Santa Claus Is Coming to Town!
…in 359 days’ time I am one of those people who love Christmas songs and by that I mean listening to them a few weeks
TzeLin Sam January 1, 2022 2 Comments
Humor
Get ready for a laugh with a light-hearted humor read.
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action
Train of Thought
“Wake up, dude.” “Huh? Where are we? What’s going on?” “Jesus, Cam, you’re a hard sleeper. Or maybe you had too many of those magic
Donald J. Bingle August 17, 2022 1 Comment
Superhero
Confidant
“Rob, just listen to me for a sec. I’m not talking about anything that’s actually immoral. Nobody gets hurt.” Weldon Brown pushed the hair back
Tim McDaniel March 21, 2022 No Comments
alien
Screwed by Frankie Frog
“Who’s your favorite?” The woman looked up from her book, tossing her dark hair out of her eyes. “Excuse me?” Alan hadn’t meant to speak.
Tim McDaniel January 29, 2022 1 Comment
Romantic Comedy
There’s a Story Behind the Story I Wrote
Story Of My HeArt Pure Fiction Challenge Photo by KoolShooters from Pexels I have not written much fiction outside of my book The Queen’s Awakening:
Crystal Walker February 16, 2022 No Comments
Romantic Comedy
Matchmakers | Chapter 6 | What the Puck?
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels Sitting at her mahogany desk, Maisie flips through her mail, trying to stay distracted from last night’s date with
Crystal Walker February 23, 2022 No Comments
Barbarian
Dungeons and Dental Plans
“I’m sorry, sir. You can include only one sword, mace, or war hammer in your carry-on baggage. The rest will have to be checked.” It
Tim McDaniel February 18, 2022 4 Comments
Children
Footnote
A light-hearted, playful poem and a reminder of one of the joys of having young children around! This is the tale ofWhere you have been;It’s
This Life's Illusions May 4, 2022 12 Comments
babysit
Yes – And Also I Really Did Need to Buy Cadmium – Cadmium, I Tell You!
“Ah! You are here, you have arrived! Good! Come in – out of the rain – No! You must step over the welcome mat –
Tim McDaniel March 25, 2022 No Comments
celebrity
Smoke
Got a light? Oh no, I don’t even smoke, it’s just for the screen you know, feeling like Mickey Rourke here. I remember watching Nine
Andrey Lukyanov April 26, 2022 No Comments
Capitalism
Meet the New Boss
“And then over at Hower and Drake, I learned how to play bocce – that’s this game with balls, kind of like bowling – and
Tim McDaniel December 20, 2021 No Comments
alien
The Wrath of Grapes, or, The Sweet Smell of Success
It all happened because of the grapes. It wasn’t often that any fresh fruit at all was sent to the Issap Station. Oh, the diplomats
Tim McDaniel March 26, 2022 No Comments
Iceland
I Was Almost T-Boned by a Fighter Jet – My Wildest Travel Story
All I wanted to do was bring my husband some damn spaghetti. Photo by PiPhoto by Pixabay from Pexelsxabay from Pexels Early in my marriage,
Crystal Walker July 10, 2022 No Comments
cats
Silent Guest
He twiddled the thread at the end of his blazer sleeve. The deep silence was pierced by the reliable click of the Thomas the Tank
Alex Mathers July 3, 2022 2 Comments
D & D
To the Winners
Thud the Timorous, of the Kneecapper clan, sat in a corner of the dusty chamber, his hands over his eyes, saying his prayers to Stonemaster.
Tim McDaniel December 29, 2021 4 Comments
humour
Grow Up!
