The literary journal HAD was the first journal to ever publish my work in 2021 and it was the first time my writing reached people outside of my friends and family. One of my favorite authors even shared the post on Twitter (remember when Twitter was good?)
Thank you to The Inner Loop in Washington, DC for inviting me to read at the IA&A at Hillyer which has rotating art exhibits each month. Back in October, I attended the opening art gallery where I got to talk to artist Elizabeth Coffey about her “Landed” exhibition and it’s exploration of womanhood, family, subverting the domestic, and the difference between our internal selves and who we show the world.
Our conversation inspired me to write two flash fiction pieces exploring the expectations placed on girls from a young age from a speculative angle. You can listen to me read them below:
The Inner Loop as an organization has done so much for me as a writer. I had my first reading with them about a year ago and it was such an supportive environment. I also attended a retreat through The Inner Loop in West Virginia last year and had a major break through on a writing project. I’ve long believed writing is not a solitary activity but instead comes to live by being in community with others.
Thank you to Ben at BULL for publishing not one but two of my flash fiction pieces in early 2026. Both of these pieces were written during SmokeLong Quarterly workshops. This was my first publication where I received an acceptance within 24-hours of submitting. Ben said “Sweet Jesus, Christina, these are so fucking great. Honestly, “My Neighbor Pays Me…” had me at the title and it didn’t disappoint.”
And look at that photo that goes with it? It’s perfect. Read “My Neighbor Pays Me $100 to Dress Up Like His Dead Daughter” here.
Need a laugh? Read my other recent piece “Dad Jokes” that was published in BULL earlier this year.
My whole vibe for 2026 is trying to be as funny as possible even while exploring grief and loss.
