John Riley

Location Greensboro, NC
Occupation Publisher
Website http://temptedtostay.blogspot.com/

About Me

I fitfully manage a small educational publishing company and try to write when I get time. I'm married with two children and two Jack Russell terriers named Ted and Fritz. I've published some fiction and poetry in various places and hope to publish more.

Why do you write?

Writing is the only thing that keeps me from staring at the clock.

Any favorite authors? Books?

Changes almost daily. Leo Tolstoy, Anton Chekhov, Eudora Welty, Clarice Lispector, Thomas Bernhard, Franz Kafka, Annabel Thomas, Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Bishop, Laszlo Krasznahorkai, Denis Johnson, W. G. Sebald, Denton Welch, Robert Walser.

Family Ties, War and Peace, Berlin Stories, The Metamorphosis, The Phototropic Woman, The Rings of Saturn, In Our Time, Collected Poems of Elizabeth Bishop, War and War, The Great Gatsby, and whatever I happen to be reading that day.

John Riley's Wall

Reva Zerkalo – Apr 16, 2017

Thanks for reading "Diamonds in the Fog" - your kind comment is much appreciated

Gary Percesepe – Aug 08, 2016

thanks for reading an commenting on "you"---and for seeing the brackets!

Penny Goring – Jun 25, 2013

<3

Tantra Bensko – Jun 21, 2013

thank you very much for your comments on my poem.

Susan Rukeyser – Jun 21, 2013

Thanks for your kind comments on 'The Worst Girl's Best Day.' Much appreciated.

Carly Berg – Jun 20, 2013

Thanks so much for your thoughts on my story. :)

Amanda Harris – Jun 08, 2013

Thanks for reading "Carver" John. I wanted to make that ending, that last turn kinda subtle (because really, that title wouldn't be appropriate if it wasn't).

Barry Basden – Jun 04, 2013

Thanks, John for your nice praise for Instructions. Trying to get moved taking a lot of my time right now.

Ramon Collins – May 26, 2013

Thank you for the read and comments on POINK, John. It's a long Flash at over 900 words, so your effort is certainly appreciated. And your writing style is admired.

Laura E. – May 24, 2013

Thanks for your kind response on my story, "Latex."

Nonnie Augustine – May 01, 2013

Thank you for reading and commenting on The Most Beautiful Lady, John. I'm glad you liked it.

Gloria Garfunkel – Apr 19, 2013

Read A Forest comments.

Jake Barnes – Mar 31, 2013

You got that right, John. Crazy as loons. Thanks for the read and the star.

Nonnie Augustine – Mar 29, 2013

Thank you for reading Miss Jewel Eppinette, John. I'm always happy to see you've read and liked something of mine. I'll reciprocate soon.

David Ackley – Mar 21, 2013

Thanks, John for the kind words for "Place." What's going on in Greensboro?

Lillian Ann Slugocki – Mar 18, 2013

Dear John, u r the best! thanks for your comment on Demons.

Gary Hardaway – Mar 16, 2013

Thank you, John, for kind words regarding "Metastasis".

Gary Percesepe – Mar 08, 2013

john, thanks for reading and commenting on my little emergency poem, yo--

appreciate it---gary

Gary Hardaway – Mar 04, 2013

Thanks for your kind words regarding "The Beauties Abandon You", John.

Gary Hardaway – Feb 26, 2013

Thanks, John, for your generous reading of "I'm Waiting". I'm grateful for your kind remark.

Lillian Ann Slugocki – Feb 17, 2013

Dear John: Thank you for your comment on Wild Garden!!

Gloria Garfunkel – Feb 10, 2013

Thanks for your comment on Life's Meaning.

Lillian Ann Slugocki – Feb 01, 2013

John, thanks so much for you note on Digital Garden, best, lillian

Gary Hardaway – Jan 28, 2013

Thanks, John, for responding to Black Bombers. I appreciate your encouragement.

Gloria Garfunkel – Jan 23, 2013

Thank you for Ziggy in False Alarm.

Lillian Ann Slugocki – Jan 22, 2013

John Riley, nice to meet you, and thanks for your comments on my story!

Foster Trecost – Jan 20, 2013

Hi John, thanks for reading Brick Walls, and thanks for the comments, too. fos.

Gary Hardaway – Jan 20, 2013

Thank you, John, for hearing the sun accelerate, too, and for your kind reading of Tics.

