Thanksgiving is over.  You’ve survived the marathon cooking, inevitable turkey coma, overeating of pies, and Black Friday shopping.  You’re now ready to face the season head-on with the confidence built from past years’ successes, and you’ve stockpiled tape and wrapping paper. You’ve dusted off your favorite holiday sweaters and have your playlists broken in.  Thanksgiving ...

I sit on my bed, shirtless and sweating and trying to ignore the pain that floods my legs. Grey smoke curls from my cigarette as I inhale its contents. It burns to ash and scorches my throat. The orange glow that pervades with each inward breath pierces the darkest folds of the night. I’m wide ...

I always believed that writing was a solitary effort before it went to the publisher, and then you had a whole team once they gave you a check. (I was 6 when I wrote my first story so I apologize for my ignorance.) I never let anyone read my writing outside of school for quite ...

Santa’s elf, Corlie, secretively known as Callous Corlie by others, finished getting ready for work. She stared into the mirror, then swiped her brown hair behind a pointy ear. After blowing a kiss at her reflection in the mirror, she headed to the kitchen. Aromas of coffee permeated throughout the single-story bungalow. Corlie filled a ...

There was an assortment of watches on both her wrists. Digital, analog, leather straps, gold straps, and some made of pure silver. Each watch told a different time in a different place, and she admired them, treasured them like one would treasure their own life. She lived in a hall of her own making. A ...

For writers, any excuse to engage in the craft is welcomed. Everyone has busy lives and sometimes finding the time to write can be difficult. Jobs, family responsibilities, school activities, and countless other unplanned detours can derail planned writing time. Let’s face it: life happens, and many times unpredictable circumstances arise. So why engage in ...

Aubree peered out the window and stared at the leaves as they danced in the wind. A robust breeze collected several fallen ones from a small pile situated under a tree. They swirled upward into the air with ease. After a short flight, they made their way back toward the ground, swaying from side-to-side as ...