War rages on two fronts and the fate of Sidor hangs in the balance. In Lynese, William Whitton continues to lead a brilliant military campaign, capturing city after city. But victory abroad masks a growing darkness within Sidor. King Serwyn, gripped by paranoia and distrust begins making decisions that turn the kingdom into a powder keg, ready to explode. Exploiting the chaos, Edmund tries to manipulate the king to bring the Barons to heel while keeping them from outright rebellion. Added Chapter 19
In ProgressAge Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Fantasy Tags: Politics, Violence, War, Military, Fantasy, Knights, Royalty Votes: 7 | Score: 8.80 Size: 415KB | 76,868 words |
Downloads: 882 |
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The story begins when a valuable diamond is stolen from a jeweler’s office. Suspicion falls on Reuben Hornby, the nephew of the jeweler. Added Chapter 14
In ProgressAge Rating: Older than 17 | Genre: Mystery Tags: Crime, Mystery, Detective, Novel-Classic Votes:* | Score:* Size: 271KB | 49,978 words |
Downloads: 525 |
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Corporate Villain begins with an ordinary man stepping into the corporate world believing intelligence, honesty, and hard work are enough to survive, only to discover that success has nothing to do with fairness and everything to do with control. At first, the changes are subtle: a harmless clause in a contract, a promotion that costs more than it gives, a quiet meeting that decides hundreds of lives without raising a voice. But as the system reveals its true nature.... Added Chapter 15
In ProgressAge Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Thriller Tags: Romance, Crime, Drama, Politics, Workplace, Rags to Riches Votes:* | Score:* Size: 233KB | 42,170 words |
Downloads: 594 |
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Some of the more interesting things I have found are in the emails I get from overseas readers. Many of them find our system of government as screwy as we find it. I have gotten several emails asking, ... more
Your mother is a kick-ass black-belt karate instructor and English teacher. Your father? A combat veteran Army Airborne Ranger paramedic with a penchant for saving lives on and off-duty. So, what are you going to do with your life? Something unexpected, that’s what, and you’re not going to take any shit, either… Added Chapter 8
In ProgressAge Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Coming of Age Tags: Coming of Age, Romance, School, Science, Military, Workplace, Science Fiction, Space, Alternate Timeline, Sports, Hockey Votes: 38 | Score: 8.68 Size: 284KB | 52,863 words |
Downloads: 2287 |
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Friends, Football, and Finding a New Path. In 2024, Blake Sims died, but that was not the end of his story. It's the beginning of a new version of his life when fourteen-year-old Blake wakes up in 1994 with the memory of a vivid dream. A dream of living a whole life filled with disappointment that went bad in high school when his father died. Armed with memories of the future, Blake tries to change what was into what could have been and make a new life for himself. Added Chapter 37
In ProgressAge Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Coming of Age Tags: Coming of Age, Drama, School, Do-Over, Sports, Football Votes: 55 | Score: 8.22 Size: 763KB | 150,056 words |
Downloads: 6007 |
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A boy and girl who once played at rescuing each other grow into adults still trapped by those childhood roles. Now a successful writer, he cannot give the steadfast woman who loves him the simple, honest devotion she needs. Between loyalty, pride and old wounds, both must face whether love can heal what imagination first broke. Added Chapter 21
In ProgressAge Rating: Older than 17 | Genre: Romance Tags: Romance, Spiritual, Novel-Classic Votes:* | Score:* Size: 382KB | 75,224 words |
Downloads: 548 |
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David Chen is just an ordinary guy from a simple family, living a normal life. But one night changes everything. While walking his girlfriend home, David gets into a fight with Jordan Xiao, a spoiled rich kid who tries to harm his girlfriend. David fights back to protect her—but it costs him dearly. David is sent to prison for three years. His family suffers greatly while he’s gone, losing money, work, and even their health. But prison is also where David’s real story begins. Added Chapter 34
In ProgressAge Rating: Anybody | Genre: Action/Adventure Tags: Mystery, Rags to Riches Votes: 50 | Score: 7.14 Size: 659KB | 122,757 words |
Downloads: 5794 |
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Chapter 115 proved one of the most compelling in the story, if email response volume is a metric. I had upwards of 80 emails on this chapter, all positive, though some cursed me for awakening emotions ... more
After his wife divorced him for being poor and beneath her status, he became the subject of public ridicule. Rumors spread that he had been unfaithful, claiming he was involved with other women—but none of it was true. Left completely alone, his only remaining possession is a diamond pendant, the last gift from his late mother. Yet behind his quiet suffering lies a mysterious man—an unparalleled medical genius, a master martial artist, and someone with a hidden past no one dares to uncover. Added Chapter 34
In ProgressAge Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Fantasy Tags: Romance, Melodrama, Rags to Riches, Fantasy, Novel-Classic Votes: 77 | Score: 7.48 Size: 217KB | 40,394 words |
Downloads: 6730 |
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Chapter 113 saw the return of a real favorite, General Hawkins. Hawkins was one of the most hated guys in this story, and I’ve had hundreds of emails since he was introduced demanding that Carl do som ... more
In the glittering yet exacting world of London’s West End, a spirited young American woman navigates ambition, romance, and social expectation. Drawn into theatrical circles and fashionable society, she must balance independence with propriety in a city alive with performance and intrigue. As friendships deepen and loyalties are tested, she discovers that the greatest role she must master is her own. Added Chapter 5
In ProgressAge Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Coming of Age Tags: Coming of Age, Novel-Classic Votes:* | Score:* Size: 33KB | 6,159 words |
Downloads: 123 |
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The camping scene that occurs in Chapter 112 actually occurred in real life. Every once in a while you need to kick their asses a little.
