Bill W

So, the SA didn't solve this mystery, it was solved by a guy who was fined and sent to prison. Interesting.

Tom had first been fostered and then adopted by his current family. Tom likes to be outdoors and he gets immense pleasure peeking in windows and listening in on conversation. This eventually pays off, although it becomes slightly dangerous. What happens and what makes it dangerous? You'll have to read this clever short story to find out, and I'm sure you're going to be surprised when you find out what made the situation dangerous.

I was wondering how the parents would allow their six-and-a-half-year-old wander around peeping in windows and listening in on conversations, but now it all makes sense. Great twist and a wonderful job, SA. Looking back, this line probably should have been a major clue. “Honey, can you feed the animals while I get dinner on the table?” she called out. What parent would refer to her sons as animals? Well, maybe one of them is ok. This is going to be hard to review without giving too much away.

Gareth had a night that he's unable to really remember and the day isn't getting much better for him, since coffee ended up on his shirt and he has to get to work soon, because he's already late. What more can possibly happen to Gareth? I'm afraid that you'll have to read this short story to find out, and be prepared for some laughs along the way.

This reminded me of a cross between the Twilight Zone episode "What You Need" and Aladdin, although there was no salt shaker, or a dancing girl statuette in either of them, although there might have been some actual dancing girls. I'm not sure about the vase and the rose though, and hopefully Gareth has learned a lesson. Very nice, SA and thanks for the laughs, although some of them made me cringe too, for Gareth's sake.

Sacrifice is vital in storytelling because it raises the stakes, reveals a character's true nature, and makes the final victory feel truly earned. It transforms a simple plot into an emotional journey that audiences remember forever. Why Sacrifice Matters: Shows Real Value: When a character gives up something they love, want, or need, it proves to the reader how much the goal or other people matter. Builds Tension: Knowing a character might lose what is dear to them creates urgency and makes readers care deeply about the outcome. Completes Character Growth: Giving up a selfish desire for the greater good shows that a hero has truly changed and matured. How to Make It Work Well: Must Be Voluntary: A true choice requires having other options; if a character is forced with no way out, it lacks emotional weight. Has a Real Cost: The character should face lasting, painful consequences instead of getting a quick fix or a free reward. Goes Beyond Death: Sacrifice does not always mean losing a life; it can be giving up a dream, a relationship, status, or a treasured item.

The word sacrifice comes from the Latin words sacer (sacred) and facere (to make or do), literally meaning "to make sacred". The term passed into Old French as sacrifise during the 12th century with the same religious meaning of an offering made to a deity. It entered the English language in the late 13th century via Middle English to describe offering a life or object to a god. By the mid-14th century, it was also used as a noun for the actual thing offered. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the word sacrifice first appeared in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500). The noun sacrifice is recorded from around 1250 and first tracked in Kentish texts. The verb to sacrifice is recorded from around 1290. Originally it denoted the religious rite of killing an animal or human, or presenting grain and goods to a deity. The term broadened to its secular meaning of giving up something valuable or dear for a higher purpose or another person in the 1590s.

Great job with the prompt, Wayne. I loved what you did with it. As Bft suggested, the prince may have rejected the other body guards because he was looking for more than protection - he wanted a bodyguard AND a lover all rolled into one.

Or "A Night with the Prince", using a play on words knight-night.

I've always been a late night person, even when working on the farm during the summer. We always took a longer break for dinner, which was usually one of the hottest times during the day, so I'd take a quick nap before eating and before we did the evening chores. I had to adjust how late I could stay up when I was working, but now that I'm retired, there's no limits to how late I stay up. Sometimes I don't go to sleep until 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning. I'm glad to hear that Cia's still hanging in there and I hope the situation is improving for her. She deserves a break about now.

This is on of Cole's earlier stories, and if you like old time detective stories with plenty of twists and turns, minus the detective, then give this a read. There is also a considerable amount of violence, and you'll find there are multiple twists and turns along the way, so you won't figure everything out. If you don't mind the violence, although not overly graphic, and like a challenge, give this short story a try.

This reminded me of an old time detective story. Lots of guns, although no mention of automatic weapons, and the loan shark, who usually busted arms and legs to convince the borrower to pay up. The loan shark didn't kill those who fell behind in their payments, because then there would be no way to collect his money. You did telegraphed a few things, such as how Tony knew where his shop was - he obviously had help to figure that out, but you threw in a few curveballs that caught me off guard, so it was a decent read.

William and George couldn't remember the date of a lot of the firsts in their relationship, so when would they celebrate the anniversary of their relationship? Eventually, they chose a special date in their lives and it added a bit of fun to the celebration. Read this short story to find out what it was and how they celebrated.

What happened to the SMALL gifts? Will this change their future anniversary celebrations? I didn't think George would be foolish enough to talk about his plans in a spot where William might overhear, but it played out nicely.

If this short story doesn't touch your heart, then nothing will. This story is well thought out and beautifully crafted, and it discusses some issues that we often don't think about or consider. Just a note before you read it, though. Have a box of tissues handy, because I'm sure there will be multiple times when you'll need one.

