Popcorn Fiction

Dear Editor:

Congrats for hitting one year of Popcorn Fiction!!

I love your site and hope you stick with it for many more years.

'Outsider' is another great story; it made my day.

Keep 'em coming.

Dear Editor:

Thanks for the story ["Outsider."] An excellent way to start a Monday morning…

Dear Editor:

This new story ["Outsider"] is awesome—one of my favorites. Congratulations on your one year anniversary! I can't wait to see what the next year brings : )

Dear Editor:

"Outsider" is by far one of the most profound contemporary stories I've read. The author has remarkable vision to see beyond the denial that might well swamp our great nation. The choice of metaphors couldn't've been better. All I have to say, besides enjoying the story, it's about time that concerns about liberty begin filtering into mainstream popular culture. Thanks for your tenacity that is making PF better all the time. I don't just know it's Monday when a new story arrives. I know it's Monday and a new story will arrive.

Dear Editor:

Happy anniversary! The new stories are often one of the highlights of my work week. Thank you! Great job!

Dear Editor:

Oh, how I hate to be negative.

Michael Gilvary's latest story "Outsider" suffers from a simple case of "Some ideas are better than others."

Oh, how I hate to compare.

On the one hand, "Unconditional" is about a family faced with a terrible reality that threatens to impossibly complicate their lives, unless they can act smart and fast enough to get through it. It's the kind of premise that effortlessly fills itself with exciting possibilities.

On the other hand, "Outsider" is about, well…not enough of anything. It created a world, but the story of the world that we hear is not interesting enough on its own. I wanted to be invested in the characters' stories, but nothing that the characters did seemed to have enough gravity. It seems to me that the story framework was there, but the plot to carry you through it was not. Unlike "Unconditional," which is so interesting because there is constant immediacy to the plot and what the characters choose to do, "Outsider" has a plot that is much less clear, doesn't go as far, and is therefore not as involving. "Outsider" may have been intended to be a big idea, but it needed to evoke equally big feelings to really work, and, in my opinion, it wasn't equipped to do that.

I would have actually been very interested to see an escape story in the same setting, because it would've provided the plot immediacy, given an opportunity to show more about the Stewards (whose world and way of living I found very interesting because it is very foreign and threatening), it still could have retained all of its philosophical flavor, and it could've given the Man From Outside's death and Chloe's revelation a much more powerful effect.

It is painfully obvious that Michael Gilvary is a writer of the highest quality, but great writers needs great ideas in order to produce great stories. It is a simple truth; one needs light in order to shine, and the brighter, the better.

Dear Editor,

In "Outsider," Michael Gilvary seems to have accomplished the impossible. In the space of a short story, he paints a portrait of an entire world, complete with a tumultuous past, an uncertain present, and a frightening future. As I read, I felt like I do when looking at a John Lennon sketch—I'm always amazed at how just a few well-placed lines can tell a tale, and leave you with an image that lingers long after the page is gone.

Thanks for the great read!

Dear Editor:

Oh yes! ["Alive and Well" was] masterful.

I didn't see that coming until 'Graceland' sprang off the screen and slapped me in the face.

Superb writing. I vote this the best popcorn fiction yet.

There should be an annual award—butter or salt?

Dear Editor:

That was a great payoff! Really great!

Dear Editor,

Lovely story. I'd like to see 'Alone' on screen.

Dear Editor,

Denise Meyer's "Alone" was refreshingly unique in that there was no good versus bad. It was remarkably human in that way, but that made one question the pernicious punishment given Quinn; so much so it nearly put me off the story, for I found it difficult to understand the hatred Elliston Jr. could have felt toward a man he had never met before. However, if Meyer's aim was to conjure hatred toward Quinn's character, though I don't think so, I must say she failed. I found myself hating Elliston Jr. for his selfishness. After all, he said his mother had lived with regret every day of her life, and unless she had been dead, to disallow the pair absolution to one another, at least for his mother's sake, was selfish in the highest order. Furthermore, I think a stricter examination of the theme of being alone would have made for a more interesting story. Instead of discovering "aliens" just as he was beginning to understand his imminent loneliness, Meyer might have allowed Quinn to complete his mission and wrestle with the even grander choice than his first: whether to live the rest of his life with nothing but his regrets or end his own life.

Dear Editor,

Popcorn Fiction is probably one of the single most effective ways to bring this biz back to what it was about in the beginning—storytelling.

Thanks for all of your efforts regarding, and I look forward to reading on…

Dear Editor,

Blake McCallister rocks, Derek! Thank God you accepted his story, it's fabulous. Wonderful piece of writing. Please, keep his stories coming.

Dear Editor,

I was very curious to read Popcorn Fiction's first open submission story for a number of reasons. Excited to see that the first one was up, I waited until a quiet time of day, found a comfortable chair, and gave "Twitcher" all my attention.

I was delighted by the story that unfolded. In fact, while there is very much to praise in Twitcher, I think the thing that made it so enjoyable to read is how it unfolds. Alfred Hitcock one said, "Exposition is a pill that must be sugar coated." and I think McCallister achieved that wonderfully. In fact, learning about the world and the characters was one of the most enjoyable things about reading the story. I didn't find a single boring moment in the story; every time the plot threatens to plateau, the stakes are raised and you are back in it! I was wholly impressed with the quality and density of the writing and I was riveted the whole time. In summary, I was very entertained.

However, I believe this story has one problem. Every turn the story takes is unpredictable, except for one, perhaps the most important one. At the end, I never for a second doubted that Clement was going to kill Wickner instead of the girl. In that moment, I should've been seriously worried about what was going to happen next, but I wasn't. I knew what was going to happen.

I've been thinking all day about how this could've been fixed, and I think it might've worked if it had been Clement's turn to go get the stick at the end. This would've been more convincing because the mere fact that he would be willing to go get the stick for Wickner (who would not hesitate to kill the girl) would make me doubt whether he would actually have the balls to stand up to Wickner, especially since he has allowed Wickner to walk all over him for the whole story. In addition, it being Clement's turn to go get the stick at the end would've made the "turning point" moment less obvious. You wouldn't know what moment he would choose—if he would choose—to make an intervention. The way it is now, the turning point moment is obvious: Clement has the stick at the ready, and both the girl and Wickner in reach. It's a no brainer that that is the moment the story will take a turn.

The other thing about making that change, is that it wouldn't change the story at all. When the stick is first introduced, Clement could still be making the same exact observations that he was making even if it had been Wickner getting the stick. The only thing that wouldn't work is Wickner saying, "Go fetch, boy", but you would still understand the nature of Wickner and Clement's relationship just fine even without that line. Anyway, that flaw didn't affect my opinion of Blake McCallister or his story much, but I do think that it is an opportunity for improvement nonetheless.

Overall, I thought the story was great and it was great for Popcorn fiction. I can't wait to see more open submissions.

Dear Editor,

I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about Popcorn's Fiction's impending open sub story. Until now, PF had been my saving grace, the one e-zine that hadn't disappointed me with blathering, pointless prose or grammar and syntax errors ad nauseam. So I approached Blake McCallister's "Twitcher" with hesitation, to say the least. But before I even turned the first page (I print 'em), I was hooked. McCallister is a master storyteller. His words paint such a vivid portrait of a bleak, post-apocalyptic future, I could almost taste it. And feel it. And definitely smell it. I won't be surprised if I see more of this author's work in the future; he's just that good. And I'm over my open sub phobia, so bring 'em on!

Dear Editor,

Craig Ugoretz can make me laugh out loud and hold my breath, almost simultaneously. (Er, it might be more accurate to say that his writing has that effect on me.) That is some serious talent.

