The Goatmen of Aguirra was a story I thought would never get published. Written in the early-mid 1990s, some editors loved it but wouldn’t publish it – too long for most magazines. Not to mention coming from an unknown author- and other editors outright rejected it.
What really cracks me up about the story is it’s received more praise and readings than many of my other pieces, and has been repeatedly serialized or published online and off since I began sending it out again in 2016.
Here’s some reader comments:
Well dond
I’ll have to read this one again for study. Imaginative and intoxicating. Amazing and immersive world building. I highly recommendoneis quick and haunting read.
Take a trip to a fresh, new world!
What a fun read! The writer transported me to a world far away where I shadowed an interesting and brave space traveler who became one with his experience. Read it in only a few days whenever I found the chance. Very enjoyable despite the technical jargon, which made the tale more believable. Get a copy!
Journey to a distant planet… find home.
One of my favorite short stories in Tales Told Round Celestial Campfires. Joseph has created a compelling world with relatable characters. He has a gift for organically capturing the spiritual in tales that that will have you laughing, crying, pondering…The Goatmen of Aguirra is a prime example of this. Highly recommended!
Enjoy!