“Grow up, can’t you?” Sammie asked her brother for the tenth time that morning. “I enjoy playing, what’s wrong with that?” Phet answered. Songkran, the
Colin Devonshire April 1, 2022 No Comments
authors
Meet Moi
I’ve borrowed some money from people with no intention of paying it back. Fuck ’em, the whole thing would resolve by itself eventually or at
Andrey Lukyanov April 26, 2022 No Comments
Absurd
Semyon Semyonovich
A Tribute to Gogol Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash Semyon son of Semyon stumbled to the end of the street yelling – —
Matthew Portman April 10, 2021 No Comments
#Halloween
The Goblin Frat House Challenge
What happens when a goblin fails his fraternity initiation? Photo by Brian McGowan on Unsplash “Alright, boys! Tonight is a big night. Our newest sacks
Crystal Walker January 30, 2022 2 Comments
alien
Welcome to SFCO
Welcome, new employee, to the Superior Firms family of companies! We are gratified that you have joined us. However, as we are sure you (singular,
Tim McDaniel February 22, 2022 No Comments
Agatha Christie
A Death in Tadcaster
Mr. Swettenham paused at the low gate to admire the roses. So many varieties, so artfully planted, so lovingly cared for. But the garden was
Tim McDaniel February 6, 2022 4 Comments
Romantic Comedy
Matchmakers | Chapter 9 | A Date with a Demigod
Photo by Steve Barker on Unsplash Heading into Java n’ Jokes, Maisie rubs her zombied eyes. After the ending of the last night’s episode, she
Crystal Walker March 17, 2022 No Comments
choice
Knowing me
I know I am in love with him Of course, it is unmutual As an old schooler, when it comes to love affair I will
Victoria Mineva April 11, 2022 No Comments
parenting
Another Gray Hair
Damn it, that banana peel is still sitting there, after I reminded him twice already. One of the biggest relenting challenges of being a parent
Michael Robert February 7, 2022 No Comments
archaeology
Squeaky Toy, the Teddy Bear Prince, July 24, and the Lure of Slag
Lady Ashleigh closed her eyes to the sunshine and strummed her lute. Her father, the duke, would not have liked the idea of his only
Tim McDaniel April 7, 2022 No Comments
alien
This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things
The ceiling opened and the Priest Judge Arbitrator descended into the Control Center. Tloygruu bobbed his head up and down the correct number of times,
Tim McDaniel April 9, 2022 No Comments
cat
I Do Have Half of an Octopus, I Believe It Is
“Bella! Bella!” The horrible screech caused Dr. Crawley to fumble the test tube, and a single drop flew out and hit the surface of the
Tim McDaniel March 4, 2022 No Comments
alien
Lancelot Nova and the Hidden Peril
“And now, Lancelot Nova, you will meet your doom!” crowed Drig the Dread. His tiny, piggy eyes, all three of them, glowered redly, and his
Tim McDaniel February 9, 2022 No Comments
My Anti-Bucket List
1. Ice skating – I have actually been to an ice rink but I can’t say that what I did there was “ice-skating”. From what
TzeLin Sam October 16, 2022 6 Comments
Matchmakers | Chapter 11 | Business and Pleasure
Photo by imustbedead from Pexels On the way to the Smash Room, Maisie walks with her head down, recounting last night’s strange events. What the
Crystal Walker April 6, 2022 No Comments
Astronaut
Larry the Astronaut - Flash Fiction
Seriously, how the hell do you lose someone like Larry? The boy didn’t know the meaning of quiet. The last time she saw him, he
Kai Parker November 23, 2021 3 Comments
covid
Due to COVID-19 — All Vampire Werewolf and Zombie Recruitment Remains on Hiatus
Unless you can show proof of being fully vaccinated Image by Etienne Marais from Pixabay The year 2020 was a difficult year for all vampires,
Crystal Walker January 30, 2022 No Comments
Ann Rice
Vampire Super Annoyed about All of the Daylight in Summertime
Hey, it’s me. The Vampire Lesteve. You might have met my brother, Lestat. Although, for your sake, I hope you haven’t. He can be super
Greg Thomas February 22, 2022 2 Comments
Book
Squamous and Eldritch Get a Yard-Sale Bargain
Squamous turned right on Second. The Pinto squealed a bit, but it usually did that on sharp turns, and there was probably nothing supernatural about
Tim McDaniel February 5, 2022 No Comments
frivolous
Victims
“Thought of someone to sue yet?” Bill’s dad called from the living room. “Not yet, dad.” Bill opened the refrigerator door. “Did you find the
Tim McDaniel January 9, 2022 2 Comments
Confessions of a Dog Owner
About five years ago, I had decided to get a puppy as life was quite stressful for me then and I thought that it would
TzeLin Sam May 20, 2022 13 Comments
anti-christ
The New Kid
It started in the seventh grade. That was when the new kid came to our school, the antichrist I mean, and he sat right behind
Tim McDaniel January 12, 2022 No Comments
