Michael Downing

First American Troops Killed in ‘Peace President’s’ War The president said it would be “likely” that Americans would die in the conflict.

The president said it would be “likely” that Americans would die in the conflict.

Come Join us at the Slumber Party Behind John Wayne Gacy’s Lot | Literary Garage

They spray-painted 666 on the fence.
We counted to three.
We ran.

Girlhood, dares, and the things neighborhoods choose to forget.

An excellent story from @marjeec.bsky.social

Check it out at Literary Garage:
literarygarage.com/come-join-us...

The latest issue of YELLOW MAMA is out now!
My story, “Maybe God Looked Away” is one of the stories, alongside some excellent work from very talented writers & artists.

Can you check it out here:

www.yellowmama.online/maybe-god-lo...

Bull Meecham…damn autocorrect

YouTube video by Movieclips The Great Santini (1979) - Mama's Boy Scene (5/9) | Movieclips

Bill Meecham from “The Great Santini”….it was like watching my own father.

youtu.be/MxDtKTClKGI?...

An icon.
Among all his roles, Bull Meecham from the “Great Santini” was one of my favorites (eerily similar to my father) as well as Bluebonnet Spearman from “Open Range”…he had a phenomenal gift to his craft…

The world’s a little less right now….

In today’s episode of “author definitely does not proofread before posting,” I accidentally wrote “Can you…” instead of “You can…”.

So now it reads less like a link and more like I’m politely assigning homework.

But you can still check it out here:

www.yellowmama.online/maybe-god-lo...

Thanks Brother!

The latest issue of YELLOW MAMA is out now!
My story, “Maybe God Looked Away” is one of the stories, alongside some excellent work from very talented writers & artists.

Can you check it out here:

www.yellowmama.online/maybe-god-lo...

Saints of the Asphalt book

Valentine’s Day idea:
Flowers fade. Chocolates disappear.
Give them a story about loyalty, a past you can’t outrun, & just enough love to make it hurt a little.

SAINTS of the ASPHALT
Not just a basketball book.

For the one who likes stories with scars. 💔🏀

About that great writing news I teased…
I’m thrilled to announce I signed with RHP to publish my next novel, WAVES OF BURDEN. In working with the team last summer I found everyone to be passionate, dedicated, and so thoughtful. I can’t think of a better press to bring this story into the world.

James Baldwin quote

I’m beyond disgusted…both by the actions of this racist president and the apologists in the media who allow this bullshit to continue unchecked.

AMERICAN GESTAPO: A new anthology from RHP Press this fall. We're looking for dark crime stories about American fascism. Stories of human resilience in dark times against impossible odds. Stories where the protagonist is crushed by the weight of the state. Subs open Feb 15. More info: bit.ly/4pTIdJF

Pretty damn proud to be a small part of this anthology- congrats to @curtisippolito.bsky.social and @rhppress.bsky.social

Every story in this anthology rocks.

Derringer Award Announcement: 2026 Best Anthology Finalists Derringer Awards,awards,Derringer Awards 2026,Best Anthology,Join SMFS,SMFS,Short Mystery Fiction Society,Derringer Awards Finalists

Thrilled that On Fire and Under Water is a Finalist for the Best Anthology Derringer Award!Congrats to the other five well-deserving finalists also! This is an honor and I’m so happy for everyone at @rhppress.bsky.social and our 15 contributors for making this anthology such a great success.

Lew Griffin is one of the best detectives around….RIP to a great writer

Shit…forgot ALIEN

Five ‘70s flicks that you love and return to time and again:

CHINATOWN
ALL THAT JAZZ
JAWS
BADLANDS
THE OUTLAW JOSIE WALES

Get those stories ready and send them in starting 2/01.
I’ll be nursing a drink and listening for the sound of something going wrong….bad ideas….worse intentions…
Waiting for trouble to start.

Excellent story. You nailed the narrators voice really well, and I loved the transformation of Cahill (from Kyle’s POV). Well-done

Muhammad Ali beating Sonny Liston

Happy birthday to The Greatest - MUHAMMAD ALI, who was born 84yrs ago today. One of my heroes….always (I have a signed copy of this photo that hangs over my desk)

"The will must be stronger than the skill”

I’m sorry Shawn- my deepest condolences…..we’ll keep you and your family in our thoughts.
May his memory (and the memory of your Mom) always be a blessing.

ICYMI-Our new Project Announcement:

"Bad Intentions" — a crime fiction anthology inspired by the songs of Warren Zevon.

You know you've got a Zevon-inspired story just screaming to be told....now's the time. Submissions open 2/01/2026

For more details go to: literarygarage.com

Why Is Fishtown So Popular? A Local’s Guide to the Fishtown Neighborhood in Philly - Venture Philly Group | Philadelphia Realtors Discover Fishtown Philly, one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Explore local parks, trendy businesses, and vibrant community life with insights from experienced Philadelphia real es...

Big love for life in Philly.
We're cool. Plus, we got The Eagles, The Flyers, The Phillies (yeah...the Sixers too).

#fishtownphilly #philadelphia #philly

www.venturephilly.com/blog/fishtown/

Death Drive | Literary Garage

Night driving. Bad decisions. A voice that won’t shut up.

A psychological road-noir with supernatural overtones, in the tradition of Stephen King’s darker short fiction.

Check out "Death Drive" by David August at the Garage:
literarygarage.com/death-drive

🎸📚
#fiction

That’s some shitty writing- let me try again. So very very happy for you. Well-deserved!!!!

Couldn’t be happier for you!!!!

Love this!!!!

Swear words are perfectly acceptable (almost expected).

And yeah, IMO nothing about Zevon was PG-13 so roll the dice.