"Deserted" should come with a warning: don't drink a Starbuck's venti anything before reading this story, because you will not be able to tear yourself away.

Loved it!

Dear Editor,

Craig's story "Deserted" was so different from his first story. It was cool to see a writer mix it up and try different things. I try to do that in my own writing so it was inspiring.

Dear Editor,

First of all, and I'm sure you agree, I believe Danielle Wolff did a marvelous job in writing "A Heavy Sleep." Especially in the sense of how she wrote what was needed to be known to the reader and not revealing too much of the David's inner feelings and environment. The story's climax was to me the most interesting part of Danielle's work because it could be interpreted in so many ways.

At first I thought David was maybe hallucinating the young girl on the bed, not just because hallucination is a component of insomnia but because maybe David's head has adapted to his recent non-sleeping lifestyle and is finding a way to block out the bed in which he believes he will have a good sleep in, thus the image of the girl appears preventing him from that perfect sleep.

Yet, on a second read, I felt the young girl was possibly a deceased daughter he had with Nat, the woman that stops him on his way to the dock, because their conversation is one of those that only a long term couple would know due to their ability of knowing each others thoughts and feelings. Therefore, I believe David either imagined his own daughter to stop himself from the sleep and metaphorically that is interpreted as that he hasn't come to terms wit his daughter's death yet.

Or, I believe David really did see a girl on the bed but the thought of his daughter freed him because all this time he had missed his daughter. So seeing a girl resting so magically the way he wanted to rest, made him realize that maybe his daughter is resting peacefully, therefore he's free.

The last words: "Someone, he thought. Someone will find it. And they will try it. And then we will all be free" could be meant metaphorically as well, meaning he isn't the one to change everything wrong around him, but this sepcific moment has changed him in the way of hope.

Dear Editor,

Who doesn't want a nice bed to sleep in? I thought Danielle Wolff's story "A Heavy Sleep" was well told. Just wanted to say how much I enjoy the Popcorn each week.

Dear Editor,

I was confused by the ending of "A Heavy Sleep." Why did David erase his name from the manifest? I was curious what other readers thought or what the author meant. I'll shut up now.

Dear Editor,

You should have talkbacks so we can discuss these stories. There are other suggestions I could give you but I'm sure you're busy.

Dear Editor,

Terrific. One of those stories ["Hot Pussy"] just this side of being cheesy and awful, but it works precisely because you are fascinated whether he will stepover the cliff and fall into the goofiness chasm. But he doesn't, and all of a sudden you are at the end and you are smiling. In a sense, Vonnegut made a career of writing like this.

Dear Editor,

Just got through the "Hot Pussy," and man, if I hadn't seen Kyle Ward's name on top first thing, I would have though that story was some straight up new Texas fried Joe Lansdale psychobilly freakout! Great stuff, keep 'em coming.

Dear Editor,

Just finished the latest installment by Kyle Ward. Any story that incorporates a pussy scratching a clithauser has got to be good. Thanks for a great site.

Dear Editor,

I always look forward to reading the new stories on the site. When I saw "Hot Pussy," I was a little reluctant to read a Cat-Napping story. But after finishing this little adventure I was surprised how much I enjoyed the read. Pretty snappy writing. I'm now intrigued to see one of the author's movies now.

Dear Editor,

The title of Kyle Ward's story, "Hot Pussy," barely hints at what's to come (pardon the pun…) Mr. Ward smacks you right between the eyes, but you can't help but smile as it's happening. Some of the best one-liners ever. Definitely reread material.

(As an aside: the title presented a bit of a challenge when composing this email. I figured if I put it in the subject line, it would definitely end up in your spam folder.)

So glad Popcorn Fiction is back from hiatus!

Dear Editor,

I’ve enjoyed all of the stories you’ve posted since the site launched, but ["Night Flight"] is the first that demanded a letter. Simply fantastic. From the subtle setups, to the unexpected yet inevitable payoff. “I…became fire.” Thanks so much to Mr. Foraker and yourself for sharing.

Dear Editor,

["Night Flight" was] very enjoyable. Excellent story. I saw what was coming for the narrator when mention was made of famous plane crashes. From the veryfirst sentence, I was in. One thing, since transoceanic flights track great-circle routes, I don't think you can ever be 700 miles from land in sufficientlynorthern latitudes, no matter which ocean. Already looking forward to June and, of course, continued life for PF. Thanks.

Dear Editor,

Loved "Night Flight." Great plot, amazing twist (what a brilliant new take on a much explored subject!) and excellent writing: a perfect combination.

I'm going to miss Popcorn, Derek. Please, don't stay away for too long and enjoy the break. :-)

Dear Editor,

Brett Foraker's mind-blowing tale, "Night Flight," grabbed my imagination and squeezed. Hard. It was especially captivating because it tackled a question that's plagued me all too often lately: what happens up there, on those planes that crash or explode or simply disappear? Mr. Foraker offered one hell of a visual.

It's Monday and I'm jonesing; can't wait till the next Popcorn Fiction offering.

Thanks for a great site!

Dear Editor,

In partial response to your popcorn fiction and my increased love of it, I finally moved along to put up my own site. It's a way for me to finally let out those writings that sit shelved waiting to be read or ideas that just simmer in my brain. As an aspiring screenwriter, you understand the frustration of spending hours upon hours writing to only end up with a script that you have to fight to get people just to read. The site isn't about my screenplays and this email isn't about that either…it's to thank you and popcorn fiction for finally forcing me to delve deeper into my storytelling and release it to the world. If you have time I'd love for you to check the site out, I think you might like the series' I've started, might actually make you laugh a bit. www.mauriceblocker.com

Dear Editor,

The two-part story "Honeymoon" left me wanting even more. Mr. Bohem should think about expanding it into a novel. Every time I thought I knew who was lying, I had to think again. Great stuff.

Dear Editor,

I missed the chance to submit material and want to know if you will accept submissions again from readers.

Dear Editor,

["Honeymoon"] is really great. One of my favorite short stories. Not surprising, but in general your website shows me that screenwriters have a hold on story in a much more visceral way than novelists who write short stories.

Dear Editor,

Leslie Bohem's "Honeymoon" is a fabulously wild ride with lots of unexpected twists and turns. But what I like most about this story is the transformation of the main character from a naive little girl to a woman with some serious cojones. Very cool!

Thanks for yet another entertaining read.

Dear Editor,

That's ["Laredo"] the strangest story I've read in a long time. Very funny too!

Dear Editor,

Thanks for the warning. Plain wrong but brilliant. Awesome writing. Loved it.

Dear Editor,

"Laredo" by Colin Goldman is as deranged as it is brilliant. I forwarded a link to the story to a psychologist colleague, but we've yet to reach consensus regarding Mr. Goldman's diagnosis. Between the two of us, we've narrowed it down to four. Pathology notwithstanding, please do what you have to to persuade Mr. Goldman to write more stories for Popcorn Fiction. (Wait. I just had an image of what that might be…)Thanks for a wild, fun ride and one hell of a fantastic tale!

Dear Editor,

First things first, excellent work on Popcorn Fiction. I'm really enjoying the stories posted on the site and I eagerly await the newest update every week. This week's story, Laredo by Colin Goldman, was the first update that prompted me to email in my response. I have to say that I really enjoyed this week's offering. Laredo reads like a twisted and dark graphic novel. Something I would expect from the likes of an early Frank Miller, or the always disturbing and entertaining Garth Ennis. I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed this wonderfully sick tale of pre-planned cocaine binges, penis-fingers, and goth bi-sexual bikers but I will simply say it was a true scroller. If only to find out what disturbing turn of events would unfold next. I hope to see more from Colin Goldman soon as I now consider myself a fan of his work.

Keep the scrollers coming!

