Knitting through it: Inspiring stories for times of trouble

by Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, Lela Nargi, Unknown Author

Navigating nicotine withdrawal, knitting emerged as an unexpected lifeline. When cravings surged, I'd rush to my knitting, frantically stitching five rows a minute, heart pounding, hands damp. Between nicotine gum, I'd knit in a trance, counting stitches aloud. Crisis over, I'd find myself spent, body tense, hands shaking, mouth bloody from biting my tongue. Yet, knitting through it all, I discovered an unyielding rhythm that helped me conquer my smoking demons.

Unknown Binding

About the author

I host "Writers on Writing," podcast wherever you get your podcast and on www.penonfire.com. My first book, Pen on Fire (originally published by Harcourt; reprinted by Mars Street Press). Short stories USA noir: Best of the Akashic Noir Series, Coolest American Stories, 2023, Rock and a Hard Place, Literary Hatchet, and more. My most recent book is Palm Springs Noir (Akashic), which I edited and contributed a story to. I teach at Gotham Writers Workshop, Saddleback College's Emeritus Institute, and privately. My short story, "Rowboat," (Kelp Journal, Dec. 2023) was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. My book of short stories, POOL FISHING, was released by Kelp Books on Sept 15, 2025