The Maltese Kitten By Denise Dumars Meet Zip TaRgu alias Zero Zipgun, a doll's answer to Sam Spade, in the wonderfully quirky story: "The Maltese Kitten" by Denise Dumars. Dumars is an active member of the Horror Writers of America, and has published three poetry collections and one collection of short fiction. [1st place winner, deathlings.com Frozen Smile Short Story contest.]

The Third Sigil By Jason Franks Some "pretty damn nasty magic" is going on in Aussie author Jason Franks' "The Third Sigil." This is Franks' first published short story, and we here at deathlings.com are sure you'll be reading more from this writer. [2nd place winner, deathlings.com Frozen Smile Short Story contest.]

Sweet Poison By Constance Gelvin She's ba...a...ck--the doll "Wish-Come-True Tamara" that is. "Sweet Poison" is a companion piece to Consatnce's award-winning short story: "Bodily Decoration for the New You" and provides the back story for "Wish-Come-True." [3rd place winner, deathlings.com Frozen Smile Short Story contest.]

Selctions from Kinky By Denise Duhamel And introducing in this issue...poetry. But not just any poetry. Deathlings.com is proud to feature Barbie poems from Denise Duhamel's Kinky. Duhamel, the author of eight books and chapbooks, has had her poetry featured on National Public Radio and by Writer's Digest. "Just watch any child with a Barbie," she quips. "Sooner or later the torture begins." Who could resist a poem entitled: Barbie, Her Identity as an Extraterrestrial Finally Suspected, Bravely Battles the Interrogation of the Pentagon Task Force Who's Captured Her?

Bodily Decoration for the New You By Constance Gelvin Magick Tattoo has just opened in the quirky little town of Squanee Springs. What's the secret behind their tattoos? Dawn, the town's "Golden Girl"--with secrets of her own--feels she has to find out. [3rd place winner, deathlings.com Buried Treasures Short Story contest. This story placed #19 in the 1999 Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition in the Genre Short Story category--the contest received over 13,000 entries in the ten categories.]

Wish-Come-True By Constance Gelvin Move over, Chuckie, Wish-Come-True Tamara is the doll that can really change a person's life. [2nd place winner, deathlings.com Buried Treasures Short Story contest. "Wish-Come-True," a companion piece to "Bodily Decoration for the New You," placed #72 in the 1999 Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition in the Genre Short Story category.]

Pity Fuck By d. g. k. Goldberg "AIDs Mary" is an urban legend about the one night stand from Hell--"Pity Fuck" explores the same territory in a literate and wryly humorous way. [1st place winner, deathlings.com Buried Treasures Short Story contest. "Pity Fuck" was an Honorable Mention in this year's 6th Chiaroscuro Short Story Contest.]

Duet By Trey R. Barker "Take me to Disneyland" was Ash's plea--then one day she disappears and is replaced by the more capable, more beautiful Ashley doll.

The Disappearer By Constance Gelvin Two Halloweens ago a girl disappeared, and last Halloween a girl was found murdered.  If Hallow Falls bans Halloween this year, will that thwart "The Disappearer?"

Safe Feelings By Constance Gelvin The sequel to "The Disappearer."  The "SafeFeelings" seminars--can they help the violence-numbed students at Hallow Falls High? [This story won first place in the Arizona Authors League 2000 Short Story contest.]

The Devil You Say By P.D. Cacek Welcome to the trick-or-treater from Hell. [This story was P.D. Cacek's first award winner ever--way back in '90, and it landed her a Guest of Honor slot at Horrorfest '90.]

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Super Saver Cinema 14 By David Ballard Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the movies...   David Ballard's twisted take on the goings-on at a suburban movie theater. [This story received an honorable mention in the 2000 Chiaroscuro Short Story contest.]

Diana Seventeen: A Reluctant Story of Devotion By d.g.k. goldberg Strange happenings occur during the aftermath of Princess Di's death. [This story received an honorable mention in the Chiaroscuro Short Story contest.]

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