Shortly after his arrival up at the family cottage on Lake Superior, Stan Goobash watches in horror as a mammoth sinkhole opens in the middle of the lake. Moments later, the greatest of all the Great Lakes is nothing more than a memory. Stan vows to get to the bottom of this mystery.Shortly after his arrival up at the family cottage on Lake Superior, Stan Goobash watches in horror as a mammoth sinkhole opens in the middle of the lake. Moments later, the greatest of all the Great Lakes is nothing more than a memory. Like others, Stan is drawn across the dry lakebed to the circular chasm that has swallowed one tenth of the world's supply of surface freshwater. An avid skydiver, Stan quickly formulates a plan to get to the bottom of this mystery, or die trying. At the edge of the great sinkhole, Stan is joined by two others. They jump, but will soon learn that Lake Superior doesn't like to give up her dead.

While rock climbing in the Smokies, Jeep Muldoon, "the boy who finds things", unearths an ancient relic of the Cherokee people. A friendly medicine man identifies the priceless ruby-tipped artifact as "The Arrow That Would Not Miss". Now Jeep and his pals must outwit shapeshifting Thunderbirds, a middle school bully, a Science Fair rival and raid the Cherokee Casino in their wildest adventure yet!While rock climbing in the Smokies, Jeep Muldoon, "the boy who finds things", unearths an ancient relic of the Cherokee people. A friendly Medicine Man identifies the priceless ruby-tipped artifact as "The Arrow That Would Not Miss". As a reward for their discovery, Jeep and his Pals are each visited by Animal Spirit Guides. And, things get even spookier when two ShapeShifting Thunderbirds come to town! Can Jeep and his must friends outwit their arch Science Fair rival, defeat the biggest bully in the county and discover the ShapeShifter's special agenda? The gang will is going to need a whole lot science and a big dose of Luck, in their latest paranormal adventure: The Arrow That Would Not Miss."Like the Mad Scientists Club for a new generation!" -- American HomeSchooler

Leyla has been looking forward to this momentous day for 15 long years. Will it live up to expectations? Or will it end with terror and tears?This is a short story of 1,880 words. It is part two in the 'Origins' series of stories which connect with one another in unexpected ways.A short science-fiction horror story. What is the purpose of The Pods, spherical metallic machines that slowly fall from the Northern skies one night. And what happens when two young brothers take one home, and begin to examine and dismantle it? What is the terrible secret of The Pods.Updated 11/12; Easier to read on your e-device.

Still Wind, Forgotten Days contains enchanting stories of people who face impossible odds and life’s tragic moments. But, through their determining willpower and blessings from God, they are able to overcome the obstacles and endure life’s problems to achieve victory.Living on Yesterday’s DimeWe all have dreams of what we’ll be or do when we grow up. Some of the dreams come true and others don’t. This is an intriguing story of Lewis Moore who dreamed of being a singer; he wanted to sing on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Just released from prison, he starts his journey to make his dream come true and endures many hardship and struggles in the process. But, although he tries, does he make it?The Undertaker’s DaughterWallace Wiggins, his wife, Pamela, and their daughter, Billy Jo moved from Brandon, Ohio to Mule Creek, Kentucky. Not long afterwards, Pamela meets a man by the name of Todd at a coffee shop. From that point on, the story spirals into several twists and turns. Wallace, an undertaker and coroner, couldn’t accept Pamela’s infidelity and Billy Jo is involved in a final twist that sends the story in a different direction.Living Between Two Stop SignsLiving Between Two Stop Signs is a fun piece of work depicting the old memoires and the life of an old man living between two stop signs. With a spiritual twist, the story unravels the memories from his past and the things of today.In the Cold of NightA family torn apart by the threat of divorce after they have tried everything to make their marriage work makes a last ditch effort to bring their family together. They take a trip to their favorite place to see if they can work things out. It’s their last hope. Will the family come together or will it drive them further apart?Stolen HeartStolen Heart is an enlightening story of a young girl named Jo Meaghan. She is extremely talented with a personality that wins the hearts of many. Her gift and ability sets her apart from everyone else. As the story carries on in victory, it suddenly takes a turn for the worst. But, even in the tragic moments, Jo Meaghan steals the hearts of many more.The Thorns of RoseRosemary and her two children live in a tragic world of domestic violence which is the thorns in Rose’s life. Her overbearing and controlling husband terrorizes her and the children in fear. But, she still loves him; she hopes and prays someday he will be the man she fell in love with and married. What happens to turn their lives around? What will go wrong? He said it was her.The Valley of the LostThe Valley of the Lost is a fun piece of work. It is a play on words that brings out hidden thoughts about life. The spiral twists enhance the story to reveal a lot of truths but it is also fun for the reader to enjoy. Have fun!

