Phillis Ideal

About Me

I am a paintier exhibiting in the USA and in Europe and a retired college professor (UC Berkeley, San Francisco State, Sarah Lawrence). In writing, I find that it has such similarities with painting in feeling the spark, the construction of the pieces and the struggle in releasing that energy in the work. And it is pure pleasure and connecting with others is the cherry on top.

Stories by Phillis Ideal

(These stories can be read at www.pureslush.web.com/ in Real Time and in Pure Slush print anthologies, ( Slut, vol 1 and Nostausgang, vol 2 )

Travelers
The Recovery Room
Crossed
David and Big Bird
Interruption
The Glass Bowl

Why do you write?

I love a good story that explores the layers of human complexity. I write short stories that are based on real events retold to find the fabric of surprise and insight in daily life. All of the stories have taken place in NYC. The short answer is that it is so engaging and enjoyable.

Any favorite authors? Books?

Too many but will list a few: Raymond Carver, F Fitzgerald, Annie Proulx, J.M. Coetzee, Edgar Allen Poe, Paul Auster, Lydia Davis, Paul Bowles, Alice Munro, Grace Paley, J D Salinger, Edith Wharton, Henry James, Haruki Murakami, Colm Toibin,