Peter M. Mangiaracina

Sometimes, love doesn’t rest easy. My story Tunnel of Love—coming soon in Stygian Lepus Magazine, Issue 30.

My story “Burn Patterns” appears in the newly released PATTERNS anthology from Bag of Bones Press—now available in paperback on Amazon.

📖 PATTERNS – Bag of Bones Press Anthology (Amazon)

#horrorfiction #shortstories #writerslife #publication #darkfiction #BurnPatterns #BagOfBonesPress

This is the cover for the upcoming anthology, Patterns from @bagbonespress. My story, Burn Patterns, is included. The book will be available in paperback and e-book formats in July.

#WritingCommunity #Anthology #ShortStory #BagBonesPress

My short story Burn Patterns has been accepted for the anthology Patterns by Bag of Bones Press! Coming soon.

Burn Patterns follows a man who begins receiving cryptic messages in his notebook—and on his toast.

#writingcommunity #BagOfBonesPress #ShortStory

How to write a short story:

You have an idea.
You develop the idea.
You write a first draft.
You edit and edit and edit.
You submit.
You get rejected 49 times out of 50.
You finally get accepted.
You get published.

And then no one reads what you’ve written.

And then you have an idea…

Got my physical copy of Stygian Lepus magazine, issue number 23, where my story, Not for Me the Grinding, appears. Adding it to my collection.

#amwriting #WritingCommunity #Horror #Fiction

April Flash Fiction Horror | Flash Phantoms For the month of April 2025, these are the horror stories of 1,000 words or less that entertain us most.

My micro fiction piece, Psychopomp, has just been published today.

#WritingCommunity #MWriting #MicroFiction #Horror

www.flashphantoms.net/april-flash-...

Posted I had a 10-second role in The Toxic Avenger (1984)—adlibbed one line, director kept it.
Cue the internet:
— “Liar”
— “Prove it”
— “Simpleton”
Social media: now a gathering place for the joyless, the bitter, and the chronically irate.
#ToxicAvenger

#WritingCommunity #AmWriting #shortstory

#WritingCommunity #aMWriting #ShortStory

Home - The Stygian Lepus Go to current issue Bunnies by Diane ArrelleDarkness by Linda SparksEating the Elephant: Care and Keeping of the Author by Kimberly Rei & Dean ShawkerGhoul by Elliot PearsonMother Merry’s Girls – Part...

My story of trauma revealed, Not for Me the Grinding, is now available in issue 23 of Stygian Lepus Magazine. #WritingCommunity #MWriting #FlashFiction #ShortStory #LiteraryMagazine

stygianlepus.com?fbclid=IwY2x...

I’m past the days of engaging with Trump supporters who, when confronted with facts, call you a cunt. My strategy is just to sit back and watch as Mar-a-Lardo comes for their Social Security, free lunches for their children, daycare programs, etc. They asked for it.
Fuck Trump

My flash fiction piece, psychopomp, will be published by flash phantoms at the end of March. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #FlashFiction

Still no takers on my bridge. Wouldn’t you like to own your own bridge? All offers will be entertained with scrutiny and eager nodding of head.

My short story, Tiny Acts of Vengeance, has been accepted by The Brussels Review . That makes six acceptances in less than three months! I just might be getting good at this stuff! @BrusselsReview #AmWriting #WritingCommunity #LiteraryMagazine

Bridge still for sale. Cheap. No takers?

Story Ideas

Story ideas are everywhere—sometimes we just need to know where to look. Over the next few tweets, I’ll share some places to find inspiration for your next story. #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

Anyone interested in buying a bridge?

Read It Out Loud

Hearing your story exposes clunky sentences, awkward pacing, and unnatural dialogue. Reading out loud turns your inner critic into your best editor. #WritingCommunity

Yesterday I sat down and wrote 700 words, and then picked over every single sentence to make it perfect and to fit in with the other scenes of my story. But I’m sure when I look at it today it’ll be wrong, all wrong. #AmWriting #WritingCommunity

Strengthen Dialogue

In revisions, read dialogue out loud. Does it sound natural for each character? Does it reveal more than it says? Authentic dialogue is a game-changer. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

Cut What Doesn’t Serve

In revision, be ruthless. If a scene doesn’t advance the plot or reveal character, it has to go—no matter how well-written it is. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

Focus on Character Arcs

In revision, ask: Does your protagonist change by the end? Is their arc believable and satisfying? Characters who grow leave a lasting impact. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

Start with Structure

When revising a short story, begin with the big picture. Does every scene serve the plot? Are the stakes clear? Structure first, sentences later. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

I’m no expert—just a writer learning as I go. I’ll be sharing some thoughts on revising short stories based on what I’ve read and what I’ve picked up in classes. Hope it helps, and feel free to share your tips too! #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

Not giving away my writing anymore. I’m only submitting my stories to paying markets. I’ve done enough to establish myself. Let the rejections roll in. #WritingCommunity #amwriting

Actions Reveal Character

What a character does—especially under pressure—reveals who they really are. Words are easy. Actions are truth. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

Motivation is Everything

A character’s choices should always come back to what they want—freedom, revenge, love, redemption. Clear motives turn actions into a story. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

Vulnerability Creates Connection

“We remember characters who hurt, who doubt, who want something desperately. Vulnerability turns a name on a page into a person we care about. #WritingCommunity #AmWriting

Spending more time on social media than writing. Got to get my priorities in line! #WritingCommunity #AmWriting