A short story about a sudden and unexpected change in life and the journey to discovery.Jennifer Logan likes Scott Parker, and Scott Parker likes her back. But there’s a problem. Jen’s best friend, Lindy Masters, already called dibs on Scott. Scott Parker is off limits according to best friend crush rules. Jen comes up with a plan. If she finds a new crush for Lindy then she’ll be able to go to the Snow Ball with Scott. It sounds easy, but everyone knows that junior high is nothing but drama. Will Jen and Lindy get dates for the school dance? And who will win The Winter Wonderland fashion show? Find out in “Snow Ball”!

Climate Change is a Young Adult Romance about the sweetness of first love challenged by the surges of passion, the complications of jealousy and the determination to leave your mark. (First chapter only)Eighteen year old Australian, Jessica Jones is an intelligent, focused and career driven environmentalist. Her sole aim was always to use her life to make a difference. But when celebrity heart throb Jayden Boral chose Jessica out of a crowd, her controlled life was whisked away.This one act of fate and Jessica’s innovative and outspoken ideas, attract the attention of Jayden’s Manager and quickly finds her a part of The Boral PR team. She is also shoved overnight into the lime light of the media and scandal.This provides Jessica the perfect platform to spread awareness on climate change.Meanwhile, her personal climate changes from all work and no play, to the starring role in a turbulent love triangle between her chivalrous bodyguard Rowan and the fun and magnetic Jayden.With the mysterious death of her father, the murder of her loving maid and the vacant support of her estranged mother, Jessica discovers the value of friendship, trust, the reliability of self determination and the valuable lesson of never judging a book by its cover.Climate Change is a Young Adult Romance about the sweetness of first love challenged by the surges of passion, the complications of jealousy and the determination to leave your mark.

The enthralling saga of the Hrwang Incursion continues in Ambush, Episode 6. Humans struggle to fight back and Marine Lance Corporal Derek Temple finds the challenge almost too much. Eva continues to walk an increasingly difficult tightrope. Jayla’s squad launches an ambush while John Cathey finds himself the victim of an ambush of his own.In the sixth episode of Earth, Book One of The Hrwang Incursion, the stakes are higher for Eva as she tries to insinuate herself into the Lord Admiral’s inner circle. Other survivors prepare for war. Wolfgang’s newly found sniper skills are tested and 1804 learns the fateful outcome of its decision.Acting President Hollis takes an experimental rocket the aliens missed into orbit to discuss terms, while Stanley continues to feel helpless and stuck at Hearst.Don’t miss a single episode! Each one can be downloaded for free at www.smashwords.com.

Much to his dismay, Doug wakes to find that his mission isn't over yet.Some people are in the right place at the right time. Some people are in the wrong place at the wrong time.Some people are there on purpose. Detective Jennings wasn’t given the choice and nether was Detective Colter.Love to hear feedback.

Hi, I’m Astra Norte and I’m a Space Cadet. Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard all the jokes. Anyway, this is the first of my space logs, and I have to tell you, it’s been a pretty scary voyage so far. I mean…Uh? What do you mean, let ’em read it for themselves?…Oh, oka-a-a-ay. Sorry, people, but I have to go. Just read and enjoy. Okay?Hearing voices in your head in any world, even Feregana, isn’t considered normal. But hearing the voices of ferrets? Definitely cause for concern. So when Stefi discovers the voices she’s heard her whole life aren’t spirits or her own crazy mind but ferrets of all things, it’s no surprise her life becomes a whole lot stranger.The timid Gemmie and gruff-yet-sensitive Maya soon tell her of a disturbance descending on their world, a disturbance only an utterly unprepared Stefi may be able to prevent. Armed with only a kitchen knife and the seemingly useless gift of communicating with ferrets, what’s a girl to do? Run away from home to seek help and answers from misfit members of Feregana’s divided races, of course.The problem is, her eventual companions, outcasts like her, could hardly be considered normal. There’s Ifaut, an immature and obsessive princess from the Furosan race, along with her latest “pet”, Sansonis of the Kalkic minority; Rhaka of the dog-like Otsukuné; and Cédes, a ghostly blind Furosan prophetess with a (very literal) fiery temper.Yet in their journey to find who or what wants to end Feregana, Stefi and her new friends soon discover that few things are certain in a world heading inexorably towards war and perpetual twilight. But what is certain is that Stefi’s gift is capable of overturning the humans' Church of Kardin, which will do anything to stop her and her friends. And that, as Cédes has seen, their journey can end only in Stefi’s untimely death.

