible? Not if you have a genius for a brother! Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's Martin Green with a story called Flying.

 

Have you ever bought something, something a little special, maybe a bit too extravagant? So you put it away and forget about it, but then one day - there it is! Martin Friel is ready to confess all in As I must remain.

 

Our last piece of fiction comes from John D Robinson, who previously brought us some poetry. This is a story about one of those occasions when you have to comfort someone in distress but there's not much you can say that will help. It's called A Radio Song.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg now petitions for the older writer to be given due credit. Could it be that they are more willing to push boundaries than the young? The title of this essay is Chocolate Ice Cream’s Alleged Exacerbations of Anxiety. There is a bit of a pudding theme here...

 

 

Now to poetry and it's time to meet Alfonso Colasuonno for the first time on Winamop. He is a freelance writer from Norwalk, Connecticut and, judging by this little sample of his poetry, he has a good turn of phrase and a sense of humour. More please!

 

Another new face next: Katt Gold from Canada. This new poet has some great imagery, this collection is a little dark but that's her theme this time, so let's wallow in it. We have: Secrets, Tested and Losing The Race.

 

Ken Allan Dronsfield is back with another collection of poems. This time they are mostly on a theme of night. Here we have Desert Spirit, Twilight's Drift, First Kiss of Spring, A Ghostly Cold and Time Not Sleeping.

 

Richard Schnap also returns with more material this month. This time he has brought us Under The Influence, Empty Well (my favourite) and Light In The Darkness.

 

Finally we welcome back Neil Ellman with some more poetry inspired by works of art. This time he looks at Wassily Kandinsky and Pierre Alechinsky.

 

I shall have to stop packing these editions so full of good stuff. It just takes so long to prepare! Next time I think I'll just bung up a story and a poem and go down to the pub for the rest of the day.

Who said that's dereliction of duty?

Well, maybe you're right. If Winamop's contributors have gone to the effort of writing it then I should do the decent thing and pop it onto the internet shouldn't I?

That's settled then. See you next month.

Ed.

February 3^rd 2016

There are signs of spring between the gales and rain. Crocus shoots and snowdrops are poking their heads up. Watch out I say!

Here, warm and snug in our Winamop onesies we have been working through the embarrassment of riches as everyone's New Year's resolutions kick in and they get writing.

There are five fiction pieces and four poetry collections waiting for you below, that makes... err.. oh yes eight new pages, no wait, that's nine new pages to enjoy. And one of them is a new Page 94. Hooray!

Is it a record? No it's a web-site.

Let's get started before my mental state deteriorates too far.

We start, as we often do, with a story from Donal Mahoney. This one is about a lad called Cozy, who was the local Lothario in a small town. Nothing stays secret in a small town. It's called Cozy was his name.

 

It's great to be able to introduce a new writer to Winamop this month: Kevan Youde [Bio]. Kevan's story is about Matt - a safari guide - who has an unfortunate accident in the night and has to find a scapegoat (or some other creature..)

 

Now, goodness gracious what's this? A new story from Martin Friel! It's good to have you back Martin. This story is about a relationship, on the surface it's all fine but.. For some reason it's called Imagine the hassle if toilet roll wasn't perforated.

 

Another returnee after a long absence is Page 94 - our satirical essay - brought to you this time by Martin Green. The U.S. is having another of its interminable presidential elections, but look out.. The Martian's are coming!

 

I don't really know what to say about this last piece in our story section called Many, Many Hedgehogs, Maybe Gumdrops by KJ Hannah Greenberg.. I think the only thing that might be appropriate is "Sheesh!".

 

 

Welcome to the poetry section. Please sit quietly and enjoy this new collection from Richard Schnap. It comprises Traveled Path,  December  and  Fresh Shadows.

 

Now to introduce Ken Allan Dronsfield, who is a poet from Oklahoma. He has been writing for many years but this is his first collection for Winamop. Here we have: Hollow,  A Pipe, Pint and Book,  The Deer Crossing,  and others.

 

Let's welcome back G David Schwartz next. If you like a little fun in your poems this is for you. Just to give you an idea, it starts with There Once Was A Vegetarian Butcher..

 

Something a little harder edged to finish with today, from John D Robinson - also new to us. He kicks off with Commitment Or Asshole?... I think you get the picture? R

 

That's it.

Another one bites the dust as Freddie said.

We'll do it all again in about a month.

Ed.

January 4^th 2016

Welcome to a brand new year.

2016 is going to be better than 2015... It just has to be!

At least it's starting well, with a nice big edition of Winamop.

We start the new year as we hope to continue - with lots of stories. This one from stalwart contributor Donal Mahoney concerns Walt, who has finally seen the writing on the wall and is changing his life-style... (aren't we all?)

 

Next to another author dear to our hearts - Martin Green. In a galaxy far, far away... (haven't I heard that before?) a meeting is taking place to decide the future of the earth. I expect it'll be bright? It is preceded by Martin's observations for the New Year.

 

Our catalogue of regular contributors continues with KJ Hannah Greenberg who remembers a first day of term at middle school back in the 1970s.

 

Now to a tale from Adam Kluger [Bio], about an old friend who became a successful bar owner. He was the kind of guy that everyone really liked... Well, everyone except some of his business associates. (There is one of Adam's great pictures too.)

 

Poetry now, from new contributor Natalie Rodriguez [Bio]. This poem is full of optimism and is called The Extraordinary Ordinary. Let's have more!

 

Another new contributor to Winamop this time is Richard Schnap. As did Natalie he sent just one poem, but it's a very fine one, called Beauty Contest .

 

It's a long time since we last heard from John Sweet but here he is with five new poems. Very good they are too! Here we have: tora; after the age of enlightenment; all hope edged w/ frost; a gift, belated and this sentimental bloodletting. John tells me that he has some collections out: A NATION OF ASSHOLES W/ GUNS (2015 Scars Publications) and THE CENTURY OF DREAMING MONSTERS (2014 Lummox Press).

