The American Pastime
by Peter Schmidt

Family politics aren’t a game, but can be played like one. The first Bitter Press offering from budding author Peter Schmidt.

The Jeffersonian
by Matt Klingensmith

Fighting the battle against tyranny and bran, one man steps forth and enacts not just a scheme, but a blueprint for modern dissent.

The Cutting Board
by davidbdale

The tragic result of searching for something that doesn’t exist often passes the burden on from the searcher. An economy of words can speak volumes about the human condition. More 299 word novels from davidbdale are available on his own website.

untitled note #33
by Justin August

Struggling to control something you can’t usually leaves your hands empty and sore.  Fellow Punknews editor Justin August knows that feeling.

An Unfortunate Incident Involving Spritzers, Manuscripts, and Post-Goth Hostesses
by Brian Costello

It’s easy to be judgemental while in the throes of a creative excursion. An excerpt from the upcoming novel Losing in Gainesville. From the author of The Enchanters Vs. Sprawlburg Springs.

Shootin’ At A Mound Of Dirt
by Aaron Hale

Bitter Press’ return to guest fiction with a short tale about being a sad sack, self-reverie and self-deprecation. Don’t forget to tip the flight attendant.

Bill and the Q-Tip
by Jesse Raub

The first of Bitter Press’ fiction series, “Bill and the Q-Tip” is a cautionary tale of utilizing sanitary cotton swabs before going on The Big Date.

Third Wife No Better Than The First
by Jesse Raub

The second story featured on Bitter Press also written by founder Jesse Raub. An examination of the politics involved in a semi-loveless marriage while being a pretentious professor at a community college.

The Highwire
by Jesse Raub

New, non-Shuffled short fiction. An examination of the impact that the morning news shows have on the dreary breakfasts of the forty hour workingman.

The Record
by Jesse Raub

Life without regrets can lead to a cheerful, lonely existence as long as you can get a better job.

The Future Wife of the Writer
by Jesse Raub

A short essay examining relationship dynamics and the inherent ego of someone who thinks he is a writer.

The Saddest Short Stories Never Written
by Jesse Raub

A short essay about writing degrees and the ever-depressing workplace.

Bowling
by Jesse Raub

A short essay about how bowling is an easy metaphor for life, and how you can’t always succeed.

My Favourite Chords
Shuffled #1
by Jesse Raub

The first story written as a part of the Shuffled series. An examination of desire versus restraint. Title taken from The Weakerthans song of the same name.

Doncha Bother Me
Shuffled #2
by Jesse Raub

The second story written as part of the Shuffled series. The limit where self-interest overtakes the drive to fit in. Title taken from The Rolling Stones song of the same name.

Purify
Shuffled #3
by Jesse Raub

The third story written as part of the Shuffled series. Artificial intelligence tries to cope with the degradation of a futuristic society. Title taken from the Neurosis song of the same name.

Kentucky Ave
Shuffled #4
by Jesse Raub

The fourth story written as part of the Shuffled series. A noir take on marital escape. Title taken from the Tom Waits song of the same name.

Misty Mountain Hop
Shuffled #5
by Jesse Raub

The fifth story written as part of the Shuffled series. Hauntings are annoying. Title taken from the Led Zeppelin song of the same name.

I Abstain
Shuffled #6
by Jesse Raub

The sixth story written as part of the Shuffled series. Politics, longing, and letting go. Title taken from the Napalm Death song of the same name.

Dissolving
Shuffled #7
by Jesse Raub

The seventh story written as part of the Shuffled series. Love lost and naughty photos attached to emails. Title taken from the Aloha song of the same name.

The Chalet Lines
Shuffled #8
by Jesse Raub

The eighth story written as part of the Shuffled series. Reflection on life is best done with a good view of a river, especially when facing past trauma. Title taken from the Belle and Sebastian song of the same name.

Success
Shuffled #9
by Jesse Raub

The ninth story written as a part of the Shuffled series. Surviving a car wreck may give way to new recipe ideas. Title taken from the Iggy Pop song of the same name.