Short Fiction

Everyone knew there was something different about Jack Runner. He had too many 'imaginary playmates' that he talked to, and he knew too much about things that he shouldn't. And he did things no boy his age ought to do -- like befriending a monster ...Originally appeared 2007-02-12.

The time has come for the prophesy to be fulfilled. From the mysterious realms of a twisted universe, a figure appears ...Originally appeared 2006-12-18.

While leaves drift from the trees, a pilgrimage must be made, a pilgrimage that will draw old memories to a close, and set feet on a path into the future. Originally appeared 2006-10-23.

He looked like Lee Marvin, but was the size of a pick-up truck, and he had a heart as cruel as a set of brass knuckles coming at you at 60 miles an hour -- and one day I just had to push my luck ...Originally appeared 2006-05-15.

They're cute, they scatter beautiful clouds of "pixie dust," and they can tell you what the sky is going to do for the next few days. Who wouldn't leap at the chance to capture one and keep it in a jar? ... And maybe make it a business partner? Originally appeared 2006-04-17.

The two best days of Alice's week are Saturday and Sunday. Yard sale days. Her house is littered with trophies collected from her bargain hunting, but the clutter and the yard sale obsession aren't the problem, they're just symptoms. Originally appeared 2004-10-23.

Ever wondered exactly who holds that job? Be careful what you say. It might be you. Originally appeared 2002-11-25

If you look in your mirror, do you actually see yourself? Or do you see something that you think you have to see?

No piña coladas for this werewolf. When you've been sold down the river, you're bound to want to take a few with you.

Poor Jack Runner. He's a serious cop, but his author can't resist tormenting him -- even in his dreams.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman is a Masters of Divinity Student at Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School for Christian Education. He has written religious reflection articles for The Presbyterian Outlook, as well as satire for The Happy Woman Magazine and The Wittenburg Door. He currently lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife, Ginny, and his dog, Nikki Giovanni.

An Aser story. Drinking extra beer and crying outrage, Aser and Danner show Margot the troll what being a hedge shaman with a mission is all about.

The Seraphim Twins, Kaine and Jynx, have been joined by Iai, who has professed his mission to protect Kaine. But the danger is growing, and Kaine is less worried about himself than about his twin and the girl Kumiko ...

Cloudraft the Wizard gets on Aser's last nerve and everyone runs right out of sympathy for his plight.

Office politics in action on the trail with an eight-foot troll, a talking dog, and two educated baboons.

Pavelle Wesser's writing has appeared in various webzines and paper magazines, including: "AlienSkin," "DemonMinds," "the Short Humour Site," "Flashshot," "MicroHorror," and "Twisted Tongue." She lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children.

A golfer gives up his favorite game, Lady Seaguard no longer gossips and complains, and deception is daily routine. What the heck is that all about?

Jack Runner hates Valentine's Day with a passion. Even more so this year, when he finds someone who has a passion for him.

Death and pain have followed the Seraphim Twins for so long that there is nothing else for them to remember. They can only have faith that they know how to defeat the demon sent to kill them, but the price of victory may cost them more than they possess ...

There are layers to every story, and the richness and fascination only get better when you start to hear about what happens on each layer ...

Winter needs some kind of break from its cold and dismal days. After weeks and weeks of staring at the cold walls and hearing people cough, a little warm breeze and an unexpected smile can make a young woman's heart remember Spring ...

Vampire writer Lydia Manx offers her readers a twisted valentine ...

Looking back through your years, examining the relationships you had -- how many can you remember, and how many would you rather forget?

Ace Piker Press reporter Dan Mulhollen tells how he saved the face of America in the 2008 presidential primaries.

Vampires with grand social ambitions definitely do not like to be taken by surprise, especially when they've been working hard on the campaign trail...

"Five score years ago," he said, "a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity..."

No matter what turn fortune should take, no matter how successful one's enterprises should become, family is of utmost importance, and one's grandfather should always be honoured and cared for ...

The deserts of Phoenix have become a nightmare of monsters, and death seems to wait around every corner, and on every horizon.

Crossing the deserts of Phoenix, the keening wind is the only constant. It shifts the sands and changes the landmarks; it swallows whole towns and uncovers things that should never have come to light. The heat of the day makes traveling nearly impossible, but now something stange, something unnatural, walks out of the night ...

He inventoried his armament. He had the courage; he had the determination. He had the vision of his destination, and he knew he had the strength to succeed. His equipment was sound, his supplies were adequate. He was prepared, he was chosen, and he needed nothing more to set out on the journey ...