Reasons Why I Write...

An author at LinkedIn by the name of Lynette White shared with our writers group reasons why she writes. I agree with all of these:

"A middle aged woman going through Chemotherapy wanted stories to keep her spirits up while she was taking the treatments.

A concerned father bought one for his son so he had "wholesome" stories to read.

A young couple bought two because their hectic lives rarely allowed them to enjoy full length novels.

Well known author Tracy Hickman told me one time that he writes because he knows his words change lives, even if it is only one life at a time. After this weekend I understand what he meant. These stories may be short, but you never know who's life that short story will change."

The Enchanted Willow Forest - Chapter 1 Sisters Visit Rootspire

Sisters Visit Rootspire

by Glenda Reynolds 

 In a land surrounded by magical forests and mystical creatures was the village of Rootspire. The humble people of this village were schooled in their family trade and thus contributed to the Rootspire way of life. But it wasn’t until the Mongrelfolk moved into the enchanted Willow Forest that men started missing from their village.

Mongrelfolk were a cross between ogres and orcs. They had the gift to assume any form that they wished; this was achieved by making a tea blend with the fur of cats, their mortal enemies. Their gift allowed them to appear as normal humans. They also slowly feasted on the flesh of men. The true form of a Mongrelfolk was round and potatoe-like with scant long hairs on their body. Other characteristics were puny legs, long claws and dreadful pointed teeth that were blackened. All manner of creatures avoided angering them for they had a very nasty disposition.

One day two sweet, elderly sisters visited Rootspire to inquire about the bountiful harvest. They stopped to observe Hamel, a strong, handsome farmer who was busy with his daily chores. He was bent over as he put his corn in a sack, causing his breeches to strain tightly over his backside.

“There is plenty of meat on this one, sister,” murmured Velda.

“Ah, yes, he is a fine specimen,” replied Klarot, “almost too handsome to eat.”

An indignant copper-haired neighbor observed the two old women. “Ye old ladies are so brazen! Why don’t ye ogle over a man yer own age?”

“Because there are no men our age!” retorted Klarot. This was indeed a truthful confession, but it was lost on the neighbor. “Mind yer own business, wench.” The young woman tossed her nose in the air and retreated into her own house.

Upon hearing the women draw near, he said, “May I help you ladies?”

“Indeed you may,” said Velda. “We are wondering when we might purchase some of yer harvest.”

“I plan on going to Odenville with a cart of my best produce. I’ll be setting up a table at the Farmer’s Market two days hence.”

“Good. We will see you then,” said Klarot.

The morning arrived when Hamel started down the road with his horse drawn cart of produce. Little Tristin and his gray tabby, Pogo, bolted out of the little house. After catching up with his father, Tristin begged to accompany him.

“Oh, papa, you promised that one day I could journey with you to Odenville. You said that when I did that, I’d finally be a man.”

“Yes, I did, little one, but that time has not arrived yet. Turn around and go home to your mother. I’ll see you when I return.”

“But, papa!”

“Listen to me, boy.”

Tristin obeyed but very grudgingly. He found that he enjoyed playing with Pogo more than with the other boys in the village. He taught his cat a few tricks such as retrieving things that he would throw. They were always together side by side. When they weren’t playing, they ate together and even slept together. His mother, Myra, looked in on them to see them cuddling in bed. Pogo was like a little brother with fur and whiskers.

Days passed and Hamel never came home from the Farmer’s Market. Soon news reached Rootspire that there had been an invasion of Mongrelfolk.

After Tristin’s mother had fed him a dinner of stew, she tucked him in the bed with a good night kiss. He listened for her door to close. Satisfied that she had retired for the night, Tristin jumped out of bed and climbed out of the window. Pogo was right beside him. The boy and his cat bounded down the dirt road that was lit by the full moon. The road disappeared into the dark enchanted Willow Forest. Deep in the heart of the forest was a meager cottage; its light pierced the darkness of the woods like a menacing beacon. An appalling smell drifted through the windows, like rancid leaves and rotting flesh. Tristin stacked some stones under the front window to peep in. He observed his father sitting scrunched up in a large cage. There was a large pot with a man’s hand sticking out of the top. He also observed an ugly Mongrelfolk with a knife cutting part of the tail off of a caged cat. The fur was placed in a tea bag. Tristin acted quickly. He banged on the door. When the door opened, he gestured with a funny face while the two ugly sisters went chasing him into the woods. In the meantime, Pogo trotted up the stairs into the cottage. Hamel perked up upon seeing Pogo.

“Fetch the keys, Pogo.” The cat obediently took the keys in his mouth and handed them to his owner. “Good Boy!”

