Aliens have arrived, and they're going to kill most of us - but it's for our own good.(First 2 months of Robbie Taylor's 250 Word Project)Cal Minkowski is just a computer nerd at the Department of Justice until he encounters an alien at his friendly local game shop and invites her to game night at his place. Over the months that she plays with his group, her people negotiate the demise of 95% of the human population on Earth - so that they can bring the rest of humanity onto their level of evolution.Soon, Cal will take that next step in evolution, and ascend to a god-like state. But for now, he must struggle with being left behind, LB'd - an Elbie.ELBIES is the inaugural 250 Word Project, an attempt to create a novel in public, 250 words a day - and 250 words ONLY. Every two months, the story so far will be collected and sold for a buck - until the completion and release of the novel on August 14th of each year, when the collections will be taken offline and the full novel will be available for $3.99. Part 1 of each novel will be free for download so that readers can see how the story begins. Views: 710
Three humanoids living aboard a lunar mining station engage in an explosive investigation of lies, deceit, and treachery that could cost the lives of billions.A Sci Fi Short Story: Approx 8000 words.Amadeus of Alpha Centauri governs Artemis Mining Station. He is charged with overseeing the traumatized populations of Earth and Mars who are sentenced to slave in the mines. He does so with a devilish charm and an iron fist.Trinity of Earth is a member of an insurgency, who are launching a desperate, explosive ploy to evict their sworn enemies out of the Core forever.Jonas of Proxima heads an investigation when a bomb is detonated on the station. If he follows the evidence to its logical conclusion, he will lead all three of them to a tragic endgame.Yet, if the truth is exposed, the waiting will be over, and billions of lives will be lost. Views: 710
Gee Whiz is a striking horse, and only part of that is because of his size. He is tall, but also graceful, yet his strides big but precise. At the same time, he keeps his eye on things, not as if he's suspicious, but as if he's curious.
When Abby is confronted with an onslaught of reminders of just how little of the world she has seen, she finds herself connecting with Gee Whiz's calm and curious nature, and his desire to know more. Her brother receives a draft notice to Vietnam, her friends return for the holidays with stories from their boarding school in Southern California, and the wise, lovable Brother Abner opens her eyes with tales of his many years spent traveling. At the same time, her beloved Jack and True Blue are both faced with opportunites to broaden their horizons away from the ranch.
Will she let them go, with hopes that she might one day do the same? Views: 710
A loller is a shirker, a slacker, a goof-off, an idler, a goldbrick, a dirtball, a ne’er-do-well—all of which define Claude Amognes’s behavior quite nicely. So he’s a good-time Charlie who smokes and drinks too much and does as little work as necessary; but while all these things are true, he’s also a delightful Falstaffian character. He's what makes reading this book such rollickingloll v. lolled, lolling, lolls—intr. 1. To move, stand, or recline in an indolent or relaxed manner. 2. To hang or droop laxly. loller n. That’s the dictionary definition. A loller is a shirker, a slacker, a goof-off, an idler, a goldbrick, a dirtball, a ne’er-do-well—all of which define Claude Amognes’s behavior quite nicely. He’s lazy and selfish; he gets into trouble taking short-cuts at work at the power company while depending on the union to bail him out; having got his job only because his father was the union president, he is never in danger of working himself to death—in fact, taking advantage of the sick-leave policy his father negotiated years ago, he has no difficulty in using the slightest indisposition to generate a week or two of sick leave where he can recover by fishing and boozing. So he’s a good-time Charlie who smokes and drinks too much and does as little work as necessary; but while all these things are true, he’s also a delightful character and fully human. He loves his daughter Jamie and in his own way also loves his long-suffering wife Joan. He alone makes reading this novel wonderful, rollicking fun. Years ago when he began his career with the electric company as a meter-reader, he’d been attacked by fleas in a basement and had to flee for his life, swatting and scratching up a storm. That incident had earned him the nickname “Bugsy” with his union brothers. Later after a scheme to get full disability and a comfortable annuity fell through when Mr. Schulke, his boss, had video proof he was faking his headaches, this traumatic attack of fleas comes in handy. Delightful in a Falstaffian way as Claude is, he is surrounded by dozens of other fully realized characters who add breadth and depth to this wonderful novel. At one point we even get the point of view of a trout! In short, The Jig of the Union Loller is a page-turner. It offers quite a picture of work in America along with much wit and wisdom about human behavior and the human condition. Views: 709
Baalboden has been ravaged. The brutal Commander's whereabouts are unknown. And Rachel, grief stricken over her father's death, needs Logan more than ever. With their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it's up to Logan to become the leader they need—with Rachel by his side. Under constant threat from rival Carrington's army, who is after the device that controls the Cursed One, the group decides to abandon the ruins of their home and take their chances in the Wasteland.
But soon their problems intensify tenfold: someone—possibly inside their ranks—is sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one. The chaos and uncertainty of each day puts unbearable strain on Rachel and Logan, and it isn't long before they feel their love splintering. Even worse, as it becomes clear that the Commander will stop at nothing to destroy them, the band of survivors begins to question whether the price of freedom may be too great—and whether, hunted by their enemies and the murderous traitor in their midst, they can make it out of the Wasteland alive.
