Dawn Tasaka Steffler
@dawnsteffler.bsky.social
Bath Flash Fiction Winner • Smokelong Fellow • Storyknife • Wigleaf Top 50 LL • 2025 Best Small Fictions • words in Pithead Chapel, Flash Frog, Ghost Parachute, Fractured Lit, The Forge • dawntasakasteffler.com
Pinned
creating and sustaining this anthology has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life as a writer/editor. Thank you to the incomparable @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for being a fantastic collaborator. And please check out our rural anthology Vol 3!
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
An Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color, 2025 - EastOver Press
Third in a series, this anthology edited by Deesha Philyaw features short fiction written by contemporary writers of color. From farms to trading posts, basketball courts to kitchens, houses to cafes,...
eastoverpress.com
When I found out my story, How to Survive a Black Hole, had been selected for this anthology, by Deesha Philyaw no less, I was like, um, you have the wrong person... But it's real and I'm pinching myself. Thank you Keith, Deesha, and @kimmagowan.bsky.social ❤️ for being the best supporter and friend.
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
I share leftovers from my fridge: chow mein is a favorite. Then we all hobble around with our chronic bumblefoot, arthritis, and bum knees, me gardening, them scratching for bugs under the lemon tree.
By @dawnsteffler.bsky.social in @riverteeth.bsky.social
riverteethjournal.com?mailpoet_rou...
By @dawnsteffler.bsky.social in @riverteeth.bsky.social
riverteethjournal.com?mailpoet_rou...
riverteethjournal.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:23 PM
I share leftovers from my fridge: chow mein is a favorite. Then we all hobble around with our chronic bumblefoot, arthritis, and bum knees, me gardening, them scratching for bugs under the lemon tree.
By @dawnsteffler.bsky.social in @riverteeth.bsky.social
riverteethjournal.com?mailpoet_rou...
By @dawnsteffler.bsky.social in @riverteeth.bsky.social
riverteethjournal.com?mailpoet_rou...
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
"For their service, I share leftovers from my fridge: chow mein is a favorite. Then we all hobble around with our chronic bumblefoot, arthritis, and bum knees, me gardening, them scratching for bugs under the lemon tree." Love this @dawnsteffler.bsky.social
riverteethjournal.com/beautiful-th...
riverteethjournal.com/beautiful-th...
Dottie & Coco & Me | River Teeth
riverteethjournal.com
January 26, 2026 at 4:38 PM
"For their service, I share leftovers from my fridge: chow mein is a favorite. Then we all hobble around with our chronic bumblefoot, arthritis, and bum knees, me gardening, them scratching for bugs under the lemon tree." Love this @dawnsteffler.bsky.social
riverteethjournal.com/beautiful-th...
riverteethjournal.com/beautiful-th...
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
This is perfection, @dawnsteffler.bsky.social. You made me cry--such gorgeous writing and an oddly hopeful ending...a "gentle apocalypse". I'm not sure why this is what I need today, but thank you.
✨“I’ve always felt a sisterhood with my hens, though my lifetime of monthly bleeding and a mere three babies never compared to their daily need to squat and squeeze the equivalent of a watermelon from their poultry vaginas.”
-from “Dottie & Coco & Me,” this week’s essay by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
-from “Dottie & Coco & Me,” this week’s essay by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
January 26, 2026 at 5:30 PM
This is perfection, @dawnsteffler.bsky.social. You made me cry--such gorgeous writing and an oddly hopeful ending...a "gentle apocalypse". I'm not sure why this is what I need today, but thank you.
I have a very special essay up in Beautiful Things. For me, it's a shift in energy from all the despair. Also, a precious moment of my chicken years captured.
Fun little anecdote: When I fed them this morning (chilly!) i gave them warm scrambled egg to celebrate, and I told them they’re famous now.
Fun little anecdote: When I fed them this morning (chilly!) i gave them warm scrambled egg to celebrate, and I told them they’re famous now.
✨“I’ve always felt a sisterhood with my hens, though my lifetime of monthly bleeding and a mere three babies never compared to their daily need to squat and squeeze the equivalent of a watermelon from their poultry vaginas.”
-from “Dottie & Coco & Me,” this week’s essay by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
-from “Dottie & Coco & Me,” this week’s essay by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
January 26, 2026 at 5:14 PM
I have a very special essay up in Beautiful Things. For me, it's a shift in energy from all the despair. Also, a precious moment of my chicken years captured.
Fun little anecdote: When I fed them this morning (chilly!) i gave them warm scrambled egg to celebrate, and I told them they’re famous now.
