Recommended by Ken Love

For me, there is something truly magical in sitting in a theater watching a play - or just reading a play - in which two unpretentious people are engaged in that act of conversation. "Abstracted" is a short, incisive piece that fills the heart and fires the mind. Read the play and stay with it all the way through - the kick is in the ending!

I admire any playwright who has the cajones to tackle the unwieldly subject of "God" and create an engaging satire that begs to be performed. "God Hates Me" by Marshall Logan Gibbs just may be too funny and incisive to be offfensive. But you never know. Strong characters and dialogue that sings like something from a musical comedy. Kudos!

When parodies are done well, they not only engage, but give the reader/audience member a fresh take on the subject that is "parodied". Marshall Logan Gibbs' "A Manmade Tale" is not just funny, but it dares to stand alone as its own subject, if you will. A satire that not only scratches, but draws a bit of blood. Nicely done!

A mix of "Blithe Spirit", screw-ball comedy, farce, magic realism and a dash of a "who-done-it" murder mystery. This is what ran through my head as I was reading Jennifer Walton's "Get Away". The characters are highly believable if a bit unsavory. Which is more than welcome in this engaging work. With dialogue that hooks you from beginning to end.

With "Madonna of the Cell", Adam Richter has taken a significant moment in history and created a detailed, multi-layered portrait that literally leaps from the page. The words sting like caustic lyrics. How I would love to see this performed.

Dan West has created yet another taut, incisive short thriller with "Overdue". There's enough subtext and backstory from both characters in this short piece to fill a good crime novel. Yes, the writer has left me wanting more. Namely, a full production.

I have been an admirer of the work of Rene Magritte for most of my adult life. And I must give praise to Raya Tuffaha, whose play "Facing Creation" becomes - during the course of the reading - a thing of beauty and gentle wisdom unto itself and not a mere "riff" on a well known work of art. This play would be a most sought after challenge for director and actors alike.

Writing a play based in the world of fantasy is not as easy as one might think (Yes - I speak from experience). Much harder is to engage a reader or an audience with such a work in one minute! Well, Adam Richter, with "Stockholm Syndrome - a one minute play" has done just that and more. Highly engaging, very believable and leaving this reader wanting more - namely a live production! Kudos!

Why do I admire the work of Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn? Because I love any writer - whether of prose, verse, or drama - who engages me magically. Yes! She is a magical writer. And "Home Is Where . . . " deals with a difficult, soul-wrenching subject in ways that are incisive and affirming. A beautiful piece. All that's missing is an equally engaging production.

Thank you, Philip Middleton Williams, for giving me the pleasure of reading "Birds of Paradise". This piece was a much needed respite from the darkness and turmoil of our present time. Even a reference to the existential/absurdist comedy (in my opinion) of the "Roadrunner/Coyote" saga was joyous. Nicely done!