The War of the Worlds “So, let me get this straight,” I say, leaning back in the dusty plaid recliner. The man whose house we just happened to ‘borrow’ is watches Mary skeptically as she dials a strange phone with a wheel full of circles on the side. “You want Randy to come here? I … Continue reading This is a Book: Chapter Seventeen
This is a Book
YOU MUST READ THIS POST: Everyone’s a Character
This is just a reminder that you have two days left (well, today and tomorrow, so I guess that's more like a day and a half--technicalities) to build a character for This is a Book! If you have not read This is a Book or have catching up to do, click on the page at … Continue reading YOU MUST READ THIS POST: Everyone’s a Character
This is a Book: Chapter Fifteen
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland First I’m in the office, and then I’m not. I squeeze my eyes shut as a swirling vortex surrounds me. Or maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but if the inside of a tornado had an evil twin brother, this would be it. I’m spinning, spinning, until I think my ghostly stomach … Continue reading This is a Book: Chapter Fifteen
Then Comes the Baby in the Baby Carriage
Something I've noticed about children (particularly in the south) is that they are very open. What I mean is that they are willing to tell you every aspect of their lives whether you want to hear it or not. A girl--maybe six--lives down the street from my grandmother. We're going to call her Rice. Now, … Continue reading Then Comes the Baby in the Baby Carriage
This is a Book: Chapter Thirteen
To Catch a Pirate It takes me a moment to realize my name (and not Mary’s) has escaped from the man’s lips. Rose, he definitely said Rose. “Y-yes,” I stammer as Randy’s eyes nearly bug out of his head. “Wait,” the boy says incredulously. “Can everyone see her but me?” “We’ve been waiting for quite … Continue reading This is a Book: Chapter Thirteen
This is a Book: Chapter Eleven
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz I squint up at the sun as Mary licks a mound of fruit sorbet ice-cream. It’s dripping down a thick waffle cone and I scrunch my nose as she drags her tongue along the side. “Your manners are repulsive,” I say. “Says the pirate,” she snaps, licking the cone again … Continue reading This is a Book: Chapter Eleven
This is a Book: Chapter Nine
And Then There Were None The street vendor pays no attention to Mary’s hands as she swiftly plucks a copy of today’s newspaper from the stack on his cart and tucks it under her jacket. He can’t, he’s too busy staring at her chest. Dirty rat. While he’s distracted, I smear a mark onto the … Continue reading This is a Book: Chapter Nine
This is a Book: Chapter Seven
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe “What do you mean you didn’t get the money?” My father’s face is puckered and red, and I’m sure he is going to reach out one of his meaty hands and nock me against my head, but he doesn’t. “Did she give you something else?” His eyes watch … Continue reading This is a Book: Chapter Seven
This is a Book: Chapter Five
Treasure Island My trudge back to the pirate ship is a long one. The wind whips sharply through the empty, cobblestone alleys, and I swear I can feel its cold bite against my skin. I know that can’t be true, it must be in my mind, but for a moment it’s almost as if I’m… … Continue reading This is a Book: Chapter Five
This is a Book: Chapter Three
Pride and Prejudice That first day in the cemetery, Mary was less than impressive. I have seen many a sore sight—it’s something you get used to being around the dead all the time—but her travel worn appearance and self-pitying pucker was this side of nauseating. Although, I did like her shoes. I believe the correct … Continue reading This is a Book: Chapter Three
Ultimately Useless Stories 