A word of warning about future chapters – there will be poli ... more
Quite a few of you commented on my use of the law firm Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe. It’s good to know the classics are still appreciated.
I got some very interesting info regarding booze in the Saudi c ... more
Some of my editors and readers have asked if I was ever in the Scouts or a Scout leader. Much like Carl and his fictional son Parker, I was a Scout and a leader, and my real-life son was an Eagle Scou ... more
The reference in the last A Fresh Start blog post was to Lodge 26 of the Water Buffaloes, from The Flintstones. Extra bonus points were awarded to readers who got the correct number. Quadruple points ... more
The Reaper Saga ends with the last chapter and the epilogue. It’s been a long run, but it needs to end, and this seems like a good point to do it. From what I’ve been hearing, everybody seems to like ... more
The Grim Reaper is now medically retired and trying to become a consultant. How will that work out? There're more than a few bumps on the road. You'll want to read The Grim Reaper and Adventures in Southern Law Enforcement first. Added Chapters 38,Epilogue (final)
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance Tags: Romance, Historical Votes: 55 | Score: 9.44 Size: 977KB | 187,972 words |
Downloads: 5109 |
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In the conclusion to Vol. 1 of the series, Ky, the pilot from the future, and Lucilla, Empress of Britannia, lead their empire to the climactic showdown against Carthage. The fight in conquered territories, rebelling about Carthaginian overlords, is over, and the battle on Carthage's home soil has begun. Britannia is stretched to the breaking point across a front as wide as the continent, as they begin the most difficult stage of the war. From blood-soaked battlefields to storm-tossed s Added Chapter 36 (final)
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Science Fiction Tags: Violence, War, Military, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Alternate Timeline, AI Votes: 10 | Score: 8.65 Size: 804KB | 147,845 words |
Downloads: 1980 |
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Chapters 36 and 37 show that Grim is like a delicious candy bar, with a hard coating and a soft gooey center.
As for the idiocy described in 36, just watch your local news sometime. This nonsense sh ... more
A reader pointed out that the Investigations Captain has the last name Holden, with the obvious curiosity about whether he was related to the notorious Holden family of the first book. All I can say i ... more
Several of my readers took a hard look at the numbers I was using at the end of Chapter 32 to analyze the status of the Matucket Police Department. If anything, the situation is even more dire than Gr ... more
Everybody thought Riley wanting to join the Coast Guard was a nice surprise. I heard lots of stories about the CG; much appreciated. Anyway, get ready for more surprises! I’m not giving out any spoile ... more
An eagle-eyed reader noticed some errors in "A Very Good Day" (thanks, Jim), so I've submitted a corrected version to be reposted once the moderators can get to it.
When the prettiest girl in the high school surprises one of the school's biggest nerds with a kiss at a random coffee shop, the world around them changes for the better.
