Pedal to the Metal

Here's another hot piece of flash fiction from SmokeLong, Scott Ford's "Axl Rose Is My Dog." This story lit up my sick funny-bone, and not just the pun in the title (ah, the temptation to use a different last word must have been intense). Two things about the way Ford handled the ending caught my attention. The surprise to find out that stinky dude was giving a gift that he knew would be refused. Clever that, because the tension builds and then is released in an unexpected way. And secondly, jamming on the gas with a smokey in pursuit as the story ends is a great exit that resists closure. Like an athlete retiring at the top of their game—and just as rare—this story is still picking up speed when Ford typed that final period. Have to love it when a writer leaves you wanting more.

Scott, if you are out there reading this, send a submission my way.