January 15, 2026 – Issue 3

With the start of a new year comes a new issue of The Hoolet’s Nook, and we’re glad you’re here.

THN has always gravitated toward understated, thoughtful work that values resonance over noise, and the pieces in this issue continue to carry that quiet strength.

We invite you to pause and let the words settle, perhaps with a warm cup in hand, and to all the contributors who have helped shape THN, we are deeply grateful—your trust and support mean the world to us.

Namaste,
G.R. LeBlanc
Managing Editor

Thinking of submitting? Our next reading round opens February 1st. Guidelines are available here. ​

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STORIES UP TO 100 WORDS

SELKIE, by Sarah Rodgers​
TROPICAL MOMENTS, by Liz deBeer
MAYBE THIS YEAR, by Jim Harrington
SLIPPERY MEMORIES, by Liz deBeer
SOMETHING IN THE WATER, by Suzanne Hicks
ODD, by Clodagh O Connor
UNDERSTANDING, by Michael Roberts
KEEPING SECRETS, by Clodagh O Connor

STORIES 101 - 300 WORDS

IF I HADN'T MET YOU, by Anne Howkins
A RED HOOD, by Jenny Morelli
THE INSISTENT THROBBING, Dustin P Brown
THE LIE WE BELIEVED, by M.D. Smith
GO-GO BOYS VERY SMALL WORLD, by Marc Littman
WORKINGS, by Fatima Akanbi
​WASHED AWAY, by Allison Renner

BROKEN CHINA, by Claire Kroening
CANTICLE, Leonard St-Aubin
THE SHED, by Suzie Pearson
WINTER WOE, by Jaime Dunkle
AFTER YOU LEFT, by Shama
GRIEF, by Barbara Brooks
ON MOOSEHEAD LAKE, by John Grey
PIRATE HEART, by Bart Edelman
ONE BREATH POETRY, haiku by Jahnavi Gogoi,
​Gareth Nurden, and Kaushal Suvarna

---

The Hoolet’s Nook is free to enjoy, with no submission fees. If our stories and poems bring a little brightness to your day, you’re welcome to support THN through our Tip Jar. Your support helps keep this nook going—and occasionally makes room for a much-needed latte break. 💗🙏🏼🦉