P.S. Have you tried reaching out to some of the talented comic book writers that are out there? I'm not sure if you have already, as I have not read every story on the site yet, but I'm sure they could provide some entertaining short fiction.

Dear Editor,

I must admit that it was a love it or hate it reaction that I was facing when I laid my eyes on the latest story from Colin Goldman.That was not an easy sell for sure! But what a ride it was at the end. That's what is constantly great about Popcorn Fiction…the surprises, the unexpected turns, the variety of tones, the unwanted twisted stories that end up sucking your brain from inside, holding you down to the ground until you surrender to the greatness of the wonderful writers who populate this site. Always a pleasure and a thrill!Waiting for more.

Dear Editor:

I have to say I'm impressed with the continued effort to bring quality fiction to the Internet.

"Here I Sit, Broken-Hearted" was definitely worth the read. I especially appreciated the technique of changing from first person to third at the end. In the beginning, however, the sentence "I've found him" confused me. It prompted me to assume the guy on the barstool had given up on women and now prefers men. Or the narrator was a woman. Without situational awareness, nothing made much sense while reading the next few paragraphs. It was an absolute struggle to read myself out of the mire. Until I finally figured out what the hell was going on, I had to juggle three possible scenarios. I love to read, but not when a writer tortures, especially when he's no longer a neophyte. The author should've written something like: "I finally found the fucker who killed her." That would've not just cleared up the gender issue but also the relationship between the guy on the bar and "him." I'd be curious to know how many other readers were similarly confused. Once I got back on my feet, though, it was a fantastic story, one I'll never forget. Thanks for the marathon effort away from the day job.

Dear Editor:

Thanks for running the site, adding the link and a quick share without the extras. I enjoyed "Here, I Sit". I was very curious how it was going to end and how he was going to end it stylistically. Please keep them coming.

Dear Editor:

Wow! I just read "Here I Sit, Broken-Hearted" by Sam Reaves and it really moved me. It's a very well written story with well developed characters.

Dear Editor,

I keep meaning to tell you how much I love your site! Your story was awesome. Cannot wait for the full length feature. Larry Doyle's was great. And "Tipping Point" was exceptional. What a world Todd Stein created. And Brandt's! I can't say enough. Happy to know it's there. It inspires me.

Dear Editor:

Thanks you for keeping the site going. I first read about it a little ways back on John August's blog and have enjoyed reading some great short fiction. I've gotten a little backlogged in my reading and so I just now got to Patton Oswalt's "Tasting Menu" and though it's been there for a little bit and I know you've gotten this e-mail before, I just wanted to let him know that he's got another fiction fan. I was sold (I'm sure like many others) on the line, <93>I findthe pearly rice and steppe-grass undertones of Asian infants to be a wonderful palate awakener." Y'all keep up the good work! Now to go netflix Big Fan…

Dear Editor,

Whoa…what else can I say, but whoa! What an awesome story ["I'll Never Dream Again"] this week, I greatly enjoyed it.That is exactly the kind of pure storytelling that I like to grab every week off your website. This story was just amazing from start to finish, and I would definitely like to see it becoming something for the big screen. I believe that it got so much potential and the idea is just brilliant. Great work Justin and congrats for your extensive GI JOE collection :)

Dear Editor,

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!! For doing this site.

Regardless of success in the film industry…whatever that is, I started out writing short stories like you've hooked into.

Because I started out enjoying them as a reader. Audience. Just a fanatic. Comics to graphic novels…lotsa b movies—not the cheesy kind—and big timefilm noir and the Pulps. Gotta love the Pulps.

Can't wait for your open submission again. Did you know…

That Rod Serling's TZ success was due to hiring short story writers, first and foremost, and then training them on how to act—break their short stories into tv scripts? He actually hired starving, pulp fiction writers who weren't tv writers.

That's why the previous reincarnations of the TZ really didn't work as good as the original one did.

Dear Editor,

After reading "You'll Never Dream Again" by Justin Marks, I did something I rarely do. I read it again. It was just that good. Not only did the storyline hook me, but the voice was so much fun, I didn't want it to end. I enjoyed this piece for its style, its humor, and the wild but thought-provoking tale it wove.

IMHO, "You'll Never Dream Again" would make a fantastic motion picture.

(An aside: I'm glad that Popcorn Fiction isn't caloric. If it were, I'd be huge.)

Many thanks!

Dear Editor,

How tight was that writing [in "Spree" by TS Faull]?

I don't think you could get more taut if you were Steve Martin's plastic surgeon. It was so visceral, so…I saw the movie and all without knowing what colour the damn car was, whether anyone had freckles or the age of the main character. Love that, when a writer knows how to imply the necessary and let us imagine the rest.

Bravo.

Dear Editor:

Oh, Yes! "One Good Thing" was brilliant stuff.

I'll enter my stuff one day—but not by the 28th of this month—I need more practice. This is just brilliant though, I love this.

Thank you.

Dear Editor:

Long time listener, first time caller. I love the site—thanks for putting it together. I haven't had a chance to write yet so I wanted to mention a few things…

1) I know that the film rights to a few stories on here have been bought/are being bought so I wanted to say to any possible buyers reading this that I think "When We Get Home" would make a great movie. I love the setting. That one and "The Flying Kreisslers" are such great looks into places we normally don't get to see. And for "When We Get Home" especially, there's so much more I want to know. What's with the scientists? What happens next?

2) There seems to be a big emphasis on crime stories here. I'm surprised there isn't more sci/fi. Is that because you are getting fewer sci/fi submissions or because you are partial to crime? Not complaining—I love the stories you've chosen—just curious.

3) Thanks for taking submissions. I think it's a great idea, though I do have a request. If, now that you have a bigger inventory, you decide to post more than one story a week, please don't do more than two at the absolute most. As it is, I look forward to the stories all week and I'm afraid too many new stories would diminish that. Anyway just a suggestion. Good luck sorting through them.

Dear Editor:

I'm way behind on PF. Can't wait to catch up! Been in Bermuda shooting a short doc on their most beloved resident, an 86 year old man named Johnny Barnes. For the last 27 years, 5 days a week, rain, blow, or shine, Johnny has been walking to the busiest roundabout in Hamilton at 4am, and he spends the next 6 hours waving to commuters, blowing kisses, and shouting "Good Morning!" and "I love you!" It was great fun to film and now I'm buried in editing, but I'll make sure to set aside time to catch up on stories!

I think it's fantastic that you're opening up for submissions, though I can't imagine the work load that it will create for you (and everyone helping out). Kudos for that.

I'm still holding out hope that one day I'll find the perfect match and be the first to direct a popcorn fiction short film!

Dear Editor:

Hey again. Thank you for continuing to post great, varied stories. I enjoyed "Spree"—so dark!

I also like old-time radio—big fan of "X Minus One." If you haven't heard the John Meston-penned "Gunsmoke" episodes, I'd be happy to suggest a few. Very noir-ish with their lean, muscular dialogue despite the Dodge City setting.

Very jazzed to see you've decided to accept some open submissions. Thanks again for providing an outlet for compelling short fiction.

Dear Editor:

TS Faull's "Spree" shoved me headlong into the depths of a nightmare, and I held my breath for the duration. I had no idea what to expect. Barry's Schkolnick's "One Good Thing" offered a completely different ride—but just as unpredictable, not to mention scroll-worthy. Reading the two stories one after the other underscored for me even more how emotionally compelling a well-crafted short story can be, whether it engenders horror—or hope.

With Popcorn Fiction's weekly offering, I actually look forward to Mondays : )

Dear Editor:

Just read "Tipping Point" and loved it. The ending was very moving.