In this daring sequel to Defiance, with the world they once loved forever destroyed, Rachel and Logan must decide between a life on the run and standing their ground to fight. Views: 709
Mila's parents run a Bed and-Breakfast on one of the most isolated stretches of beach in Mexico. Mila has just migrated from the States, and she is bored and lonely. Then one day, she comes across a young man who's been washed up on the shore. He can't remember anything about who he was or even what his name is. Her parents take him in, but the mystery deepens. Who is he…really?From the Publisher that brought you popular short story series Witching Call, Hostile Hearts, Earthbound Angels, The January Morrison Files Psychic Series, Ralph's Gift, Song of Teeth, Children of Time, Chains of Darkness, Season of Love, Friend Zone, The Magaram Legends, The Night Sculptor Series, Requiem for a Dream, and now, Blood Waters...HE COMES FROM THE SEA, BUT IT ROBS HIM OF HIS MEMORYA YOUNG MAN WITHOUT A PAST, AND A YOUNG WOMAN WITH AN UNCERTAIN FUTUREMila's parents run a Bed and Breakfast on one of the most isolated stretches of beach in Mexico. As someone who has migrated from the States into that sleepy corner of the world, Mila is bored and lonely, and feels like Cinderella, getting up early every morning for the thankless task of doing chores around the dilapidated house all day.Then, one day, she comes across a young man who's been washed up on the shore. He can't remember anything about who he was or even what his name is. Her parents take him in, and he begins to fill in what's been missing in her life.But just when she thinks he might actually like her, he turns away—what is he hiding?If you wish to read more, download now! BONUS PREVIEW IF YOU BUY THIS BOOK!EXCERPTMila averted her eyes, which was hard to do because his eyes were a startling shade of green—the color of a deep pool. And like a deep pool, their color seemed to change slightly depending on the light. There was a certain sadness about his eyes that made him seem very old, even though his body—from what she could see of it through the patches of sand that coated him—was clearly a young man’s. His skin was tanned to a dark brown, while his black hair had matted into dreadlocks.In her literature course at Quintana Roo, there had been a Discussion board full of what one could discern from appearances: how accurate they were, how informed the impressions were by pre-existing stereotypes. What would they say about him, she wondered, besides the fact that he’s indigenous?“Are you okay?” Mila asked.He cocked his head, but didn’t answer. She tried again in Spanish, and finally in (bad) Yucatec. At least he recognized the words, unlike the other locals who pretended not to understand her, and he smiled and nodded gratefully.“My name is Mila,” she said. “What’s your name?”“I am….” And then he turned so pale she was afraid he was going to die, after all. “I don’t remember.”Mila let out a breath she didn’t realize that she’d been holding. “Well, then, what do you remember?” she asked.He frowned with the effort, but his eyes began to well up with tears of fright. He reached for her hand and she took it, worried at how violently it was shaking.“Nothing,” he said, finally. “I remember nothing.”“Nothing?” Mila said. “How did you get hurt—”“I remember nothing,” he said quietly. But underneath the calm she could hear the edge of desperation, sharp and cold, as it threatened to cut through his demeanor and turn him into a quivering wreck.Next in the Series:2. The Tribute to the Sacred Waters3. The God of the Sky Serpents4. Master of the WildDownload and discover why readers are raving about Eve Hathaway.Scroll up and get the book now! Views: 709
A collection of the first twenty updates from the serial fantasy fiction "Enzi's Irregulars" as part of a weekly writing challenge. This tale follows the adventures of five unusual mercenaries and their struggles to survive and thrive in a world full of people who would be more than happy to see them dead.A collection of the first twenty updates from the serial fantasy fiction "Enzi's Irregulars" as part of a weekly writing challenge. This tale follows the adventures of five unusual mercenaries and their struggles to survive and thrive in a world full of people who would be more than happy to see them dead.Raw and unedited, this series was updated weekly for 80 continuous unbroken weeks. No edits or tweaks were allowed, the author had to complete a narrative taking any potential past writing mistakes into consideration, trying to avoid writing himself into a corner. This series gives a taste of the author's voice and the fantasy world of Doulairen. Views: 709
THE JESUS TWIN is a comic fiction short story about the nature of faith. Written by Wright Forbucks, the author of THE WALKING MAN, THE JESUS TWIN tells the story of two professors as they struggle to interpret three ancient scrolls that appear to be the Gospel According to Jessup, the younger brother of Jesus Christ.This story takes place after the second Guardians novel "Blood in the Water" and is about the Water Guardian's mother and her unexpected journey into Faerie. Views: 709
Obama Care insurance companies appointed death squads who sentenced millions of Americans to an early grave by refusing to give them medical treatment. Their friends and relatives avenged them. They formed open rebellion against the government and its crony insurance companies. Soon, people were being murdered by the hundreds in their office buildings, malls, stadiums, and universities. Others werObama Care insurance companies appointed death squads who sentenced millions of Americans to an early grave by refusing to give them medical treatment. Their friends and relatives avenged them. They formed open rebellion against the government and its crony insurance companies. Soon, people were being murdered by the hundreds in their office buildings, malls, stadiums, and universities. Others were going to work and finding a new policy that reduced their employment to less than 29 hours per week which allowed their employers to cancel all worker health insurance policies in accordance with Obama Care rules. Unable to pay their mortgages, their banks tossed them into the streets to fend for themselves. The bloody homeland wars had begun. Views: 709
Franny's supposed to be working this summer, not flirting. But you can't blame her when guys like Alex and Harry are around. . . .
