Short fantasy story about a boy who disappears while sailing across a goldfish pond on an old barn door.How far would you have to be pushed to take another life? What is the cost of having to make such a decision, even if it is to defend yourself? A woman in an abusive relationship confronts these questions in a final act of defiance.A short sample - For some reason all she could hear was ringing in her ears. She could not understand why she smelled fireworks in the living room or why her arms were so heavy. Through a haze she could see him look at her with a look of shock, a growing stain spreading across the faded shirt she had given him for a birthday years ago. His lips formed two words before he fell face first on the floor. “I’m sorry.” As she looked at him on the floor she realized that the growing pool coming from under his body was his blood. She watched as the blood slowly spread across the floor like a lava flow threatening to burn all in its path. Reality seeped in further as she saw that a small pistol was in her hands even as she could not recall how it got there. A small voice in her head told her to leave and run but she could not. The world turned into shades of gray, everything in black and white. Everything but the crimson pool slowly spreading across the floor."A moving story that I enjoyed reading. I found it quite sad, but it mirrors countless real lives, so makes one sit back and think long and hard about the world we live in and our choices.""Was drawn in from beginning to end. I hate reading short stories for this reason, I WANTED MORE, wonderfully told. True gift he has with words.""Wonderful story. It's an age old tale retold in a fascinating and surprising way. The writer has a true gift for storytelling. I was spellbound from the beginning to the end.""I enjoyed reading I'm Sorry. A insightful yet emotional take of a young girl who fell onto an abusive relationship. Reading this short story was like viewing a abusive relationship right from the inside instead of hearing about one."

The final installment of this romantic trilogy finds Nancy and her friends in a sea of danger as they journey to the exotic Greek islands. Three passports, including Bess's, have been stolen from the girls' hotel, and Nancy suspects they have fallen into the hands of international fugitives.

Nimera is a young girl who becomes rich after she makes friends with a fairy named Lilly. When her mother dies and her only connection with her mother, her mother's maid Delila retires. Nimera's father remarries. Nimera's stepmother is a lovely women, but her two daughters are evil through and through. They constantly plot and steal everything that Nimera owns. Who will help her?Nimera is a young girl who becomes rich after she makes friends with a fairy named Lilly. When her mother dies and her only connection with her mother, her mother's maid Delila retires. To make things worse, Nimera's father remarries. Nimera's stepmother is a lovely women, but her two daughters are evil through and through. They constantly plot and steal everything that Nimera owns. Without proof Nimera is afraid to approach her father. When she starts to lose hope that she will ever be happy, Jacque enters her life. Jacque was hired to be the newest stable boy on Nimera's Father's estates. Jacque is kind where others are dismissive and cruel to her. To see what happens between Nimera and Jacque you will have to read Forbidden Love.

Framed. Forced to change. Forced to trust a lie. Until love tells him his true purpose. This is Ash and Eva's story.For they are the Keepers, and he is a Dragon Heart.Framed for a crime he didn't commit, 18 year old Ash Brandon finds himself being whisked away to what he thought was jail. Until he wakes up the next morning feeling really strange. But what's more strange are the people he meets.When Ash discovers he is going through a frightening new metamorphosis, he has no choice but to trust these people.Until he meets their beautiful young daughter, Eva, his whole outlook on life changes and she helps him accept who he was destined to become.For they are the Keepers, and he is a Dragon Heart.

Young Jasper's life was simple and the thought of joining the guard is the last thing on his mind. When his quiet life is turned upside down, he knows what he has to do and he'll need his adopted brother's help to do it. Jasper and Luke strike out to find those who have wronged their family, a decision that will turn them into the men they are today.Before being Hayden's mate, before he became one of the Queen's best captains, Jasper's life was simple and the thought of joining the guard is the last thing on his mind. When his quiet life is turned upside down, he knows what he has to do and he'll need his adopted brother's help to do it. Jasper and Luke strike out to find those who have wronged their family, a decision that will turn them into the men they are today.

