Spark: A Creative Anthology, Volume VII

From the foreword by Jen Greyson:Change. It occurs everywhere we look—from the seasons, to our relationships, to ourselves. Change is truly the only constant in our lives, trite as the saying may be. Change bears opportunity for growth, though oftentimes we reject the chance to embrace the newness out of fear, whether fear of the unknown, or fear of rejection, or fear of who we’ll become on the other side of the change. Characters are no different.A good story can immerse us in the progression of change through a character’s eyes. Whether they choose to accept the challenge or refuse it, both decisions carry consequences. Refusal of a growth opportunity can mean more challenges for our favorite characters until they finally relent, while immediate acceptance can bring dark nights and lonely journeys. Growth isn’t easy and easy doesn’t make for good stories that stick with us after we read them. We want to see our characters make the tough decisions and ponder what we’d do in the same situation. [220 more words]Cover Art by Tatiana MarleeForeword by Jen GreysonContributors:Lillian Li JacksonGloria Keeley Garage SaleEliyanna Kaiser Virgil’s CaveBD Wilson Perfect PeaceGeorge Wells Below My WindowLucia Cherciu BacșișMarie Bacigalupo Mother’s DayAnita Marquez Dining with the DeadMiriam Zeitz IVSarah Pinsker Still the CavesKacey Vanderkarr DistractionCarie Juettner Teardrops and Watermelon SeedsAlexis A. Hunter Emerson’s ShadowKaren Paul Holmes In a YearFrank Scozzari Two Men and a GunCamille Guillot Ghazal for a New DecadeK.C. Norton Rue d’ZoiIain Ishbel Privacy PoemsLevi Jacobs Snow in ThailandMichael Garrett Ashby II Oh SolomonB.C. Matthews For the Price of a MemoryCorey Pentoney The WordeaterS. Babin BottlesJ. J. Green Dream SpinnerGabor Kiraly A Man’s FaceMichael Haynes Living in the WhitespaceMiranda Hellinger LessonsSeth Marlin The ArchivistTravis Daniel Bow Those Who RememberM.V. Montgomery Retracing my StepsElliot Cooper Working Stiffs