Stories

As the head pilot of the Santa Claus, Priest is a scoundrel, a scammer, and a dreamer. A good time and making money is all he needs, but the ship intersects with a dwarf and a stranger, both with histories that may change Priest's priorities.

Will their involvement and the secrets they hold risk themselves, or everyone on board the ship as well?

Part II of "All We Have Now".

A gritty story of a casual meeting that turns into more than you might expect. You'll meet Rex, a real estate agent, Joe, a new-to-town out of work welder, and watch as people and events occur that shape their lives. You'll have a first row seat to a story that reflects adult situations, adult language, sex--and personal development--as well as a fun approach to life. Part of the CSR discussion blog, live Monday 1/26/15, from 7-9 pm Central. Join in that day and ask me anything!

Fourteen-year-old Simon is getting a haircut. He has choices: a crew cut or a mullet; to continue his isolation, or to murmur a personal 'open sesame.' Later, with a little help from his friends, he finds out he is not nearly as alone as he imagined. And he suddenly can face the prospects of a long summer and entering high school in the fall with hope.

Thirteen-year-old Simon sits face to face with Father Strathmore, but what has he done wrong... experimented with drugs, kissed a boy, or lied in Confession? The priest has a vested interest in finding out, and it is a deeply personal and troubling one.

Twelve-year-old Simon stands in the play yard breaking his best friend's heart, and is doing it for all the 'wrong reasons' – reasons of fear-based bigotry and homophobia. He must decide whose side he is on, and remembers the school year as a series of ups and downs, and of joys and sorrows. One memory may be able to make him do the right thing after all, if he can accept its message.

This story is about a young man trying to break through the expectations set by his father and small-town life.

Miah's in a jam. He can't work his stake, but if he doesn't accept his precious cattle, already paid for with nearly all the money he had to his name, he could lose everything. Lisco and Moshe still want him, and are willing to do just about anything to convince Miah they're serious. Will he let them help him out, or will he let pride ruin everything?

Eleven-year-old Simon has a chance meeting, and spends time with an out couple. He is forced to deal with society's fears, and his own prejudice, on what Gay people are supposed to be like. This is pitted against the reality of Greg and Joey as a happy, and ordinary pair.

Sometimes evil wears the garb of generosity and 'guidance,' and the young can sense this destructiveness around them. From ages ten to fourteen, Simon has his inherent goodness and resolve tested by the shady undercurrents within the small town where he is growing up. Will he come out on the other side of his adolescence as pure as he went into it? These five novellas will explore questions of faith and Simon's process of becoming a young man.