First Things First gathers eighteen of the best of Diane Schoemperlen's earliest and uncollected stories, with several being published in book form for the first time. Playfully inventive, comic, moving, and profound, this collection will reinforce Schoemperlen's importance as one of the leading short story writers of her generation.

The diary of Glory Maxwell -- Body no. 15 -- The climb -- Bright wire -- Waiting -- To whom it may concern -- An evening in two voices -- Prophecies -- The gate -- Notes for a travelogue -- Crimes of passion -- Histories -- First things first -- The long way home -- What we want -- Life sentences -- True or false -- She wants to tell me -- His people -- None of the above -- How Myrna survives -- Trick questions -- Love in the time of clichés -- As far as it goes.