Barry Basden – Jan 17, 2013

Thanks, John for your comments on Aerospace. Uprooted. Yes. Been there.

Carol Reid – Jan 17, 2013

John, thanks for reading several of my stories and giving me such positive and helpful feedback. And for the intro to Samanta Schweblin's stories!

Gary Hardaway – Jan 16, 2013

John, I am grateful for your generous response to New Questions of Travel.

Gloria Garfunkel – Jan 15, 2013

Thank you for your thoughtful comment on Insanity.

Janice D. Soderling – Jan 12, 2013

John, warm thanks for your succinct comment on my ovillejo.

Gloria Garfunkel – Jan 11, 2013

Thank you so much for your comment on Ilonka.

Gary Hardaway – Jan 11, 2013

Thank you, John, for reading "Linear A'. I'm grateful for your response.

Gloria Garfunkel – Jan 10, 2013

Thank you for your Forgiveness comment.

Janice D. Soderling – Jan 10, 2013

Thanks also, John, for kind words on First Day of Summer.

Janice D. Soderling – Jan 09, 2013

Thanks, John, for commenting Metamorphosis. I'm esp. glad to learn about lines that worked as I'd hoped they would. Thx for mentioning that.

Gloria Garfunkel – Jan 09, 2013

Thanks for your comment on Tolstoy.

Gloria Garfunkel – Jan 08, 2013

Thanks for your comment on For Rent.

Gloria Garfunkel – Jan 07, 2013

Thanks for your comment on Perspective.

Gary Hardaway – Jan 07, 2013

Thank you, John, for your kind look at Bitter Bits.

Janice D. Soderling – Jan 05, 2013

John, I appreciate the welcome and for reading my microfiction. I've just figured out that this is the place to say so. Not in my own pad. Thank you for kind comments to a newbie.

Nonnie Augustine – Jan 02, 2013

John, thank you for reading A New York Moment. Why did you think it was sad?

Matthew Robinson – Jan 01, 2013

Thank you for your comments on "Three Endings," John. Very helpful and appreciated. Happy New Year.

Gloria Garfunkel – Dec 31, 2012

Thank you for your kind words about Conversation dialogue.

Foster Trecost – Dec 26, 2012

Hey John, I'm happy you enjoyed Eight States Away, thanks for taking the time to read and comment. fos.

Gloria Garfunkel – Dec 21, 2012

BOXWOOD AT NINE: I basically wrote this in my head as is when I was nine.

Gessy Alvarez – Dec 12, 2012

Thanks, John. "Routine of the Abyss" is meant to challenge a reader's response. Nice to read your take on the piece.

David James – Dec 09, 2012

John, I appreciate your words regarding my story, "Dreams".

David James – Dec 08, 2012

John, thanks for your comment on "Solution". I don't usually do stuff so spare.

Nonnie Augustine – Dec 06, 2012

Thank you, John for reading and commenting on When Borders was Alive and Well. I'll read something of yours soon. Promise.

Jane Hammons – Dec 01, 2012

John--thanks so much for your comment on All Bones. There are two other related stories here: Forging and Lettie in the Ozarks, though the connections might not be clear without the pieces that link all the characters. But anyway--thanks for asking.

Gloria Garfunkel – Nov 30, 2012

Thanks so much for your comment on Gas Chamber.

Foster Trecost – Nov 29, 2012

Hey John, thanks for reading a bar for all occasions, and thanks for the comments, too; both are very much appreciated. fos.

Gessy Alvarez – Nov 27, 2012

Thanks, John for your comments on "The Good Cancer." The next story is an unexpected love story. We'll see if it lands anywhere.

Barry Basden – Nov 25, 2012

Thanks, John. I remember you helped with 'What the Future Holds...' when it had a different title.

Gloria Garfunkel – Nov 25, 2012

Mall: Glad you liked.

Gloria Garfunkel – Nov 24, 2012

Time: It has its incredible highs and lows.

Gessy Alvarez – Nov 20, 2012

Thanks, John for reading "Belt." Glad the opening works...didn't know if I could pull it off.

Keith U. – Nov 20, 2012

Hi, John - thank you for reading, commenting on, and favoritng my eBay feedback bit!

Gloria Garfunkel – Nov 20, 2012

Thanks for your generous comment on Soup.