Marriage
Ounce of Prevention
Now, just because a wife kills her husband — even a perfectly agreeable husband — it doesn’t necessarily follow that she’s to blame. She may
Tim McDaniel February 16, 2022 2 Comments
King Arthur
Le Morte de Volkswagyn
There rode four knyghts of the Table Rounde, and the one in front hyght syr Dynadan, and the three
Tim McDaniel February 11, 2022 No Comments
Barbie
BB’s Sweetfriends Book Club
“There you go, Kip! Soon your knee will be good as new!” BB rolled up the unused length of bandage and put it into a
Tim McDaniel April 3, 2022 No Comments
end of world
Judgement
They swarmed in droves, moving like a herd of cattle fleeing the cracking whip. All one hundred and fifty billion of them — every person
Tlase Morwane October 15, 2023 No Comments
brief
As of This Moment
A piece of paper (which is now long lost but luckily has its content safely copied, author is anonymous) i’ve found some years ago on
Andrey Lukyanov August 16, 2022 No Comments
comedy
Randomly Recorded Argument
It was an unusually hot night in October. Both, the Clit and the Pussy looked in fascination at the site of exaggerated Cock, appearing out
Andrey Lukyanov May 12, 2022 No Comments
campaign
Election Returns, Live
The bulky figure stooped, bringing its head close to the ground, as if sniffing out a trail. Its electronic eyes whirred and the machine pistols
Tim McDaniel January 1, 2022 No Comments
alien
The Lonesome Planet Travelers Advisory
Here is the latest update, brought to you by the Lonesome Planet Travelers Advisory Board, as certified by the Local Group. Those of you who
Tim McDaniel February 6, 2022 7 Comments
The Girl Who Wasn’t Sara
Eric first noticed the girl as she was getting off the train. He couldn’t see her face from where he was sitting, but from behind
Qing Yang November 14, 2021 No Comments
fairy
The Fairy Godfather
I fluttered into the Don’s inner office and hovered there, my wings beating a hundred times a second, waiting for him to notice me. The
Tim McDaniel January 5, 2022 2 Comments
I’m Afraid of Jackfruit
Ten reasons why you should be, too Before the virus hit, jackfruit was one of the new food crazes that any hipster worthy of even the
Charles Bastille February 2, 2022 No Comments
friends with benefits
The Secret of “The Tragically Hip” Concert at “The Spectrum”: To this day, I don’t understand how no one noticed I was fooling around with one of our friends during the concert!
Since late high school, the people I had been friends with then and I were huge fans of “The Tragically Hip,” a Canadian band; I’ve
Robin Honigsberg July 4, 2022 No Comments
adam and eve
The Truth in the Garden of Eden - Flash Fiction
The woman giggled as the snake gently wrapped around her arm and rested his head in her hand. She adjusted herself in the tree and
Kai Parker November 29, 2021 2 Comments
font
Dr, Crawley, Guest Editor
Dear Readers – Readers, I say! When I accepted the request, the entreaty, the demand for me to be Guest Editor of this esteemed publication,
Tim McDaniel April 5, 2022 No Comments
coming of age
My First Time Trying Pozole
The pristine light of the summer sun smacked me across the face. The massive jackhammer in my head told me we had danced in the
A.K. Noctua June 27, 2022 2 Comments
Bonding Moments
I’m Just Here for the Dad Jokes
It’s my teenage daughter’s world, I just live in it I know you hate it. I see the eye rolls. The storming off into your
Greg Thomas October 4, 2023 No Comments
final
Finally Got It Down or Jerry Stahl and his story Kicking the Horse
Oh, hello there, blank page! It is being typed with Times New Roman font.Why not: Themes Old Catholic, Days Old Gregorian, Best Somehow Baltic, Zuzhelitsa
Andrey Lukyanov April 26, 2022 No Comments
Behind the Screen
Unlike many of her friends, Anne had always been a morning person. She was up early this morning to practise yoga while catching the sunrise
TzeLin Sam February 12, 2022 13 Comments
Bangkok
What Will? Who Will?
“What? Who?” Budgie asked. “Yes, Mr Um… Budgie, it is strange, but I am only passing on instructions as requested by my client,” said Mr
Colin Devonshire February 19, 2022 No Comments
aging
Medicine Man
Grant Gatzke pointed with a shaking finger. “There’s one. A Pepsi, I think. It’s got that color.” Metallic blue glimmered in the weeds at the
Tim McDaniel February 20, 2022 2 Comments
Bangkok
Steam Room
Duanphen was thinking of hot Thai stew with plenty of garlic. It was edging past the nine-hour mark of soapy water scouring and sore fingers.
Alex Mathers July 19, 2022 1 Comment
Romantic Comedy
Meet Leah
A supporting character in the serialized RomCom “Matchmakers” Image created via Canva and using a stock image from Pixabay Leah is one of four women
Crystal Walker January 31, 2022 No Comments
People will never steal your education from YOU!