While Hamel tried each key in the lock, Klarot returned to the cottage.

“What have we here? More fur to make tea I think.” Pogo puffed his fur, screeched fiercely, and jumped onto Klarot’s face. Klarot whirled around in circles, trying to rid herself of the cat, though unsuccessful. Hamel unlocked his cage and that of the maimed cat. The unknown feline also pounced on Klarot’s back; he dug his claws in deep. Soon Klarot was overcome. She crumbled to the floor dead.

Velda appeared in the doorway just in time to see Klarot succumb to the cats. She let out a dreadful scream as she charged at Hamel with her knife raised. The two cats bit and scratched at her legs. They drove her away from the Hamel and closer to the fireplace. Then with all of their might, the two cats pounced on her, driving her onto the burning logs of the fireplace. Velda’s twitching body fell forward in a burning heap. The fire spread and consumed the little cottage in minutes. Hamel, Tristin and Pogo returned to Rootspire with their new feline friend whom Tristin named Stubby.  

This was for February Furs contest in the Writers 750 group at Goodreads. I have been adding stories to this theme and one day hope to make a book out of it. 

Witch's Island Short Story

WITCH’S ISLAND

by

Glenda Reynolds

     Captain Jon Devon stood at the wheel as he sailed his ship, the Devil’s Plunder, towards his home island of Jamaica. He pillaged the Caribbean as he sailed a fast caravel ship under a black flag with cross bones. Devon was a huge imposing figure dressed in dark weathered clothing. His hair resembled that of a lion’s mane with his dreadlocks framing his perfect, unearthly face. The wind ruffled his black hat, but it always managed to stay on his head with the front brim turned up. A double holster was strapped across his chest with two pistols in it. He wore a silver talisman given to him by his maker, Zafrina, which allowed him to be a “day walker”. Although he was a pleasure-seeking, dung-souled ruffian in his past life, he was ten times more now that he was an immortal. Only one thing reined him in: his love for a beautiful Jamaican woman named Desiree who sailed with him at all times.

     The sea became increasingly stormy as his ship approached an uncharted island. The sound of long horns and drums was carried on the wind. Try as he may, Captain Devon could not navigate the ship away from the mysterious island. A very old, dilapidated lighthouse stood on the craggy rocks like a beacon of doom. To his horror and that of his crew, the ship plunged headlong into the shoreline of huge imposing boulders, which stood like black fingers waiting to grasp the unsuspecting vessel. With one giant wave of the sea, the ship became wedged in between the boulders. The force of the wave and the quick stoppage of the ship caught in the boulders sent Devon and his shipmate Jamal overboard. The two of them managed to crawl ashore despite the pounding waves.

     They immediately noticed many weathered trees on the shoreline that looked to be sculpted by the wind and sea until they stood bare, smooth, and bent over. Suddenly a man’s face came to life on the nearest tree trunk.

     “Ye beware o’ the witch of this island. Leave now while ye can lest ye become part of the island.”

     “How long ha’ ya bin here, man?” asked Devon.

     “Thirty years now. We are all doomed, cursed by Raven. Ye be warned.” The face on the tree became silent. Devon and Jamal noticed other men who had been trapped inside of trees on the shoreline.

     Devon found a club that he found floating in the surf; he offered it to Jamal for protection. Together they strode into the interior of the island. Surely there was treasure to be found on here. They crossed a small glade at the foot of two mountains. A cave was spotted at the base. They made a torch out of an old leg bone that lit the way down to the belly of the island.

     They came upon a female who was working on her spells. Her pet snake was wrapped around her shoulders. The clothing she wore hinted of African-Caribbean origin. She knew the black magic of voodoo as well as being a “gifted” immortal. The room was filled with jugs of rum and loose and bagged gold coin, possibly stolen from her many victims that were lead to her island by way of the magical island music.

     “My name is Raven. What do ya seek on my island?”

     “Dat gold fo’ starters, girl,” replied Devon.

     “There is a price to pay for dis gold, Mista.”

     “I’m Captain Jon Devon. What price would you be meanin’?

     “You would make a fine addition to my island.” She came close to him and ran her hand up his arm. “For you, I would make my mate,” she said with seductive eyes.

     Devon would never betray his love for Desiree.

     “Woman, all the gold in the Caribbean would not be enough for that.” He turned to go back to his ship.

     Raven was not used to refusals. She watched his retreating figure and that of Jamal’s in disbelief. When the two men arrived back at the shore, their shipmates had just pulled the ship free of the boulders with the mooring ropes. Devon turned to see that Raven had followed them there. Desiree was watching the two from the bow.