A young man responds to the needs of his country and leaves home to head for a training camp in the armed forces. Initially he is stationed only fifty miles from home, but it wasn't long before he ended up at the other end of the country. The unit was on the edge of a beautiful village, and it wasn't long before the new recruits got to know the local countryside and its residents.A young man responds to the needs of his country and leaves home to head for a training camp in the armed forces. Initially he is stationed only fifty miles from home, but it wasn't long before he ended up at the other end of the country. The unit was on the edge of a beautiful village, and it wasn't long before the new recruits got to know the local countryside and its residents. The shy young soldier found himself attracted to a girl from the village. The vagaries of war ensured that they would be separated, but they pledged that they would keep in contact whatever happened.These were days when people had little control over their destiny, and they had to have faith that better times would emerge. But life could be cruel, and setbacks were always lurking around one corner or another. Willpower and tenacity were important assets when one had to play the hand they were dealt, as exemplified by this young couple. Even then, there were unexpected pitfalls. This wartime romance is a perfect example.

Issue 36 of Neon features the work of Paul Ebbs, Simon Collings, Michael Hemmingson, CJ Opperthauser, Amy Schreibman Walter, Dan Coxon, and Helen Addy. The cover image is by Sarah Katharina Kayß. There's time travel, mannequins, failed attempts at kindness, a haunting retreat to a cabin in the woods, and a trip on board the Anti-Titanic.This is a true accounting of one of my flying adventures over New England(US). All seemed right until all seemed wrong... Flying at night, over water, in clouds with heavy rain, is not a good time to lose engine power.Thankfully, I had Bob along.3k word, short story

An interdimensional bounty hunter sets out on a mission of revenge, only to find himself discovering something wholly unique in all of the universes he has ever enocuntered.These sixteen poems celebrate canoeing lakes and rivers in that brightest of all times. The include poems about sun and wind, afternoon thunderstorms, bugs, love, and dry, dry riverbeds. And, yes, that wonderful moment when the sun is high, you’re on the lake, and you get a tailwind.This is part of the series, Canoeing Poems: A Year in Four Volumes.

Ever had a bad day at the office? Of course you have! Fortunately for most of us, things look up when we leave work behind. However, the enigmatic Detective Sgt Jim Hodder has turned failure, controversy and infamy into an art form. Through a series of humorously, dramatic episodes, he excels at wrestling failure from the jaws of success with increasingly damaging and far reaching consequences.Present day Tyneside and Northumberland provide the setting for ‘The Sweet Smell of Rain’ the début novel by former Detective Ian Douthwaite. We follow the daily exploits of Detective Sergeant Jim Hodder, a man who is battle-weary, downtrodden and careworn, and whose countless shortcomings lead him into an endless cycle of confrontations with criminals, victims, colleagues and indeed, the world in general. A man nearing the end of his service, he is not so much resistant to change, just tired by it. Hodder has seen the wheel re-invented so many times, that the pedestrian pace of life that the was planning for his impending retirement seems positively appealing. However, due to his inability to turn a blind eye, an uncontrollable urge to act impulsively whilst trying to appear to be in control of any situation, he sets a precedence at digging deeper, darker holes from which he has to extricate himself with unremitting regularity.When we first meet Hodder he is interviewing Dean Parks, a low level thorn in the side, who is in custody for a serious sexual assault. Hodder erroneously thinks that the case is a mere ‘stroll in the park’ and that matters will be wrapped up in no time. However, Parks would prove to be quite a formidable opponent showing himself to be manipulative, cunning and more than just a little bit evil. Furthermore, Hodder did not factor in the influence of Parks’solicitor the tweed clad, whisky swilling Francis Randall-Ord, a man with many ‘connections’, not all of whom would meet with the approval of the Law Society. However, as with all things Hodder, things rarely go smoothly, and against orders, he is soon very deeply immersed in an investigation that may have serious consequences not only for himself, but also for those closest to him. Throw into this mix the internal politics of a busy C.I.D. office, a boss who is constantly on his back, a crumbling marriage and two opposing Crime Lords, both of whom want Parks for different reasons. To this potent brew, add backstabbing, double dealing with more than a hint of corruption. And all this before Hodder even leaves the office! ‘The Sweet Smell of Rain’ is written with a gritty realism and a darkly dramatic but understated humour. Featuring some of the regions’ most iconic landmarks, the story is populated with numerous memorable characters and situations. Hodder’s North East is not one you are likely to find in any guide book.. However, one question remains: ‘ Is this another situation that a Police Officer can’t make any worse’?· © 2015 Ian Douthwaite · Designed by Themes & Co ·

