Short Stories

Restore or Quit? – Moonday Mag, October 2024

What if life was more like a video game? Wouldn’t it be nice to return to those crucial decision points and try again?

Against the House – Winged Penny Review, July 2024

Patrick faces even more challenges–a baby on the way, his girlfriend’s vindictive father, community service, and love.

A spiritual successor to “Song of Fortune” (see below), to be read together or individually.

The Dance Eternal – Kaidankai: Ghost & Supernatural Stories, July 2024

The music of the dance eternal, pulsing for many, heard by only a single living soul.

The story was also released on a podcast here.

Song of Fortune – Umbrella Factory, February 2024

A mysterious gift, a series of blessings–has Patrick’s life finally turned around?

Behind the Red Door – The Whisky Blot, April 2022

A couple is offered the gift of a lifetime, but their anniversary celebration may not last if they don’t consider all possible outcomes.

Fish Food – Bindweed Magazine, October 2020

“Would you like to watch me feed my fish?” Is there something more sinister behind this seemingly innocent invitation?

Hands-Off Management – Trouvaille Review, August 2020

He’s the greatest boss his employees have ever known, but nobody has ever guessed his incredible secret.

The Void – The Magnolia Review, April 2020

The object of a man’s obsession is tantalizingly close–how far is he willing to go?

From the themed issue “A Day that Changed Me”

Blocked – Potato Soup Journal, April 2019

A family vacation–only 25 cents away from perfection.

Advance Warning – Theme of Absence, October 2018

With some technological assistance, Abraham and his tow truck have won the town’s admiration, but knowing the future comes with a price.

The site also published an author interview along with the story.

Surrender – Ghost Parachute, April 2017

A firefighter faces an impossible decision–time is running out, and he will live with his choice for the rest of his life.

This story was also included in the 2021 anthology Ghost Parachute: 105 Flash Fiction Stories.

Sheet music, red door, goldfish, dusty book, bookshelf, and firefighter images are in the public domain; Coin image courtesy of Nicu Buculei, Barn image courtesy of Brian Snelson, Tollbooth image courtesy of Philip Halling, and Tow truck image courtesy of KOMU News [Flickr upload–image cropped, and identifying information on vehicles blurred] (all licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0); Bingo card image courtesy of Sara (licensed under CC-BY-ND 2.0).