Twittering

"Weenie Scallopini" to be Published in Anthology

        My recently completed short story, “Weenie Scallopini” will be published in Nine Hundered & Sixty-Nine: West Hollywood Stories, set for release on Tuesday, September 23 in time for the book’s debut at the West Hollywood Bookfair on Sunday, September 28.
        Nine Hundered & Sixty-Nine is edited by Steven Soucy with an introduction by Patricia Nell Warren, New York Times best-selling author of The Front Runner. Fourteen stories make up the collection, which explores the unique culture of West Hollywood from a variety of perspectives.
        “Weenie Scallopini” shares pages with the stories of other award-winning and celebrated authors like Felice Picano, Jameson Currier, and Shaun Levin.
        The book will be available for purchase on-line later this month.

About “Weenie Scallopini”
        When a male couple relocates from Des Moines to the gay capitol of West Hollywood, they’re in for a bit of culture shock. Joe acclimates into a world of protein shakes, gym schedules, and elite social circles like a pro. While his partner Frank flamboyantly expresses his love through the art of the casserole.
        When the two host a dinner party to meet new friends, Joe is embarrassed by their Midwestern roots, leaving Frank confused and wondering who has the better recipe for life.

Excerpt from “Weenie Scallopini”
        “Ta-da!”
        Frank emerged from the kitchen in oven mitts. He carried a large casserole dish, flashing it at an angle.
        It was bubbling hot; the cheese had formed a black crust covering the top. Little hot dog bits swam amongst sliced celery, onions, and potatoes in a creamy sea of mushroom soup. He set it down on a hot pad at the end of the table, before a circle of silent gay men.
        “This is really hot, so you’re going to have to pass your plates.”
        David broke the silence. “Is there any, umm, salad?”
        “Oh, yes, here.” Frank scooped red beet salad onto David’s plate. “It’s my grandma’s recipe.”
        “Is there anything leafy without a cream base?”
        Frank looked at Joe, who merely shrugged.
        “Zucchini fritter?” Frank handed him a serving dish.
        “Sorry, fried.”
        Frank had never had a guest refuse a dish back in Des Moines, or at least so overtly.
        David thumped his abs. “Carbs are the enemy.”
        “I’ve been trying to tell Frank that ever since we moved. But he loves his casseroles. He’s slowly killing me with cream of mushroom soup.”
        Frank glared at Joe, confused.
        “I haven’t had a casserole in years. Come to think of it, the last time was when I went to Kansas City for my grandmother’s funeral. The neighbors brought over some mystery casserole topped in shredded potato chips.”