March 2020 – Patrick O'Neil

My Father, Wayne O’Neil

My Father, Wayne O’Neil

My father died last Sunday morning. I was awakened by the call around 3 am. His partner Maya told me he’d passed away and I couldn’t find the words to respond. He’d been sick for the last two years. Cancer and chemo and his body hadn’t reacted well to both. Final diagnosis was Leukemia—a...

Conversational Anxiety

Conversational Anxiety

Political Telephone Solicitor: “did you know your vote counts!?”Me: “counts for what?”PTS: “it’s your right for change!”Me: “ah, I keep voting, shit keeps getting worse.”PTS: “but imagine if you didn’t vote.”Me: “you wouldn’t call me?”PTS: “no, how bad everything could be!”Me: “it could be worse than this!?”PTS: “yes! Much worse!”Me: “well, thanks. You’ve cheered...

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Patrick O’Neil is the author of the memoirs: ANARCHY AT THE CIRCLE K (Punk Hostage Press, 2022), GUN, NEEDLE, SPOON (Dzanc Books, 2015), and HOLD-UP (13e Note Editions, 2013). He is the co-author on two instructional writing manuals, WRITING YOUR WAY TO RECOVERY: HOW STORIES CAN SAVE OUR LIVES (Independent Press, 2021), with the author James Brown. And PEN America’s Prison and Justice Writing Program's, THE SENTENCES THAT CREATE US: CRAFTING A WRITER'S LIFE IN PRISON (Haymarket Books, 2022). His writing has appeared in numerous publications including: Juxtapoz, Salon, The Fix, Decible, and Razorcake. O'Neil is a contributing editor for Sensitive Skin Magazine, a Pushcart nominee, a two time nominee for Best Of The Net, and a PEN Center USA Professional and former Emerging Voices Mentor. His newest work, LA COUNTY - a noir crime novel set in LA - is out making the rounds for publication. O'Neil holds an MFA from Antioch University Los Angeles where he is a facilitator for their Continuing Education program. He also teaches at a Los Angeles community college and various rehabs, correctional facilities, institutions, and workshops. (Author Photos: Brian Looby)

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