More Matchbook Stories from Kyle Petersen
We’re continuing to spotlight Kyle Petersen and his new literary journal, Matchbook Story. This time we’re featuring two of Kyle’s short-shorts: “Rain and More Rain,” and “Big Surprise.”
Just as poets will often write in form (think sonnet, haiku, limerick, etc.), fiction writers often give themselves forms as well. Kyle’s form is the 300-character story– and by character, I don’t mean “person.” I mean each tap of the keyboard: each letter, each tab, each space.
Try out the Matchbook form yourself! Then send it to Brian@TheStorymatic.com, and submit it to Matchbook Story.
“Rain and More Rain” was inspired by these Storymatic cards: gravedigger, recluse, rain and more rain, power outage, and a wild card that asked for a flashforward (as opposed to a flashback).
“Big Surprise was inspired by: spelling bee contestant, car mechanic, small wild animal, discovery of what’s hidden in the glovebox.
RAIN AND MORE RAIN
He slept with his shovels in a shed by the chapel. Rain came; work died: cremation lived for weather like this.
All winter long her voice filled the tub.
A year later, he bought a new radio. An accident, love, the cord near the door. He turned it on; the power went out. Her footprints wet the floor.
BIG SURPRISE
Big surprise dad’s Buick towed into the garage. Stroke the officer said.
Last we spoke was after the spelling bee. Didn’t know what a lynx was. I sat in front; he drank and drove. “Don’t fucking touch that!” he said when I went for the glove.
Always wondered what was in there: mouthwash and cologne.
