The Day Before

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My brother died on a Saturday. That morning we’d left him and my sister to mind the shop while Mutti took me on her errands. In the summer of 1939 she’d only just started working as a seamstress of sorts. Letting out waistbands, taking in waistbands, changing the neckline of a dress to make it look entirely new – odd jobs that were quick but required an experienced hand to get those neat, parallel stitches. It was all the fault of the church coffee ladies. Mutti had taken over the social club at the start of the year, and the minute those crow-eyed omas got their claws on her embroidered napkins, her fate was sealed. Continue reading →

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The Heroine of Anwae

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The wind lashed the banners. Moaning, it swept past the soldiers leaving their arms and legs shaking. Most of them looked out across the plain, heads close to their spears, fingers clutching the edges of their shields. Even though the light of the stars and the moon was cut away by the clouds, they knew exactly what lay on the other side of the expanse. Others were leaning over, propping up their helmets with free hands. Puke punctured the air. Continue reading →

Bury your Gays…or Don’t

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What is Queer or LGBTQ+ writing anyway?

LGBTQ+ or queer writing is simply writing that predominantly explores LGBTQ+ themes, through characters or plot. However, I have started with a definition as I think it is really important to discuss the importance of this kind of literature. Literature is a mode through which writers can focus on an idea and have their readers learn and empathise. That empathy and learning is so important in fighting homophobia in all ages groups and communities. Continue reading →