Category Archives: short fiction

Christmas

It’s not *supposed* to be easy! (Encore)

Writing is easy. Writing well is hard. It takes concentration, discipline, and attention to detail. More than anything else, it takes time. It doesn’t matter if what you’re doing is fiction or non-fiction, feature or fantasy. Anything that can be written … Continue reading

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Can Science Fiction Be Funny? (Encore)

Someone long ago told me the reason she didn’t read science fiction was that it took itself too seriously. “You can read that stuff all day and never even smile,” she claimed. I’d read enough Heinlein to know that wasn’t … Continue reading

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Taco Logic (Encore)

Here’s a fable from my short story collection Who Put Scoundrels In Charge? (Available here.) I’d love for this to become required reading for anyone studying economics and/or political science. What do you think? “Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays … Continue reading

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Why teach? (Encore)

There are a great many reasons why I teach, but I suspect the most important one is that it makes me feel good. I don’t know if that qualifies as weird or not, and frankly, I don’t care. I don’t … Continue reading

Posted in Historical writing, Memoir, novel writing, short fiction, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

A Fairy Free Fairy Tale

It’s Halloween 2022; we’re supposed to post scary stuff, right? Well, this is about as close as I’m liable to get. Yes, I know it’s a bit long, but I think you’ll like it. The Crown and the Crone (Encore) … Continue reading

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Tackling Tough Topics (Encore edition)

Some stories are easier to tell than others, and I’m not referring to length or complexity. Sometimes the subject matter takes more of a toll on the writer than the reader. For me, this week’s offering is just such a … Continue reading

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A Breed Apart (Encore edition)

As we swing into fall, I find myself thinking more and more fancifully. This little tale I wrote a couple years back captures a bit of that. Let me know what you think! “C’mon now, Lacy,” her father said as … Continue reading

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A Not So Simple Case of Stage Fright (Encore edition)

Here’s something a little different. And seeing as how my new book is told from the point of view of two teens, I thought it appropriate to share this little story again. Please, let me know what you think. “I’m … Continue reading

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I know I’m repeating myself, but in case you missed this yesterday, TODAY is the day!

Hopefully, I’m not wearing my faithful out with repeated posts about Hyde and Zeke, but I can’t help it. I’ve started getting reviews, and they’ve been very positive, which is good because I think this is one of the best … Continue reading

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One Day Only! (Man, talk about old school…)

Seriously? Is anyone still doing that anymore? Well, yeah. Me! Hopefully, I’m not wearing my faithful out with repeated posts about Hyde and Zeke, but I can’t help it. I’ve started getting reviews, and they’ve been very positive, which is … Continue reading

Posted in Historical writing, novel writing, short fiction, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments