Why do people speak so colloquially about the man in the moon? Yes, I do see the imaginatively observed face, the eyes, and the mouth. However, to me, the last is a gaping maw of horror, releasing a howl of fear. It’s as though the face sees something abominable that we are too blind to... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: Unlikely Bedfellows
Gamila walked through the press of bodies without being seen. Her presence was felt, though, just enough that no one made contact. There was a little awareness telling them that she was occupying space and she was avoided. The anonymity was a blessing while simultaneously increasing her loneliness. She could not recall the last time... Continue Reading →
Short Fiction: Rell’s Charge
Rell felt detached from his surroundings, almost as though he was seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. Streams of blood flowed down the narrow pass, cascading over the bodies of his fallen brothers and sisters. His own blood oozed from the gaps in the armor he was encased in. It spurted from his gauntlets... Continue Reading →
Quiet Dreams: Fork in the Road
When I began writing The Nightmare Plague, it was going to be a series of short stories or even novellas. Later I began to imagine a series of longer works, with Barnabus, Marley, and Bilal being the central characters of their respective books. There was also a thought I would have made progress towards this... Continue Reading →
Red Maple: Drums of War
Few people were bothered with work. With only days left before the festival, Red Maple was enjoying the cool weather. The final preparations would begin soon, but the chance to relax after the harvest was too enticing. Impromptu tables and booths were cobbled together in haste, leaving proper construction for later. Food and treats that... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague (Entire Series up to 3-5-22)
Voices Within He chose the blue paint. The color reminded him of their trip to the ocean. It wasn’t the vivid blue he expected, certainly not like that in the books he grew up with. But, on one day of clear weather, the sky was brilliant with shades of blue mixed with whites and grays,... Continue Reading →
Atomic City: Bastard Bend (Part One)
“Look, son, we need to know what happened that night. Help us understand why people died out there. You walked away with those scars, but they were taken from their families. We don’t suspect you of anything, but you are holding back.” The young man was obviously listening, but remained quiet and deep in thought. ... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: The Children of Men
The sky had barely darkened when the first crash of thunder rolled across the landscape. Moments later the rain began and quickly became a downpour. The small figure at the treeline remained motionless with head bowed, the sigh of resignation lost in the roar of the storm. Why is it always me that gets caught... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: An Old Aquaintenance
Upstate New York was already chilly enough to require a substantial coat, but the man walking through the door was wearing a light, fleece coat. People stared in confusion, which quickly turned to shock. None present heard a vehicle pull up, much less drive away. He slipped a backpack strap off one shoulder, walked to... Continue Reading →
The Nightmare Plague: A Mother’s Rest
The woman had been exhausted for days, ever since the birth of her child. The old women had been robbing the mother and child of sleep with their constant chattering. They kept the lights on throughout the night and day, hovering over the pair in the bed. They declared that, for the safety of mother... Continue Reading →
Quiet Dreams 