Gary V. Powell – Nov 18, 2012

Thanks for the read and fave on "Casual Violence." Just had to get that one out.

Gloria Garfunkel – Nov 18, 2012

i liked your comment and was glad to make you laugh.

Mathew Paust – Nov 17, 2012

Thanks much for faving "Sacrifice", John. Appreciate your interest. The book is done. I'm getting it ready to put up as an Amazon Direct Kindle book. I'll probly take these chapters down once it's out on Amazon.

Gloria Garfunkel – Nov 14, 2012

Glad you liked Hair.

Gary V. Powell – Nov 06, 2012

Hey, John. Thanks for the read and insightful comment on "Sex."

Gloria Garfunkel – Nov 05, 2012

Thanks for your comment on Princess.

Gessy Alvarez – Nov 03, 2012

Thanks John for reading and faving "The Man with a Blue Ski Jacket.". This one is a little experiment in voice. Happy you liked it.

J. Mykell Collinz – Nov 02, 2012

Hi, John. Thanks for reading 'Assiduity Six.' I appreciate your comment and *.

Barry Basden – Oct 30, 2012

Thanks, John, for your kind words about my Neil Young poem. I also love all your rural noir stuff I've read. Got enough for a collection? It would really nail the creepiness.

J. Mykell Collinz – Oct 30, 2012

Hi, John. Thanks for reading 'Assiduity Five.' I greatly appreciate your comments.

Gloria Garfunkel – Oct 30, 2012

Thank you for your last Saratoga comment..

M. F. Sullivan – Oct 29, 2012

Thanks for the comment and fav on 'evening cigarette', John!

Tina Barry – Oct 29, 2012

Hi John--Thanks for the kind words about "Your Last Rooster," and thanks for the star. I'm a fan of Clarice Lispector too!

Gloria Garfunkel – Oct 25, 2012

Hoping your friendship network isn't a pack of werewolves.

Foster Trecost – Oct 23, 2012

HI John, thanks for giving Dog Days a few minutes of your time. I appreciate the comments. fos.

J. Mykell Collinz – Oct 21, 2012

Hi, John. Thanks for reading 'Independent Assiduity,' parts one through four. I greatly appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Gary V. Powell – Oct 21, 2012

Thanks for the kind comment on "The Songs of Townes Van Zandt." He touched and continues to touch many people.

DJ Young – Oct 15, 2012

Thank you for reading Things to Come - glad you liked.

Gary V. Powell – Oct 12, 2012

Thanks for reading and commenting on "Missing." Always appreciate your insight.

Gloria Garfunkel – Oct 05, 2012

Thanks so much for your Munchausen's comment.

Jen Knox – Oct 03, 2012

Thank you, John. I have so many versions of Getting There on my computer, largely because I didn't want too heavy a hand with it. Your comment means a lot.

Gloria Garfunkel – Sep 19, 2012

Thank you so much for your kind comment on Steam. The line about watching the old movies is one of the most moving for me as well.

Gessy Alvarez – Sep 17, 2012

Thanks, John for reading "Childless." Taking chances as always with the sparse language. And yes, Lydia Davis is the shit.

Misti Rainwater-Lites – Sep 13, 2012

Hi John, thanks so much for praising my latest. Much appreciated!

Matthew Robinson – Sep 04, 2012

Thanks for the thoughtful comment on Apnea, John!

Mary Lane – Sep 04, 2012

Hi John. Thank you so much for reading and enjoying "Huntingtons." Means much that you see the pain as a reader. Thank you, thank you. HM

Gary V. Powell – Aug 26, 2012

Thanks for the read and comment on "Low Country Boil." Love that part of the world John.

Lynn Beighley – Aug 23, 2012

John, thank you for your kind comment about The Movement of Inanimate Objects. Made my day. :)

xxxx – Aug 20, 2012

Thanks for your comment on the use of imagery!

Gessy Alvarez – Aug 19, 2012

Thanks, John! Really appreciate your comment on "Notebooks." And the fave is awesome too. :)

Lynn Beighley – Aug 18, 2012

Thanks for your comment on Salt. I'm not sure she knows what she's up to. I generally don't.

Bill Yarrow – Aug 18, 2012

Hi, John. Thanks for faving "Not Enough Sin to Go Around." Great hearing from you!