Fun little anecdote: When I fed them this morning (chilly!) i gave them warm scrambled egg to celebrate, and I told them they’re famous now.
“THIS is how millions of women could quietly lose the right to vote in the midterms.”
Read. Take action. Protect your vote.
Read. Take action. Protect your vote.
Republicans Will Detonate Their Secret Weapon at the Midnight Hour to Stop Women from Voting
The Republican Senate will pass the SAVE Act at the midnight hour before the midterms, and tens of millions of women will discover their names don’t match their birth certificates when fixing the cris...
open.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 6:56 AM
“THIS is how millions of women could quietly lose the right to vote in the midterms.”
Read. Take action. Protect your vote.
Read. Take action. Protect your vote.
My first story of 2026 is up in Necessary Fiction! Thank you so much EIC @shimmer.bsky.social Himmer and guest editor @nicholas-claro.bsky.social for picking my story.
This week's fiction is "Just Another Saturday Night" by @dawnsteffler.bsky.social, selected by guest editor @nicholas-claro.bsky.social. necessaryfiction.com/stories/just...
January 23, 2026 at 6:21 PM
My first story of 2026 is up in Necessary Fiction! Thank you so much EIC @shimmer.bsky.social Himmer and guest editor @nicholas-claro.bsky.social for picking my story.
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
The Village is a place for the global flash community to gather. Stay tuned. #ittakesavillage
December 29, 2025 at 9:39 PM
The Village is a place for the global flash community to gather. Stay tuned. #ittakesavillage
Grateful to @jmwwlitjournal for the Best Microfictions nomination! Thank you!
Link to the story: jmwwblog.wordpress.com/2025/06/11/f...
Link to the story: jmwwblog.wordpress.com/2025/06/11/f...
December 22, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Grateful to @jmwwlitjournal for the Best Microfictions nomination! Thank you!
Link to the story: jmwwblog.wordpress.com/2025/06/11/f...
Link to the story: jmwwblog.wordpress.com/2025/06/11/f...
So very excited to have made the finalist list for @fracturedlit.bsky.social Flash Fiction OPEN , judged by the incredible Gwen Kirby. Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to unveiling my crazy, tasteless tabloid show story sometime in the new year. This one was so much fun to write!
December 22, 2025 at 7:44 PM
So very excited to have made the finalist list for @fracturedlit.bsky.social Flash Fiction OPEN , judged by the incredible Gwen Kirby. Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to unveiling my crazy, tasteless tabloid show story sometime in the new year. This one was so much fun to write!
He looked at the dead dog, Cherry. She was off the road, on a pile of leaves that were composting against the fence. She was stretched out, mouth open. There was nothing wrong with her, except she was dead.
Every story @glennorgias.bsky.social writes is a stunner... @necessaryfiction.com
Every story @glennorgias.bsky.social writes is a stunner... @necessaryfiction.com
This week's story, chosen by guest editor @nicholas-claro.bsky.social, is "Waiting to say goodbye." by Glenn Orgias. necessaryfiction.com/stories/wait...
December 20, 2025 at 4:56 PM
He looked at the dead dog, Cherry. She was off the road, on a pile of leaves that were composting against the fence. She was stretched out, mouth open. There was nothing wrong with her, except she was dead.
Every story @glennorgias.bsky.social writes is a stunner... @necessaryfiction.com
Every story @glennorgias.bsky.social writes is a stunner... @necessaryfiction.com
had no idea what she was about to tell him or ask him and her decision frightened her like when how long someone could go on being ignorantly happy while the death of a loved one went unknown. That was an exaggeration of course
The quiet on the edge of change
David Guiotto in Flash the Court
The quiet on the edge of change
David Guiotto in Flash the Court
“The Lilacs Even the Purple Ones” by David Guiotto
Note the inherent lyrical tension of David Guiotto’s flash fiction, “The Lilacs Even the Purple Ones”: the stream-of-consciousness effect created not only by lush poetic language but also by the om…
flashthecourt.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:10 PM
had no idea what she was about to tell him or ask him and her decision frightened her like when how long someone could go on being ignorantly happy while the death of a loved one went unknown. That was an exaggeration of course
The quiet on the edge of change
David Guiotto in Flash the Court
The quiet on the edge of change
David Guiotto in Flash the Court
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
These are a few of my favourite words …
December 17, 2025 at 12:54 PM
These are a few of my favourite words …
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
a nice chat w/ the Daily Yonder about the Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color Vol III, guest edited by Deesha Philyaw. Thanks to DY!