Dear Editor,

Just wanted to say compliments to the writer of Tipping Point. The world is fully realized, the characters are tangible. Never a dull moment. An excellent short story as usual. Long live popcornfiction.com. :D

Dear Editor:

[Regarding your suggestions for what is the equivalent of a "page turner" for this site], I'd go with "scroll-downer" over "button-clicker." But maybe I'd just call it a "scroller." Sorry, I'm just in the mood to goof off.

Dear Editor:

Pretty disturbing story this week, but I really enjoyed it. I can't say enough about TS Faull's first person writing. It's really efficient, a real page turner, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. A great example of a psychological thriller executed with a style that sticks with the minimum and reaches you right in the heart. Anyway, I hope I would never receive that phone call, and I'm more than curious to watch the movie that TS Faull wrote about the Armin Meiweis case. Promising…

Dear Editor:

I came across your site by accident, and I am very thankful I did. I just read "Spree" by TS Faull. It was very thrilling, and written in a style I wish I could write in. I delayed my staff meeting just to finish it. Please keep up the great work. If you and your friends ever need motivation, let me know, I will find a box of cigars to send you.

Dear Editor,

Every week I get my Popcorn Fiction fix, I'm always inspired to be more creative in my own life. Week after week the quality just keeps coming. Bravo. Another great story this week, my favorite line "Chad could see Omar politely trying to conjure an escape hatch in the floor with his mind." Brilliant.

Dear Editor,

Regarding "My New Black Friend," hilarious & awesome! Thanks and keep it up ;)

Dear Editor,

Pardon me for being cynical, but you seem to just publish any old thing you and your hollywood friends decide to write. Once again, talented writers on the outside are kept out while hack screenwriters keep everyone else away. I'm not impressed.

Dear Editor:

When are you going to run a contest for your faithful (non-famous) readers? Perhaps a pitch contest leading to an unknown being able to have their short posted? Thanks again—love the site.

Dear Editor:

I may repeat myself, but once again, you came up with a great story. I loved Beth's fun and tragic tale of disillusioned wedding. That was a fast ride with a lot of truth lying beneath the surface (oops…what did I say…). Anyway, hope we'll get the chance to see her movie in France one day.

By the way, Derek, is there any chance that we could read another story of yours soon? I've discovered the site too late, and your first story was not available anymore. That would be awesome.

Dear Editor:

Really liked "The Breakup 5000." "And because his mother is a whore…" I was completely on board from then on. I'm curious because this didn't have the genre feeling some of the others did. Of course, I've never been entirely comfortable with the whole literary vs genre vs (fill in writing style) and knowingwhat the difference is meant to be. To me, it's a bit like the whole Miles Davis on music quote, there's only two types: good and bad.

Dear Editor:

Beth Schacter's "The Break Up 5000" is a gem! How can you not root for an MC who names her hubby's bimbo Connie because she wants her "to be named something that says "guest star on Laverne and Shirley" and "smells like cabbage" in equal parts"? I'm definitely gonna read this one again.

Thanks!

Dear Editor:

["The Break Up 5000."] Cute. Fun. Charming. Realistic. But I kept wondering why she doesn't just call her in-laws on phone if the goal is to tell them first. Did I miss something?

Dear Editor:

I've been enjoying the stories on Popcorn Fiction for months. I'm surprised not to see praise for Matthew Brozik's piece, "Service Station," which I think is one of the best to appear here. Any chance we'll be treated to another story from him?

Dear Editor:

You ever think you'll start accepting submissions from unknown writers? Or do you plan on keeping things the way they are?

Dear Editor,

After reading "Tipping Point," I was amazed. It was such a powerful short story and set in such a distinctive future. I have always had some ideas floating in my head and was wondering where I could start. Do you know of any places online similar to Popcorn Fiction for amateur writers to share their work and gain feedback?

Dear Editor,

"No. Seven" was a surprisingly literary addition to the site. Some of your contributors are more "storytellers" and some are more "literary," in my humble opinion, and I thought Roger Thompson's story was up there with the best you've had on the site (along with Nichelle Tramble's, Craig Mazin's, and Craig Ugoretz's stories.) That's not to say I haven't enjoyed most of the others—I didn't get to read your story before it was taken down, but I liked your books alot. So keep up the good work and I can't wait to see what you have next.

Dear Editor,

The content on your site just keeps getting better and better! Great work, and was pleasantly surprised to see Rian's tale in poetry form. Keep them coming…

Dear Editor,

This was a fantabulous addition to Popcorn Fiction! What a superb job Rian did. I’m so thankful you have a site where we can view great pieces such as "The Man in the Herringbone Hat." Thank you so much for sharing a different kind of story on your site!

Dear Editor,

Speechless as I am enjoying popcorn's poetry
I lay on my feet, reading every word again and again
Standing in line, waiting for my turn as I dare to see
The extravagant work of a master user of the pen

Dear Editor,

Whereas far too many e-zines offer the literary equivalent of Ambien, Popcorn Fiction consistently serves up fare that is unique, intelligent and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed Rian Johnson's "The Man in the Herringbone Hat." Thanks for veering off the beaten path, PF!

Dear Editor,

Rian Johnson owes no apology to Shel Silverstein. "The Man in the Herringbone Hat" had me giddily captivated and I can't help but wish he would film it. Starring some Brick alumni perhaps? Yes, yes please!

Dear Editor:

This is truly an observation, not a complaint. Do you guys know any more women writers? I've noticed a lack of estrogen in Popcorn Fiction and wonder at it. Is this just a reflection of the numbers in the industry or genre or some other factor? I'm writing action stories and there doesn't seem to be a lot of successful women in that genre. Seeing the M/F ratio in PF really brought it to my attention.

Dear Editor,

Hi, I just read the fantastic, lyrical short story, "Lightning in a Bottle" by Craig Mazin . Can you confirm for me my suspicions that Sojourn Sweat is in fact Pan? Did I read the subtext correctly? Or have I been drinking too much wine?

Dear Editor,

You know a story is good when it leaves you reeling, like a well-aimed left hook you never saw coming. I can think of a bunch of superlatives to describe Casey McCabe's "Electric," but a bumper-sticker I saw a few days ago says it best: "Toadly Ossum!"

Thanks for yet another exceptional tale.

Dear Editor,

Just a few words about the last story from Todd Stein. Great story, as always, and I must say that this one really talked to me as it reminded me of an idea that I had a few years back that was based on the same premises: in the future, to have a baby, you will have to wait until somebody dies. I didn't really go very far with that idea, but now, by reading "Tipping Point," I can see where it could have gone. Todd gave it a really interesting twist, and I enjoyed immersing myself in his futuristic world. Can't wait to read more!

Dear Editor,

I know you do not accept general submissions, yet. But, just out of curiosity, do you give the writers you commission any kind of guidelines before they submit. (i.e. “Try and keep it under 3,000 words”…etc?)

Dear Editor,

“The first time I ever willfully defecated in my pants was two years ago” is, by far, the best opening phrase in the history of Popcorn Fiction. I hope to read of other adventures with Poops in the future.

Dear Editor,

Thanks for the heads-up to another homerun. I especially enjoyed Matt’s “Pet Octopus,” still in stitches after reading about “The British Solution.” I’m not one who takes to overused reference to defecation in popular culture, but in this character’s case, well, what else was left? Glad you survived the holidays. As always, I love Monday mornings.

Dear Editor,

Terrific. Perfect popcorn fiction piece. Perfect tone, flat affect. Underscores the narrator’s pathological lack of imagination.

I need to say something though about avoiding death by defecation. Not that good a deterrent move in the face of a professional killer. Don’t try it at home. When you die, to the extent you have poop in your boweIs, it comes out because your muscles relax including your sphincter muscle. So the killer has to deal with it anyway.

