A sister struggling with PTSD requests something from her brother. She turns off the flashlight and fidgets with it like she’s saving it for other places. “The bear called the power company.” She turns for the fridge and downs a pitcher of purple liquid. “Those thunder cracks were so loud,” she says after gasping. “AndContinue reading ““Confluence” – Substack”
Tag Archives: fiction
“Names of Horses” – Substack
On her birthday, a girl meets a horse for the first time. Her father nudges the drawing toward him, his face falling briefly sad, before smiling at her. He loosens his tie and sits next to her. “You should go. The horses want to see you. They’ve been waiting all day for you. I justContinue reading ““Names of Horses” – Substack”
“Skeleton Key” – Substack
A super receives an evening call from an elderly resident in need. “Anything else I can help you with?” I asked Mrs. Hix another time through her door.” “The annual spikes in rent. They smother us like clockwork.” “I know. I’m sorry, but that’s out of my hands.” “Then I’ll give you more. I needContinue reading ““Skeleton Key” – Substack”
Video Thank You for Patreon Members – October
A thank-you video to Patreon supporters for the publication of my third novel October. Not yet a Patreon member? Well…stop on by. // October Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop IndieBound
October Now Available
October, my third novel, is now available—and on the first day of fall. Consider picking up a copy of it and my previous books. Please help spread the word. Thank you. Faced with increasing loneliness and mortality, Patty Pemberton is torn between a past she honors, a present she assumes is stable, and a futureContinue reading “October Now Available”
October – Available 21 September 2021
Faced with increasing loneliness and mortality, Patty Pemberton is torn between a past she honors, a present she assumes is stable, and a future she doesn’t know how to plan for. After a new friend disappears from her life, and as autumn deepens and the year’s end closes in, she journeys into her community andContinue reading “October – Available 21 September 2021”
October – Cover and Chapter One Excerpt for Patreon
Now available for Patreon members: a preview of my forthcoming third novel’s cover and chapter one excerpt. Not every photo tells the same story, but the place in Saul’s looks less like a place and more a story everyone knows. Similar places in other parts of the world hold a similar message in fields likeContinue reading “October – Cover and Chapter One Excerpt for Patreon”
“All Clear” – a Bigfoot Yarn
The radio’s song scratches back into the truck’s speakers. Gerry adjusts his ballcap and shifts into gear. The twin mufflers reverberate underneath the license plate printed with CHEROKEE NATION and the dinged fender stickered with 9/11 NEVER FORGET and International Association of Fire Fighters. The country singer sings how killing time is killing him untilContinue reading ““All Clear” – a Bigfoot Yarn”
“Bloodsuckers” on Patreon for Father’s Day
“Come on. Let’s check the Four-Zero.” “Bloodsuckers,” William Auten As soon as the rusted lock clicks off and the barn doors open, more hot moisture billows around them. Matt pushes back his ballcap. Winches, tools, sawdust soaking oil spots, and fiberglass clippings litter the broken-up concrete floor. Water plops from the ceiling and slides offContinue reading ““Bloodsuckers” on Patreon for Father’s Day”
Video Thank You for Patreon Members – A Fine Day Will Burn Through
A thank-you video to Patreon supporters for the recent publication of my short-story collection A Fine Day Will Burn Through. Not yet a Patreon member? Well…come on by, and I’ll treat you right. Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop IndieBound