PEOPLE WON’T STEAL THIS FROM YOU
Some people may try to steal your money. Some people may try to steal your car. Also, some people might try to steal your land,
Walker Ikard April 18, 2022 No Comments
childrens books
The Satirist at the End of this Post
There is a Satirist at the end of this post. But so far this post is pretty boring, so I think you and I will
Greg Thomas February 21, 2022 2 Comments
bacon
Crispy Crumbly Makes Me Mumbly
People talk about the flavor of bacon in reverential tones, singing its praises, whispering its name, and seeking it out for daily comfort, particularly in
Donald J. Bingle October 31, 2021 1 Comment
Absurd
Number One
As told by number two Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash A man stands on a corner of a busy crosswalk in a busy neighborhood
Matthew Portman April 10, 2021 No Comments
#Halloween
Friendly Reminder: It’s OK to Eat Your Kid’s Halloween Candy (So They Don’t Have to)
It’s finally here. The day we’ve all been dreading. This is when the clock really starts. Halloween was just the lead-up to this nightmare. Now
Greg Thomas October 31, 2023 No Comments
dating
Matchmakers | Chapter 4 | Red Carpet Treatment
Photo by sergio souza from Pexels Hearing her cell phone vibrating on the floating nightstand, Maisie rolls over and pulls it closer to her eyes.
Crystal Walker February 9, 2022 No Comments
Magic
The Pleasing Life and Fortunate Death of Joe Pancake
Once upon a time there was a wizard. Now, I don’t have to tell you that wizards can give you anything you want – an
Tim McDaniel April 9, 2022 No Comments
Fight
Poetry Slam
I thought that I would never see A fight regarding poetry. Life can venture nothing worse, Than fisticuffs o’er flowing verse. * If poems be
Donald J. Bingle August 29, 2022 1 Comment
#Home
Steering
“That’s crazy. I’m a terrible liar. I can’t.” “Come on, Will. I’ll owe you big time. I want the best house for me and Jen.
Gene Glotzer December 10, 2021 No Comments
Why the Aliens Did What They Did to that Suburb of Madison, Wisconsin
Mary shook her head. She sat amid the rumpled sheets, her eyes downcast. Mark sat on the edge of the bed, slumped and sweaty. Mark
Tim McDaniel March 29, 2022 No Comments
dark
Protest Seen
It wasn’t my fault. I was just minding my own business when it happened. I mean, really minding my own business. I was just walking
Donald J. Bingle October 21, 2021 No Comments
Democrat
Incurable
“Those the screening results?” Skemp asked. He put down his coffee. “Yep,” Gomes said. He put the files down on the table and sat down
Tim McDaniel January 28, 2022 No Comments
Life
I Cannot Do Puzzles Anymore
While cleaning my study last weekend, I found a block puzzle that I used to spend hours playing when I was a kid (see picture
TzeLin Sam June 21, 2022 8 Comments
god
Dei ex Machina
March 31, in the early nineties. It was the day he heard the word of God. Of several, in fact. Theo’s eyes flickered open as
Tim McDaniel March 31, 2022 3 Comments
he
He
He grew up thinking that it was all fun. Thought he’ll have everything that he’ll ever need and was so trustworthy that sometimes he thought
Andrey Lukyanov April 26, 2022 2 Comments
D&D
Did I Play in the First Roleplaying Game EVER?
