Short stories in a corner of the web

  So, this past weekend I went bowling with my family that lives locally and out of town. I initially went to just hang out with them because, what, me bowling? Last time I did it seriously was in high school. League and everything. But nah, my aunt was cool enough to let me bowl her game. Let me tell you; my bowling coach of yesteryear would’ve had my head for me losing my form like that. Ah well. I did better when I listening to my own music. Still abysmal, but less gutter balls this time.   After all that, I ran around like the old me; not caring about whatever little ache or pain I usually have (joys of being chronically ill) and just lost myself in the joy of being with family. Drank Brugal, took shots of tequila and played cards like I was an actual adult – wait, I am. Ah well.   While reveling in the fact of my adulthood with family, I overlooked one major thing: the comedown when the aches and pains are multiplied.   On Sunday, the hubris of aging hit me full...

 I've been trying to query for a novel that I finally finished during the pandemic but was incepted during my last year of college (2009).  There have been a lot of ups and downs. Mostly the latter, but that's how it goes.  But, I did make a decision regarding that one particular book. I think that self publishing it will be the way to go. I can toss as many query letters to the wind and hope someone believes in my work as much as I believe in it...but with that time there, I could have done more. And I will. It's not that I'm giving up the concept of querying because I have other stories that might strike the fancy of different agents. But for now, it's probably for the best that I don't inadvertently hold myself back from getting my work out in the world short of a few blog posts here and there.  

  A fun prompt. "Hey. Wake up, kid. Come on...wake up." Juni groaned and yawned mightily, perturbed about being disturbed. He looked around with sleep clouded eyes, unable to see who spoke to him.  Using the sleeves of his hoodie, he wiped his eyes and grousing all the while.  "Who's there?" A statuesque woman stepped out from the shadows of Juni’s bedroom. He was obviously startled. Why would there be a woman in his room in the dead of night? Leaving that aside, why was she just chilling there like she owned the joint? Her hair cascaded in fiery red tresses, a gauzy red shawl draped about her shoulder and set off with a black off the shoulder dress. Juni was torn between complimenting her outfit and screaming in abject horror about a stranger in his room. He opted to take the middle road; asking his way out of it.   “Are you real?”   She seemed stunned at the simple question, but didn’t want to show it.   “I don’t know; are you real?”   Juni immediate...

     Everything around him was growing cold. The concrete beneath him was sapping his warmth quicker than his wounds were.  "So this is it," he thought. The blood leaking from him became cold under him. Who would've thought he would die alone in a dingy back alley? Not him.  Maybe he could get up? He tried gently rolling onto his side, but the sharp pain from his abdomen cut that idea short.  "Well, fuck," he croaked. He heard footsteps coming toward him. Whether or not it was help in the way of ending him or saving him, who even knew.  "To hell with it," he sighted to himself. 26 seems to be a good age to die. The footsteps suddenly stopped and he saw a blurry shape lean over him.  "Hey, man...are you alright?" Blood bubbled him his lips as he laughed slightly.  "Do I look like I can dance right now?" The shape focused in front of him and what he saw stopped his laughing for a moment. What was staring at him was a brown skinned man...

 Hi there! Well, I did say that I was going to try and update as I could. So, there is another update (not another story yet; I'm currently juggling two and a query letter haha).  Before my life as a fictional author, I was a music journalist. Specifically a journalist that covered the wild and varied world of industrial music.  Since I found out about Authory, I figured the best thing to do is to gather all the articles here . You can read about the shows I've covered, people I've interviewed and the odd movie review here and there. I'm hoping I can keep it going because I heard it's good for prospective authors to at least have a dedicated sample of their writing somewhere. I mean, that's what this is for too, but still.  Variety. Have a good rest of the week!

 Oh look, an update that ISN'T a story?  It honestly should be more of a thing, but eh. Anyway, I intend on trying to update things as best as I can. As we all know, life has never ever respected anything in the way of plans. But, shouldn't stop me from trying anyway. For the moment, this will be my centralized homepage in my pursuit of becoming an author. At least until I can figure out the best way to craft a site that reflects me as a person and a writer. Even in my mid thirties, I'm still trying to figure out the best way to describe me. Life, right? Anyway, consider this as a 'pardon the mess' type post. I'll be back at it with more short stories and the like. Later! -D

 Early Monday morning, not a cloud in the sky. Not a bad day to go to confession, thought Hadrian. He peered up at the sunny sky through his red tinted sunglasses. No clue why he felt so good about going to confession, but it has been some time.  The street was awash with people; some were just enjoying the seasonable weather while others were socializing and taking in the sights. A few whispered to each another and cast occasional glances at Hadrian. And why wouldn't they? He was a tall man about 6 feet tall, waist length locs, glistening umber skin, and impeccably dressed in a three piece suit? Of course there'd be looks. He looked over the rim of his sunglasses at the occasional passerby and winked at them. There were a few excited sounds coming from people, and he smiled about that. Doesn't hurt to make someone's day. Whether or not they were truthful doesn't matter; it was the experience. He entered the open doors of the cathedral, a cool breeze greeting him as...