Gloria Garfunkel – Aug 18, 2012

Thanks for your Birds of Prayer Lost Ones comment.

Gloria Garfunkel – Aug 16, 2012

Thanks so much for your generous, enthusiastic comment on Birds of Prayer.

Gloria Garfunkel – Aug 16, 2012

Thanks so much for your generous, enthusiastic comment on Birds of Prayer.

Ann Bogle – Aug 11, 2012

Thanks, John, for replying to the identity of the writer thread at M ILLNESS group. I like to hear from you.

Gloria Garfunkel – Aug 07, 2012

Thanks for your insightful comment/fave on Binge Painter.

Gloria Garfunkel – Aug 07, 2012

Thanks for your insightful comment/fave on Binge Painter.

Pia Ehrhardt – Aug 05, 2012

John, thank you for reading and writing!

Bill Yarrow – Aug 04, 2012

Thanks, John, for commenting on and faving "A Thousand Books." Much appreciated!

Gloria Garfunkel – Aug 02, 2012

John, thank you so much for your amazing and moving comment and fave on The Miracle of My Father's Hat. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.

Roz Warren – Aug 02, 2012

Hi John! Thanks so much for FAVing "Furniture Fights." Glad I'm on your radar & that now you're on mine.

Ann Bogle – Aug 01, 2012

Thanks for your comment on "Twedes." I agree that it is specific geography not widely Midwest. Cool, double marriage.

Gessy Alvarez – Jul 30, 2012

Thanks, John for commenting and faving "Dumb-Waiter.". Cheers!

Gloria Garfunkel – Jul 28, 2012

I appreciated your funny comment and fave on Spaghetti Girl and enjoyed Tomorrow's My Birthday...

Bill Yarrow – Jul 28, 2012

Thanks for faving "Annulling the Future," John. And thanks for your kind comments.

Gessy Alvarez – Jul 26, 2012

Thanks, John for reading "Pink Dress." I like to read ominous stories especially when the truth is really not as ominous as one would think.

Gloria Garfunkel – Jul 26, 2012

I loved your mysterious story Jimmy and appreciate your kind, enthusiastic comment on Pig Girl and the fave. Thanks so much.

Gary V. Powell – Jul 20, 2012

Thanks for the read and comment on "Cowgirl Love." Kind of a fun piece.

Bill Yarrow – Jul 14, 2012

Thanks, John! Appreciate your reading and commenting on "Finland."

Gessy Alvarez – Jul 09, 2012

Thanks, John for reading and faving "A Good Man Deserves a Good Woman." Cheers!

Bill Yarrow – Jul 06, 2012

Thanks for the great comment on and fave of "I Can Take Satan," John.

Ann Bogle – Jul 05, 2012

John, thanks for your comment on "Unmailed Letter to B'go." The letter form has its own demands and purities. I'll keep in mind what you said.

See ya – Jun 25, 2012

I'm grateful that you took time to read my recent story here, John. And your comment was a fine boost, that one thing we all need more of and more often. Thanks, hoss.

Bill Yarrow – Jun 24, 2012

Thanks for the fave of "Low Dose Yoga," John! Glad you enjoyed the poem.

Gary V. Powell – Jun 18, 2012

Thanks for the read and comments on "Maalox."

Gary V. Powell – Jun 16, 2012

John, thanks for reading and commenting on "Fleur De Sel."

Bill Yarrow – Jun 16, 2012

Hi, John. Thanks for faving "Under Commiseration." Appreciate the read and response.

Gessy Alvarez – Jun 15, 2012

Hi, John,

Thanks so much for reading "Hanky Panky." As I get older, my mother has become more transparent and a helluva a lot funnier...

Gessy

Jen Knox – Jun 12, 2012

Thank you so much, John, for your comment on Always a Story. My mother made that one easy, as did circumstance. Every now and then, life just gives us stories. :) Thanks again!

Michael Gillan Maxwell – Jun 12, 2012

Hi John! Thanks for taking the time to read "The Tall Man's Secret" and for your comment. If you ever watched Seinfeld, this guy is literally a real, live Kramer.

Bill Yarrow – Jun 08, 2012

John, thanks for faving "Picking the Bark Off Experience." Great comment!

Meg Pokrass – May 16, 2012

Thank you so much John for your support of "The Tangle"! Your kind words mean a lot. Warmly, Meg

Barry Basden – May 13, 2012

Thanks, John, for liking 'May 1506.' Mercy...

