2020 spotlights: nonfiction

Laurel DiGangi’s creative nonfiction explores the role our family cars play through different stages of our lives.

In a reflection on a COVID-19 scare, Richard Hoffman explores our understanding of viruses, health, and spirituality.

Excerpts from Bruce Murphy’s memoir in progress, “Oh You Can’t Get to Heaven,” appear in WTP Vol. X #6.

Ex-pat author and poet David Mason reflects on his relationship with America through the memories of a cross-country tour with his wife.

Gary Fincke’s essay on a couple approaching childbirth and the journey of pregnancy appears in WTP Vol. X #1.

In an excerpt from his book The Very Last Interview, David Shields interrogates himself with archival interview transcripts from his career.

Kirsten Lillegard’s nonfiction from WTP Vol. IX #5 details her journey learning to let go as her daughter enters her freshman year of college.

Philip Lawton’s personal essay, “Learning by Heart,” from June’s Woven Tale Press magazine.

Robert D. Kirvel’s essay explores the human condition and why popular views are so often factually incorrect.

Kayla Lutes’s short story “Lilacs in Memoriam” appears in November’s Woven Tale Press Vol. VII #9

“The View from Senator Street” by Lisa Sinnett tells a story of domestic violence, class difference, and friendship during a Detroit childhood. From WTP Vol. VII #8.

“One large apple a day, one sleeve of graham crackers, a run across the city, a marathon walk in the afternoon, jump-rope drills, and still: I’d stare into the mirror and not see beauty. Beauty refused me.”

“Hiding,” creative nonfiction by Sandell Morse, appears in WTP Vol. VII #1. Read her essay on her grappling with Jewish history and identity.

Read “The Ban,” a short memoir piece from Dean Kostos featured in WTP Vol. VI #9.

Dian Parker’s short story “Otre Vez,” from WTP Vol. VI #6.

Cynthia Close’s personal essay explores the loss of her mother and family ties.

Fishing, alcohol, and World War II in Paul Corrigan’s piece from Vol. V #9.

Why travel? Joan Frank’s piece, from WTP Vol. V #8, highlights the little-known reasons why not.

In an excerpt from Contributing Editor John Skoyles’s book The Nut File, Skoyles relates a series of quirky anecdotes from his own nut file.

J.D. Scrimgeour takes his sons on a visit to his alma mater in his personal essay “Columbia Elegy,” appearing in WTP Vol. V #5.

“We were eager to live vicariously the experiences they would have preferred never to have had.” Stephen Davenport, “Too Young for World War II.”

“Along with the individual, whole populations, otherwise submerged or marginalized, can be voiced as literature.” DeWitt Henry, “On Voice.”

Erin Wood’s “Tissues: A Scar Story” is a short piece of memoir reflecting on the premature birth of her daughter, her own experience with health, and storytelling.