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
Humor
Get ready for a laugh with a light-hearted humor read.
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hero
Zero Hour
Most kids, as they approach high school graduation, are faced with hard choices. Should I go to college? A college near home, or one in
Tim McDaniel February 18, 2022 1 Comment
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
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
flash fiction
A Night of Passionfruit
A 500 word first date flash fiction. Pasito is an Australian passionfruit soft drink. “Tomato sauce?” “Prefer barbecue.” “Summer or winter?” “Winter. I like watching
Tanya Hall March 6, 2022 4 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
zombie
Taken, One After Another
Chad still hadn’t returned by morning. We all knew he’d been taken, just like Sandy. That was the way it was, ever since the dead
Tim McDaniel December 24, 2021 No Comments
animals
Am I Dead
There were no bright lights. There was no gate. Not even a stairwell in sight. There were only flames; ember-imbrued hues that coated the inside
Erik Peeples March 15, 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
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
flamingo
Gardening Tip #8
Joe drew in a shaky breath and pushed through the double glass doors of Skyblue Nursery. He went past the cash registers and down the
Tim McDaniel January 31, 2022 No Comments
conference
They Laughed at Me in Vienna, and again in Prague, and then in Belfast, and don’t Forget Hanoi! But I’ll Show Them! I’ll Show Them All, I Tell You!
World Science Conference Vienna, 1954 “Biology, my friends! It’s the biological sciences that are the future. You may play with your hydrogen bombs and ballistic
Tim McDaniel February 27, 2022 No Comments
To Fart, or Not to Fart?
The turmoil of deciding to keep the butt cheeks clinched or let it rip when trapped on a plane. Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash
Crystal Walker January 30, 2022 2 Comments
Waking Up With a Strange Hat
The 30-day writing thing continues. “Ready for some coffee?” she asked as I wandered into the kitchen. I nodded yes and smiled She had her
James Jordan May 22, 2022 1 Comment
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
coffee
I Will Never Sleep Again. Long Live Sleep.
I will never sleep again. There’s so much I have to do. I tell myself this every day, and now I’m telling you. I will
Greg Thomas February 21, 2022 2 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
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
Christmas
Trash or Treasure?
It is that time of the year again! Christmas is coming. You have to make sure that your house is clean for visitors. You decide
TzeLin Sam December 21, 2021 4 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
Meet Arnold (aka “Glitter”)
A supporting character in the serialized RomCom “Matchmakers” Saving the best for last in this group of friends, meet Arnold (aka “Glitter.”) “Arnold is a
Crystal Walker January 31, 2022 No Comments
computer
Clear My Browser History
nail salons near me BEST nail salons near me difference between acrylics and gel
Anna Flynn June 15, 2022 1 Comment
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
quest
Knight after Knight
Thin branches slapped at the Green Knight as he rode. He gently pushed them aside, and soon came out into the glade, where the grumbling
Tim McDaniel March 29, 2022 No Comments
Convention
Children of the Nightcap
Yuri loosened his tie even more and gratefully accepted the drink from the waitress. Stupid company policy, to wear suits and ties on all business
Tim McDaniel January 8, 2022 No Comments
BJ Thomas
Did I Help Make Ooga-Chuka a Top 40 Hit?
Now, I’m not Forrest Gump, but I have had a few minor brushes with history in my life and, oddly enough, one of them involves
Donald J. Bingle November 22, 2021 1 Comment
alien
Season’s Greetings
Dear Family and Friends, Well, it’s hard to believe another year is about to end! This has been a busy year for the Wilkins family.
Tim McDaniel February 5, 2022 No Comments
Black magic
Here I Am
The bus rumbled like an empty stomach. We missed the bus stop by ten yards. It did stop. I got off alone. I didn’t wave;
Colin Devonshire February 3, 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
cosy
One Star!
