Tag Archives: writing

I Shall Go Gentle

(Note: This is my meager answer, for today anyway, to Dylan Thomas’ iconic poem–jrs) Do not fear this, my child. I shall go gentle, I shall not rage, I shall escape this delightful cage. It has served me well, this … Continue reading

Posted in Aging, American Indian, Consciousness, end-of-life, family, parents, Poem, Speculative Fantasy | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

How Bad it Isn’t

I touch despair when everything I say is trite or dark or transparent; when everything I think is a poster for stereotypes. Yes, there are writing days and there are reading days. Even with deeply lowered expectations, I shall escape … Continue reading

Posted in Consciousness, Poem, Slice of Life, Writing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The Rules

I have been told to never open a story with weather and I have always asked why. Does it lead to cliché? Sometimes my morning opens with weather and I move through the story of my day from that beginning. … Continue reading

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To That Which is Not I

You have to start somewhere. Depending on what you’re doing, it is best to start before the ending. I must admit, though, it is not mandatory. Stories can begin with the ending and end with the beginning. However, life as … Continue reading

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Ocean Moon Haiku–Time to Rhyme

Prayer sand holds knees; full moon dances with the trees, pouring molten cheese. (pinned from seepicz.com)

Posted in Haiku, Moon, Poem | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Excerpt from The Last Salmon

(Note: this is a quick excerpt from my story The Last Salmon (first published in Rattapallax). It’s also in my collection White Ravens–And More Stories (click the link to the right).–jrs) He almost missed his turn. The flashing yellow light … Continue reading

Posted in American history, Excerpt, Reprint, Short Story, story excerpt | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Novel Opening–Question

(Note: What follows is the opening for a novel I’ve “finished.” The reason I’m posting it is to get some feedback. The genre is literary action/adventure (is there such a thing?). The basic question I’m trying to answer is: would … Continue reading

Posted in Detective novel, Hard-boiled detective, Novel Excerpt, Oregon | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

The Caper Salad Caper #4

(Note: You’ll have to suffer through this one and one more before I’m willing to let it go. Sorry.–jrs) The trail of capers led them through some bad neighborhoods, places where optimism was a word only, with no meaning or … Continue reading

Posted in Absurd fantasy, Detective novel, Excerpt, Short Story | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

An Hour’s Nap

Goodbye Mr. Rogers, it was nice to be aboard; Goodbye Mr. Jimi and your E7#9 chord. I step off the plane into my chair fumbling my way to awake, wondering how in the world such a journey is possible. My … Continue reading

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Excerpt: The Talons of Quantam (opening of Book II)

A giant hairless man, dressed in exquisitely tanned buckskin, woven through with cunning designs, led him to a vestibule at the north side of the great hall. “I shall be just outside. When you are cleared, I shall take you … Continue reading

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