A man has killed the only father Chaps has ever had. Fate takes him back to his Apache people, and there he prepares to go after the man who hired the killer.***Please write a review***ThanksThe authorMy name is Jeffrey Hunter. I was once a scientist. The project I worked on allowed me to travel into alternate universes; worlds full of new people and inventions. More importantly was my wife, Kara. She was the only one who was able to show me how to live.Then came that fateful day that one man took it all from me.The mob boss, Nathaniel Karns, stole my project. He also tried to kill me, instead took my wife away.Now I chase him across the multiverse. Along the way I will help those who share my tragedy. But I found that getting Karns is more important than anything else. If only to prevent a tragedy of unknown and possible infinite measure....

The first werewolf and antagonist in Shana O'Quinn's Secret Ones series is back in a series of tales from her early years. When unexpected enemies destroy her home and those she loves, she makes a devil's bargain with spirits she doesn't fully understand to exact revenge. A part of the Ages of Telamon series, and compliments the Secret Ones books.The first werewolf and antagonist in Shana O'Quinn's Secret Ones series is back in a series of tales from her early years. The quintessential female demon began life just like any other human being of her time. Born 65,000 years ago, she grows up in a beautiful yet brutal prehistoric world, part of a simple tribe isolated from the rest of the world. When unexpected enemies destroy her home and those she loves, she makes a devil's bargain with spirits she doesn't fully understand to exact revenge. Her journeys and trials change her, setting her on the course that many centuries later finds her the Wolf Mother and enemy of the Sidhe. A part of the Ages of Telamon series, and compliments the Secret Ones books. This is for those who are interested in the complicated character of Lilith and her backstory.

When Andy and his brother Marty move to Pine Ridge, they notice strange things about the town: the playgrounds and local pool are deserted, and there’s the mysterious disappearance of a boy thirteen years ago. Then there’s Bob the ice cream man. He appears when they least expect it and disappears just as quickly. Marty's happy about Bob’s speedy service, but Andy knows something isn't right.When we made it to the top of the hill, we came down hard on our brakes.What are you …“Marty! No!” I called out, powering down on the pedals again.“What is he doing?” Kalisha screamed, riding right behind me.Marty didn’t even turn to look at me. Instead, I saw him step up casually into Bob’s van behind a little girl. Then the doors to the back of the van slammed shut. The van began to take off down the street, the music pounding.In our effort to catch up, we passed Marty’s scooter; it was lying on the footpath along with a skateboard and skipping rope.It was then that I realised the truth.When Andy and his brother Marty move to Pine Ridge, they notice strange things about the town: the playgrounds and local pool are deserted, and there’s the mysterious disappearance of a boy thirteen years ago. Then there’s Bob the ice cream man. He appears when they least expect it and disappears just as quickly. Marty might be happy about Bob’s speedy service, but Andy knows something isn't right. Then Marty is kidnapped. It’s up to Andy and his new friend Kalisha to stop Bob and save Marty and the others from his terrifying plan. The closer they get to saving Andy’s brother, the more horrifying truth is revealed about Bob and the missing boy from long ago...

