This week we welcome Justin Taroli, author of “Unblooded Gospel” in The Future Fire #74, for a super brief #microinterview about his story, dreams and writing http://press.futurefire.net/2025/10/micro-interview-with-justin-taroli.html
7mo
This week we welcome Justin Taroli, author of “Unblooded Gospel” in _The Future Fire_ #74, for a super brief chat about his story, dreams and writing.
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Art © 2025 Toeken
**TFF: What does “Unblooded Gospel” mean to you?**
**Justin Taroli** : “Unblooded Gospel” is a story that's been lingering in my brain for over a decade. I think I was waiting for permission to write it. I gave myself that permission earlier this year.
**TFF: Have you ever used your dreams as inspiration for your writing or art?**
**JT** : Yes. My dreams are generally very vivid, so I regularly take inspiration from my dreams.
**TFF: What is the most important thing to remember about writing?**
**JT** : You don't need anyone’s permission to write. Write whatever you want, whenever you want. Rejections mean nothing. Stand on your work.
**TFF: What are you working on next?**
**JT** : I’m currently seeking representation for my book of short stories. I’ll continue writing stories and eventually begin working on a new novel.
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**Extract** :
> There’s a guy at the bar with lips like wet marble and a credit score you can feel in your spine. He orders vodka neat. Who drinks vodka neat? People who don’t need mixers, or feelings, or food. People who glide.
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> “Don’t,” says Marcus, leaning into me. “He’s one of them.”
>
> I laugh loud enough that it startles the couple next to us. “One of what?”
>
> Marcus just says, “They drink. But they don’t piss. Think about it.”
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**Reminder: You can comment on any of the writing or art in this issue athttp://press.futurefire.net/2025/09/new-issue-202574.html.**
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The Future Fire
