My Writing

The Last Waltz - fiction by MIchael Downing
The Last Waltz - fiction by MIchael Downing
Recent Short Stories
Lost Exit - fiction by Michael Downing
Lost Exit - fiction by Michael Downing
Candy's Smile- fiction by Michael Downing
Candy's Smile- fiction by Michael Downing

Lost Exit

published in The Yard: Crime Blog

Coming Soon:

Coming AUGUST 2025

"Sky's The Limit" @ Mythic Picnic

Coming August 2025

"Burn" @ RHP's On Fire and Under Water: A Climate Change Anthology

COMING SEPTEMBER 30TH

UNDER THE THUMB book cover
UNDER THE THUMB book cover

Under The Thumb Anthology

Stories of Police Oppression

Honored, proud, & humbled to have my story "By The Numbers" included in this amazing anthology focused on police violence & abuse. A killer line-up of writers who I admire (and an amazing editorial team at Rock and A Hard Place Press, including guest editor NY Times Best-Selling author S.A. Cosby).

This collection delves into themes of police violence, systemic disparity, and abuse of power, presenting narratives that explore the darker aspects of law enforcement and its impact on individuals and communities. Each of these stories are beautiful, poignant, and heart-breaking - and each has something to say about injustice within the justice system.

abandoned cars
abandoned cars

Rock and a Hard Place, Issue 14: Summer 2025

One way or another, the ocean claims its own.
There are worse things than cancer.
Yeah, Maybe don't rob that bank during hunting season.
Some scammers are born with it.


Would you know all this without Rock and a Hard Place? Maybe, but why take the chance? Issue 14 brings a new batch of noir the way only RHP can: by dropping you in the shark-infested deep end. Hope you brought a life jacket.

Fiction and Essays By:
Jason Allison, Christine Blackwicks, Libby Cudmore,
Michael Downing, Jacqueline Freimor, Michael A. Gonzales, Andrea Goyan, Christina Hoag, Mark Kaijim, Mike McHone, Wil Medearis, Phil Robbins, and AD Schweiss.

Rock and a Hard Place is the literary magazine that knows that despite whatever they may tell you, yes, it can ALWAYS get worse.

You can check out my story "The Way It Works" in RHP's Issue 14, along with other great stories from some truly excellent writers