The Iowa author and editor talks about his latest project, 'An Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color.'
Q&A: Keith Pilapil Lesmeister
Editor’s Note: This interview first appeared in Path Finders, an email newsletter from the Daily Yonder. Each week, Path Finders features a Q&A with a rural thinker, creator, or doer. Like what you see here? You can join the mailing list at the bottom of this article and receive more conversations like this in your inbox each week. Keith Pilapil Lesmeister is an author and educator based in northeast Iowa’s Driftless Area.
dailyyonder.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:46 PM
a nice chat w/ the Daily Yonder about the Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color Vol III, guest edited by Deesha Philyaw. Thanks to DY!
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
creating and sustaining this anthology has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life as a writer/editor. Thank you to the incomparable @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for being a fantastic collaborator. And please check out our rural anthology Vol 3!
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
An Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color, 2025 - EastOver Press
Third in a series, this anthology edited by Deesha Philyaw features short fiction written by contemporary writers of color. From farms to trading posts, basketball courts to kitchens, houses to cafes,...
eastoverpress.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:37 PM
creating and sustaining this anthology has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life as a writer/editor. Thank you to the incomparable @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for being a fantastic collaborator. And please check out our rural anthology Vol 3!
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
Such fun reading & listening to great stories as part of the @smokelong.bsky.social Fitness Open Mic.
Good to see you @christopherallen.bsky.social @quickasaflash.bsky.social @arti-jain.bsky.social @dawnsteffler.bsky.social
Story from @trampset.bsky.social that I read trampset.org/the-things-s...
Good to see you @christopherallen.bsky.social @quickasaflash.bsky.social @arti-jain.bsky.social @dawnsteffler.bsky.social
Story from @trampset.bsky.social that I read trampset.org/the-things-s...
December 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Such fun reading & listening to great stories as part of the @smokelong.bsky.social Fitness Open Mic.
Good to see you @christopherallen.bsky.social @quickasaflash.bsky.social @arti-jain.bsky.social @dawnsteffler.bsky.social
Story from @trampset.bsky.social that I read trampset.org/the-things-s...
Good to see you @christopherallen.bsky.social @quickasaflash.bsky.social @arti-jain.bsky.social @dawnsteffler.bsky.social
Story from @trampset.bsky.social that I read trampset.org/the-things-s...
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
“I wake from these dreams with a panicky fluttering in my throat, like wings beating in a too-small space or some small rodent throwing a thin layer of dirt over itself.”
@dawnsteffler.bsky.social in @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social gooseberry-pie.com/triple-digit...
@dawnsteffler.bsky.social in @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social gooseberry-pie.com/triple-digit...
Triple-Digit Fire Weather - Gooseberry Pie Lit Magazine
Photo by Lawrence Crayton on Unsplash by Dawn Tasaka Steffler When we exchanged our wedding vows, my husband said I was the only woman who ever tamed the rabid wolverine in his soul; in my presence, h...
gooseberry-pie.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:29 AM
“I wake from these dreams with a panicky fluttering in my throat, like wings beating in a too-small space or some small rodent throwing a thin layer of dirt over itself.”
@dawnsteffler.bsky.social in @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social gooseberry-pie.com/triple-digit...
@dawnsteffler.bsky.social in @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social gooseberry-pie.com/triple-digit...
When I found out my story, How to Survive a Black Hole, had been selected for this anthology, by Deesha Philyaw no less, I was like, um, you have the wrong person... But it's real and I'm pinching myself. Thank you Keith, Deesha, and @kimmagowan.bsky.social ❤️ for being the best supporter and friend.
creating and sustaining this anthology has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life as a writer/editor. Thank you to the incomparable @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social for being a fantastic collaborator. And please check out our rural anthology Vol 3!
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
eastoverpress.com/book/an-anth...
An Anthology of Rural Stories by Writers of Color, 2025 - EastOver Press
Third in a series, this anthology edited by Deesha Philyaw features short fiction written by contemporary writers of color. From farms to trading posts, basketball courts to kitchens, houses to cafes,...
eastoverpress.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:26 AM
When I found out my story, How to Survive a Black Hole, had been selected for this anthology, by Deesha Philyaw no less, I was like, um, you have the wrong person... But it's real and I'm pinching myself. Thank you Keith, Deesha, and @kimmagowan.bsky.social ❤️ for being the best supporter and friend.
Thank you so much, @judehwriter2.bsky.social and @bathflashaward.bsky.social for the nomination! So honored!
ICYMI, here's the link to my story:
www.bathflashfictionaward.com/2025/10/high...