 

It's also a long time since Michael Estabrook's work was last seen on here, but he's back too. He brings us: Max; Wisdom Finally; My Girl; What can you do? and Blessings.

 

We finish this vast edition with six poems from Paul Tristram, and these are all new work. We have: The Sweet Taste Of Bitterness; Soul Leeching; Addict-Son; Spearmint Chewing Gum & Tobacco; Plead The Belly and Well, You Did Ask For Both Sides Of The Coin, Silly.

 

That'll do for now. Keep the material coming in and we'll have another go next month.

Cheerio, and have a very good 2016.

Ed.

December 5^th

As another year draws to a close and we look around us at the state of things it'd be all too easy to become a bit maudlin, but wait!.. The new edition of Winamop is out and it's absolutely jam-packed with splendid stuff to read!

This is quite possibly the biggest edition ever (I haven't bothered to check as I didn't want to lose the momentum), in fact I'm tempted to describe it as "bumper" but I do that too often..

So sit yourself down and feast on all the new stories and poetry that you can absorb - especially appropriate as it is the season to over-indulge.

Let's tuck-in straight away..

Firstly, I'm very happy to welcome Adam Kluger to Winamop. Adam is a New York writer and artist and we can see both sides of him here. The story is about Franz Mugler who is, by all accounts, A Weird Duck and there is a picture of Franz too.

 

Next it's time to join Donal Mahoney for Christmas Eve at Rosen's Deli. Like many of these old places there's not really very much going on... on the surface.

 

Now a warm welcome back to Martin Green, another stalwart of the site, who has this story of a meeting between a middle-aged man and his - now elderly - father. A glimpse into the future perhaps?

 

It's good to have a little romance at this time of year, but in KJ Hannah Greenberg's story the relationship between Jagger and Maybell seems to be going nowhere..

 

Another new contributor - Robert Eiland - joins us this month. His story is of a young boy yearning for adventure, who befriends a hobo riding the box cars. Big Rails is the title.

 

Our last story also comes from a new contributor. George Aitch relates the terrible tale of how a college prank made life unbearable. It's all been forgotten now though. Find out why in You probably Haven't Heard of Me.

 

The poetry starts here; this time with the introduction of yet another new face - Scott Thomas Outlar. [BIO]. He brings us three interesting and original poems: Mixology, Cheap Date and Snip, Snip.

 

Gary Beck is back and it seems that he's pretty concerned about the state of the world; judging by the tone of these new poems. With titles like Unbalanced, Insanity Extended and Beyond Reason you can tell he's not pulling punches.

 

We finish with an impressive debut by James Diaz. This selection I can only describe as, "poetic", in the best sense of the word. We begin with Dear Life, move on to the mighty Nothing More Than This then finish with Life Beyond This Moment and Pale in compare.

 

November 3^rd

Who turned the lights out? November has crept in and enveloped us in misty gloom just as the last of the Halloween pumpkin was chucked into the compost.

Never mind, an excellent way of cheering ourselves up presents itself. Why not relax and peruse the latest edition of the new wide-screen Winamop which has been packed full of life affirming goodness by our dedicated band of writers?

Seem like a good idea? Let's go..

We begin with another splendid story from Donal Mahoney. Down at the old guys poker game all talk is of absent member "Cussin' Paul" who has started going to church.. Why? Find out in Cussin' Paul Gets Religion.

 

Now let's welcome new contributor Molly Neely to Winamop. She brings a romantic story of a young suitor and his intended - Rosette - who, for some reason, seems to be playing hard to get. Read A Candle in Her Window.

 

Next up is Kristy Kerruish who returns to Winamop with this tale of an antique dealer with the highest reputation and prices to match. Surely everything is above board here? All is revealed in The Anointed Buddha.

 

We round up the stories with KJ Hannah Greenberg's tale of nasty goings-on on a bus trip. Who is the real baddie here? Taha and Albuquerque are the ones to watch.

 

Let's kick off the poetry section this time with more from Michael Lee Johnson. We have No one Cares - Jesus In The Snow - Lily, Lonely Trailer Prostitute and a new version of Harvest Time.

 

It's good to be able to introduce new poets to Winamop this month. Here is Samuel Moulton [Bio] with a Sequence of Love Poems called The Good Week. That's Love, not Romance.. R

 

In an embarrassment of riches, I can now introduce another new poet; Kaitlyn Park. She has some great ideas and humour here, so try Milk Glass, Slavery, Lost Road, Good Morning Baby and Snorrible!

 

Lastly I've added a couple more pictures to David J. Thompson's collection from last month. They were taken on a recent trip to Kansas. Have a look at the bottom of the page for the new ones.

 

Not a bad edition is it? And I already have some good stuff in the hamper for the bumper December edition. Of course I can always do with more, especially fiction, so If you feel the muse at your shoulder, get writing and e-mail the result to me using the button at the bottom of the home page.

See you soon.

Ed.

October 6^th

The October edition is finally ready. I've been away travelling the Scottish highlands and islands, so it was good to return and discover that Winamop's band of contributors had been working hard during my absence.

Shortly before I was due to start working on this edition my laptop suffered from a severe dose of amnesia (it forgot it was a computer and thought it was a potato) but thanks to a nice man in Ullapool, and cloud storage, we're back in the swing of it.

Boo to OCZ solid state drives!

Let's kick off with a story from Martin Green who's become a bit grumpy in his old age and - I'm sorry to say - has started swearing.. secretly. What a MF***!

 

Donal Mahoney's story this time concerns a long time bachelor who has recently married a young woman. It's title is Henry Showed Wendy His Paintings.