Noam Chomsky exploded on the academic scene while I was a graduate student in 1977, but, since I'd already had my world views rearranged by Thomas Kuhn, I never really could buy into the Chomsky fan club or a lot of their dogmas.Noam Chomsky is both the whipping post of the radical conspiracy community and the voice of reason for the intellectual left. The conspiracy community refers to Chomsky as "a gatekeeper" and a lot of people treat him like a government shill instead of the government critic he is.But at the same time, Noam began his career on the Lower East Side, as a die-hard Marxist, and the truth of the matter is that wherever you find Marxism in America, you'll find spooks and skull & bones. Even today after decades of studies, I still can't figure the spooks from the true believers. Like John Reed. He was a child of the American oligarchy who played a huge roll in spreading Marxism. Was he a spook? While a graduate student, I wrote my first critique of Chomsky's revolutionary theories in linguistics.

Nora finds her life spinning out of control. She finds herself in the middle choosing between the man she married or the love she always had for Corbin. Will she choose whats right?Author Lauren Jefferson set out to write something completely different, and she achieved that by combining a handful of bizarre suggestions for objects and scenarios intended for inclusion, given to her by Twitter followers.'Small White Room' follows a man and his surrealist captivity... but is it the room holding him hostage or something more?

The elephants are migrating and Young Elephant had forgotten that his best friend was still sitting on his head! That is how Mouse came to migrate with the elephants. This is a beautiful story about an unusual friendship that helps Young Elephant through some special moments of his life. It is suitable for children of all ages, even for the big children who like to call themselves "adults".Accredited Writer James P. Maitland follows up his debut Poetry & verse Book "687 Miles to You" With this Fantastic Mini collection of Poems, Centering on such topics such as War.Depression. The Workings of the inner Mind & Human Faith. The Book Marks a rare foray into such topics for James but still stays loyal to his inimitable Style & Is a Must have addition to any Poetry Fans Collection.

Edward Stuckey was as normal as any other boy, except for one thing: his head was shaped exactly like a plain old ordinary bucket. Nobody's fault, he was born that way. When he was eight years old, the bully of the school, Willie O'Ray, gave him the nickname "Johnny Buckethead." Find out what happens to Edward through the years as he deals with having a buckethead.Edward Stuckey was as normal as any other boy, except for one thing: his head was shaped exactly like a plain old ordinary bucket. Nobody's fault, he was born that way. When he was eight years old, the bully of the school, Willie O'Ray, gave him the nickname "Johnny Buckethead." Find out what happens to Edward through the years as he deals with having a buckethead, and how he deals with being constantly taunted by Willie.

When NASA detects a strange object on the dark side of Pluto, a group of astronauts are sent to investigate.Spending the Holy Communion money is a memorable part of the Communion experience. Can you remember how you spent yours? Kathleen's Mum and Dad are taking Kathleen for a special day in town to pick up the items she has decided to buy. But, as you may know, Kathleen has two annoying little brothers. Kathleen's aunties have been left in charge of her little brothers, Tommy and Teddy, while she goes into town to spend her Holy Communion money. Unfortunately Auntie Dee and Auntie Di do not know much about children. When Tommy and Teddy are quiet the aunties do not realise that silence means trouble.