     “Don’t be stupid, Devon,” Raven derided him. “She will grow old an’ die one day whereas we could spend eternity together on de high seas. She is nothing but a puny human, food for de immortals.”

     “Don’t vex me so. Go ’way, witch.”

     “Don’t be a fool. Your decision affects both you and your mate.”

     “Nothing you can do will eva change me mind.”

     “So be it.”

     Raven raised her hand and at once the silver talisman that Devon wore flew from his neck and landed in her palm.

     “Wha’ gwan? I need dat to survive a sea! De sun will turn me to ash without it.”

     “You will do well without it, and you will do well without something else too.”

     Raven looked at his ship where Desiree was watching from the bow. Raven extended her hand toward the mortal as she recited the dark curse that would bind them both. Desiree’s skin became as weathered wood as she climbed over the bow of the ship, extended her arms on either side of her, and hung there as the ship’s figurehead. In this state she was dead to Jon Devon neither speaking nor moving. Her eyes stared out into nothing.

     Devon whirled around to confront Raven who had disappeared from sight. Upon seeing his beloved for the first time in her cursed state, a mournful cry was wrenched from his lips and broke the silence of the night. From that night forward Jon Devon was cursed to remain in his coffin by day; Desiree was cursed to be the ship’s figurehead by night. They were forever together yet eternally apart. Devon appropriately renamed his ship The Cursed Leviathan as he continued to wreak havoc on the Caribbean Sea.

 

Read this story as well as others in the Giant Tales World of Pirates anthology sold at Amazon.

Purchase at Amazon

Giant Tales World of Pirates Contributing Author

It's official: I am now a published author of short stories in book 3 Giant Tales World of Pirates anthology at Amazon. There are 40 authors who have written 3-minute short stories. I'm looking forward to writing more of them.

Go to amazon.com for World of Pirates

*~ Our first 5-Star Review at Amazon~*

"A journey into the world of pirates that you will truly enjoy!, March 1, 2014

By 

Jory Staz

Giant Tales, 3-minute stories 'World of Pirates' is a book comprised of 53 stories that will engage you from the moment you open the book. The book is divided into two chapters. In the first chapter, each story has a theme that includes a bad boy pirate, rum, and money. The second chapter's theme is perseverance. The stories in chapter 2 all involve a house, a light and a musical sound from another realm.

I enjoyed that the book is set up in this manner. Even though the stories are from various authors, the 'flow' seems unaltered when reading from one story to the next, due to the common theme. Many of the authors in this book possess great talent at putting words to paper and making the tales a reality in your mind. This book is a great escape from daily life, one in which the imagination of the authors grabs your attention with suspenseful tales. I enjoy that the stories are each under 3 minutes long to read. It's a great book to have on the bedside table!

Many of the authors did a great job bringing detail and life to each character, particularly so when there was a limit on the number of words that were permitted. I found myself immersed in the short stories right from the start. I yearned to learn more about each character. Reading the 'afterwards' made me more aware of some of the clever spins on the theme of the story, and on how the 3 key words that every author was required to use, were put into play.

There are many great stories in this book for those who seek adventure. It was refreshing to read stories that pertain to the world of pirates! I gave this book 5 stars because there were so many captivating stories, there is something for everyone in this book."

*~ Our Second 5-Star Review at Amazon~*

"A pirate in Your Life?  
By Kenflan on March 7, 2014

What an interesting concept! Authors from anywhere in cyberspace are asked to craft a tale using a few prompts. What the reader gets is the craftiness of so many gifted people woven into one small volume. Each story is only about 3 minutes long; long enough to enjoy while waiting for an appointment. The "afterward" feature is great too, as it allows the reader to get into the author's head as to how he or she was thinking as the story comes alive. And who knew how many ways we can look at a pirate! What a group of gifted writers! I recommend this book either as a traditional publication or in e-form. Let's have more of this concept!"

Best Tips For Success by Heather Schuldt

I'm going to adopt these practices for success:

1.    Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself. 

DO: When something turns out badly, say, “Oh, well.” Or “Move on!” or “Next!” Ignore ridicule.

2.   Don’t give away your power to feel inferior.

DO: Manage the way you respond.

3.   Don’t be afraid of change.

DO: Embrace, welcome, and be energized by change.

4.   Don’t complain.

DO: Embrace the fact that you’ll never control everything.

5.   Don’t be a people pleaser.

DO: Be kind and fair and not afraid to speak up.

6.   Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk.

DO: Weigh the risks and benefits thoroughly.

7.   Don’t dwell on the past.

DO: Learn from the past. Spend your time in the present.