I had a guy once die in my arms in a helicopter, a young North Vietnamese Army lieutenant I plucked up off the battlefield for intelligence purposes. I knew he died when he pooped.

True story—I still have the guy’s red lieutenant’s star with my old dog tags. But the advice—don’t worry about it. Whatever works.

Dear Editor,

Quickie question: do you accept submissions only by screenwriters/writers who are known to you?

Dear Editor,

Thanks for the great laughs that I had this morning reading “General Strike.” It was a hell of a funny story. It had me laughing out loud many times and that’s quite an accomplishement (I’m French after all…). And that’s part of the reason why I keep coming back to your site every week, for the wide range of styles, genres, humor and writing. You can feel the love of writing in every word, every sentences, from the writers who participate in your great site. As always, looking for more!

Dear Editor,

Daley Haggar’s “General Strike” is a witty, acerbic gem. A true cautionary tale, it should be required reading for anyone with an expandable ego and a Y chromosome. I loved it!

BTW—the reverse psychology at the bottom worked: the first thing I did after being told not to google Ms. Haggar was to google Ms. Haggar. The YouTube clip I happened upon was hilarious!

Dear Editor,

Awesome once again. “Dean’s cock was SkyNet”—priceless.

Dear Editor,

Wonderful story [“When We Get Home.”] Very well written. Makes you remember the important things in life. Thank you!

Dear Editor,

Where to begin on this piece? The story was amazing and left me with a million questions. I loved it. I absolutely loved it. I was so angry when it ended. Like the protagonist, I had no idea what was going on by the end and wanted to know more about everyone’s intentions. What was the protagonist’s position? What did he do? Is it sad that the story is so good that I’ve been running the Russian words through a translator to try to find out a deeper meaning to what is occurring with the twins? Great story and so many questions left unanswered. I keep reading it over and over again thinking I might glean something from another read. Thanks again for brightening up my work day.

Dear Editor,

[“When We Get Home”] is fantastic! I can’t believe he ended it there. I hope it sells so I can see how the thing turns out. Please let him know I started panting about a 1/3 of the way through and basically held my breath from the midpoint to the end. I’m still in recovery. Bravo.

Dear Editor,

After a long holiday break away from the Internet (ok…mostly) I’m back to Popcorn Fiction, and I was so excited to discover new stories from Dan Dworkin and Jeff Lowell. Those two stories were fantastic reads and are exactly the reason why I’m coming back regularly to read stories here. They are suspenseful, twisted, funny, chilling and pretty intense. I’m learning a lot here in the art of storytelling, and it’s a great place to gather around to learn about efficient writing in a short format. Happy new year to you and everyone at Popcorn Fiction!

Dear Editor,

“When We Get Home” was a cracker. It’s funny how the idea of nuclear annihilation seemed like an easy way out but the perfect way out all at once. All class. Hope you had an excellent NYE and look forward to the next installment of popcorn fiction.

Dear Editor,

Once again, a phenomenal piece of short fiction! Like being the sober guy at a party full of devolving drunks, you could feel something ominous in the air, but JESUS! I didn’t expect nuclear war! And to leave it so open-ended wasn’t a cheat, but an awesome Sopranos style, make-up your own finale mechanism. Kudos to J-Lo!

Dear Editor,

Jeff Lowell’s latest story is fantastic. It made me realize what all the best short stories I’ve read have in common: the perfect short story, to me, is a significant idea communicated through a perfect morsel of plot, and “When We Get Home” accomplishes that wonderfully. The best stories are so engrossing that you nearly forget you are reading. The critical part of your brain basically shuts down because you know you won’t be needing it. And by the time you finish, the story has taken up permanent residency in your mind, because the idea behind it is bigger than the words it’s composed of.

I don’t know if it’s what you originally intended, but Popcorn Fiction seems to be becoming the home to those kinds of stories, and I think that is a very good thing.

At first, I didn’t remember what Jeff Lowell’s other story was. “Trust Is A Club In The Hand Of Someone Who Loves You” is one my favorite Popcorn Fiction stories, and it’s actually the only one that I’ve reread so far (though “Still Life” will soon join it). I guess I am now officially a Jeff Lowell fan. To both PF and Jeff Lowell: keep up the great work!

Dear Editor,

“The Valknut” was great fun—just like all the others on your site. Thanks once again!

Dear Editor,

Do any of the authors of these short stories have any thoughts on granting limited nonexclusive adaptation rights for short subject films, with distribution limited to fests, or in some cases, collection of fest submissions?

The model I’m thinking of is the one that Steven King is noted for, where he may make such a grant to ‘aspiring’ filmmakers for such limited distribution.

Dear Editor,

Loved it [“The Valknut”]! It was a bit scary and ironic. I could almost “picture” all of it happening…great use of words! Look forward to the next story…

Dear Editor,

What I like about “The Valknut” is that it is so incredibly derivative of what the best contemporary artists—painters, singers, dancers, filmmakers—are doing, but with wit and a deft balance of light and dark elements—very Gothic. But Gothic needs wit and lightness to work. That may be a little deep, but that was my reaction.

Thought it was terrific. Remind me never to meet this guy, though.

Dear Editor,

Dan Dworkin’s “The Valknut” is fantastic. Yet again, I found myself devouring the entire piece in one sitting. (I’m beginning to think of your site as “hungrymanfiction” rather than “popcornfiction” because the stories are all so satisfying!) I also got a kick out of Action Auto and hope that Mr. Dworkin comes up with more episodes.

Dear Editor,

I loved “Still Life.” Great story. Keep them coming in the new year!

Dear Editor,

I have read every story on the site and the latest one, “Still Life” is my favorite. I love them all almost equally (“Eugene” actually made me emotional in a strange way) but “Still Life” just hit me in some way. Thank you for the site. A good short story always makes me feel a little better.

Dear Editor,

Still loving the site and telling my friends about it. Would you mind passing along a message for me to Mr. Mark Bomback? Thanks man, keep up the good work, and happy holidays.

Dear Mr. Bomback,

I loved the nod to the incredible ending of Jim Thompson’s A Hell of a Woman in your story Still Life. That’s one of my favorite techniques, and outside of Stephen King in the old days, I’ve never seen anyone else do it. Great choice that increased the emotional punch of your ending in a big way for this reader. Enjoyed the story a lot.

Dear Editor,

Thank you for these updates—I really look forward to every new story on the site. Also, I just wanted to let you know how much I’m enjoying The Silver Bear! It is a solid start for a series and I can’t wait to read more. Do you ever come to Atlanta for book signings?

Dear Editor,

I humbly request that you inform Mr. Bomback that his story is, without a doubt, the best piece of work to be published on Popcorn Fiction to date! I’ve read every single story and with respect to the great writers who have been published here such as Mr. Helgeland and Mr. Brandt, I can firmly say that Mr. Bomback stands peerless on the Popcorn Fiction pedestal. If you had a “Champion,” he would be the man at the moment. What’s not to love about his story? The message of the soul having an expiration date is on point. The twist and turns at the end are astounding. I don’t think I can say the word “love” enough times without violating some sort of quota. I’ve read it three times and it gets better with each experience.

Dear Editor,

Hi! I don’t have a specific question or anything, but I do enjoy getting the emails and reading all the new stories when they come out—so, I just wanted to write a quick note to say thank you and happy holidays! Wishing you and yours the best, and looking forward to reading all the new stuff coming out after the new year. Thanks for bringing a little bit of interesting into my inbox this year! : )

Dear Editor,

The last two stories were nothing short of amazing. Michael Brandt’s “Reflections” caught me off-guard, and left me with so much emotion I felt as if I’d just read a novel rather than a short story. And Mark Bomback’s “Still Life” drew me in and kept me there, captivated. I couldn’t stop reading. (I burned dinner, but it was worth it.)