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Coming of Age Tags: Romance, Humor, Drama, School, Young Adult Votes: 46 | Score: 8.04 Size: 76KB | 14,086 words |
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A couple of British readers noted that bobbies and peelers are now considered archaic terms for police in Britain. Some of the replacements are American names (coppers, fuzz, pigs, feds, po-po, five-o ... more
Still getting people asking if I am going to incorporate the current racism-in-police issue in the story. No, I am not rewriting the story. Remember, the story is in 2025 at this point. 2020 was back ... more
Several people wrote that Carl was totally unrealistic in figuring that his heroics at the diner would cause him to lose. I have two comments on that. First, Carl is not an experienced campaigner and ... more
Terrorist rage pierces the heart of the United States in a shocking and brutal attack. The attack jolts the country from its naïveté in one, horrifying instant; Jeff Knox, his family, friends, and neighbors are shaken from their comfortable lives in that same moment. How does a nation of three hundred million respond, and how does it change one man? The sequel to “A Charmed Life.” Added Chapter 25 (final)
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Biography Tags: Romance, War, Military, Workplace, Alternate Timeline Votes: 39 | Score: 9.31 Size: 850KB | 159,225 words |
Downloads: 4652 |
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An interesting footnote. One of my readers couldn’t understand my references to whether evolution was real, and why somebody would be asked this. After a few emails it turned out he was from overseas, ... more
Spotted a misquoted saying from J. Robert Oppenheimer at the beginning of the story, a grammatical error at the end of the story, and the fact that the story repeats. Correction inbound.
EDIT: Corre ... more
The veil of secrecy hides a multitude of sins, especially when the government is the sinner. When a disabled ship drifts ashore on a remote island in the middle of the Pacific, the crew discovers things there best left to the shadows. But will those things stay there?
Carl and his sister getting back together again seemed to be an important point for a lot of readers, and it was going to happen at some point. However, for those readers who want them to be a lovey-d ... more
Hi, everyone –
I’ve reposted a cleaned-up version of a fan-fiction story that was previously posted on SOL last year (and turned on comments — sorry that I had that set wrong).
Next week, posted a ... more
A thrilling blend of science and adventure, it follows a young protagonist discovering the mysterious “Fourth R”—a revolutionary concept that challenges knowledge and perception. Added Chapter 18 (final)
Jeff Tovette was the low man on the totem pole in the T'Sharan's geology department, and the only man. The outlook on the decade-long survey mission in the Beta Quadrant was good, but he didn't have any friends on board the ship yet. He just had seven of the most beautiful women he'd ever seen working with him in geology. And they were all senior to him.
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Fan Fiction Tags: Romance, Fan Fiction, Science Fiction, Aliens, Space, Futuristic, Alternate Timeline Votes: 26 | Score: 7.79 Size: 42KB | 7,597 words |
Posted:
My intrepid political editors include wino, stjoe56, and ednelson. I thought I knew a lot about politics, but they showed me I have a lot to learn. I rewrote a bunch of stuff, had it reviewed, and the ... more
Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it! One of my readers wanted bonus points for coming up with Eloi as well as the Morlocks. I replied that you only get bonus points in that cas ... more
Carl is beginning to get political. If you don’t like that, fine, but you should stop reading. Just remember that this story was written in 2011-2012. The Republican Party and American politics are va ... more
I received lots of emails about crab cakes. Since my wife isn’t from Maryland and doesn’t like anything crab related, I can’t make crab cakes at home. Emails about the wonders of crab cakes are cruel ... more
Just a few side notes on this chapter. Not all state colleges are party schools. The University of Maryland – Baltimore County is actually a pretty good school. It’s very good in the engineering and s ... more
In the shadow of old battlefields, a faded Christmas card rekindles buried loyalties among weathered soldiers. As Colonel Tracy's spirited daughter Dorothea steps into their world of honor and heartache, long-silenced secrets threaten to shatter unbreakable bonds. Can comrades forged in fire find redemption before time runs out? A timeless Victorian tale of grit, grace, and the ghosts of glory.
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Fiction Tags: Spiritual, Religion, Novel-Classic Votes:* | Score:* Size: 234KB | 43,774 words |
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Chapter 87 is just absolutely normal stuff going on in people’s lives. Family and friends and kids and dog - normal stuff. Not much else to say. Some people will find it boring, but most of life is. M ... more
Several people wanted to know why the Tusks invited Carl’s parents to the christening. The answer is that in many churches baptisms are not held as separate ceremonies unless specifically requested. O ... more
Welcome back to Carl Buckman’s story. We’ll get back to the Grim Reaper in a few more weeks.