 

Next I have a very moving little flash piece from new contributor John Brantingham. It may be short but it packs a punch. It's called When Rachel Sleeps.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has a story for us this time. It seems that in this parallel universe women have become a rarity, leading to fierce competition for their affections. The title is Beholden Beauty.

 

We're into the poetry section now and it's great to have some more from A.J. Huffman. I really enjoy the humour in her poems. We start with My Purse Committed Suicide, oh the embarrassment!

 

Poems now from new poet "Ash" Gamble. I did receive a bio with the poems, it simply reads: “Ash” Gamble is a late in life poet from Florida. So now you know. The poems are good!

 

Tempest Brew returns next, bringing more poems inspired by the minutiae of life. This time we have The Space We Find, Dust House and Cancellation.

 

We end the poetry section with another collection of poems from Paul Tristram. This time he touches some heavy subjects with Crime Crisisand Aids, but there is lighter stuff too.

 

The last item this month is a collection of photographs by David J. Thompson. He took these on a trip from Chapel Hill to Detroit and back. David is drawn to "public art." and has seen some amazing murals in Detroit.

 

Well, there you are, a cornucopia of diverse work to suit every taste.

It's all over now though, see you next time.

Ed.

September 1^st

Here we are again and Autumn is approaching. I say Autumn rather than Fall chiefly because I'm British and that's the word we use, but also because I like words with ridiculous spelling.

But that's not important at the moment.. What is important is that this really is the September edition of the mighty Winamop, and the month has barely started!

This, of course, is solely down to the hard work of our contributors, two of whom are new to Winamop.

So without further ado, let us commence proceedings:

Donal Mahoney is up first once more. This story concerns a newspaper delivery driver who has taken over a round done by the same guy for the last 30 years. What could possibly go wrong? Read New Driver on an Old Route.

 

Now to introduce you to Steve Slavin, who describes himself as a "recovering economics professor who earns a living writing math and economics books". This story isn't about either of those things. It's called Mother Knows Best.

 

Next I've unearthed a bit of light-hearted philosophy from our late founding father J.B. Pick. This concerns Dr Quantum who is a recurring character, appearing in a few of his poems. Like this one.

 

On to Poetry, and we start with the return of Gary Beck. His collection; Too Harsh For Pastels is concerned with the suffering and growing despair in our troubled society..

 

It's a pleasure to welcome Canadian poet Allison Grayhurst [BIO] to Winamop. Allison's poems combine bold imagery with strong emotion. You're in for a roller-coaster ride..

 

The Undertones made an album called More songs about Chocolate and Girls; Paul Tristram could follow that with More Poems about Beer and Relationships. I hope you like them!

 

Just a single poem now from regular contributor KJ Hannah Greenberg, about the dual life of a young soldier: Dani and His Gun.

 

We finish with some ekphrastic poetry from Neil Ellman. Welcome back Neil! The pictures he has taken inspiration from this time are by the 20^th century American expressionist artist Philip Gusman.

 

You may have noticed a slight bias towards poetry in this edition and I like to keep things on par. So let's redress the balance next time with a whole bunch of fiction!

You know what to do.

Ed.

August 7^th

This edition is brought to you despite Windows 10! My computer has been modernised to within an inch of its life and it still works. What a triumph of technical tomfoolery.

I have just received notification from Winamop's hosting company that the bill for the next two years is due, and yes, I'm going to pay it! It'll take us into our 15th year and the fact that Winamop has kept going for so long is down to our dedicated band of writers, poets, artists and other creative people (and you and me).

Come and join us. But not before you've read this month's edition to inspire you.

Here we go.

First out of the inbox yet again is Donal Mahoney. His story this time features a swarm of locusts and a girl called Marcia.. well, she was a girl when the story began. The title is Seventeen Year Itch.

 

Next we come to Harry Downey's tale of A Thoroughly Nice Man. The sort of chap who can be relied upon. But to do what, I wonder?

 

Now to KJ Hannah Greenberg who has a story of success. But surely it's true what Morrissey sang: "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful"? Its called Nice Car.

 

We round up the fiction section with a flash piece from Gary Hewitt who has contributed to Winamop several times over the last few years. This one is called Starfall.

 

Poetry now and I'm delighted to be introducing Tunisian poet Ali Znaidi [BIO] to Winamop. His poetry is evocative with some original themes. This selection of six begins with Off-line Lines.

 

JD DeHart is back next with a whole bunch of his concentrated shots of pure poetry. There are ten poems here, the first couple are Preservation and Honey Comb.

 

We finish with another selection of poems from Paul Tristram. As usual there is a selection of six in differing styles and subject matter starting with To The Fridge! .

 

So there you are. I hope you are replete, having feasted on this fine selection of plums from the tree of the written word.

I'm off for a lie down.

Bye bye.

Ed.

July 5^th

Good day world. I am speaking to you today from my usual seat in my usual room in my usual house. The only unusual thing is that the weather is lovely.

It's almost too nice to be in here at all, so let's get down to business straight away and bring you the latest edition of dear old Winamop.

First up Donal Mahoney regales us with a story about Canada Geese, those great-big birds that set up home around our park ponds.. What can be done about them? Read Goose Eggs.

 

Next its Martin Green who returns with a tale of The First Time when young love first blossomed. How innocent it all was back then!

 

Now to KJ Hannah Greenberg, who has a new book called Cryptids coming out. Click the link for more info. Her story today is about an overweight chimera who tries to gain knowledge and enlightenment by eating knowledgeable and enlightened people.. It's called New Heights.

 

Poetry is up next and regular contributor Paul Tristram returns with six more poems. If there's a theme it's probably one of travel, or perhaps not..

 

Now I'm delighted to welcome Katie Lewington to Winamop [BIO]. She has a great sense of humour and and observation. Here are three of her previously unpublished poems.

 

We end this edition with five great new poems from Frank C. Praeger who has contributed to Winamop many times before. These are his first for us this year.