Nicolette Wong – May 05, 2012

thanks for reading my piece, john! much appreciated!

Bill Yarrow – Feb 17, 2012

Thanks for reading "Rattlesnake Pancakes," John. Appreciate your comment and the fave!

Dolemite – Feb 17, 2012

Thanks for your read of "Childhood Factories," John. Weird jobs of the past, eh?

Robert Vaughan – Feb 09, 2012

John, thanks for your ongoing support. Means so much and I appreciate it.

Marcus Speh – Dec 26, 2011

Thank you for leaving a comment on "For Carol", John. I appreciate it.

Bobbi Lurie – Dec 23, 2011

Dear John,
Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem, "Daylight"--it's very much appreciated.

Joani Reese – Dec 12, 2011

Hi John: Thank you one more time for liking a piece of mine. The Lennon tribute was a hard one to write.

Barry Basden – Dec 10, 2011

Thanks for your thoughtful comments about The Lonely Heart Hunts, John. That gun was more disturbing and created more tension than a southerner anticipated.

Jack Swenson – Nov 29, 2011

Chaucer? Wow. I'm in top company! (Maybe, maybe not.) Thanks for the comment and star, John.

Marcus Speh – Nov 25, 2011

thank you, john, i appreciate the comment. the serious writer appreciates the re-reading (or so he says), especially because his days are counted. cheers!

Joani Reese – Nov 24, 2011

Hi John: Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on "For the Lost Boys." It's always nice when you like my work.

Jack Swenson – Nov 22, 2011

Great comment, John. Thanks. Add that "more" to just a few lines is what I shoot for. I guess we all do.

Jack Swenson – Nov 17, 2011

John, I appreciate your read and comment of my Twain story. Thanks!

Kathy Fish – Nov 17, 2011

Hi John! I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my story, "Baby, Baby..." and also for giving it a star! Thank you.

Marcus Speh – Oct 25, 2011

hi john, thanks for commenting on "<a href="http://www.fictionaut.com/stories/marcus-speh/the-sodomized-dictator">The Sodomized Dictator</a>". the abyss indeed, and <a href="http://www.quotationspage.com/quote/39793.html">it's staring back at us</a>.

Bill Yarrow – Oct 24, 2011

Thanks, John. Glad you liked "Satan and the Moon." Appreciate the read and the fave!

Barry Basden – Oct 24, 2011

Thanks for your warm comments about Lingering, John. Made my day.

Joani Reese – Oct 23, 2011

Hi John: I owe you another thank you for commenting on and liking "2008, What I Wanted." Thank you. I appreciate you.

Jack Swenson – Oct 22, 2011

Thanks for the idea, John. I've got a second "Mickey" story. Maybe the third could be a ride for the Dragon Lady!

Andrew Stancek – Oct 19, 2011

I am so pleased you like Mirko as he grows in complexity.

Joani Reese – Oct 10, 2011

Hi John: Glad you found something to like about my nonfiction piece "For Captain Paul." I suspect we may be experiencing a mutual admiration society in miniature. Thanks.

Jack Swenson – Oct 06, 2011

Thanks, John. I appreciate the feedback for "Hot Dish."

Joani Reese – Oct 02, 2011

Enjoyed your piece "Three Stories of You," John. Welcome to Fictionaut! I'm glad you're here. Oh, and yes to Elizabeth Bishop too.

Kari Nguyen – Oct 02, 2011

Welcome to here, and thanks ever so much for your read on Da Capo. Another huge War and Peace fan here, and we agree on many of the others you've listed.

Susan Tepper – Sep 30, 2011

John thanks so much for reading and commenting on my story Underground. And a warm welcome to Fictionaut! Susan

Nicolette Wong – Sep 30, 2011

Hello John!

Meg Pokrass – Sep 30, 2011

thank you John for your comment about "Here on Earth" my poem!

Barry Basden – Sep 29, 2011

Thanks for your kind words about Bodensee, John, and welcome.

Jack Swenson – Sep 29, 2011

Thanks for your encouraging comment about "Twister." I appreciate it.

Robert Vaughan – Sep 24, 2011

Welcome to Fictionaut, John!

Andrew Stancek – Sep 23, 2011

Welcome, John. This has just become a better place to be. :-)

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