“Thank you, most entertaining. That was the most tasteless meal I’ve ever had the misfortune to not eat. I was going to say eat, but
Colin Devonshire April 14, 2022 No Comments
comedy
Meet Angie
A supporting character in the serialized RomCom “Matchmakers” Image created via Canva and using a stock image from Pixabay Recently, I introduced you to Maisie — the
Crystal Walker January 31, 2022 No Comments
dance
Motion Happens
Raindrops, sliding off the windshield of the bus that’s tearing through the road in a damp summer air at 90 mph, looked like spermatozoa under
Andrey Lukyanov April 26, 2022 No Comments
Humor
I Read 47 Productivity Articles and Now I’m Ready to Get Things Done
We all have the same amount of hours in the day, it’s how we use them that matters, right? I hear this mantra all of
Greg Thomas February 21, 2022 No Comments
#women
The Fitting Room
It started with a tap tap tap. Startled, I opened the door to my fitting room, peeking out. I expected to see a sales clerk
Casey Lawrence January 31, 2022 50 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
blackmail
The List
The front door – that’s where they would come through. The house did have a back door, in the kitchen, but there were piles of
Tim McDaniel December 24, 2021 No Comments
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
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
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
Poem
Harry’s Perspective
This poem was inspired by your responses to my post yesterday, ‘A Hairy Morning’. It threaded it’s way into my head last night when I
This Life's Illusions May 30, 2022 10 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
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
Dog
New Trick
The phone rang. Actually, it didn’t ring. It played that stupid “Who Let the Dogs Out” song. Jesse had made it do that, had downloaded
Tim McDaniel January 2, 2022 2 Comments
action
Options
“This was a mistake,” yelled Dave as he stared out the window at the dark, lurching shapes gathering even faster than the gloomy clouds on
Donald J. Bingle December 14, 2022 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
Scary
A Hairy Morning
Sometimes a morning doesn’t begin the way we intend it to. This was one of those hairy starts! The photo is of the actual culprit,
This Life's Illusions June 30, 2022 17 Comments
you.me.but him.
Hello:) Welcome to the 2nd chapter of Elias’ story as he starts his new school life. The first few chapters take a slower pace, allowing
Bea M. Luce April 7, 2024 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
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
actors
Curtains Open
‘By the sound of it, we have a full house.’ ‘What do you mean, “by the sound of it”, how can you tell from back
Colin Devonshire July 21, 2023 No Comments
anger
Paper, Pen And A Few Buttons
I’m fucking tired of typing in a program. Sick of the fucking thing correcting me as I go along. Oh, really dear program, this sentence
Andrey Lukyanov April 29, 2022 No Comments
action
Dark Energy
Energy surged through his sinews as he ran effortlessly through the shadow-splashed night, metal-banded legs stretching and springing as they churned the decaying detritus of
Donald J. Bingle February 2, 2022 5 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
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
Applying the “Logic” of Vaccine Refusal to Other Public Health Issues
I drive drunk on a daily basis, and have for years. I’ve never killed anyone, and haven’t ever been involved in a collision, not even
Michael Burg August 10, 2021 4 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
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
Matchmakers | Chapter 8 | The Cat-Loving Ted Bundy Doppelganger
Photo by KoolShooters from Pexels After a peaceful day at work yesterday, Maisie peels her eyes open and extends out a shaky stretch feeling ready
Crystal Walker March 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
Children
The Colour of Lies
The author’s note: “This story is written in good faith. And only meant to be read by ‘little people’ under the age of fourteen. And
Colin Devonshire May 13, 2022 No Comments
alien
Eavesdropper
Gerardo sat on the warm bench and listened. Claude was on his right, thumping away at some game on his laptop, rocking the park bench,
Tim McDaniel February 10, 2022 No Comments
dante
Recording Angel
Beth had been sitting on the marble bench for ages, her eyes fixed on Michael as he worked silently at his desk. When he finally
Tim McDaniel February 9, 2022 2 Comments
Vocabulary-esque Part 2
What comes out of the human’s mouth could be lost in translation. Once it jumps from the lips and eclipses in the air, usually it
Andrey Lukyanov April 29, 2022 No Comments
Romantic Comedy
Matchmakers | Chapter 10 | The Honey Trap
Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash At the studio, Maisie engulfs herself in her work. After hours alternating through various backgrounds and light combinations for
Crystal Walker March 25, 2022 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
Taking the Waters
“It just doesn’t make sense!” Dr. Emma Zee jammed her hands in the pockets of her white lab coat and glared out at the sea.