 

Well, that's all I have for you today, jolly good wasn't it? There's already some waiting in the wings for the August edition so don't forget to come back and see what's going on.

Enjoy the sun.

Ed

June 12^th

It's June and we're in Scotland basking in sunshine. Anyone who knows Scotland will appreciate that this is not always the case.. so I'm feeling pretty happy about life!

The fine quality of the material this month is another joy. So settle down with a refreshing cocktail (or a nice cup of something) and explore this month's bill of fayre.

Here we go.

This time Donal Mahoney brings us the story of a father and daughter relationship that has had its ups and downs. Whether the current situation is heading for a peak or a trough is yet to be decided.. Wally is heading for a father's day like no other.

 

Now KJ Hannah Greenberg reflects upon her life, her works, her relationships with her children, and looks to the future. It's all about Proportionate Memories.

 

Next I'm happy to be able to welcome Kristy Kerruish to Winamop [BIO]. Her story concerns Jimmy Butt who's been having a little trouble with thieves. Maybe Jimmy's Brilliant Idea will do the trick?

 

Now we move into the poetry section, and once again Paul Tristram has sent in six poems for you to enjoy. They are Stamp It Under Foot, Hell Has No Fury Like A Woman’s Pawn, Mr Bongwater, Summer Daze, Tears And Beers and Congratulations Humiliation.

 

It's great to hear from A.J. Huffman again. She returns to Winamop with Carnivorous Cannibal, The Tree was There, Nineteen Blessings, and I Am Glass. Good stuff!

 

We end with another new contributor, Vincent O'Connor, who has sent this lovely little poem Folding. I hope you enjoy it.

 

Splendid stuff, and there will be more waiting for you to enjoy in (approximately) a month - depending on how industrious I and the contributors are.

Do call again won't you?

Ed

May 11^th

The UK elections are over, there is no much vaunted "hung parliament" so the news organisations are bereft.. there's nothing to pontificate about!

This doesn't affect Winamop in the slightest of course, we are always willing to make our opinions known, even if we don't have any.

In any case our fine team of writers have been studiously ignoring such tedium as elections and have crafted the following stories and poems which I hope you will enjoy. So let's get started.

First up this time is Donal Mahoney with the story of a doctor. He's a good doctor who cares for his staff and does his work well. What's not to like? It's called Dr. Chapman’s Insight.

 

Now we bring you another short story from regular contributor Martin Green. He had a dream of days long ago which started him thinking how might life have been different if...

 

And now to something completely different (where have I heard that before?): a series of photographs from Kyle Hemmings who did some mini stories/poems for us in 2011. These pictures are taken at night in the warm amber glow of the street lights.

 

On to the poetry section, and it's good to hear from occasional contributor Gary Hewitt again. This new poem is called 6.50 club.

 

Next it's Paul Tristram again with another selection of his fine poems. The theme this time seems to be of disillusionment. We kick off with Crazy Day and At Arms length.

 

Finally to another of our regular contributors; KJ Hannah Greenberg. This month she brings us three new poems and very good they are too!

 

That's all we have for you this time. I hope you enjoyed it and will be back with us next month.

Ed.

April 16^th

It's still April, so I haven't missed the deadline for this - the April edition of Winamop!

We're basking in lovely spring sunshine here in good old blighty, the blossom has been and gone and the flowers are considering blooming. I'm sure I should be saying something about sap rising but it's all getting a bit bucolic so I'll just get on with it.

Here we are then, slightly down on poetry this month, but what we do have is top notch.

Firstly I'm pleased to welcome Martin Green back to the site, and he's been visiting relations. What do you say when they tell you their daughter is locked up in jail? Awkward.. The story is called The Protest.

 

Now to Donal Mahoney, and the tale of a prospective family reunion. Hilda wants to go, Paddy doesn't really want to - it's her side of the family and he just doesn't like reunions. How can he be persuaded? The title is Hilda's Family Reunion.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg writes poetry and fiction for us but this time it's neither or both.. it's an essay on the creative process, likening poetry to a landscape through which the poet travels. Read Desert Writer, Poet.

 

There's a general election going on in the UK. It seems to have been going on for ages. DA is getting a little tired of it and there's almost a month to go! He's written a Page 94 about it if you're interested..

 

It's good to be able to welcome new contributor Paul Handley to Winamop. He has a great idea (I think..) for a new match-making service which gets to the nub of things straight away. It's called Extreme Dating.

 

Lastly this month I'm happy to be able to bring you six more of Paul Tristram's poems. Paul's poems are always enjoyable and thought provoking, and we're off to a running start this time with Hunted.

 

Pretty good stuff once again, but we need more! The in box is empty so get those brain-cells ticking and send me your stories, your poems, your comedy.. whatever you like.

It keeps us all out of trouble - you know it makes sense.

Until the next time.

Ed.

March 11^th

Welcome back.

It's nearly Easter already and, just as you've come to egg-spect, we have a hot cross-section of entertainment. It's simnely the best!

(readership groans)

Sorry about that but I had to set an egg-zample...

(Boo! shouts reader)

OK OK, I'll stop and get on with the new edtion of Winamop.

(at last)

First out of the traps on our egg-hunt it's Donal Mahoney. This story concerns an editor, he's not like me - this fellow has a much greater understanding of the workings of grammar, and he has no time for those who can't spell ukulele.

 

It's good to be able to welcome Martin Green back to Winamop for the first time this year. Martin has been recuperating for a while and I guess he has been watching a lot of depressing TV news! The resultant story is called The End?

 

Is it time for a flash? Well, just a quick one! A couple of contributors have sent in short pieces recently so here is a modest collection by Harry Downey and KJ Hannah Greenberg. I hope to add more one day..

