This one falls under the category of "you never know."
Ahmed Kahn, editor of "Ghelenden Revisted" is trying
to raise money for a new writer's group he's helping to establish.
To do this he's selling off part of his book collection. I
thought it would be nice to give him a couple of autographed
copies of "Digital Daydreams" to help. What I didn't
expect was for Ahmed to review the book. Well, it's a pretty
damn good review. I was floored and very complemented.
This story was written for an anthology. Ahmed Kahn (a Canadian
writer and frequent contributor to a number of e-zines) wrote
a collection of short stories called "Ghelenden."
The collection did so well he decided to open up the sequel
to other writers. You just had to base your story on the places,
events, or people of his mythical world. My short story explores
what happens to a Warlord on the run. The anthology is being
published by www.whortleberrypress.com
and is available as an e-book.
This story was inspired by the November elections. Of course,
it has my own unique spin on things. Published by www.anotherealm.com
in their "Flash Fiction" section.
This story was submitted to the October/November '04 Flash
Fiction Contest at www.anotherealm.com.
The theme is: "Making People Better." You know me,
couldn't resist the challenge.
Life Magic, Death Magic
This story appeared in the September issue of Alien
Skin Magazine. Deep in the jungles of South America two
magicians fight a duel to determine which is greater: Life
Magic or Death Magic. I did some research into the language
of the Aztecs. Both of my characters have names that mean
something. Can you guess what?
The
End of the World
This story won second place in the www.anotherealm.com
Flash Fiction Contest. The theme was: "Triumph!"
What was won and who won was left to the writer's imagination.
The piece was met with great enthusiasm.
The Gravedigger's
Remorse
This story appeared in the July issue of Alien
Skin Magazine. In a small town in rural Mexico, the village
priest hears a surprising confession. I actually got fan mail
as a result of this story.
TOP 10 WINNER of the 2004 "Preditor's & Editor's
Reader's Poll." Thanks everybody for voting!
Contraband
This story appears in the July issue of Martian
Wave. The future is sure to bring a number of surprises
-- some may not be what you are expecting. This story won
the Reader's Poll for Best Story in that issue and will be
appearing in Martian Wave's "Best of" anthology
next year.
The Craving
This story appears in the June issue of Kenoma
Magazine. Having the the natural ability to do something
well, but not the desire, seems like a sin. But then there
are those who are cursed by having the desire but not the
ability. See what happens when the two meet.
Mother
Perkins
This story had been searching for a home for years. It finally
found one in the June 2004 Issue of Planet Magazine. Oddly
enough, a couple of the editors who turned it down said that
despite not being able to use it, it still brought a tear
to their eye. I'm glad the story has finally been published.
A
Cold Day In Hell
This fun little tale appeared in the June issue of Alien
Skin Magazine. Even in Hell some things should not be
ignored. So be sure to keep up with that maintenance schedule.
The story has been archived by the magazine but you can still
request a copy from them.
I was interviewed by Alien
Skin Magazine for their June '04 issue. I'd sold a few
stories to them in the last year so they asked if I'd answer
some questions about writing, my style and work habits, and
my projects. Turned out to be 27 questions. But it was fun
to do and I think I answered well. What do you think?
Idols
of Clay
This flash story is my contribution to the premier issue
of www.AstoundingTales.Com.
It's a different perspective on what it means to be a hero.
The Wrecker
This story was published by Nocturnal
Ooze in their May issue. This Victorian-era ghost story
is one of my favorites. Don't you love a good villian?
Black
Magic
This story was submitted to Flash
Me Magazine for their April 30th issue. "Flash Me
Magazine" is devoted entirely to Flash Fiction (1000
words or less). This story is about how much trouble two little
boys can get into. Apparently, it's a lot. The magazine allows
you to vote for your favorite story each issue. So don't forget
to give me a vote.
The Time of Shadows
This story was submitted to www.anotherealm.com
for their Flash Fiction Contest. The theme of this contest
is the fall of a civilization -- any civilization. See if
you can tell what's going on.
Bingo
This story was submitted to www.anotherealm.com
for their Flash Fiction Section. This is a story of the near
future. And though not scary or horror, some have said it's
disturbing on a whole nother level.
Tides
of Change
This story was submitted to www.anotherealm.com
for their Flash Fiction Contest. The theme was "First
Encounters." See if you can guess the ending before it's
revealed.
I
Know What the Stone Men See
This flash fiction story appears in the "Writers &
Artists Showcase" on www.AstoundingTales.Com.
It's based on a single scientific thought. I wrote it more
for fun than anything else. I hope you enjoy.
The
Quality of Mercy
This short story appears in the "Writers & Artists
Showcase" on www.AstoundingTales.Com.
Where does the question of ones' soul fit in when the world
has a clean and efficient means of capital punishment?
The
Things a Man Would Fear
This long poem or rhyming short story appears in the "Writers
& Artists Showcase" on www.AstoundingTales.Com.
It was an attempt to create a folk tale and was originally
published by "2 AM Magazine" in 1989.
Where
Unicorns Rage Upon Fields of Blue
This poem appears in the "Writers & Artists Showcase"
on www.AstoundingTales.Com. Like most of my poems, it's just
a story in disguise. Hope you enjoy.
This story appears in the March issue of www.PlantetMagazine.com.
If you could travel through time, what would you do? Why would
you do it? This is a story that asks those questions. Hopefully,
you'll find it entertaining. Just look for my story in the
issue's index.
Came in 14th out of 79 in the "Preditor's & Editor's
Reader's Poll." Thanks everybody!
The
Haunting of Phys Ed Class 203
This story appeared in the February issue of www.NocturnalOoze.com.
High School often leaves a lasting impression on people. For
some, it can be a little more intense.
"My First Kiss" appears in Chicken
Soup For The Romanic Soul.
Here's the story
of my first experience kissing a girl -- in the First Grade.
If you've never read a "Chicken
Soup" book you're in for a treat. Heartwarming and inspirational,
this collection of short stories is sure to bring a smile
to your face. My story is on page 206, look for it!
We live in a world of statistics. So when people ask me:
"How are you doing?" It's sometimes easier to give
them numbers. I mean, what does "working hard" really
mean anyway? And if I try to describe my efforts in intimate
details their eyes glaze over. After all, they didn't ask
me to write them a novel.
So here they are: the cold, cruel, unforgiving numbers. As
you might guess, I don't like numbers. I don't think they
convey the true effort or emotion behind an activity. But
that's why I'm a writer and not a mathematician (apologies
to my good friend, Margaret). When I look at the stats, I
find them both daunting and inspiring. Which reaction is strongest
depends on what day you catch me.