Tim McDaniel September 6, 2023 No Comments
#women
Vibe Diva
As insane as it may seem I remember once I’ve had a dream, Pristine in every single aspect, all colorful and drastic, She appeared to
Andrey Lukyanov April 26, 2022 2 Comments
folklore
Self-Care for the Cursed
So you’ve been cursed with a Toko. Life often comes with unexpected twists and turns. Check out these top ten tips for self-care before you
Reina Cruz June 15, 2022 2 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
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
Crime
Magic Squad!
Lieutenant David Moy bit his lower lip and looked back up at the eighteenth story ledge. The wind blustering along the street took one look
Tim McDaniel February 6, 2022 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
flash fiction
The Missing Doormat
“This is absurd!” My husband, Christopher’s voice had gone up a notch higher as he exclaimed. The receptionist kept repeating herself, “Sir, I’m sorry but
TzeLin Sam May 11, 2022 14 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
alien
Another View of the Matter Addressed in Shelley’s “Ozymandias”
The forcebeams were almost invisible, thin shafts of gleaming air. As they cut into the limestone, a slight spray of dust erupted at the point
Tim McDaniel January 25, 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
Magic
A Surefire Treatment for Dizzy Spells
“Sit down, sit down,” Algrin said to the client. A youngster, really just a boy. “I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before, have
Tim McDaniel March 22, 2022 No Comments
The home of the weird and the wonderful
The Dragon is coming to tea. Grandmother sends me to The Village at dawn with a list and a handcart. Multiversal Mart (Unlimited Indulgence. Family
Sam Muller September 23, 2022 No Comments
epistolary
The Epistolary History
#1 1/9/12 Hey Cat, We finally did it! The time machine works. The blokes are talking about trying to sell it to some big technology
Alex Shvartsman August 10, 2021 4 Comments
Nature
An Open Letter to the Bird Outside My Window
I hope you chirp in hell. Photo by Pixabay from Pexels Dear Tiny Feathery Alarm Clock, At 5:03am on a Saturday morning, the last thing
Crystal Walker February 18, 2022 3 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
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
Absurd
Le Petit
Photo by ÉMILE SÉGUIN on Unsplash or ‘The Little’ By Matthew Portman April 27th, 2020 I’ve never seen a piece quite like it. Le Petit,
Matthew Portman August 21, 2021 3 Comments
diner
Frozen
Katrina’s eyes widened and she pursed her lips. The waiter froze, still holding the tray with my ice lemonade. I watched a drop of condensation
Alex Mathers August 8, 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
Romantic Comedy
Matchmakers | Episode 3 | The Gaysian
Photo by Greta Hoffman from Pexels Getting off the trolley in downtown Ybor City, Maisie takes a gulp of her water bottle filled with chilled
Crystal Walker February 6, 2022 No Comments
authors
Why Writers Write
Writers write for all sorts of reasons, but the general public always seems to want to create a simple dichotomy between writers who write for
Donald J. Bingle November 22, 2021 No Comments
food
The (Not So) Easy Bake Oven
The first Thanksgiving turkey I ever made. Everything I learned as a child did NOT help me. Image by Gerhard G. from Pixabay When I
Crystal Walker January 30, 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
Dracula
Her Vampire Lover
“But I am a creature of the night,” Justin said. “And you – you’re a child of the sunlight. The sun I can never again
Tim McDaniel December 29, 2021 No Comments
boredom
The Mutilator
I am the mutilator. That’s what I saw. This dream, where I’ve found myself in the middle of the endless white space. No horizon, no
Andrey Lukyanov July 30, 2022 No Comments
email
If emails were honest (a poem)
Poems I wrote in quarantine, part 1 I hope this email finds you well. By which I mean, at the bottom of one,having fallen down there
Casey Lawrence January 24, 2022 43 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
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
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
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
angels
Worthless Structure Ventilator
When your eyes are soaked in all the nuances of light, maybe it’s time to close them, just for a little while… (Rock’n’Roll in a
Andrey Lukyanov April 28, 2022 No Comments
best friends
Matchmakers | Chapter 5 | Bloomin’ Onion Hangover
Photo by Mekuria Getinet on Unsplash Seeing her mind flip to the images of tigers jumping through hoops, flame-throwers juggling fire sticks, and monkeys serving
Crystal Walker February 16, 2022 No 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
dark comedy
Therapeutic
I usually leafed through a National Geographic while I was waiting for Dr. Ishkanian – looking over the Table of Contents, first, to see if
Tim McDaniel December 20, 2021 No Comments