See if you can tell which lines are from all-campus announcements and which are from the apocalyptic novels we read this semester:

Our students are getting sick now in large numbers.

Late yesterday afternoon, a Hamilton student went to the Health Center with flu-like symptoms consistent with the virus.

The student has been isolated in a private room on campus.

Nights dark beyond darkness and the days more gray each one than what had gone before. Like the onset of some cold glaucoma dimming away the world.

Arrangements have been made to have meals delivered to his room.

His professors have been contacted.

If the situation worsens faculty may have to make other decisions.

One test has come back positive for the virus.

The students are all being treated as though they have the virus.

If from infancy you treat children as gods they are liable in adulthood to act as devils.

The virus is now widespread throughout the county.

A new terror born in death, a new superstition entering the unassailable fortress of forever.

We encourage students and advisors to meet when they are recovered to discuss the student’s plans.

Of a thing which could not be put back. Not to be made right again.

Please take care of yourself and stay healthy.

My friend Kamila Shamsie recently returned to Hamilton College and read from her latest novel, Burnt Shadows. The book is getting great reviews everywhere and was short-listed for the Orange Prize. A friend and I endured the international shipping charges in order to get the red sun cover from the UK because, uh, some bookworms are picky.

I’m working with the Downtown Writer’s Center of Syracuse this semester and will be teaching a course in the spring. Very positive experience so far which makes me look forward to the upcoming workshop.

Stone Canoe has accepted one of my stories for publication! I’m grateful this piece found a home because it contains passages that are easy to dislike if the reader isn’t in the right frame of mind. Even though the story plays with the intersection of those elements and the reactions to them, it’s all for naught if an editor dismisses it out of the gate. So thank you, wise Stone Canoe editors.

Also, I said I wouldn’t post acceptances any more but it has dawned on me that such a practice would leave this blog even more desolate than it already is.

Once again, I take on the role of Visiting Professor of English at Hamilton College. This year, my courses focus on apocalyptic themes in literature. I’m afraid the reading list isn’t very cheerful.

“Weather Reports” is now available in issue eight of mud luscious. Discarded bio note: “Chris Wilson and Hoa Ngo both used to live in Missouri and teach English. Now they live thousands of miles apart and only have time to discuss the weather.” Chris Wilson adds “If I’ve moved, please let me know.”

“Ascend” is now up at Right Hand Pointing. My recurring dream converted to flash fiction.

“Archaeology” is now up at Tuesday Shorts. Unfortunately, it coincides with the final issue of the magazine. This happened once before—my publication marking the death of another small journal. The curse continues…

Update: The journal’s site is gone but I linked to their permanent Blogger archive. Thanks Kristen!

Tina May Hall’s All the Day’s Sad Stories, the winner of the 2008 Caketrain Chapbook Competition, is now available. Purchase it together with Matt Bell’s The Collectors for a great price. Get them before they sell out!