Lauren Liebowitz

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Excerpt

Within the context of a dream, Sandra told herself, anything was possible. This was a dream. Not even as hard to explain as a hallucination. The two girls had made up the tree, the mysterious world around it that they had explored together, now hidden by warm heavy darkness. Tonight, Sandra's mind had conjured up the memory. Of course the tree had seemed real when they were children. They had always had powerful imaginations, both of them.

"But it's our tree," Sandra said. "We created it."

"No, we found it." Lucy touched one of the silver strands, and it began to sing. "But that's besides the point. The tree is important, but I think it's dying, and I need your help. I need someone in the world of the living to help me. Will you?"

The strands picked up the song, one by one, harmonizing in voices that were not voices. Sandra had heard what seemed like unearthly beauty at a concert once, a glass harmonica, said to be so pure that listening for too long would drive a man mad. This music made her think of that instrument, but instead of recoiling in fear, she strained to hear it more clearly. Sandra pressed her palms fully against the trunk. "Maybe."

Lucy was silent, letting the song ring out. Deep inside, part of Sandra itched. She had no better, more elegant way to describe it. The two girls listened without speaking, and the music swelled and filled the air, filled their senses, until Sandra thought her heart would burst.

"If I talk to you again, will you listen?" Lucy asked at last.

"Only like this," Sandra said, her throat choking. "This world. Not that one."

Bio

I work as a copywriter, but my real passion is fiction writing. I have had two stories published and one is forthcoming. In addition to writing (which I do a lot), I also play flute in a video game cover band, and I create many baked goods. Those are really my three biggest hobbies, and they take up a considerable amount of time. Predictably, I am a fan of classic video games, and I really enjoy music.

Publications

  • "Green," Cicada, September/October 2011
  • "To the Sea," Sparks Anthology, February 2012
  • "Gold," Weird Tales (date TBD)

    • Writing Description

    Usually some sort of magical realism, too genre for the literary folks and not genre enough for the genre folks. I tend to write dark (but hopeful!) stories about duality, loss, friendship, damaged people, and family--and I LOVE selkies.

    Writing Goals

    I decided that since I didn't get into Clarion or Clarion West, my consolation prize to myself this summer is writing a novel. I am currently at 20,000 words, and I hope to be at 100,000 words by September. The Write-a-thon should help me through the miserable middles.

    Fundraising Goals

    If I manage to raise any funds at all, I will be glad to help the cause!

    Website

    www.laurenliebowitz.com


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