Short Fiction

In the search for youthful looks and greater beauty, people's vanity could become the very thing that destroys them ...

There is no forcing a spirit to cooperate; the choice must come from within. The spirit must want some kind of Salvation enough to ask for it -- and then accept what that might mean.

One is always provided with what one needs to get by ... that is, if one is willing to trust... and know that "getting by" might not be easy ...

The visit was lovely, the company so welcome -- until the snow and ice made visitors into residents. And even suddenly fellow residents are fine -- that is, until the beer runs out.

Compared to the Game, real life is a disappointment. Well, except for certain rare occasions ...

There is a time of year when it's better to hold your tongue unless you want to set out on the road early, hungover, and on the outs with those you love.

He found a world of purpose, of strength, a world that could engage his whole mind. And his heart...

A dragon centuries old might impart the Mysteries of the Ages, and traveling with him, Aser might have the adventure of a lifetime. Sure. And Aunt Tilla might have shown up naked for other reasons than bad decisions on her part.

Sometimes we forget to ask, "What's your name?" -- even when we want to know someone better ... and is that because the question in our hearts is "What's your real name?"...

Excitement! Adventure! A glittering creature of myth and legend to travel with! Who could ask for a better vacation than that? Dudalos the Dragon is about to help Aser find out.

Plague waits, injured and doubting, while the angels meet to decide his fate. How could he possibly think he can help in the battle to come?

While the stars whisper overhead, and the creatures of the earth vibrate with their songs, while the rasp of daily voices fills the very air you breathe, where can you go to listen to what's in your heart?

It's high time for the ghost of Garfer Miller to move on from the planter in front of Aser's door. Unfortunately old Garf isn't looking forward to what waits for him in the next world — or who.

Plague is still not comfortable with his change from despairing suicide to the side of the angels. While we are ready to forgive others their mistakes and failings, our own haunt us like whispers of Hell...

Banding together, people can accomplish more than they can on their own. What if a dragon shows up on your doorstep? Who are your allies then?

Confronted with an unexpected event, do we step forward to embrace the adventure -- or is it better to remain safe?

A familiar constellation is slipping away as the Northern Hemisphere oozes into Spring.

Never trust a vampire writer not to mess with your head ...

Who is it, waiting there, knowing so much about that private life?

What could be more wholesome than a family trip to the zoo?

There are lots of tales worth telling, but few worth losing a beer over.

A ring around the moon is a sign to the weather-wise: a sign that says, "Get your old bones moving and get out while you can." At least that's what Aser is about to find out.

Life is like a pointless maze sometimes, and you have to wonder if breaking out of it will bring you freedom and beauty -- or will it bring you great danger? Staff Writer Lydia Manx treats us to a colorful little tale in a strange setting.

If your main concern is profits and not the health of your hired help, the neighborhood shaman is probably not the most auspicious person to ask for assistance -- unless you want what is really coming to you.

If only Wesley hadn't seen her turn into a mean drunk over brandy, Anne's life might have been very different. Funny how things like that happen ...

The co-workers leaning against the back of the building smoking, the office hens with their cheap and heavy perfume, the copy machine spewing wrinkled paper and toner dust, the supervisor who thinks that "managing" is done by "threatening workers" -- is that what you really want?

Kathryn Long has two published novels -- "Oklahoma's Gold" and "A Pleasant View" -- with a third, "Whips, Cuffs, and Little Brown Boxes", currently in "limbo" as it sits with a publisher. Besides writing, Kathryn spends a great deal of time at her day job as a language arts teacher. She is married and lives in northeastern Ohio.

Plague is walking infection, working for the ones who bring misery to the human race. Is his love for his sister enough to turn him from the path to Hell?

Who is that on the street corner? Is it someone we know? Is it someone w're going to meet? Oh, yes, we know that stranger. And soon, Death will be a stranger no longer ...

Little Jen was surely the perfect companion... (originally appeared in 2003)