TV Shows vs Real Life
As I was brushing my teeth the other day, I thought about TV show scenes in which people would just casually have a chat while
TzeLin Sam January 29, 2022 13 Comments
Humor
Get ready for a laugh with a light-hearted humor read.
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Animal communication
There are Ways
The new researcher arrived just as Jennifer finally got the chance to sit down with a cup of coffee. Cleaning out the chimp section was
Tim McDaniel March 22, 2022 No 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
Fiction
Blackberries ain’t worth the Bull
And don’t repeat everything you hear grown ups say Photo Source: PhotoPea My heart was thumpin’ so hard like it was gonna bust right outta’
Pam Reeder January 16, 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
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
Children
Hop and Hop with Gleepglop-Geep! A Bedtime Reader
Gleepglop-Geep is curled up under the dried leaves, warm and comfortable. But not sleeping! Gleepglop-Geep knows that sleeping is dangerous, and she is far too
Tim McDaniel February 10, 2022 No 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
Crime
Laid Back
The light from the lamp shade was turning everything under its grip into a shadow silhouette on the wall of this room with the curtains
Andrey Lukyanov April 26, 2022 No Comments
conversation
The Lost Art of Conversation
A Conversation Between Two Young Women – Talking Over Each Other. Amelia: Hey, how’s it going? Britney: Good. And you? Hey did I tell you
TzeLin Sam March 21, 2022 27 Comments
candidate
The Weekly Informant’s Endorsements — the Shocking, Untold Story!
As our readers know, the upcoming presidential election will be one of vital importance not only to our nation, but to the world. However, with
Tim McDaniel January 9, 2022 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
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
Short Story
Monstrous Ink
I never wanted to be one of those people– you know, the ones who make such hilariously terrible decisions that they’re lucky if they don’t
Graciela Sills June 15, 2024 No Comments
Entanglement
Story Choices: Quantum Storytelling
This entire story already exists, but you are only experiencing it one word at a time as you move forward through it. You could, if
Donald J. Bingle May 13, 2023 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
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
#kids
Neighborhood Watch
The time has come. The time to protect this subdivision and all its fair inhabitants. I kneel down and adjust the playing card in the
Brandon Diehl January 11, 2022 2 Comments
Bangkok
Bangkok Onsen
Martin draped the minuscule complementary white towel nonchalantly over his front. Apart from that, he was completely naked, dripping wet from a Japanese-style sit-down wash
Alex Mathers July 13, 2022 No Comments
Dr. Pierre Renoir & The Murder Game Murder!
Bonjour! I am Dr. Pierre Renoir, world-renowned criminologist, working with international agencies to solve hundreds of crime cases, and this… would have been the case
Conor Matthews September 20, 2024 No Comments
boredom
Ivy-Covered
There was something out of place out there, in the lecture hall. Fergus Clegg, professor of economics, looked up from his notes and paused in
Tim McDaniel January 16, 2022 2 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
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
flea market
The Blackest Friday
The bell dinged as the door swept open. A couple this time. He was in a baseball cap and a dingy red coat, and sported
Tim McDaniel April 2, 2022 No Comments
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
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
Bogart
Every Person Comes to Rick’s
The cafe the Social Connectors sent her to was more crowded than she had expected. Tinny Mozart came over the large speakers on either side
Tim McDaniel January 25, 2022 No Comments
#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
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 2 Comments
For Tax Reasons, Here’s An Essay About Super Mario Wonder!
What can I say about Super Mario Wonder? Well, what can’t I say, especially to justify deducting it on my taxes? It’s… a game. It’s
Conor Matthews June 8, 2024 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
The Dragon, The Pedestrian, And The Passers-by
The frowning dragon didn’t see the awkward pedestrian as he crossed the road. He flew in too close, casting an enormous shadow. The pedestrian looked
Essie Audrey September 14, 2024 No Comments
Open Letter
Dear Brain, WTF is Wrong with You Now?
The crazy dreams are back. I thought we settled this! Photo by Vladislav Muslakov on Unsplash Hey there brain, Let’s just cut to the chase.