Five free seasonal horror tales selected from collections I have available at Smashwords.com. Two are vampire tales, two feature the grim reaper and the last tale is a ghost tale.There are as many Gods in this universe as there are beings. And the game we play is called “Touch.” It’s a form of spiritual hugging. Easy to begin, pretty much impossible to bring to a close.How it came about: Before the beginning of the universe, before there even was a universe, we all held hands—well, figuratively speaking. We touched, I guess would describe it (hence the name of the game), and touching we synchronized, and synchronized we decided (on three, everyone: 1-2-3) to BE. So now we all WERE. Simplicity itself.Then we decided to decide (on three, everyone) for the universe to BE. And so it WAS and still IS. Very much so. And, yes, I’m talking about this physical, Capital-U Universe, the one with galaxies, stars, planets, black holes, oceans, parking tickets, crazy politicians, and inane commercials. Yes, this one.The rules of “Touch” are few and simple.Rule number One says that once we’ve made the Big One—which is basically somewhere to play this game—anyone of us can, if synchronized with (i.e., touching) anyone else—either one or many as the case may be—decide on a new smaller (I guess that would be lower-case-u) universe, within the Big One. “Sub-universe” would be as good a word as any. And from then on they, those who co-decided, would share this thing, this co-created sub-universe, and it will remain real as anything, going forward.Nazi Germany was/is a pretty blatant example of this, if deadly and in very bad taste. Rome was/is another. Soccer huddles, too.Your marriage is probably one. Trysts often are. Most romances, for sure.Now, according to rule number Two, to end one of these sub-universes (for they can all be brought to a close, i.e., ceased), all you have to do is re-synchronize and non-decide the thing. Non-decide might also be a word for it. You know, like dis-appear. First it appears then it disappears—first you decide then you non-decide. But non-decide is closer to the truth, so we’ll stick with that.So, first you decide, then you non-decide. Really, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. Could not be simpler. And to end the Big One altogether (and this is rule number Three), all we have to do is re-synchronize and non-decide IT. I ask you, what could be simpler?On paper.For, oh yeah, there is a rule number Four (and why we agreed on this one I shall never know, but it’s on the books, I’m afraid, and still very much in force): In order to end the Big One, in order to un-BE (non-decide) the entire universe, each and every sub-universe, large and small, must first be non-decided. That’s right, before we can all touch and un-BE the lot, i.e., the Big One, we must clear out all the sub-ones.I guess we decided this into the “Touch” rules to protect the Big One, to make it hard to vanish, i.e., make it last. And that has worked (and still works) like a charm for the Big One, as you know, is still very much in play.Needless to say, this all happened a few unforeseen complications ago, for by last count there were 8,444,547,856,334 first generation sub-universes on this planet alone, and each of these have since sprouted many, many, many generations of subs who in turn, well you get the point.And to make matters a little more harrowing (from the standpoint of climbing back out of this sizeable hole by ending the Big One), by now most of us have not only forgotten the name of the game, but that this is all, in fact, a game.And, sad to say, the handful who do remember are mostly locked up (for their own protection, or so the story goes).

Huh, some sleepover – my two best friends dead, and their spirits moving in with me, into my body.Sure, the Rye Man made it look like an accident, but I know they were murdered.See, the Rye Man’s like the Slender Man, only real.Whaddya know, he’d also hoped to kill me – so now I’m just unfinished business.Fionn, a member of a peaceful race, is visiting a planet full of deep underwater beasts. With his message of peace and prosperity, he hopes to convince the savage beings to change their ways and accept a new evolved type of thinking. Yet, is his way truly better? The creatures do not all agree. Their leader Daco does, but their culture is one of brutality and strength. Ringor sees passivity as weakness, and weakness in a leader means a new leader must arise. The clash of peace and survival instincts is a deadly one, and many will die before Fionn is able to understand just exactly what his interference means.

A boy genius invents a machine to change the world, but ends up accidentally shrinking Santa Clause.Trevor isn't your average 2nd grader. He is a brilliant young inventor that makes a variety of things, from goo bombs to portable microwave rays. This time Trevor has invented something that he says, "...will change the world." But, when he uses this invention, something even he didn't expect happens. Something that might not change the world, but it will change Trevor and his friends forever. Follow Trevor, with his friends Mike and Adam, on a crazy adventure that no one was expecting.

Vyder Ironstone is an assassin with a troubled past. At the order of his king, Vyder must undertake his most dangerous mission yet. A mission from which he may never return.Vyder Ironstone is an assassin with a troubled past. At the order of his king, Vyder must undertake his most dangerous mission yet. A mission from which he may never return.If he is successful, it might just be enough to alleviate war tearing the kingdom apart.The prospect of failure is not worth considering.

