Cover of Syncopation Literary Journal, Volume 4, Issue 1
I’m proud to have my creative nonfiction essay “Not Fade Away” included in the latest edition of Syncopation Literary Journal (Volume 4, Issue 1). The theme of this issue is “Must Love Music,” and in my essay I try to connect to that theme by weaving together thoughts about a rock concert in the early 1980s, a band that was popular then and is still kicking, and the importance of keeping the power of creativity flowing throughout our years. I hope you’ll give it a read. And while you’re there, check out some of the other terrific writing in this and previous issues.
‘I write one word at a time, focusing on the lyrical potential of a sentence and how that aligns with a character’s voice’
Multi-genre author Allison Field Bell
I first discovered Allison Field Bell‘s writing via the literary magazine Fractured Lit, which published her stunning flash fiction piece “Vermillion Cliffs” last March. I started following her on Twitter (X) and soon was astounded by how frequently she would post about new pieces being accepted — not only short stories and flash fiction, but creative nonfiction and poetry as well. (This X/Twitter thread of a few of her favorites from 2024 should give you some idea of her range and diverse styles.) I consider her a writer’s writer and highly recommend her work.
Later this year, a chapbook of her creative nonfiction, Edge of the Sea, will be published by CutBank Books, and her poetry chapbook, Without Woman or Body, will be published by Finishing Line Press. Her current projects-in-progress include a book of short fiction, a collection of flash nonfiction, and a full-length collection of poetry. She is also finishing up her first novel, wrapping up a Ph.D. in Creative Writing and English Literature at the University of Utah, and offering editorial services to aid other writers.
In today’s Friday Five, Allison shares her thoughts on multi-genre writing, her writing routine, and some excellent advice for the rest of us.
Andrew Careaga 