 

Whilst on the subject of KJ Hannah Greenberg, let's move into the poetry section; here we find a new poem from her called Cold Enough to See. Wrap up warm.

 

Paul Tristram is back with another half-dozen of his excellent poems. If there's a theme to this collection it's probably one of endings. I think that my favourite is She’s At The Wheel Again .

 

It's great to hear from Michael Lee Johnson again. I really do mean "hear", because as before, he has provided us with audio versions of his poetry so that you can hear him reading them. I particularly like If You Find No Poem.

 

Finally, we come new contributor Tempest Brew. I know nothing about this poet and am unable to contact them because the email address is dead. If you see this Tempest Brew then please contact me again!

 

Well, that's got us one quarter of the way through 2015, let's hope we make it to the end.

I'm optimistic that it'll be a fun trip!

Ed.

February 3^rd

It's a sad time here at Winamop.

We've lost one of our founding fathers; JBP. It was his idea that there should be an outlet on the Internet for the sort of material that doesn't attract major publishers - yet ought to be seen. Read my little tribute to him.

 

Back to normality now, and Harry Downey returns with a story about an unexceptional girl called Sharon. What's wrong with being unexceptional? Nothing!

 

Welcome to Matthew H Emma, whose first story for us features the new President of the Salzburg Country Club Board of Directors. He has an agenda item that is likely to cause a stir. It's called Unfinished Business.

 

Next we hear from regular contributor Donal Mahoney. This story is the reply to a letter recently received, the writer has not been in contact since a traumatic break-up 40 years ago...

 

Poetry now, and Paul Tristram returns with another collection of his excellent poems. I particularly like Disaster Comes In Many Shapes And Sizes .

 

JD DeHart is back. This time he seems to be a little disappointed in the way things are going. Me too! Here we have Poor Me, Fish Bones & Cold Woods, You Knew Me When and The Digital Age.

 

Lastly this month we have some new material from poet Taylor B. Here we have If I Die, Time l, Time ll and Fresh Laundry.

 

Well there we are.

All's well that ends well I guess?

Ed

January 11^th 2015

What a start to the new year; a deadly attack on a struggling satirical magazine in Paris by religious fanatics. In the West we have a long tradition of "taking the piss" out of authority in one form or another. It may sometimes be cruel or offensive to those who are lampooned but, as was taught to me as a child; "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me". Not strictly true I admit, but you can defend yourself against words whereas you have no chance against a Kalashnikov...

On to more pleasant things now; the new edition of Winamop - first of 2015 - is here.

Let's start as we mean to continue, with a story from Donal Mahoney. Caucus at the Parking Meter features some disgraceful old men who meet up at Rocky's diner. If you should ever go there, it's advisable not to get Jimbo started talking about women...

 

Next it's Eric Suhem with a story about Amelia. Amelia has butterflies flying around her head, she radiates a positive mystical force field. But then a man arrives with a green flower in his eye. It's called from The Eye.

 

I must apologise to Harry Downey, he sent this story to Winamop in November and I forgot all about it. What a buffoon I am! It's a good one too, about two brothers and a secret long kept. It's called Double Whammy.

 

We've had all sorts of things in Winamop over the years but we've never had a recipe before, so here is one. It's for scones (I pronounce scone as in gone - not cone, but I don't want to start an argument!) the little yeast-free bread buns that are good in sweet or savoury roles (geddit?). Quick and easy, you could be eating one in under half and hour.

 

On January 27th it will be 70 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Poet Dee Sunshine describes himself as a "half-Jew" whose grand-parents could easily have suffered the same fate as so many of their kith and kin. The first draft of this collection A Burnt Offering was written for the 50th anniversary in 1995 and we reproduce the final version here plus audio, read by Dee, if you'd prefer to listen.

 

Now it's time to meet a new contributor: Michelle Villanueva. Michelle is a student completing an MFA in Creative Writing and Poetry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has a chapbook, Postscript: Lions, which will soon be out at Etched Press. This poem is soul steeped in wonder.

 

Poetry next from regular contributor Paul Tristram who seems to be having some social issues. Here we have Out With The New / In With The Old, Cardboard Cutout, Out Of Place, It's Definitely Yellow, Paranoia and Remember Reality.

 

Finally we go all ekphrastic with Neil Ellman who has been inspired by a room installation from Ilya Kabakov, a sculpture by Richard Serra and a painting by Kay Sage. A feast of images and ideas.

 

We're off to a flying start and I hope that the momentum will continue, thanks to all our contributors.

Despite the inauspicious start to the year let's all, defiantly, have a very happy 2015.

Ed.

December 14^th

Ho Ho Ho! It's time for the festive edition of Winamop and to tie the ribbons on the year of 2014.

Was it a step forward? Where has it gone? What happens next?

Winamop can answer none of those questions, what we can do is to entertain you for a short while. Just have a look around and see what we have in this bumper Christmas edition for a start. If you like that then there's tons of other stuff dating back yonks to look at.

"Fill your boots" as Santa says.

Let's kick off with a heart-warming Christmas tale from D.A. about a man who visits a coffee shop to cheer himself up. Now that's not a bad idea.. back in half an hour!

 

Next it's Donal Mahoney with the first of two seasonal tales that he has contributed this month. This one concerns a mushroom picker and a gnome. Well, why not? It's called Two People With The Same DNA.

 

Now to our other regular contributor Martin Green. Martin has been recuperating from an operation and that has obviously inspired him to write this story. Everyone seems to be downloading "apps" these days, but some are more useful than others..

 

Here comes Donal Mahoney's second seasonal contribution. This one is a short but thought-provoking one called What If Mary Had Chosen Otherwise. What indeed?

 

It's good to be able to welcome back Frank C. Praeger to Winamop. He has brought us four tremendous poems this time. Enjoy.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has been a stalwart contributor this last year and she ends it with a short flash and a poem. This month's word is "corazón", it means seat of human love and kindness - centre - heart. Every day is a school day round here.

