Almaden (repost)

First posted this short story just over four years ago, and I made some more changes to improve the narrative and the dialogue. This particular story means a lot to me, so I really want to get it right. The plot of Almaden is about a family's way of life coming to an end as … Continue reading Almaden (repost)

99 Word Prompt: Rock Star

https://carrotranch.com/2019/08/01/august-1-flash-fiction-challenge/ Young Timmy held a broom horizontally and pantomimed strumming it like a guitar.  He moved to the tune inside his head of the latest pop song and pretended he was playing as he wailed out the lyrics best as he could remember them.  His mother came across his imaginary guitar virtuosity and beamed maternally. … Continue reading 99 Word Prompt: Rock Star

99 Word Prompt: Paint

The latest Carrot Ranch 99 word flash fiction.  This one was about paint, and after thinking back to some college parties I finally figured out how to write about it. https://carrotranch.com/2019/06/28/june-27-flash-fiction-challenge/ Mateo dabbed his thin brush onto his pallet, swirled around some blue paint, then applied it gingerly.  His quick brushstrokes made lines, swirls, and … Continue reading 99 Word Prompt: Paint

99 Word Prompt: Hands

https://carrotranch.com/2019/06/13/june-13-flash-fiction-challenge/ "What do you mean you can't tell time?" "No one ever showed me how to read a clock." "It's simple.  Short hand points to the hour, long hand points to the minute." "Phones these days show time digitally." "But your generation is losing old, vital knowledge." The kid shrugged.  "You know, you can change … Continue reading 99 Word Prompt: Hands

99 Word Prompt: Trees

https://carrotranch.com/2019/05/16/may-16-flash-fiction-challenge/ Driven by stress, he went to a nearby forest.  He found a trailhead, entered the cathedral of trees, and walked quickly through the verdant surroundings while looking for something unknown. He finally came to a large ring of redwood trees growing from the edge of an old stump.  He stepped into the circle, sat … Continue reading 99 Word Prompt: Trees

Fosse, Verdon, And The Seamy Side Of Show Biz

FX has been airing the limited series Fosse/Verdon.  Admittedly I miss out on a lot of television, but being a longtime fan of Bob Fosse I decided to make room to see this engaging series. The first episode starts with Bob Fosse looking at himself in the mirror, sporting a tuxedo, a cigarillo dangling from … Continue reading Fosse, Verdon, And The Seamy Side Of Show Biz

99 Word Prompt: Growing Older

https://carrotranch.com/2019/05/10/may-9-flash-fiction-challenge/ "Grandma, tell us about the time before television." Grandma leaned back in her rocking chair nostalgically. "Ah yes, the Golden Age of Radio. Every night the family would get together and listen to Jack Benny, Bob Hope, or Edgar Bergen.  Those were the days; good, clean wholesome entertainment.""Ever want to go back, Grandma?"Grandma sat … Continue reading 99 Word Prompt: Growing Older

The Dealers (Repost)

I first reposted this old cannabis themed short story of mine on 4/20 back in 2015, now I'm re-reposting for today's 4/20 observance.  I first wrote this short story back in 2000 (and rewrote it in 2010), a time of stricter cannabis laws, and it looks at the underworld market of that time.  Admittedly the … Continue reading The Dealers (Repost)