Kids can often be cruel with those who are different from them and often revert to calling them names. It's cruel and unwarranted, and I'm always happy when someone calls them out for their actions. This was a beautiful and tender story that brought out a lot of emotions as I was reading it, most of them positive, and I don't think I've ever read a more fitting story about Valentine's Day. I also loved the way you tied it to the theme - very clever. Great Job, Val.

A character's commitment drives the narrative forward by anchoring their motivations, raising the stakes of the conflict and making their personal transformation or ultimate success and failure emotionally satisfying for the audience. Without a clear "buy-in" to their choices, the plot stalls and readers lose interest. Driving the Plot and Tension: Active choices: Committed characters make hard decisions that push the story forward rather than letting events happen to them passively. High stakes: When a character is fully invested in a goal, every obstacle they face carries heavy weight and danger. Pacing control: Strong resolve keeps the narrative moving at a steady, engaging speed instead of wandering aimlessly. Fostering Emotional Connection: Audience empathy: Readers root for a character who cares deeply about what they are trying to achieve. Meaningful growth: A deep commitment makes the pain of the struggle and eventual self-actualization feel earned. Avoidance of flip-flopping: Firm dedication prevents characters from changing their minds too easily, which keeps relationships and subplots grounded.

Commitment comes from the Latin verb committere meaning to unite, connect, combine, or entrust into someone's charge. It combines om- ("together") and mittere ("to send or put"). It formed in English from the verb commit plus the suffix -ment (first recorded in the late 1500s). It evolved from meaning "to entrust or bring together" into legal uses for sending someone to prison, and later transformed into a modern promise, pledge, or dedicated focus. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun commitment was first used in English in 1579 and found in the medical and writing work of English physician John Jones to mean putting someone into custody or prison. The modern sense of making a promise, pledge, or engaging oneself came in 1793 and in 1864 the meaning shifted to mean a general duty or binding obligation.

Ben, you've created an interesting world here with interesting characters. I'll be looking for more.

Intention in storytelling is the core purpose that guides every creative choice, giving clear direction to both the character's goals and the author's overarching message. It creates meaningful tension, connects deeply with audiences, and prevents narratives from feeling random or empty. Why Character Intention Matters: Drives the Plot: Gives characters a clear goal so they take action instead of just reacting. Creates Conflict: Pits what a character wants against heavy obstacles to build suspense. Builds Empathy: Helps readers care about the outcome because the stakes feel real. Why Authorial Intention Matters: Focuses Creative Choices: Ensures every scene, line of dialogue, and theme serves a distinct purpose. Resists Noise: Keeps your unique voice and human values alive in an era of automated content. Delivers Impact: Transforms a simple sequence of events into a resonant emotional journey.

The word intention comes from Lattin intendere, from in- ("toward") + tendere ("to stretch"), meaning to turn one's attention or stretch the mind toward an object. It came to Middle English via Old French entencion, with meanings like intent, purpose, thought, or desire. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun intention was first used in English in 1340 by the religious writer Richard Rolle. The word intent was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500). The noun intent was first used around 1225, recorded in the religious text Ancrene Riwle. The verb intent was first used before 1300, recorded in the verse text Cursor Mundi. The earliest known use of the adjective intent is from 1606, appearing in the writings of the administrator and writer Lodowick Bryskett. The adjective intentional was first used in English in the mid-1500s, with the earliest recorded evidence dating back to 1530. It was first found in the writings of John Palsgrave, an English scholar and language teacher. The verb intend was first used in English around 1374 in the writings of the poet and administrator Geoffrey Chaucer.

First, the MC's parents and other relatives turn their backs on him because he's gay. His luck seems to change after that, but will it last? You'll have to read this interesting short story to find out the answer to that question.

First he has his parents and other relatives turn their back on him and then his lover cheats on him before throwing him out, and that was after he helped turn Franco's worthless manuscripts into something that will sell. I'm glad he got his revenge, but when he reached into the backpack, I thought he might pull out a gun.

Ok, I've read each of the stories in this collection and commented on each one and left a review. Thank you for bringing it to my attention that I didn't do it when this Secret Author collection first came out.

This is an unusual take on the theme "Secret Admirer", This story is set in 3rd century Rome and focuses on a Roman soldier who's currently working in a prison as a guard, since it's a time of peace. A new prisoner is delivered into his custody, and the guard is immediately drawn to the man and wonders what he had done to put him in this situation. The prisoner is very thin and doesn't have much muscle mass, yet he's considered dangerous and scheduled to be executed. It's apparent that the prisoner has been badly beaten and abused, which the guard doesn't understand, since the guy doesn't appear to be a threat. The guards aren't supposed to show empathy or compassion to prisoners, but this guard does anyways, so what will happen. Will the prisoner be executed as scheduled, will the guard be disciplined for not following orders, or will both things happen? You'll have to read this fascinating short story to find out.