Before an accepted story is published, the author is asked to select another published piece on the 10ktobi website and write a short statement about the story, noting in what ways it might be provocative, insightful, interesting or impressive. The writer’s comments appear with an Editor’s Note as to why the piece was chosen. In this way, 10,000 Tons of Black Ink strives to promote dialogue between writers, editors and readers, and supports the writing community as a whole.
Read the editorial comments for "Mr. Vargas" by Associate Editor Susan Frith below, and visit our website to read the full story by Noah Ashenhurst, including his contributor comments on the previously published story, "Jasper Rincon's Loft."
Notes from Susan Frith, Associate Editor
I was struck by the sadness and beauty of this piece. Mr. Vargas pulled me in with its unrushed pace and convincing portrayal of two disappointed school custodians who mop separate floors of the same building and wonder how their lives might have unfolded differently. The author draws a nice parallel between Joseph’s fantasies for the unattainable Mr. Vargas and the intimate daily sacrifice of caring for his sick mother. Well done!
