Monthly Archives: August 2023

It was an amazing sight. There, standing at the top of the world, was Brad Pitt- perhaps the greatest American actor since Clark Gable. He proudly waved the American flag for the world to see. His camera crew and sherpas … Continue reading →

“Wakey, wakey, Mr. Estrada! It’s time for us to have a little conversation.” “There you are, back from the brink of oblivion. Boy, that Naloxone is really powerful stuff, don’t you agree?” “Oh, sorry. I guess it’s rather difficult to … Continue reading →

The railroad cars at the Bennix Yard at 36th Street in the intermodal facility on track 1 were cut by the mid-night yard crew. Suddenly six gasoline cars take off from the ones standing on the lead like a bat … Continue reading →

So, what is it that makes life worth living, anyway?  Is there a universal, one-size-fits-all answer, or is the answer situational, dependent upon the circumstances in which we each find ourselves? Either way, what might that answer be?  Is it … Continue reading →

Author’s Note: What happened to Elphaba after she left Oz? This different take on the story is based on the characters in the musical Wicked. Elphaba walked on the dusty road for miles with only tumbleweeds crossing her path. The … Continue reading →

“Welcome to the Fairyland 6 o’clock news. I’m Peter Pumpkin Eater, and here is what’s breaking as we speak. A tragic series of events occurred this afternoon involving Mr. Mouse and a clock. For more, let’s go to Henny Penny, … Continue reading →

He appeared pretty calm considering he knew I was a serial killer. Mr. Jamison was wearing a cranberry colored sporty cashmere turtle-neck sweater. I poured cognac for him. He probably smoked a pipe but he neglected to bring it along- … Continue reading →

This week’s prompt—the main character in a novel you are writing takes issue with you wanting to kill them off—coincided perfectly with a chapter I had just written in my latest crime novel (working title: The Cannabis Conundrum). I’ve included … Continue reading →

The judge stepped into the courtroom and hammered his gavel with unusual force. This was a difficult case but he had little choice. “Will Ronald Duck please rise”. Ronald did so but it was difficult to see him rise due … Continue reading →

I take a few deep breaths and exhale slowly. Maybe I should make tea.  On those British mysteries- tea is needed to face any tragedy. If your wife was the victim of a serial killer- “have some tea, love”.  The … Continue reading →

The dark sky loomed, relentlessly following every step, blocking every turn. I never thought I could feel so powerless.  How could the world twist so out of control that it would target my child? I’ve always trailed my own unconventional … Continue reading →

I’ve been awake now for 48 hours and I know I won’t be able to stay this way for much longer. Who wants to die at 31—I know I don’t, but I’ll have to sleep sometime. Maybe the end will … Continue reading →

Over the intercom at the St. Petersburg airport, the voice says, “all flights will be cancelled today, and nobody should leave.” Passengers at the airport are frozen in disbelief and just stand in place staring at each other. The voice … Continue reading →

“Okay, Zeke, what’s the catch?” “Catch? What makes you think there’s a catch?” “Because we know you, and there is always a catch when you offer to do a favor or give something away.” Zeke clutched his chest in mock … Continue reading →

The Sanibel pier is a t-shaped structure that juts out from the eastern-most point of Sanibel into San Carlos Bay. One walks onto the pier through a covered entranceway with benches on each side, away from the tangle of rods, … Continue reading →

The crowd of journalists and the curious are buzzing in excited anticipation of the news conference. Wolf is on the scene near the podium. He turns to the camera and comes into living rooms across America and around the World. … Continue reading →

You may be familiar with my story. I was a poor orphan forced into servitude, and then, with a twist of fate, fell in love with a prince to live happily ever after. That was the real story. The authors … Continue reading →

The night is still with the mountain range luminating as the fire rages on about 2 miles north of the double railroad tracks. The fire spreads north as well as east and west. In the distance from the east a … Continue reading →

I never played Lotto before, but in my advancing age, I have found it compelling. Sure, it’s a sucker’s game- “the house always wins”. But what else do I have to look forward to? After all, it’s past the fourth … Continue reading →