You want nasty? You want depravity? You want a story of degenerate characters doing unseemly things?

Yeah?

Still reading?

You like the sick stuff?

It’s okay. I’m not gonna judge you. In fact, why don’t we step into this back alley over here where I can tell you about a short story by Bryon Quertermous. It’s about a bank heist – a sperm-bank heist.

The story is called “Load.”

Individuals with refined and delicate tastes may want to pass on this one. But if you’re like me, and you enjoy low-functioning characters doing low-functioning things, and you’re kind of sick yourself, you might wanna give “Load” a read. It’s funny as hell and about as original as short stories come. There’s also some judicious narration, great dialogue and sharp action that says as much about the characters as the events that unfold.

I tip my hat to you, Bryon Quertermous, you sick … sick … sick man.

Meanwhile, speaking of matters of the underbelly, I really enjoyed the July edition of Thuglit. I think this was one of the stronger editions in a while, and I’m not saying this because I happen to have my own story coming out in the ‘zine next month. Two stories I especially liked were the extremely well-crafted “Politoburg” (PDF) by Jedidiah Ayres, and the tightly narrated and ultimately surprising “Anniversary” (PDF) by Hilary Davidson. They’re two examples of the great stuff writers are publishing online, and they’re a lot of fun to read.