Angie and Chloe don't know they're dead; but when they find out, a night of spooky shenanigans is in store for them.When Angie and Chloe wake up from an afternoon nap, they find themselves surrounded by sights, sounds and furnishings the likes of which they've never seen before. Convinced it's all just a Halloween prank, the two friends join the Halloween party at their school for girls — and find that boys are there! When they hear the ghost tale recited later, it all begins to make sense — they're the ghosts! Find out what happens next as these two friends make this Halloween a Ghoul's Night Out.

Shanna and her fellow monster hunters travel to New Orleans to investigate the disappearance of several students from a local private school, leading them to a nearby haunted mansion. Returning so close to home drudges up memories that Krystal would rather forget, forcing her to confront the dark roots of her powers as local voodoo legends seem to come to life around her.Shanna and her fellow monster hunters travel to New Orleans to investigate the disappearance of several students from a local private school. Of the many leads, they focus on a mansion bordering the property that is rumored to be haunted, opting to spend their nights within its decrepit walls to record any paranormal activity.While she is excited to be included in the mission, returning so close to home drudges up memories that Krystal would rather forget, forcing her to confront the dark roots of her powers as local voodoo legends seem to come to life around her.Betrayal is still fresh for the hunters, and as Shanna tries to cope with recent events and lose herself in the new mystery that surrounds them, she finds that she has to step up her game when things go downhill fast, and is left to make hard choices that could cost her friends their lives.

Jill Sherer and her friends spend the summer after their freshman year of high school in a sun-splashed daze of romance and excitement. But as they make their way through sophomore year, mistakes, missed opportunities, and carefully-ignored signs come back to haunt them.Freshman year is over. Summer is here. Jill and Hillary aren’t fighting anymore, Lorylyn is back with Brady and happier than ever, and Jill has her new best friends Hilton and Todd too – Hilton, whom she endlessly admires and wants to be more like, and Todd, with whom she’s crazily in love. After a somewhat rollercoaster year, things are looking pretty great. And on the last day of school, Hilton tells Jill an outrageous, stunning secret about her relationship with Reed, then at Landon’s party that night, Jill gets to kiss Todd in spin the bottle. And just like that, the tone for the summer is set. Sunny days on a sparkling blue lake...an overnight stay in a hotel with the boys...trips to Cedar Point, the Bahamas, and California...the thrill of romance in the air...sneaking out late at night...one girl’s “first time”...wild nights at Landon’s. The lingering high off all of it. Giggling, stories, excitement, inside jokes. Anticipation of what’s to come. For Jill, Hilton, Lorylyn, and Hillary, it’s their dream summer. Everything is picture-perfect; nothing can go wrong.But for some of the girls, what’s to come is nothing they would have wanted to anticipate. For things haven’t been as perfect as they’ve seemed. It’s just that the girls have ignored the signs. Signs they could have seen all along, had they been willing to look. But desperate to believe in the glimmering illusions of the summer, they close their eyes to what they don’t want to see, what they don’t want to believe. To the ominous gut instinct that everything is just a little too perfect, a little too good to be true. To the foreboding premonition that it won’t last, that control is somehow slipping away. Because everything that seems too good to be true...probably is.

A short story about being lost and trying to find yourself; set to the background music of a famous psychedelic rock band. Nothing to do with knights or medieval times.After Nathan is dumped by his girlfriend, he encounters a strange Taoist priest, and has many interesting debates throughout the night, but the next morning he finds that he has been transported fifteen years into the future. A revolutionary technology enables people to live and work in cyber space. People no longer want or need to drive cars, fly overseas, take drugs, smoke, eat junk food or worry about casual sex, because they can now do all of these things in a digital paradise. Nathan has a difficult time adjusting to the new world order. During a night out in a bar in cyber space a group of people attack a pretty girl and her mates. Nathan helps the girl fight off her attackers and discovers that he not only has super fighting skills but the girl he saved is Mary, the most wanted terrorist in the world. Now Nathan’s life is in turmoil. He has to decide whether to help the government destroy the terrorist organization that is responsible for the threat of global warming returning, or assist Mary in destroying the digital world that could ultimately lead to the end of humanity. The line between right and wrong is no longer clear and Nathan possesses the ultimate power to change the future. This story blends adventure, Kung-Fu and gun battles, and a heart-wrenching romance all mixed together in a new science fiction romance like you have never read before. Experience Nathan’s happiness, sadness, self-discovery and the struggle between life and death in this astonishing futuristic world.