I’m thrilled to hear that an anthology is in the works.

Dear Editor,

Please inform Mr. Brandt that I loved his story. Truth be told, when I first began reading, I kept asking myself “Ok which side of the page do I start on?” What an interesting dichotomy between man and wolf! Tell Mr. Brandt that I also look forward to seeing his work on The A-Team (he is working on that right?) when it hits theaters.

Happy Holidays to you and your family, Mr. Haas.

Dear Editor,

As usual, popcornfiction has delivered in its variety and high quality storytelling. By far my favorite has been “Eugene,” and “Reflection” has touched me the most. After I realized the other narrator was a wolf, I was rooting for him immediately. I must admit the ambiguous ending leaves me frustrated and hoping that the gunshot was a miss. “Tasting Menu” for me had the best “twist” at the end and probably the most heartbreaking.

I am sure the complications of copyright may make this difficult, but is there any thought, in the distant future when there is enough stories, to publish popcornfiction as an actual short story collection in book form (some of us still read those things)?

And not to be a party pooper, but I second the notion of not opening up to submissions. However, if you do chose to go that route, I do trust your crack editorial staff to select only the best for the website.

Dear Editor,

I loved “Reflection!!!” I want more!!!

Dear Editor,

I read a bit of Larry Doyle’s “Whacking the Baby” to the hubby over breakfast, and he actually put down the paper and waited for me to read more (gasp!). By the time I finished reading, we were both in hysterics. Can’t wait till my copy of I Love You, Beth Cooper, gets here…

Many thanks to Mr. Doyle for a fabulous story, and to you for publishing it.

P.S. at the risk of being unpopular, I’d like to put in my two cents’ worth regarding your opening Popcornfiction.com to submissions: please don’t. The site is great just as it is. I look forward to each and every story. Though I read my fair share of online zines, I’ve yet to return to any one site with any semblance of consistency. But I’m totally addicted to Popcorn Fiction. I find myself watching movies and reading long and short works that I never would have known existed were it not for your site. I’m really grateful for that, and hope that you’ll keep Popcornfiction.com just as it is.

Dear Editor,

Another great great story from Popcorn fiction. I’ve really enjoyed the short, funny, twisted story from Larry Doyle. That’s exactly the reason why I’m coming back very often to your site. I love the short novel format and can’t wait to read the next one from your writing partner. Hope you’ve enjoyed your Thanksgiving week!

Dear Editor,

I like your site very much and I would like to ask if you will ever be taking submissions, as the note says “not at this time.”

Dear Editor:

I beat your email to the punch this week. I’d downloaded and read “After the Gig” an hour before your email arrived. Every new installment priceless; I guess I couldn’t wait for your email. Benson’s use of the answering machine to characterize Crebbins’ family is genius technique.

Dear Editor:

Once again, a great little story that filled my early morning read with a bit of dark humor and mystery. I’ve really enjoyed the last story by Raymond Benson. And really good title too. The mood is great and the setting is a lot of fun to go through. I didn’t know him as a novelist but I’ll definitely check him out now. By the way could you please add me into the subscribers list so that I could received a notification every time you put a new story on. Thanks a lot and looking for more.

Dear Editor:

Hey Mr. Haas, I have read all of the stories on this site and I enjoy how often you get new submissions. I would like to say to Jacob Sager Weinstein that his story, “Eugene,” was an awesome read, as well as the first story on this site that left me feeling good after reading. Keep up the good work and I’ll try spreading the word of Popcorn Fiction.

Dear Editor:

Who can resist a story that engages all the senses, first and foremost smell? Mr. Benson deftly weaves in clues as he paints a portrait of an individual with an increasingly whacky past. But when I got to the next to last page, I thought, damn, he’s gonna say, “to be continued.” How could he possibly wrap this up in one page? So that last paragraph smacked me right upside the head. It’s the experience I always hope for when I read a short story, but so rarely get.

Can’t wait for the next story!

Dear Editor:

I like the concept behind your site, Mr. Haas. When did you launch it?

Dear Editor:

I loved Tim Herlihy’s story! What a great re-imagining of a classic! I especially loved how Scrooge saw himself as the dog his father saw fit to slaughter when he became submissive. And the revelation that fear was the real motivation behind his charitable acts was absolutely believable.

So Tim, was the role-reversal with Cratchit just in Scrooge’s mind or was his new-found power changing him for the worse?

Dear Editor:

Loved the story [“March 6th”]!!! I wish I could read it to my daughters. One day.

Dear Editor:

Derek, if you’re serious about directing visitors (such as “John”) to Web sites that aid writers in submitting to various venues (including online pubs), consider suggesting these two:

Duotrope’s Digest (www.duotrope.com) and NewPages.com (er…newpages.com). I use these almost every day, though they are not without their flaws. Used together, they pretty much cover the whole field and give a writer everything he needs (except, of course, sample copies of the mags themselves).

Dear Editor:

“Unconditional” had my mouth agape, reading through my fingers in anticipation/agony. Fantastic read; love the site.

Dear Editor:

I love this site—thank you so much for putting it together.

Dear Editor:

I know that you don’t take submissions, but could you suggest a good site where amateur writers could send in a story? Your site is more like major league for the pros but I’m just looking for a triple A or even double A writer’s site…

Dear Editor:

Just read “Gare du Nord” by Mark Wheaton. Another winner I must say. Fast read, fast story. It grabs you from the very first lines. A bit over the top to my taste (as I was expecting something a bit more twisty at the end) but at least it sticks to its premises and never fails to entertain. And being French, it’s funny to read all about those locations and “French expressions." Mark, you really got me with: “This city was a relic of past centuries, the capital of a civilization that no one had bothered to tell was passed.” I couldn’t say it with better words…

Dear Editor:

Craig’s story [“Steam Table Blues”] captured the character’s voice really well (as have all the rest, but this one just struck me). Keep up the good work…

Dear Editor:

Love having stories like [“Steam Table Blues”] that branch out from the regular fare!

Have you thought about maybe getting a fan page or “group” on facebook? I just noticed there wasn’t anything. Might be a nice way for readers to interact with each other and discuss stories outside of just letters to the editor, although I do love the simplicity and cleanness to the website.

Dear Editor:

Steam Table Blues is a mighty fine read. It’s chock full of caustic, witty remarks and a great collection of characters. I laughed out loud.

Please ask Mr. Ugoretz to submit more stories. (Beg if you have to.)

Dear Editor:

Quick question: how do you find these authors who are writing these stories? Do you know all of them? Did you just say, “hey, what’s up, will you write me an awesome story?”

Dear Editor:

Oh that story “Eugene” was so good. One of my favourites so far. You’re doing a fantastic job here with Popcorn Fiction. Woof woof from Ireland.

Dear Editor:

Just finished “Eugene”…what a great story. Delivered with style, heart, and thrills. Straight to the point. I like that. Really impressive to achieve such strong storytelling in a few pages. I really enjoy Jacob’s writing. It’s simple but manages to bring you in this “science fiction” universe within a few lines. I was grabbed from the beginning, believing the world that I was entering into. I always wonder how to make my characters believable for the reader, and this story was a perfect example of how to do it.

Great job, looking for more.

Dear Editor:

I found Jacob Sager Weinstein’s story “Eugene” to be one of the most original, entertaining, and humorous short stories I’ve ever read. He created a truly endearing character, full of wit and charm. His language is spot on, never for once did I doubt Eugene’s canine attributes. It’s hard to fall in love with a character just by reading a few pages, but this story is executed so perfectly, I could even imagine my faithful dog Romulo (a huge Rottweiler) as the lead. Props to Mr. Sager for this amazing work, looking forward to what’s in store for the site in the future.