 

Six super poems next from Paul Tristram. Here we have Bumble Bee Busy, Your Kingfisher Eyes Are Killing Me, You Just Got Lucky, The Friendly Foe, Gin-Trap Crown and Marvelling At Your Insanity, Again.

 

A splendid selection, I'm sure you'll agree?

That's all for 2014, have a wonderful Christmas and don't drink too much on New Year's Eve. We want to have you back with us in 2015!

All the best.

Ed.

 

November 11^th

Here comes the November edition of Winamop, right on time (well, only slightly delayed) and packed with good stuff.

Next time it'll be the Christmas edition and I'd like to make that a bumper one, so let's have your high sugar high fat contributions, (or organic high fibre if you prefer). I'll drink to that!

Maybe it's a little early to start drinking yet?

Oh well, back to work, and here we go with the November's fare. It's certainly going to be hard to beat.

Martin Friel has been busy writing another chapter of his story When The Traffic Lights Stopped. We've now reached Chapter 8 in which we meet Seth. We'll get to know Seth quite well I'm sure...

 

We haven't heard from Martin Green for a few months but he's back now, rejuvinated, and has penned a piece about one of those "friends" you collect without really trying. It's called Buddy.

 

Now to Donal Mahoney. Donal always writes an enjoyable tale and this one concerns an old millionaire who gets a visit from a young female reporter. Some Day Soon is the title.

 

I'm very pleased to welcome Martin David Edwards to Winamop. Martin is a London based writer and digital artist [BIO] and this story - C is for Cromer - features a man working his way through the alphabet in search of something.

 

J D DeHart has four more poems for us this time and, as usual, the standard is high. Here we have Wannabes, Vice Versa, Seasons and Birthing: little windows into disparate lives.

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has some poetry for us. The first is a somewhat worrying bedtime story and the second is on emotional suicide. But don't worry, we always learn a new word from Channie and this time it's "Levigate" which means "to reduce something to a fine powder or smooth paste" (I'm not counting Yerk and Zonk).

 

That's all for now, but there's no time to dilly-dally, we need contributions for the Christmas edition! The e-mail button is at the bottom of the home page.

Until then I wish you all you wish yourselves, and if you're thinking of buying me socks for Christmas I take UK size 8.

Ed.

October 9^th

I have returned from the rugged beauty of the Outer Hebrides especially to bring you the October edition of Winamop.
Well, truth be told, my holiday is over and I've got nothing else to do so - Here it is!

Before we get to the content I'd better just tell you about a new book of poetry by previous contributor John Kaniecki. It's available here, and it's called Murmurings of a Madman.

Right, notices over, let's get down to business.

Firstly, we'll get back to the action in Martin Friel's story When The Traffic Lights Stopped and we have reached chapter 7. Last time Marjory was in trouble, this time things go from bad to worse.

 

Now sit back as Donal Mahoney tells the tale of an old priest who is asked for some advice by a younger man. It's called Young Priest, Old Priest.

 

Next up I'm delighted to welcome Dan Morey to Winamop. He brings us an election manifesto from Bob Benton who reckons he's the guy to run Rexdale county. I'm not so sure...

 

KJ Hannah Greenberg has written a short flash fiction piece for you this time. It's called They Planted A Tree.

 

I obviously have too much time on my hands, so I have written a Page 94 on cutlery. We haven't had a Page 94 for ages. You must have something you can rant and rave about surely? Send one in!

 

And so to another new contributor, this time with an excellent poem. Matt Harris brings us Chang Sanfeng comes down from Wudang Mountain. He's a legendary Chinese Taoist priest you know (Chang, not Matt).

 

We wrap it up with some poetry from JD DeHart. This time he brings us a few comments on life today: The Fine Print, The Goatee Invasion and The American Species.

 

That's all you're getting!

Ed.

September 1^st

Yes it's September and of course that means it's time for the August edition of Winamop!

Obviously it would have been nice if I'd managed to get my act together a little sooner but this edition will have to straddle two months because it's holiday time and we're all busy not being busy.

A few of our regulars have kept their noses to their grind-stones ( fingers to keyboards would have been more appropriate but I like a hackneyed metaphor ) and here we see the fruits of their labours.

To start with we return to Martin Friel's novel When the Traffic Lights Stopped. We have reached chapter 6 and the most successful "people's politician" so far, is in deep water... (click here to start from chapter 1)

 

Next it's good to hear from Donal Mahoney again. Here he relates the story of a bereavement; who will tend the farm now that the old man is gone?

 

A treat now from Mary Cresswell. This new suite of poems are not to be taken too seriously but they are some of my favourites. I particularly appreciate a poem whose title is longer than its verse!

 

A poem next from KJ Hannah Greenberg who is one of the stalwarts who keep this site going. She tells me that she has a new chapbook out called The Little Temple of My Sleeping Bag. The poem we have for you is called Regard Carefully.

 

Well I'm afraid that's all we have this time, only four items... This is the summer doldrums problem. I need your help, get writing and send me something for next time, you know you want to!

The e-mail button is at the bottom of the home page so press it and send me something, I'll give it due consideration.

I'm off to the frozen north for a few weeks, the next edition will be in October, which gives you plenty of time to create something.

I'm looking forward to seeing what arrives in my in-box.

Ed.

July 20^th

Here we are again, happy as can be.. yes, I'm delighted to be introducing the late-running July edition of Winamop to you, our faithful readers.

It's full of wholesome ingredients designed to enrich your life - so let's get started.

We kick off with a story from Martin Green about a fortune teller. They are spooky sort of people aren't they? How do they know so much about you? It can't be true can it?

 

Now to Donal Mahoney, and his story concerns an old man in a hospital bed and a visit from a well-meaning woman priest. It's called Saving Tim Murnane.