ICYMI, here's the link to my story:
www.bathflashfictionaward.com/2025/10/high...
December 16, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Thank you so much, @judehwriter2.bsky.social and @bathflashaward.bsky.social for the nomination! So honored!
ICYMI, here's the link to my story:
www.bathflashfictionaward.com/2025/10/high...
ICYMI, here's the link to my story:
www.bathflashfictionaward.com/2025/10/high...
Reposted by Dawn Tasaka Steffler
I saw a lot of people posting their favorite cover songs and thought I’d add mine to the mix
December 10, 2025 at 3:57 AM
I saw a lot of people posting their favorite cover songs and thought I’d add mine to the mix
A wonderful surprise in the mail yesterday, my copy of The Best of Stanchion. A few pieces I've read before was like revisiting an old friend, but then discovering other ones I missed, like the 18 word poem by Brian Baker that totally blew my mind... Great issue, Jeff, thanks for including me!
December 5, 2025 at 7:07 PM
A wonderful surprise in the mail yesterday, my copy of The Best of Stanchion. A few pieces I've read before was like revisiting an old friend, but then discovering other ones I missed, like the 18 word poem by Brian Baker that totally blew my mind... Great issue, Jeff, thanks for including me!
Everything Allison writes is just tremendous. I can't wait to read this one, too!
Pre-order your copy now.
Pre-order your copy now.
My debut poetry collection is available to pre-order from @finishinglinepress.bsky.social ! Please order and share 💙
www.finishinglinepress.com/product/all-...
www.finishinglinepress.com/product/all-...
December 5, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Everything Allison writes is just tremendous. I can't wait to read this one, too!
Pre-order your copy now.
Pre-order your copy now.
What a wonderful surprise! And such an impressive group! Thank you so much @brettpribble.bsky.social for the nomination!
ICYMI here's the link to my story:
ghostparachute.com/issue/novemb...
ICYMI here's the link to my story:
ghostparachute.com/issue/novemb...
Congratulations to Ghost Parachute's Pushcart Prize Nominees: @djpoissant.bsky.social, @avitusbcarle.bsky.social, @saralippmann.bsky.social, @megpokrass.bsky.social, @dawnsteffler.bsky.social, and @claudiamonpere.bsky.social.
December 1, 2025 at 6:22 AM
What a wonderful surprise! And such an impressive group! Thank you so much @brettpribble.bsky.social for the nomination!
ICYMI here's the link to my story:
ghostparachute.com/issue/novemb...
ICYMI here's the link to my story:
ghostparachute.com/issue/novemb...
I notice a girl taller than the rest, her long, silky blonde hair pulled back and ribboned at the crown of her head. She kicks her knee up and spins around with her baton. Her smile shines. What if I could smile like her?
So much longing to belong @m-s-reagan.bsky.social @short-reads.org
So much longing to belong @m-s-reagan.bsky.social @short-reads.org
Twirl Girl
by M. S. Reagan | Following the music.
www.short-reads.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:27 PM
I notice a girl taller than the rest, her long, silky blonde hair pulled back and ribboned at the crown of her head. She kicks her knee up and spins around with her baton. Her smile shines. What if I could smile like her?
So much longing to belong @m-s-reagan.bsky.social @short-reads.org
So much longing to belong @m-s-reagan.bsky.social @short-reads.org
Huge thank you to @petermcallister.bsky.social and @katehorsleywriter.bsky.social over at @inkfishmagazine.bsky.social for this wonderful nomination. I so adore your gorgeous art-forward magazine!
And ICYMI here's the link to my story:
inkfishmag.com/what-moon-wo...
And ICYMI here's the link to my story:
inkfishmag.com/what-moon-wo...
Congratulations to our amazing authors - cheering you all on for this year's Pushcart Prize!
@juliabiggs.bsky.social @katrinanaomipoet.bsky.social
@dawnsteffler.bsky.social
@bsherm36.bsky.social
inkfishmag.com/awards/
@juliabiggs.bsky.social @katrinanaomipoet.bsky.social
@dawnsteffler.bsky.social
@bsherm36.bsky.social
inkfishmag.com/awards/
November 23, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Huge thank you to @petermcallister.bsky.social and @katehorsleywriter.bsky.social over at @inkfishmagazine.bsky.social for this wonderful nomination. I so adore your gorgeous art-forward magazine!
And ICYMI here's the link to my story:
inkfishmag.com/what-moon-wo...
And ICYMI here's the link to my story:
inkfishmag.com/what-moon-wo...