Dear Editor:

I just read “Eugene” and loved it. So clever. Am looking forward to reading more stories. Thanks for the excellent writing—it’s great inspiration.

Dear Editor:

That [“Unconditional”] was a fucking awesome story.

That is all.

Dear Editor:

Michael Gilvary’s “Unconditional” was a fantastic read. I did not see that ending coming, as hard as I tried while reading. Brilliant! Thanks for keeping the burner alive under Popcorn Fiction.

Dear Editor:

Thanks for the update to this story. There are two comments I have:

Towards the end there is a paragraph that reads: “Rachel muffled a scream and collapsed into Ted’s arms. He held her tight. He’d grown to hate her in these last two hours, but right now there was nowhere he’d rather be than here in her arms…” But he is not in her arms. She is in his arms!

Second: the gun, at the end, is in the kitchen, on the counter. How does Josh come into the kitchen, step around the cop and his parents (unseen? unnoticed?) and grab the gun to kill the cop? Was there another gun somewhere? Did I miss something?

Dear Editor:

My favorite short [“Unconditional”] yet. Thanks for Popcorn Fiction Derek, they’re like bi-weekly mental short films.

Dear Editor:

I’ve discovered Popcorn Fiction recently, and I must say that I deeply enjoy the stories that can be found here.

Greatly entertaining stuff and also pretty inspiring as a French writer to see what you can create in such a concise form.

The last story by Michael Gilvary is really good. One of the best so far. I didn’t see it coming at the end…I was going for another ending and I was quite surprised by the direction that Michael chose. But it all makes sense at the end…pretty scary indeed.

Anyway, a great place to read strong short stories. Looking for more.

Dear Editor:

Since happening upon your website, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the stories you’ve featured. “Man Versus Water” by Andrea Berloff was, in my humble opinion, the best yet. How could anyone not love a story that includes the sentence, “the dark, threatening ass print on the fine white leather sofa.” Rich though it was, I couldn’t help myself—I read the whole thing in one sitting (now I feel full but I’m jonesing for more. Good fiction will do that to you…)

Dear Editor:

Damn! Andrea can write her ass off! “Icy blue Eastern bloc eyes”? Holy shit! That tasted great! Thanks again Derek for a place for these guys to showcase their shit. Keep it up.

Dear Editor:

Love the stories, keep ’em coming! Really enjoyed Andrea Berloff’s writing style.

I’m going to a theatre production this month that will play out some of Poe’s tales—The Tell Tale Heart, The Black Cat, The Raven, etc. Should be good.

Are you a fan of Edgar Allen Poe…what author influenced you the most?

Dear Editor:

Been meaning to write in. This story [“Tasting Menu”] was fantastic and a really pleasant surprise from Oswalt, a favorite comedian of mine. Next time I’m at a dinner party, swirling and sniffing a fine Burgundy, it will be difficult not to comment “I find the pearly rice and steppe-grass undertones of Asian infants to be a wonderful palate awakener.”

Dear Editor:

Just wanted to thank you for your great site. Reading is such a huge part of my life, I literally finish a book and immediately start a new one. I have read through all of the stories and every one of them has been amazing. My favorites so far have been “Lightning in a Bottle,” “The Good Father,” and “Shake,” which I was lucky enough to read. I love how they bring attention to great writers (like Les Bohem who wrote the excellent Taken) we otherwise might not have known about. So keep the stories coming and we will keep spreading the word about this incredible project. Until the next one.

Dear Editor:

I know this may be dreadfully rude of me to request, but could you let Mr. Helgeland know how much I enjoyed his story. I thought it was superb and very direct. I really enjoyed how Brian didn’t weigh down his story with detailed dialog between the characters. The way he presented this story made me focus more on how the characters were “feeling” or interpreting their situation rather than paying my sole attention to the dialog. It was such a great story. L.A. Confidential is one of my favorite movies and Brian’s screenplay stands right up there with the best.

Dear Editor:

Not sure if you publish reviews from the same people twice in a row, but I figured, “Why the hell not!?”

Nothing short of my tremendous praise for Helgeland’s previous screen works, At Her Feet He Fell is a remarkable piece of character-based fiction. As seductive as the female lead, the story begins like a bikini shot of this bank job, but ends in the full, raw nudity of one of the more clever twists in short prose that I have read. Each character had its own breath and undeniable relation to the reality of human emotion. The thinker with an ego, the harlequin who never cries, and the weak-minded loner with a longing…all exposed to be more than they are by curtain’s close. Helgeland takes the character arc and shits on it for the sake of realism. People don’t arc…they just expose more of their layers as time goes on. THAT IS REALITY. Writers take note: Characters are real and Brian Helgeland just proved it. Kudos!

Dear Editor:

I admire these stories for many reasons, not least of which is their pith. So to speak. Any chance your about the author, bottom bit might include number of words they’ve used to tell these little gems?

Dear Editor:

Honestly, I LOVED the story [“Tasting Menu”]. Seriously dug it. I know Vamps are getting tired and played out with the likes of fucking Twilight (which I loathe) and the more-than-soft-core True Blood (which I like), but this story was very sentimental in the end and brought a more heartfelt meaning to being a traitor to one’s own kind.

The character depth for this story was seriously over-par for a short story. The Boyfriend was the personification of all of those posers in high school who dressed Goth because they listened to Marilyn Manson in between Hanson sets. I hated the bastard from the first description. The Girl…she seemed like an after-effect ripple to the boyfriend-hate, but when mixed with the Driver’s age and history of vampirism, she and the BF reminded me of those insta-bros that over-step boundaries because they somehow think that because they’re at the party, they’re a welcomed member of the club.

Tell Patton that at least one person seriously dug this story!

Dearest and Most Beloved Editor:

Patton’s story tastes like the writing I grew up on—juicy, twisted, and smart.

Dear Editor:

Brilliant short story [“Tasting Menu”]; the best so far!

Dear Editor:

I just wanted to shoot you over a quick email and say how much I love the site. I hope it continues to grow and becomes home to many more short stories. I came to discover the site after reading about your deal with Mr. Bruckheimer on “Shake” (congratulations on that by the way). I really look forward to all of the future work that will be posted.

Dear Editor:

Just wanted to tell you that I am enjoying the site very much, and that I miss the days where you could regularly pick up stories this good in the long-dead pulps. Actually, I guess ‘miss’ is the wrong verb, because I never really lived in a time where you could get more than a sketchily-edited Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine at the newsstand. (Like rock music, however, that magazine ruled in the seventies.) I hope a print Popcorn anthology is in the works. If you have a maybe-I’ll-consider-this-shit-first pile for the day when you’ll be accepting submissions from the great unwashed, please sign me up. I think I have a story you’d like.

Dear Editor:

That [“The Good Father”] was a good one. I saw the daughter betrayal coming, but not her double-cross at the end, or the dad walking out of there alive.

Dear Editor:

Love the short story format. J.D. Salinger’s “Nine Short Stories” comes to mind. I’m the #1 fan of Elmore Leonard. And Ethan Coen’s “Gates of Eden” has been a favorite for years now. Sometimes the efficiency and economy of the short story can leave you breathless in ways the long-form can’t. Like they say, “good things come in small packages.”

Dear Editor:

I enjoy your website of short stories. Please let me know if and when submissions are allowed from the public. I have always been a fan of “a good story” in any medium. Your new book looks good; best of luck. Also, 3:10 to Yuma was a great movie. My wife doesn’t like westerns but did like this one!

Dear Editor:

I was wondering if you have any internship positions at Popcorn Fiction?