An historical novel of the armaments industry during the Napoleonic Wars.A time of restoration and 18th Century drama revealing five men who created the biggest industrial city, civilisation had ever seen. They were the Iron Masters, masters of metal and men. Their cannons saved a kingdom, forged the greatest empire in the world and changed the history of the human race.Intrigue, bribery, adultery and murder were common in Merthyr Tydfil, a town where the furnaces burned day and night, the sun seldom pierced the soot filled sky and the Iron Masters ruled without pity.Nye Vaughn, a humble farm boy, walked to Merthyr to find his destiny, unaware that a war was coming which would engulf the known world and make bold men rich. To fight Bonaparte, Britain needed cannons, thousands of them. Vaughn built the largest foundry of them all and made his fortune but, when the world changed, the iron behemoth he constructed turned on him.Graham Watkins joins the ranks of historical authors as he weaves fiction and fact together with a pace that makes the reader turn the pages. The Iron Masters is a story of family, greed, betrayal and war. It's scope is epic from Wales, to Baltimore, from the age of sail to steam railways, from the Battle of Trafalgar to the defiant raising of the American flag over Fort McHenry, signalling the confidence of a new, powerful nation. Many of the characters and events are true and reveal an amazing time in our history. In his American book review, Alex Dunbar compares The Iron Masters with the writing of C.S. Forester and Margaret Mitchell, and adds, 'The Iron Masters is an epic tale covering half a century as Nye Vaughn fights his way from humble beginnings to create one of the most powerful families in Wales. Vaughn isn't Rhett Butler, he's a more complex character, but his story is equally compelling.' Gone with the Wind was written by one of the great classic authors and Forester's Hornblower sea stories are considered to be some of the best fiction written.Above all, The Iron Masters is a book about extraordinary men and women and how they deal with life’s challenges. If you enjoy a classic novel, are interested in the Napoleonic wars or Georgian Britain this is one of the best books to read.

Allan is an advocate in Nairobi.He finds himself in a world where the truth is hidden along the corridors of justice. As years go by, he rises the leadership ranks and is admired by his constituents.However, his wife, Pamela knows one thing about him: he gives her a rose for every lie. Question is, who is counting?Allan is an advocate in Nairobi.He finds himself in a world where the truth is hidden along the corridors of justice. As years go by, he rises the leadership ranks and is admired by his constituents.However, his wife, Pamela knows one thing about him: he gives her a rose for every lie. Question is, who is counting?Roses and lies is tale of mystery with a twinge of passion set in Nairobi and the small town of Micheni.

the inner thoughts of a teen struggling with depression and anger.'What if Satan is lonely?"'Christina's Inferno' tells the story of Christina, a young linguistics student who once every one year and fourty-three weeks (Or one year, fourty two weeks and six days if there is a leap year) along with a near death experience Christina is able the make the journey to Hell. There she finds people suffering cruel and everlasting torments based on the sins committed during their time on Earth. She makes the journey down the circles to the darkest depths to find her friends Judas Iscariot, the man who betrayed Jesus Christ, and the Prince of Darkness himself Satan.Along the way she encounters the harshness of everyday life for the damned and those who watch over them.Follow Christina as she looks at an old depiction of hell inspired by 'The Divine Comedy' and looks upon it with modern eyes and a contemporary perspective.