Jim Stitzel
Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of WordsExcerpts from Life
When Anxiety Becomes Outright Fear
Let me be the first to admit it -- I lost my mind for a little while today. The anxiety I've been feeling all week has been weighing heavy on my mind and heart. It has been interfering with my ability to perform my job, a job that I love and enjoy and would hate to...
Living with Anxiety
The thing about living with an anxiety disorder is that you never know when those cloying fingers of fear will wrap themselves around you and bring you to a debilitating halt. Sure, there are medications you can take to ease the symptoms and cognitive behavioral...
Postcard Micro-fiction
I've been a fan of Apex Magazine almost since the day of its inception. So when Jason Sizemore posted on his Facebook page recently that he had free Apex postcards, I immediately thought, Sweet! Free Apex stuff! and messaged him to make sure he had my current address....
Fiction
Soul Reflections
Stop making me feel guilty. I can see you, in the mirror, reflected in a glass of water, looking back at me from any shiny surface. You’re always looking over my shoulder, reminding me of what I’ve done. And I don’t need that kind of guilt. Least of all from you. I...
The Island, the Tree, and the Phoenix
A floating island, maybe 50 feet across. It hangs inside a light shroud of mist. On the island, a lone tree, 80 feet tall and in full flower. Pink cherry blossoms, or something of the kind. Around the island, three moons orbit at various distances. From the...
The Fold
The fissure hangs in the air, suspended over red sand and glass. It warps the air around it, folding it into intricate patterns and waves. Electricity reaches out in slender fingers, groping for something, anything, but there is nothing near it for it grab onto. The...