Jim Ruland

Jim Ruland is an old punk who lives by the sea. He is the author of the novels Make It Stop and Forest of Fortune and the short story collection Big Lonesome. He is also the LA Times bestselling author of Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise & Fall of SST Records, which was named a best book of 2022 by Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. Ruland is the co-author of Do What You Want with Bad Religion and My Damage with Keith Morris. Jim is a frequent contributor to Razorcake fanzine and the LA Times. He is a veteran of the US Navy and lives in San Diego.

THE GROTTO by Jim Ruland

I Seamus receives a key “You’re in luck,” the innkeeper said. “The Grotto is available.” The innkeeper was a large man who wore suspenders, wire-rimmed glasses, and a fisherman’s cap. He looked like a builder of model ships. Seamus smiled and waited for the innkeeper to continue. “The Grotto is our most popular room. Usually booked months in advance. We had a cancellation, so it’s yours—if you want it.”  “I’ll take it,” Seamus said.  “What brings you to the Seaside Inn?” the man asked as Seamus filled out the registration papers.  “I was in the city for a conference and…

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