Despite the fact that I have attended GenCon for more years than you have probably been alive and that I was the world’s top-ranked player of
Donald J. Bingle October 23, 2021 1 Comment
food
The Day My Dad Served Cut-Up Pig Stew For Dinner
I remember this food experience like it happened yesterday. Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash After a blustery morning of playing in the snow and
Crystal Walker January 30, 2022 No Comments
brag
The Horned Horror
Every boy at the lunch table was leaning forward. Steve was almost drooling, his mouth hanging slack. Julian picked at a pimple while staring at
Tim McDaniel January 2, 2022 No Comments
Space Ranger
Dirty Laundry
LAST STOP CLEANERS The #1 Choice of the Space Service! Your ONLY laundry service within 200 light-years! DATE: April 14, 2344 TO: Commander Jason Dash
Tim McDaniel May 20, 2023 No Comments
aliens
Contact
Writing Spark: What would happen if aliens finally made contact? “Report?” I buzzed nervously before the Commander. “No contact recommended. Species was deemed unsuitable.” The
Casey Lawrence January 26, 2022 2 Comments
a poem for my ex
A Petty Poem
Prompt theme: “Hope” I hope you step on a Lego when you least expect it. I hope you step in a deep puddle and soak
Casey Lawrence January 26, 2022 6 Comments
Frogs
A Love Song for the Hard of Hearing
Some frogs seem to be louder than others. This poem was inspired by some particularly deafening ones which dominate a memory decades later. *** In
This Life's Illusions June 2, 2022 22 Comments
children's poetry
Sickly Fred
The sniffles were the first to show, Followed closely by a cough. His nose got bright red and began to flow, The symptoms were real,
Michael Robert February 3, 2022 No Comments
The Christmas Party
“Good evening, I’m Muire Geoghan for RTÉ’s general election results special coverage, and we can confirm at the current count the next government will most
Conor Matthews April 10, 2024 No Comments
breasts
Solutions for Cleavage Challenged Chests: We must, we must, we must increase the bust
“Where are they? I can’t find them.” Not exactly what a 15 year-old-girl wants to hear when fooling around with a guy while he’s groping
Robin Honigsberg July 1, 2022 No Comments
Zero Blaque and Fu Fu Forest
Stuart Polkinghorne would soon make his escape. After years of dreaming of other places, months of shopping at renaissance faires, weeks of practicing an English
Tim McDaniel April 4, 2022 No Comments
animal liberation
Appendices
Appendix A # The appendix twisted in Dr. Chamberlin’s tongs, hissing and spitting. “Careful, nurse,” he said from behind his mask. “This is a mean
Tim McDaniel January 9, 2022 4 Comments
death
The Carrion Monster
O amiable, lovely death! Thou odoriferous stench! sound rot- tenness! Arise forth from the couch of lasting night Shakespeare, King John III “I
Tim McDaniel January 5, 2022 No Comments
evolution
Subsidiary Class 2 Museum Report
So there is a hall devoted to Precambrian life, with its Cnidarians and the Ediacarans, and here’s one all about the Ordovician Biodiversification Event. That
Tim McDaniel September 8, 2023 No Comments
Faith
(P.S. poetry series) Worth A Shot?
Cars drove by, a simple sigh at six in the morning, The day starts and the body drops, Shots heard on the block in the
Andrey Lukyanov August 16, 2022 No Comments
My Mom Said My Pillow Is Down
I always wondered what was in my pillow It’s soft and fluffy and brown When I asked my mom She said it was down This
Michael Robert January 28, 2022 4 Comments
Colors
It Is Up To You
The notion of love and beauty is still there right? One might start to believe, especially with the last few years, that it’s an outmoded
Andrey Lukyanov April 26, 2022 No Comments
cat
A Daylight Savings Conversation between Me, My Ten-Month-Old Daughter, and Our Cat
This is the conversation as it actually occurred. Me: It’s time to go to sleep, sweetie. Daughter: But, Father, it’s still light outside. Why must
Gene Glotzer March 13, 2022 1 Comment
accident
Proactive
The First Attempt There was a clatter and a thump. “Jesus Christ!” That was Dad. Mia leapt from her chair, bumping the kitchen table and
Tim McDaniel March 26, 2022 No Comments
AI
Blinking Noon and Midnight
Len put down the book. He’d been kidding himself for an hour at least; the sweater wasn’t enough. The place was just too darn cold.
Tim McDaniel February 18, 2022 No Comments
alternate
Prince Morris
His suicide attempt failed again that morning. That was no surprise; just like everyone said, Morris Sukenik was a loser, couldn’t do anything right. But
Tim McDaniel January 16, 2022 No Comments
aliens
Are We Alone?
“Kang!” came Kodos’ deep, booming voice. “I think I’ve found something.” “What is it?” Kodos pulled up the chart. “Do you see the third planet
Gene Glotzer April 1, 2022 1 Comment
Deal
Sin Taxes
Tommy “Toad” Tozer sloshed some more vodka into his glass. He thought about putting some ice in it, but it hardly seemed worth the effort,
Tim McDaniel December 29, 2021 No Comments
fairy tales
Death by Hissy Fit
Journalist fiction adapted from Tom Tit Tot by the Brothers Grimm A man died yesterday when he tore himself in two. Rodney Rumpelstiltskin (age 203),
Kai Parker December 3, 2021 4 Comments
007
Renewal
James glanced at his watch, although of course its primary purpose wasn’t telling the time. Had he really only been waiting twenty minutes? He hadn’t
Tim McDaniel February 9, 2022 No Comments
Santa’s Resignation Letter
I have debated whether or not to begin with my trademarked “Ho Ho Ho”, but I wish to convey the gravity of the matter. Let
Conor Matthews December 11, 2023 No Comments