Franny Pearson never dreamed she'd be attending the prestigious Mansfield Summer Theater Program. And she's not, exactly. She's working for her aunt, the resident costume designer. But sewing her fingers to the bone does give her an opportunity to spend time with her crush, Alex Braverman. If only he were as taken with the girl hemming his trousers as he is with his new leading lady.
When Harry Cartwright, a notorious flirt, shows more than a friendly interest in Franny, she figures it can't hurt to have a little fun. But as their breezy romance grows more complicated, can Franny keep pretending that Harry is just a carefree fling? And why is Alex suddenly giving her those deep, meaningful looks? In this charming tale of mixed messages and romantic near-misses, one thing is clear: Flirting might be more trouble than Franny ever expected. Views: 709
Free short story in Nalini Singh's November Newsletter.
Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t yet read KISS OF SNOW, you might want to save this short story to read later.
This is part of the series of shorts focusing on the everyday lives of the characters, away from politics and danger. Set soon after Naya’s birth, this short story features...
For those of you new to the Psy-Changeling world, this short story is set in the changeling leopard pack DarkRiver (changelings are able to shapeshift into their animal form at will). Sascha is the mate of the DarkRiver alpha, Lucas, and a Psy member of the pack. The Psy race is gifted with incredible mental abilities from telepathy to telekinesis. Views: 709
This short pictorial offers an inside look at the ‘OutWorld’ and the craft that get us there – the place where science fiction meets science fact – somewhere beyond the edge of reason. Katamma Reach. Lagos High. Tranquility Badlands.Honoring the Bard!A Murderer No need then to take a life,Silence its voice Strew its brains across the gutter Shred its fibers into pulp When bold Macbeth Has done it for me: I’ve heard his heart knocking at his ribs, Staggered with him from the king’s bedchamber Bedabbed in gore, Hunched in the dark with not two but three henchmen In Banquo’s path, And waded so far into Fife’s red pool It was easier to go o’er than turn back. We two, famous murderers, Have had our fill. November 1991 Views: 708
A story of broken hearts, and lives that intertwine, Today and Everyday is a must-read for every hopeless romantic out there.In Parineeta I tried to depict the agony of a young girl who had to marry a man double of her age. Her problem was manifested as she could not tell the person whom he loves, till her death. Her sacrifice for her sons were also not appreciated, rather ridiculed and condemned by her own sons. She had to surrender her body to her husband against her will and then she had to submit her body to a heartless animal for money and physical needs. My ‘Parineeta’ is not based on any real characters living or dead. Association of my name to Parineeta is just to make the story more realistic. I am no way fit into the character as such. Therefore, if any reader finds some similarity in character of Parineeta, it is pure coincidence only.The life of Parineeta is full of un-contended life of a young girl who grew up to face all nonsense of life and one day she died without any ripple in the minds of those for whom she lived with agony of selling her body and soul whom she never loved. Views: 708
A simple account of the journey of a group of people who shared a common vision towards building the iconic ThinkPad.Mutual global wellbeing clashes up against conservative international business-as-usual climate change policies. In a speculated near future, a consortium of High Impact Climate Change Countries opts to leverage geoengineering, the artificial cooling designed after natural volcanic eruptions, when negotiating climate change agreement with the rich countries of the OECD. As drones threaten anyone on the ground with Hellfire missiles, and as the political agenda heats up, the HICCC consortium selects Vince the story telling engineer and Tami the British Bangladeshi paleoclimatologist to inform Canada of their selection as a go between messenger. Views: 708
What if your fiancé turns out to be a werewolf, and worse, his creature-of-the-night girlfriend is trying to kill you?What if your fiancé turns out to be a werewolf, and worse, his creature-of-the-night girlfriend is trying to kill you? Lucy Hart, eighteen-year-old queen bee and captain of the cheer squad, faces just that. She loses everything—money, social status, and even her home—when her father is arrested for tax evasion and immigrant slave trafficking. Reduced to flipping burgers, she plots to get her old life back by blackmailing her father’s slimeball lawyer and scheming her way into a gig pretending to be a rich young man’s “fiancée.” The pay: enough money to let her write her own future. The bad news: the guy is a condescending pain in the butt. In no time at all Lucy finds herself fighting for her life as her faux fiancé’s vampire girlfriend tries to slaughter her, and on top of that, getting royally grossed out by her own spanking new paranormal ability: necromancy. Yet somehow, while she gets back her life and kicks vampire butt, she also manages to fall in love/lust with her fake fiancé. Newly edited. Previously published as Last Rites Views: 708
