EROTICA Short Story Festival (automatic acceptance): Deadline November 30th

While Joe waits a dear friend he lost touch with to show up at their 50th high school reunion, he flashes back to how they met and the secret she asked him to keep. Performed by Val Cole

Performed by Val Cole POEM: Loving in a Constellation The realization came at the end of high school, the time you or I begin to question our beliefs, or at least start trying. Her romantic love and energy could extend to more than one person, within and past state borders, across time zones, even to… Continue reading LOVE Poem: Loving in a Constellation, by Elizabeth Kaye

POEM: For Beth on our 25th anniversary Your fists plunge into a mound of elastic dough a subtle smear of flour above your eyebrow, and wisps of dusted hair the back of your wrists could not wipe away, pursed lips, flattened palms, back bent driving your elbows down, familiar work, by now you understand what… Continue reading ROMANCE Poetry Reading: Crumbs …. By Kevin Cahill

Performed by Val Cole

Performed by Val Cole — From writer: This is an echo verse poem in response to my identical twin’s death (drowning). Identical in virtually every way as children, we grew to look different as adults, but our voices remained identical. We were echoes of each other. — POEM: Shattered is my grieving heart Poetry. My… Continue reading GRIEF Poetry Reading: Echoes of Margaret, by Mary Therese Hattori

Performed by Val Cole —- POEM: Open Spaces By Kevin Cahill When she looks at me I understand only That we have to get this close To see how infinitely far away We are from one another I have to caress her bare skin carefully, tenderly to see how far we have stretched the tissue… Continue reading ROMANCE Poetry Reading: Open Spaces, by Kevin Cahill

Showcase of the best ROMANCE/RELATIONSHIP FILMS in the world today. AUDIENCE AWARDS:Best Short Film: YOU WILL FOLDBest Performances: 4 PARTIESBest Direction: AFTER SUNSETBest Story: WHEN IT’S OVER 4 Parties, 17min., USADirected by Warren MyersOver the course of a year, Vince and Mia keep crossing paths, drawn together by sharp humor, shared tastes, and mutual disillusionment.… Continue reading WINNERS: January 2026 Romance/Relationships Festival

A young man navigates the weeds of dating apps while tending to his makeshift compost pile. CAST LIST: Narrator: Shawn Devlin Callie: Elizabeth Rose Morriss Geraldine: Hannah Ehman Lester: Geoff Mays

When a successful aerospace engineer is sabotaged by a vengeful business rival and haunted by two failed marriages, he embarks on an international journey of self-discovery with newfound hope and determination. Based on actual events. CAST LIST: Narrator: Hannah Ehman Michael: Shawn Devlin Dave: Geoff Mays Larry: Sean Ballantyne

Performed by Val Cole POEM: Standing at the back of the cafe With proud beard and warm smile The Gentleman finds me. Striding over and offering a hand he is present and sturdy with an openness to careful possibilities. Interest worn with flair like the dashing scarf carefully draped around his shoulders. Eyes like tempered… Continue reading ROMANCE Poetry Reading: THE GENTLEMAN, by Maggie Mae