All is not well at the monastery.A mysterious spoon shortage...A missing toad...And, worst of all, an epic poem.What is the world coming to?And has it been there before?In the desert land of Turuna, every child possesses powerful magic, and only an ancient treaty prevents the clans from recruiting them as soldiers. Now, rumors swirl that an artifact has appeared that grants childlike magic to an adult, and some clans will stop at nothing to seize its power.In the tiny Ahjea clan, Butu has had no time to listen to rumors. His childhood sweetheart has caught the eye of the most powerful man in Turuna. Even worse, his magic has suddenly become unreliable, failing him at the most embarrassing moments. The only good news he's had all day is he's being allowed to join his clan's army despite his youth.When his squad of young recruits is sent on a mission they can't complete without magic, Butu begins to grow suspicious. It soon becomes clear that if he doesn't figure out the truth and find the artifact first, an all-powerful tyrant will rise up and conquer Turuna.86,000 words

This is not a happy tale. Be forewarned, if you want a happy ending, do not read; if you are looking for a feel-good story, pass this one up; if you seek a heart warming tale, move along move along, there is nothing here for you to see. This is a tale of woe, unadulterated, unwavering anguish. Enter at your own risk and do not forget gentle reader; you have been warned.This is not a happy tale. Be forewarned, if you want a happy ending, do not read; if you are looking for a feel-good story, pass this one up; if you seek a heart warming tale, move along move along, there is nothing here for you to see. This is a tale of woe, unadulterated, unwavering anguish. Enter at your own risk and do not forget gentle reader; you have been warned. If anyone ever tells you that what you read does not affect the way that you think, they are dead wrong. The story that lies before you is proof positive of that. I was reading "The Road" when I wrote this. Usually, the stories that I write have a happy ending, at least somewhere in the journey through the pages, but not this one. This is a dark tale born from the despair that "The Road" raised in my soul during the reading of that epic, yet horrid tale. I hope that those brave enough to read this tale will at least appreciate the shadow of utter despair and misery that I fed into this story. Enjoy or not, read or not, but warned you have been. I humbly pass my creation into your capable hands, open or closed, the choice is yours.

Living & working with her family at Renaissance festivals makes every day a new adventure for Glenna Tate. Especially when Glenna receives the gift of a pendant & is able to visit Otherworld, the realm where the magic & myths woven by the Renaissance players comes to life! Mystery ensues when an important item is stolen. Can Glenna find the item and become the hero Otherworld needs to survive?Glenna's life is anything but ordinary. The daughter of Renaissance festival vendors, Glenna's days are filled with magic and medieval reenactments as she travels the faire circuit with her family. Then one day, Glenna's life changes forever. With the help of a pendant, she discovers Otherworld. An enchanted realm, Otherworld is the land in which all of the myths and magic woven by the Renaissance players comes to life!Suddenly, Glenna is thrust into a quest filled with danger and deception when Atterberry, a great and powerful magician in Otherworld, needs help recovering a stolen item.Can Glenna find the item in time? Can she summon the courage to become the medieval hero the residents of Otherworld expect her to be? And perhaps most importantly, can she juggle both her life in the real world and her life in Otherworld without damaging either?

When Brandy Silver picks up her friend from a party, she doesn't expect to be forcibly drugged—or pursued by a demonic wraith. What she saw makes Brandy a target for a dangerous magical underworld. In a daze after a wraith-hunt gone terribly wrong, Brandy Silver faces one final attempt to silence her—life leeches.When Brandy Silver picks up her friend from a party, she doesn't expect to be forcibly drugged—or pursued by a demonic wraith. Now she's witness to a bliss den that the police pointedly ignore and, worse, the drug can be deadly.What she saw makes Brandy a target for a dangerous magical underworld and at the heart of a mystery no one else wants revealed. In a daze after a wraith-hunt gone terribly wrong, Brandy Silver faces one final attempt to silence her—life leeches. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Hex-Breaker is the ninth episode of Season 1 of the Blissed series. There are plans for 10 seasons, with about 10 episodes per season, each episode about 10,000 words long. To catch every episode, please sign up for my newsletter.Hope you enjoy Hex-Breaker.Nicolette