 

I always learn a new word from KJ Hannah Greenberg's contributions - this time it's "mirpesset" (it means a balcony). The story is a little slice of family life, it's called Harmatttan.

 

Poetry now and I am pleased to be able to bring you some more from JD DeHart. Here we have I, Leviathan, Play Pretties and Stitching.

 

The last item this month is another collection of ekphrastic poetry from Neil Ellman. This time he has been concentrating on the colourful work of Wassily Kandinski.

 

A small but perfectly formed edition of the 'mop I think.

More next time? We'll see what turns up in the in-box!

Ed

 

June 17^th

Yes, I know it's a bit late but it'll be worth it I promise.

You see I've been far too busy enjoying myself to sit around here attending to Winamop, so it's a jolly good thing that our contributors have a somewhat better work ethic and have filled up my in-box until I could no longer hold back the flow.

Firstly a couple of "parish notices":
Sometime contributor Dee Sunshine tells us that he has recorded some of his poems from his "Bad Seed" collection and you can hear them here at Sound Cloud, complete with musical accompaniment.
Bruce Harris has set up a new web site aimed at anyone who writes short fiction or who would like to start, it offers advice, questionnaires, resources etc. and is all free. Find it here.

Right! Messages over, let the June edition begin.

First up this time is Donal Mahoney whose story Margaret Mary Kelly, 82, Wants to Marry Paddy Regan, 84 made me chuckle. I hope it does the same for you.

 

Next it's time to re-join Martin Friel's book When The Traffic lights Stopped which we are serialising. We have reached chapter 5 and we are about to meet Marjory.

By the way, if you want to start from the beginning, click Here.

Now to Martin Green, he's been talking to his cousin on the phone. You know those people who ring up just to talk about themselves, he's one of those...

 

Harry Downey brings us a wonderfully detailed story of office politics in post-war England. Hearts certainly weren't worn on sleeves in those days! Settle down with a nice cup of tea and read Mr Smith's promotion.

 

The final tale this month comes from Linda Casper and it's a short and sweet tale of Rita who finds herself a new role in life. She is now Rita the Recycler.

 

To poetry now, and I am delighted to welcome JD DeHart to Winamop. You will find John's poems in many on-line mags and he has recently published a collection on Amazon. Here is Signs of Dilapidation.

 

Another newcomer in the poetry section this month is John Kaniecki. John writes in rhyme and in free verse and I am delighted to be able to showcase five of his poems here.

 

We finish with regular contributor KJ Hannah Greenberg. This time she brings two poems to the party, both witty and thought provoking. They are: So, I Appreciate Brakes and Reluctant to Use Their Words

 

Well, that's your lot for this month. A pretty good selection - and I hope you'll agree that it was worth waiting for!

Back soon.

Ed.

May 11^th

Here in Winamop World Headquarters the talk is all about the new edtion which is unleashed upon an unsuspecting world today!

Our crack team of writers have been toiling long and hard in order to bring you a selection of the finest stories and poems; and for what reward?

Err.. well, nothing but your attention and appeciation really. What heroes they are!

Let's see what they have come up with this month (look out for our technological breakthrough):

 

Last time Martin Green brought us some poems which went down well, this time it's back to stories and this one is about a drama in the neighbourhood which starts a train of thought. It's called A Morning Conversation.

 

Donal Mahoney reappears this month with another of his excellent tales. It concerns a good teacher, the type who changes lives. She was definitely One Tough Nun.

 

Martin Friel takes a break from his book this month and sends us this story of a one-night stand that went badly. It's provocatively entitled £105 for a used pair of pants. R

 

It's nice to welcome back G David Schwartz who hasn't been with us for a while but returns in style with five new poems. They are short and fun and make you think.

 

AJ Huffman has been a regular contributor and this time she rails against many of modern life's less pleasant aspects. There's humour too!

 

Here's something we haven't tried before. Michael Lee Johnson has sent in some fine poems which you can read as usual, but you can also hear him reading them. This requires a modern HTML5 compatible browser to work, Ignore any "Active X" warnings from Internet Explorer... you'll be fine!

 

April 8^th

April at last, the days are lengthening, the sap is rising and all is spring like... well it is if you are North of the equator as I am. If you are down South I guess you are seeing the leaves turning yellow and the temperature falling?

I like seasons.

But enough of this idle chit-chat, I need to get down to business and introduce the new edition of Winamop!

It's time for chapter 4 of Martin Friel's book When the Traffic Lights Stopped. We meet Ben and Marjory, the next two bright and hopeful "People's Politicians".

 

Donal Mahoney doesn't particularly like bananas, especially when they aren't properly looked after. This story concerns a woman who has very poor banana management skills. Going bananas is the title.

 

It's a wee while since we heard from our Scottish girls on a trip to Switzerland way back in 1908. This fascinating insight into a time gone by continues now as they continue via St Beatenberg and Interlaken. If only the German climbers had taken notice of the Englishmen...

 

Now to poetry and Bruce Harris has sent us three new ones on subjects ranging from childhood memories to armed assassins. They are A Yacht in the Bay, August Playground and Blue Suit Normal.

 

Regular story-teller Martin Green has decided to turn his hand to poetry and here are the results. The poems are called That Afternoon in Golden Gate Park and The Small Pleasures of Being Old.

 

Finally to KJ Hannah Greenberg, another contributor equally at home with prose and poetry. This time she has a poem about the state of humanity. It's called Amid Giants’ Awkward Works.

 

The next time I address you will be in May, please contribute to the site if you feel disposed so to do, it keeps us going you know.

Goodbye!

Ed.

March the twelfth

Twelfth? What a ridiculous word...

Watch out for hares, they're supposed to be about at this time of year you know. I haven't seen any but I live in the city. It's all bright lights and 24hr partying here you know!

