When I began the American Stories Now project, in part simply to listen to others and in part to encourage the writing of flash non-fiction, I hoped I would find such stories as the one I'm delighted to post below. "Photo Finish," by John Summerfield, a poet and instructor of English at Columbus State University, manages to convey so much in such a small space (thank you, John). If you'd like to read more about John and his work, visit his website; a writer with a passion for Sicily, John will also be hosting a writing retreat in beautiful Taormina next summer, and I'm looking forward to leading a workshop as part of that adventure. If you'd like to learn more about the retreat and workshop, please visit www.newplainspress.com/Writer_s_Retreat.html.

I'm always happy to receive stories from readers for inclusion in American Stories Now. Welcome one and all. Enjoy!

MD