[UntreedReads]

Some mothers (and mothers-in-law) are a lot harder to deal with than others. Many people have had fantasies about seeing their maternal figure get knocked off. One good nagging about getting a great job, getting married or having grandchildren can really push someone over the edge. And, sometimes, the motives can be even darker.

And what about those dads? All those "when I was your age" stories can really get on your last nerve. Maybe Dad was never there, or maybe his being there was the real problem. Dad never took you fishing? Dad was mixed up in the Mob? Hey, there's no such thing as a perfect parent.

And, of course, step-parents seem to have a category all their own.

Untreed Reads is looking for Mother's Day and Father's Day related crime/thriller/suspense/mystery short stories for the upcoming holidays. We prefer submissions to be between 1500 and 5000 words, but longer works up to 8000 words will be considered. Please send all submissions to jhartman@untreedreads.com and be sure that "Mother's Day" or "Father's Day" appears in your subject line. All submissions should be sent as DOC attachments. Reprints are welcome as long as the electronic rights have reverted back to the author.

This is an open call and may be reposted anywhere and everywhere. Closing date for Mother's Day submissions is April 8th. Father's Day submissions close May 1st.