Gothic
HAWKEYE
HAWKEYE is a literary magazine described as “a reliquary for beautiful words”.
A container for holy relics.
I would add the lit mag is a visual grace.
My micro“Gothic” was published by HAWKEYE on June 5, 2026. I was immediately struck by the presentation of the story. The white font set against the rich green background, the simplicity, the minimalism, the showcase of my tiny tale - my immediate impression was simply gorgeous.
Yet, I thought HAWKEYE more worthy than an oft used cliché descriptor. The site felt more about depth than appearance. Later, when my brain was stressed with far less beautiful life events, the word came to me.
Sanctuary. A peaceful sanctuary away from the noise.
Thank you, HAWKEYE editors. The publication of “Gothic” gave me a truly needed lift.
And always, thank you all for reading Shared Madness.
Read “Gothic” here and after, dwell awhile in this treasure of a space called HAWKEYE.
A big thank you to Charlotte Hamrick - writer of the Substack The Hidden Hour - for including my story “Death Seat” in her monthly recommendation list May Listopia 2026 . Trigger warning regarding Jayne Mansfield mentions as well as a bit of squirrel drama.
Quick overshare behind the scenes of “Death Seat”. The “squirrel incident” is based on a true event. (Writers are known eavesdroppers.)
The summer traffic is itself a gothic nightmare. Buckle up and stay safe.