Dear Editor:

Thanks for the tight characterization and twist, which threw me completely in the new story, “Shake.” I could really picture the angles and images when reading with the taut description. I really loved the dialogue with the chilling line from Stacks to Cooper.

I came into the site after reading the news of Mr. Haas’s story being bought by Jerry Bruckheimer from AICN. Congratulations! Hoping for more great stories to come.

Dear Editor:

Thanks, Derek. I’m sure you’ll get a lot of traffic because of “Shake.” I’m a big fan of short fiction and I loved all the stories I read. It’s funny, I’m writing a guest blog for the producer Ted Hope (AMERICAN SPLENDOR, THE SAVAGES) on the future of short film distribution. He writes a lot about independent film, but I noticed almost nothing was ever said about shorts. I’m a director of shorts at this point in my career and am weighing options about distribution after my festival run, and it’s sad how short form storytelling, be it fiction writing or short films, often gets ignored by the general public. Glad to see you’re promoting it with your website!

Dear Editor:

Just finished “Shake” and I feel both totally cheated and thoroughly satisfied! I read it immediately after hearing about the sale this morning and glad that I did, because as I went to read it a second time and it disappeared! I eagerly await future installments of Popcorn Fiction. Also, please send word to Scott Frank and Nichelle D. Tramble that I love their work as well.

Dear Editor:

Thank you. I just learned of the site today upon reading about the sale of “Shake”…Congratulations!

I wanted to subscribe as much for the stories (I remember walking to the book store during the summer as a kid to read Heavy Metal magazine with hopes of not getting shooed away by the store clerk)…but also in hopes that I could learn from your contributors. I just moved to Los Angeles with lofty aspirations to write and hopefully write and direct one day. I appreciate the opportunity to be able to reach out and express enthusiasm for the works and also to ask the authors questions.

I’d love to hear any advice you have for breaking into the industry as a writer. I’m inclined to find an opportunity as a writer’s assistant…Is that a good idea? If so, how do I pursue such an opportunity?

Dear Editor:

I just read Eric Heisserer’s “Hours,” and I adored it. I was completely unprepared for what the story held. It was a punch to the chest and the fist held tight to my gut, and I mean that in the best way. I want to send the link to everyone, giving no hint of what is contained (other than the synopsis) because it was that good.

Dear Editor:

I really like the idea for the site and am a huge fan of pulp myself. It’s just too bad the site isn’t open to submissions as one of the greatest things about pulp magazines was their offering up of new voices, the chance they gave to the little guy to break in. I sincerely hope Popcorn Fiction doesn’t stay closed to submissions as there are so many of us trying to break in that it seems cruel to have yet another avenue for those who already have.

In any case thank you for a new site with great new fiction to read.

Dear Editor:

Excellent story! There needs to be a part 2! I didn’t want it to end. Kudos to you, Derek.

Dear Editor:

Shake was terrific…Just got through reading it. Love/hate the ending (in a good way)…

Dear Editor:

Reading your story, “Shake,” I was struck by how cinematic it felt. I could see the action playing on the movie screen in my head, scenes unfolding with each new paragraph. The story really rips along, and then…cliffhanger.

I doubt you’re perverse enough to dangle the carrot in front of us like that and then snatch it away just as quickly, so there must be more to “Shake” than the tantalizing bit you’ve given us here, even if it isn’t down on paper yet. When can we expect Part 2?

Dear Editor:

I found your site this week linked on a Hollywood tracking board and I have to say I’ve enjoyed reading all the stories. Are you going to keep the old ones up or are old ones going to drop off at some point?

Dear Editor:

I did not see any information concerning submissions on your site. Do you take submissions? If so, what are the guidelines?

Dear Editor:

Thanks for the excellent stories. Just read “A Best Friend Named Rick.” I’m shaken and stirred.

Dear Editor:

Hey! Love the site. I have a question for Craig Mazin. What was your inspiration for writing “Lightning in a Bottle?” Was this an old story you came up with a long time ago or something recent?

Dear Editor:

Wanted to let you know I really enjoyed “Lightning in a Bottle.” I had actually started reading it about a week and a half ago, had to stop in the middle (just as Sojourn and Avery sit down to drink the morning after his disappointing first performance).

Normally, I’d have forgotten it in the daily tumult, but the story nagged at me, and for the first time in years, I found myself murmuring, “I have to know how it ends.” To me, that’s the mark of a great story.

The end was worth the wait. Just the line “it was a pleasure,” was worth it. Beautiful, simple poetry.

Dear Editor:

Thank you for making the email notifications an option! The few pieces I've read were simply amazing. I'm looking forward to the next update!

Dear Editor:

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I was sold from the first word of the first short story. I don't get a chance to read fiction as often as I would like and being a huge fan of movies, the idea of screenwriters writing short stories is genius. It combines two favorite things into one. I must shake my head and laugh to myself that I missed the obvious, that to a certain degree, no matter the medium, a writer is a writer. Just because a screenwriter “formats” their story into script form, doesn't take away from the fact that it's still a story. I am curious to know, if the screenwriters who are participating in popcorn fiction, feel a certain “freedom” in their storytelling by not having it conform to a script format or is the approach to the creative process still the same?

I look forward to more short stories on popcornfiction.com and will definitely pass on the word.

Dear Editor:

Keep them coming! What a great break from the usual routine of the day!

To Nichelle D. Tramble, I wanted to say I loved your story! I found it to be much more character-driven than the average short story. How did you flesh out a handful of characters to make them so clearly defined? Did the story or the characters come first? It was a great read!

Dear Editor,

I really enjoyed the story, but what I want to tell you is that I like the layout of the page a lot. The single column and large font make it really easy to read off my laptop. Thanks for doing this…

Dear Editor,

Reading the two stories on popcornfiction.com was the best 20 minutes I've spent today. Great stuff! Looking forward to more!

Dear Editor,

I just discovered the site and upon reading the first story know I will be coming back often.

I have to ask is there anyway to contact the authors? Not for any fan or bothersome reasons (although it may bother some), I am a student film maker and read Jeff Lowell's "Trust Is A Club In The Hand Of Someone You Love" and would love to make it as a short for class. I'd very much like to ask his permission to do so. The film will not be used for any monetary gain, just as practice and for a portfolio and perhaps film festivals. Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to further reading on the website.

Dear Editor,

Give my regards to Mr. Lowell, his short story was absolutely amazing to read. I love this idea, and hope that many other writers get on board.

I have two questions.

The first towards Mr. Lowell, from his story I got the vibe that Beths father either abused her (Because she wants happy nor sad when he died, meaning she was indifferent towards him) or she came on to him and he rejected her (From the line where Jake says “He’s old enough to be your father, so he couldn’t want to fuck you?” and her being sad, you get the vibe that she has that abandonment/sexual frustration issues.) I'm wondering if this was his intended interpretation of Beths father?

The second question is directed towards you/the site itself. Will you be accepting outside submissions to the project or are you only inviting known screenwriters to take part?

Either way, my best regards to you and the entire writing staff. I hope this project goes on for many years to come! Keep it up!

Dear Editor,

Bravo! Wonderful idea and a momentous beginning. Pop those champagne corks!

Popcorn Fiction:

I've been waiting for a site like this: Short fiction from talented writers. Thank you for putting this together. One thing: Do not under any circumstance open this up to anyone but established writers. There are too many sites on the web that get their content from people with no talent. From writing to the news to photography and design, the web is watering down good, quality work from established professionals with the notion that anyone can do it. But in reality, the end user has to sift through dozens or hundreds of things just to find the one good one… sounds kind of like the spec script market, I guess? It's nice to go to a site where the creativity of the content can at the very least be respected.

Dear Editor:

Love, love, loved Scott Frank's story. Will he be writing any more?