Crystal Walker February 1, 2022 3 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
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
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
Short Story
Sick
I was six credits short of graduation when I got the Virus-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named. At first I thought I could tough it out– a mild cough was
Graciela Sills June 25, 2024 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
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
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
romance
Matchmakers
Table of Contents | Serialized Fiction | Romantic Comedy Image created by the author via Canva; Image sourced by Pixabay Bad date after bad date,
Crystal Walker February 6, 2022 4 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
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
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
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
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
#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
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
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
Humor
Thank Goodness Instant Replay Can Remind Me How Olympians Made A Mistake
Phew! Thank goodness for instant replay and long-lasting shots of the Olympic athletes grappling with their mistake. Last night I was privileged to watch an
Michael Robert February 10, 2022 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
Weight, in Rooms
Today I weighed myself. It was at a gym- my gym, the one that takes my money. Also the gym where I can never work
Jenn Biddle August 8, 2024 No Comments
alien
Student Database Notes 3/25 – 6/27
3/25 Exvoon Faculty Met my new class today. I don’t anticipate making much use of the database system this quarter; the students all seem motivated,
Tim McDaniel February 5, 2022 No Comments
alien
Teachers’ Lounge
“It’s an invasion, I keep telling you,” Mark said from his desk. He pulled another essay off the stack and sighed. Cathy, sitting at the
Tim McDaniel February 10, 2022 2 Comments
acting
Method Acting
Derrick LaBlanc, member of the Screen Actor’s Guild Secret Action Group, locked eyes with the sweaty thug and waited for him to blink. All he
Tim McDaniel February 3, 2022 No Comments
#kids
Seriously?
When I’m having a conversation with people and decide to share something playfully, but in an unrestrained manner, right after hearing me out, sometimes they
Andrey Lukyanov April 27, 2022 No Comments
Short Story
A Pitch in Time
Yolanda Horwitz (female, 18-35, middle class) stretched herself across the faded gray sofa, her lower legs scrunched together under a short decorative throw that she
Graciela Sills July 5, 2024 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
alien
Transplant Horror from Beyond Space
“Human, are you there?” The voice rasped out from the darkness under the stairs. The aliens preferred the dark, and they were given what they
Tim McDaniel March 28, 2022 2 Comments
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
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
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
cliche
The Known World
Tom’s smug appreciation of the great shrouded form squatting in the middle of the lab was interrupted by the ding of the elevator. The doors
Tim McDaniel February 16, 2022 No 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
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
#Halloween
The Test of Thirteen
“Bloodroot, nightshade, pond scum, a live tadpole, and fresh guano. Put into a large kettle with two quarts of fetid rainwater and heat while intoning
Donald J. Bingle November 14, 2023 No 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
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
Dogs
Breeding… The Vicar’s Way
A humorous story, passing down the generations in my family. The moonlight blue saloon drew up in the drive at 4pm one sunny Saturday by
This Life's Illusions March 6, 2022 6 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 1 Comment
Funny
World Cup 2014: A Story of the Curse of the Voodoo Bears
A true story created by yours truly – Satire Joachim looked at me as I considered his request. “So you and your boys want to
TzeLin Sam December 12, 2022 1 Comment
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
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
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
#Halloween
Double D
It’s tough to be a dame in Chicago. Even tougher when you spend all your time in dive bars on Water Street, just waiting for
Donald J. Bingle October 23, 2021 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
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
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
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
dating
Domestic Arrangements
“Bebub!” Cruella was screeching for me again. I’d been polishing the mirror, mirror, on the wall, trying to stay out of her way — her
Tim McDaniel February 9, 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
biker
Teen Angels
School had let out early that day for parent-teacher conferences, and so the sun was still bright and high as the kids walked home, there
Tim McDaniel January 9, 2022 2 Comments
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
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
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
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
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
Matchmakers | Chapter 7 | Catfights and Accidents
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels Power walking to Java ’n’ Jokes, Maisie’s heels dig into the concrete. Leah is a dead woman, ripping open
Crystal Walker March 3, 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
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
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
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
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