Time to relax with a nice cup of something and read the latest edition of Winamop before I overdo it.

First off we get to chapter 3 of Martin Friel's book When the Traffic Lights Stopped. This time we meet the first "People's Politician".

 

Harry Downey returns this month with a story about an old photograph and the memories it brought back - and the secret it revealed. It's called Every Picture Tells a Story.

 

Donal Mahoney now brings us A Disgusting Thing, or rather, a story about one. It is the tale of a young man and his proclivity to break wind in church. Disgusting indeed!

 

This time KJ Hannah Greenberg has some fiction for us. It's about Barbara who's looking for an outlet for her energies having had to leave an academic position. It's called Fancy Tea, Fancy Box.

 

I am delighted to welcome Mary Cresswell back to Winamop. This New Zealand poet's material is full of humour and imagination. Here are Evoking The Muse, The Enlightened Manager and What The Preacher Said.

 

Frank C. Praeger also makes a welcome return this month and he brings five new poems with him. An Aside to Urban Development, Ergo, A Catalogue of Sorts, Unsupportable and Anything You Can Think Of .

 

A lovely collection I think, in fact, it's probably a "classic edition" of Winamop. I shall have it bound in leather and placed upon my mantle-shelf!

Until we meet again.. (next month at a guess), I bid you farewell.

Ed.

February 15^th 2014

Rain, storms, more rain, floods, wind... little bit of sun, then repeat. It's an interesting winter here in England!

Well, at least its not freezing cold, and Winamop towers is built on high ground, so we can enjoy some great reading on Winamop in this new warming February edition.

First off it's time for chapter 2 of Martin Friel's book When the Traffic Lights Stopped (working title). If he keeps his nose to the grind-stone we'll have chapter three next month...

 

Now to a story from Donal Mahoney. This is just a short "slice of life" piece called Jogging to Cadaverville.

 

Welcome back to Martin Green, with a tale of American army life back in Germany. It's called Encounters with Sergeant Bronson.

 

A selection of poetry from KJ Hannah Greenberg next, and quite contrasting subjects too. Seltzer and Other Social Signifiers, Flames and Fires & My Mister (Didactic).

 

Neil Ellman is well known for his ekphrastic poetry (poetry inspired, in his case, by art) and has contributed to Winamop on several previous occasions. Here is his latest collection, mostly on a fishy theme.

 

Top stuff I'm sure you'll agree?

We'll meet again in about a month, by which time I hope my feet will have warmed up.

Ed.

January 9^th 2014!

Another year has dawned so I guess we'd better get on with things? Ho hum..

What will it hold I wonder? One thing that's certain is that, thanks to our dedicated band of contributors, it starts with a jolly splendid edition of Winamop!

We get underway with chapter 1 of a book which Martin Friel is in the process of writing. If he keeps up the pace we'll run one every month, if he can't we won't. When the Traffic Lights Stopped (working title) starts here.

 

Now a short episode from Linda Casper. Gemma finds that her relationship with Craig is taking an unpleasant turn. The title is No Turning Back.

 

A supernatural tale now by Harry Downey. Martin Douglas is confused, he's arrived somewhere and doesn't know how he got there - and they don't seem pleased to see him. It's called Don't Come Till We Call You.

 

Jerry Vilhotti is back with the story of a man scarred by war. I always imagine Jerry writing at great speed, the pace of his prose is frenetic. This is called Water to Water.

 

Poetry now and we start with a splendid poem from regular contributor Donal Mahoney. Just what was it that made Joan laugh out loud on her wedding night? That Laugh.

 

Michael Estabrook has contributed many poems to us over the years and he's back with five new ones. I think he might be feeling his age..

 

It's nice to be able to welcome Gary Hewitt back to Winamop, this time with a poem. It is about steeling oneself to the task. It takes dedication, it takes guts, it takes Sacrifice.

 

It's December already, so it's time for Winamop's alternative Christmas!

I call it an alternative Christmas because it isn't terribly festive, but it is good, so it should go some way to keeping you amused through the holiday.

Let's get started...

Dawn Wilson is a new contributor to Winamop and may, or may not, have green hair. She has sent us a story about a dissatisfied "tax preparer" which is called The Tax Lady Invades the IRS.

 

Martin Friel is back! He has a new philosophy on life, don't let time rule your life, face the old enemy. For some reason it's called Loads of fun and cocktails on the night.

 

Also back is KJ Hannah Greenberg who brings us a tale involving those charming creatures; cockroaches. Nice! It is indeed an Ode to a cockroach. Her new book of poetry is available on Amazon.

 

Now to regular story-teller Donal Mahoney. This time we find Joe Faherty at the funeral of his old friend McGillicuddy. However it seems that McGillicuddy doesn't want to go alone...

 

Another new contributor joins us next: Ross Durrence. Here the subject of the story is a bit of self improvement. You know when you try something and you think you could maybe just do it a little better? This is called Muenster and it's a bit gory...

 

We end the stories with a visit to Camelot in the company of Martin Green's Retired Knight. Sir Landry is a righter of wrongs, a defender of the peace, and he's pretty keen on a good inn...

 

To poetry now, and first we welcome back Paul Tristram. This time he's sent us four poems on various subjects: The Pub Window, Bar Bitch You Hate! Porcupine Logic and Feeding Frenzy.

 

Next to Mary Cresswell. We have heard from her a few times this year and I always enjoy her blend of fun and skill in poetry. Here we have Undivined Comedy, The Food Reviewer Aviods The Issue and Leaning In .

 

We finish with a few short poems from our elder statesman JBP. These are from his little book "A Lost Secret". Here we have The well at the world's end, Pictures, Generations and Dr Quantum's Presidential address.

 

Well that's it. 2013 is pretty much over and we steam full-speed-ahead towards the distant iceberg of 2014.

See you there!

Ed.