In this third episode of Season 3, we feature an enticing piece of fiction and an inspiring work of nonfiction. First up is a work of flash fiction that acts as an ode to grief, and to queerness, “Lifeway Christian” by Lauren Saxon. That is followed by a deeply affecting recounting of a life lived with cystic fibrosis, “Your Pity Isn’t Welcome Here” by Drew Dotson.

Lauren Saxon is a queer, Black poet and engineer living in Portland, ME. She loves her cats, her Subaru, and spends way too much time on twitter (@Lsax_235). Lauren’s work has been featured in many literary journals and her debut chapbook, “You’re My Favorite” is out now with Thirty West Publishing.

Drew Dotson is an Atlanta-based author who uses her experience with cystic fibrosis, widowhood, and improv to inspire and uplift others. She writes regularly at www.drewdotson.com and is working on a memoir.

In this second episode of Season 3, we feature a story entitled “Ricky and I” by Alan Swyer in which a lifelong friendship is laid bare; the tale of a journey through the years with one of America’s most storied magicians. This is an insider, real life story of famed magician Ricky Jay as told by one of his nearest and dearest.

Alan Swyer is an award-winning filmmaker whose recent documentaries have dealt with Eastern spirituality in the Western world, the criminal justice system, diabetes, boxing, and singer Billy Vera, plus a new one called “When Houston Had The Blues.” In the realm of music, among his productions is an album of Ray Charles love songs. His novel The Beard was recently published by Harvard Square Editions.

In this commencing episode of Season 3, ATM STORYTELLERS features a story by Will Hagle wherein fear-induced insomnia forces one to consider their relationship with death, “Bodies & Spirit” by Will Hagle. That is followed by a story inspired by the thought-provoking question: Is it better to see someone for who they are or for who you know they can be? A work with longing, fondness, and nostalgia all wrapped in one, Natalie Nee’s “Saudade.”

Will Hagle is a Los Angeles-based writer and the co-host of the Connecting The Classics podcast. A great deal of Will’s work can be found on the webzine Passion of The Weiss. He is also the author of the excellent 33 ⅓ book dedicated to MF DOOM and Madlib’s album Madvillainy.

Natalie Nee is a bibliophile, former ghostwriter, and latte enthusiast. She is passionate about creating stories that provoke both thought and emotion. Her debut novel will be going on submission this year. Her other poems and essay have been published by Roi Fainéant Press, Half and One, 50 word stories, Punk Noir Press, and HerStry literary magazine. You can find more of her stories on her website, www.natalienee.com, or follow along on Twitter, @novelnatalie.