Welcome to the July, 2002 special short story edition of Kudzu Monthly, an electronic magazine that features published and aspiring authors and poets. This is a site for people who like to read!
 

July Feature

Fourth of July Homecoming
Tom Sheehan

Following up on last month's "Murder at America's First Iron Mill," Tom Sheehan sent us this patriotic work of fiction set amidst the same locale, and we were so impressed by this work that we could only deem it our anniversary edition special feature. Enjoy.

Health

Leave 'Em in the Dirt
Lisa Binkley

By preventing our children from interacting with natural surroundings, are we keeping them too protected for their own health? That's the question that health columnist Lisa Binkley started with, and what she found out might surprise you! (Read this article if you have small children.)

Non-Fiction

Ms. Wolfe Goes to Washington
Jean Wolfe

In late May, Jean Wolfe accompanied a highschool chorale group to Washington, DC. While there, she met the President, his wife and mother. These are her notes from the trip.

The Kudzu Monthly Anniversary Edition The editors of Kudzu Monthly would like to thank the writers, poets, and artists whose talent and original efforts allowed us to stay in continuous publication for our first year. Thank you all. You were great!

About the Cover Art

The original water color on the cover of Kudzu Monthly was provided by artist Sue Turner for this anniversary issue. To learn more about her work, please see her poetry/art feature in the November issue of this ezine and visit her website at Watercolors and Words.

Writers Wanted!

If you are an aspiring or established fiction author, a non-fiction writer with an interest in U.S. history, health, or true crime, a poet, a photographer, or an artist, Kudzu Monthly would welcome your submissions. Please see the Guidelines page for submission information.

Fiction

The Falcon
Jefre Schmitz

Kudzu Klub member Jefre Schmitz's gritty brand of Texas-fried fiction resonates with us here at the Monthly, and this month's offering is no exception. In this original story, we join mountain man Pitts as he journeys into Paradox for provisions and finds trouble in the form of the bigoted, abusive new constable. (adult language)

I Am Not Judas
Lisa Binkley

"Suffer not the witch to live." These words, spoken by a gentle prophet and teacher spelled doom for an ancient race that was not entirely human, and this original work of fiction is NOT the King James Version!

At the Border
Quinn Tyler Jackson

At a time when thousands of American, Canadian and British soldiers are away in lands where manners and customs are strange, we found and solicited this short story by Quinn Tyler Jackson. We think you'll like it, too.

The Gazing Ball
Kenneth J. Crist

Kenneth Crist is the editor/publisher of the print magazine "Black Petals." In this, his second short story in Kudzu Monthly, he relates the suitably dark tale of ambitious Laura, her equally unambitious companion Raymond and the purple gazing ball from Walmart.

The Last Word

Thanks for reading Kudzu Monthly. Have you ever wondered what this ezine and Pogo, the comic strip character have in common? Is that a bit of a head scratcher? Never fear. The answer's as close as this month's Last Word.

       The Kudzu Klub is a free, secure, gated writer's work shop on the web where aspiring authors and poets can gather to post their original work and receive comments, critique, and constructive criticism from other like-minded writers, all in a friendly, non-competetive atmosphere. Are you interested in improving your writing? If so, check out the Kudzu Klub today!