In a time when secrets and lies were the foundations of life, someone has discovered the truth. And they are going to tell. Jules knows what her predecessors created. She knows they are the reason life has to be lived in this way. And she won't stand for it. But Jules no longer has...  more

In a time when secrets and lies were the foundations of life, someone has discovered the truth. And they are going to tell. Jules knows what her predecessors created. She knows they are the reason life has to be lived in this way. And she won't stand for it. But Jules no longer has supporters. And there is far more to fear than the toxic world beyond her walls. A poison is growing from within Silo 18. One that cannot be stopped. Unless Silo 1 step in.

The first feature in the newest edition of the Torrid Literature Journal is an interview with Yvonne Garrett, Senior Fiction Editor for Black Lawrence Press and co-author of Split Open the Sky: Eternity Overwhelms Me. During this interview Garrett discusses her work at Black Lawrence Press. She...  more

The first feature in the newest edition of the Torrid Literature Journal is an interview with Yvonne Garrett, Senior Fiction Editor for Black Lawrence Press and co-author of Split Open the Sky: Eternity Overwhelms Me. During this interview Garrett discusses her work at Black Lawrence Press. She also provides advice on writing and publishing while revealing her own personal experiences as an editor and writer. Following this interview is a diverse collection of poems and short stories where new and familiar writers make an appearance with fresh material that captures memorable moments and dreams. All of these poems and short stories are pieces pulled from the writers? life. They?ve gone through the task of organizing the pieces into a coherent picture. They?re ready to show readers the finished result. TL Publishing Group is creating a stunning success through the Torrid Literature Journal with the vital help of contributing writers and other supporters. This work of art was created to support the writers and the overall culture of literature. New and current followers of TL Publishing Group will enjoy the beautiful pictures created by contributing writers from around the world. Contributors: Jim Sutton; Eli Miles; Joy Roulier Sawyer; Holly Day; Cara Vitadamo; Julia Gowell; Jessica Lynn; Minass Richani; Bailey Duncan; Milt Montague; Sterling Jacobs; Josh Seides; John Grey; Peggy Aylsworth; Joshua J. Koczman; Scott Thomas Outlar; Joseph M. Fornes; Kathleen McGuire; Brianna Meeks; Gary Blankenburg; Michelle Bayha; Gary Beck; Erren Kelly; Anthony Ward; Heather M. Browne; Ty Spencer Vossler; Christina Mengis; Raymund P. Reyes

A sheltered son from an intellectual family in Shanghai, Benfu spends 1966 anticipating a promising violinist career and an arranged marriage. On the other side of town lives Pony Boy, a member of a lower-class family?but Benfu?s best friend all the same. Their futures look different but...  more

A sheltered son from an intellectual family in Shanghai, Benfu spends 1966 anticipating a promising violinist career and an arranged marriage. On the other side of town lives Pony Boy, a member of a lower-class family?but Benfu?s best friend all the same. Their futures look different but guaranteed?until they?re faced with a perilous opportunity to leave a mark on history.At the announcement of China?s Cultural Revolution, Chairman Mao?s Red Guard members begin their assault, leaving innocent victims in their wake as they surge across the country. With political turmoil at their door, both Benfu and Pony Boy must face heart-wrenching decisions regarding family, friendship, courage, and loyalty to their country during one of the most chaotic periods in history.The prequel to the beloved Tales of the Scavenger?s Daughters series, The Palest Ink depicts Benfu?s coming-of-age during the tumultuous years of the Cultural Revolution.

Michael Hodge has been many things in life. A surfer. A husband. A father. A son. A business owner. A lover. Abandoned.Ever since Michael?s wife, Anita, ran off leaving him to raise their child on his own, he has been struggling to pick up the pieces. And after seven years, he?s finally starting...  more

Michael Hodge has been many things in life. A surfer. A husband. A father. A son. A business owner. A lover. Abandoned.Ever since Michael?s wife, Anita, ran off leaving him to raise their child on his own, he has been struggling to pick up the pieces. And after seven years, he?s finally starting to put his life back together. He has given up his dream of surfing and now manages his own construction business, he works hard to be the best father possible to his autistic son, and he?s falling for a new woman. But when Anita returns to town unannounced wanting to be a part of their lives again, and his mother begins showing early signs of Alzheimer?s, Michael?s carefully reconstructed world begins to fall apart. Now, Michael must decide whether or not to give Anita a second chance or to protect his son, and himself, from being hurt yet again.With pitch perfect emotion and a beautiful portrayal of the relationship between a father and son, Stephen Metcalfe has drawn a rich and layered portrait of what it means to be a family and what it means to be truly loved.