8.   Don’t make the same mistakes over and over.

DO: Accept full responsibility from mistakes in the past; be self-reflective in an accurate and productive way.

9.   Don’t resent other people’s success, don’t be jealous, and don’t rely on shortcuts.

DO: Feel joy for other successes. Work hard.

   10. Don’t give up after failure.

        DO: See your chance to improve and take it. Step closer to your  goals.

    11. Don’t be afraid to work alone.

DO: Treasure your time to reflect, plan, and be happy when you’re alone.

  12. Don’t act like the world owes you anything.

 DO: Work hard and succeed on your achievements.

  13. Don’t expect immediate results.

 DO: Work hard with integrity for the long haul and celebrate the small steps along the way.

World Net Utopia Short Story

This short story is included in 

Giant Tales Dangerous Days Tales of Climate Change & Crowns anthology - launched July 2014 at Amazon

~*****~

World Net Utopia 

by Glenda Reynolds

   

  The year is 2235. It has been 150 years since the global nuclear war that nearly wiped out humanity. Parts of the earth are still uninhabited. Tangled steel structures that were once mega office buildings still litter large cities of the planet along with thousands of abandoned cars that used to run on fossil fuel. The survivors of planet earth came together to form themselves one government. Religious structures, religious gatherings, and any kind of religious displays or symbolisms are prohibited. Worship is done only in each man’s home. Jihad does not exist nor is there condemnation preached from behind pulpits. The government, known as World Net, actively promotes positive wellness through all media outlets.

     Christa is in a good mood as she drives her battery operated Leaf 200 and hums along with the “Let’s Be Cheerful” lingo that plays many times each day, courtesy of World Net.  After parking the car, Christa walks to her front door and then places her hand on a computer screen for print recognition.
    “Welcome, Christa. Be well.” 

 All homes are now built with standard remote control event programming, entertainment, and security features. The inside of every house resembles a glass palace with white smooth surfaces much like a sterile doctor’s office. Paint of any kind is deemed toxic and therefore is banned. Homeowners are encouraged to have growing walls of plants to purify the air.

Christa tosses her purse on the hallway table. Her clothes are quickly pulled off and tossed aside as she tries to unwind from a day at the office. Five minutes later, her husband, Rob, arrives home from his job as well.

“How was your day?” Christa asked as Rob tossed his wallet and sunglasses on the dresser.

“You don’t even want to know. When is dinner?”

“Don’t I even get a kiss?” Rob gives her a swift peck on the lips giving her more mustache than lips. “Well, the day just seemed to drag on forever for me today. There was an employee who was asked to resign after they had warned her repeatedly about wearing her religious jewelry and displaying her religious greeting cards. “

Rob’s facial expression is now one of annoyance as he replies, “Back in the day they use to call it freedom of speech. Or was it freedom of religion? Anyway, look what it did to the world. I really don’t want to hear about it. I just want to unwind.”

“Sweetie, do you want to sit under the Dome while I start dinner?”

“Whatever. Just shut the door behind you.”

The Dome looks like a crown with electrodes that affect certain parts of the brain. It is an invention that World Net first used on criminals. They used it to reprogram the minds of offenders, thus cutting down the prison population to almost nothing. Now it is a required use in every home in the one world regime. It gives the user a sense of peace while it also sterilizes humans from procreating unbeknownst to the average man. The World Food and Drug Administration deems the Dome to be safe for general use with little side effects. Children are created in labs for couples whose traits are most valued by World Net.

As Christa leaves the bedroom to start dinner, she glances through the window to see a hooded figure place a package in their mail box. The mystery person is gone by the time she opens the front door. She retrieves the package from the mail box. It appears to be a homemade DVD. Lucky for her, she still has an old DVD player, a relic from the days of old technology. Dinner could wait a little longer.

The DVD has in fact been made by an underground resistant group to make people aware of the true nature of World Net. In the video a spokesperson for the resistance tries to convince the viewer that mankind used to live his own life in the pursuit of happiness without government intervention. People of the world used to have as many children as they wanted. They even ate foods that they wanted even if it was bad for them. They exercised free right.

“I like my life just fine, thank you,” Christa sniffs, abhorring the very idea that the government is suppressing her rights.

Christa is so agitated that she turns the DVD player off. She opens the bedroom door to find that Rob has just had a session under the Dome. He has showered and is dressed in red silk boxer shorts. The heavy smell of cologne fills the bedroom.

“Well, hello, lovely lady. And how was your day?” 

*****

Look for this short story and others in the Giant Tales Dangerous Days (Book 4)  anthology at Amazon - for sale now.

     

October Short Story: Dying To Be Your Friend