A few interesting notes. A few readers wanted to know if the Bob Turcos character was modeled on the real ... more
A lot of readers wrote to me about the last two chapters. One gave me a technical explanation of why double jeopardy would not apply. (Leaving aside the technical details, Georgia and the United State ... more
One of my readers pointed out several problems with the scenario I wrote in the bank, pointing out all sorts of problems with what the sheriff did, the deputies’ actions, lawyers, etc. Did I go a bit ... more
When teen Corey James rescued a young girl from drowning, he set off a long train of events. He never wanted recognition or payment. But running from himself came close to wrecking four lives. Resolution came in a totally unforeseen way.
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Romance Tags: Coming of Age, Romance, Drama Votes: 32 | Score: 8.56 Size: 65KB | 11,895 words |
Posted:
Chapter 19 is a bit shorter than most and basically wraps up the M&M storyline. Come on - did you really expect the Grim Reaper to become a corporate shill?
Lots of people were happy to see Grim ... more
A young boy braves rugged wilderness, hidden dangers, and thrilling challenges across Nova Scotia. Adventure, courage, and resourcefulness guide him as he navigates forests, rivers, and unexpected perils in a story of youthful daring and discovery. Added 6 parts (final)
Age Rating: Older than 7 | Genre: Action/Adventure Tags: Coming of Age, Novel-Classic Votes: 8 | Score: 7.61 Size: 89KB | 16,756 words |
Downloads: 339 |
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The second book in the Tarzan series and continues the thrilling adventures of the jungle hero as he struggles between the world of civilization and the call of the wild. Added 2 parts (final)
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Action/Adventure Tags: Romance, Novel-Classic Votes:* | Score:* Size: 479KB | 89,921 words |
Downloads: 603 |
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Now we get to see a totally different sort of police consulting. Do companies like this exist? You bet! Other than Miles & Madigan, the other companies are real. While researching this I went through ... more
I’ve heard from numerous readers about wives and significant others having symptoms like what I wrote about and the results. I heard from people who had family members with ovarian cysts, torsions, fa ... more
A new short story was posted today.
While I don't feel much drive to write these days, this story is important to me. I can't go into why it's important, but suffice it to say that it is.
Hope you all enjoy it...
The story follows an unnamed narrator from the East who travels to Wyoming and meets the Virginian, a quiet, noble, and capable cowboy. Added 2 parts (final)
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Action/Adventure Tags: Western, Novel-Classic Votes: 8 | Score: 7.27 Size: 687KB | 131,436 words |
Downloads: 1577 |
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FYI, Chapter 12 was the last chapter that could be considered political. Just remember, because a character says something, it doesn’t mean I am saying it. It’s fiction! That being said, I just can’t ... more
I was hoping that there might be some suspense as to who the bad guy was, but that just didn’t work. Practically everybody figured it was Hamilton. The second choices were fascinating, though! I got s ... more
There have been a lot of comments over the last few chapters. Carl needs to watch for his brother. Carl needs to watch for his mother or his father. Carl needs to hire security (preferably ex-Mossad/S ... more
If you read my book Ghost Whisperer, and would like to offer ideas for the sequel, this is for you.
The main characters left for a cruise in the Caribbean. I’m gathering ideas for more adventures th ... more
I learned the following from my email responses: “A swamp is a place where the plants that make up the area covered in water are primarily woody plants or trees. Woody plants would be mangroves or cyp ... more
Chapter 75 introduces us to a new member of the family, Dum-Dum! Many years ago we had to put down our dog, a beagle-pointer mix, due to kidney failure. After a few months, we decided to get another d ... more
Only one reader had an issue with the investment size. He managed to find an investment history of the period that indicated my $5 million for 5% valuation was too high. All during the writing, and go ... more
Some interesting feedback to the last chapter:
Will Carl’s knowledge, and what he does with it, change the future enough that his knowledge becomes useless? Or will he still be able to use that know ... more
I got some interesting feedback on the ranking structure of British based police forces. There seems to be a discrepancy between the British system and the Bahamian system. Britain does not have eithe ... more
As you must know by now, I appreciate accuracy and try to be accurate. I got the following note from a reader:
“Correct me if I'm wrong, but your story seems to try to remain within the realms of po ... more
I refer regularly to the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Utica. That hotel is still present, and is one of the better ones in the area, but at some point in the 90s (I think) it was sold to the Radisson ch ... more
Congrats to those who recognized ‘Rufus T. Firefly’ as Groucho Marx’ character in the classic movie Duck Soup. It’s my favorite Marx Brothers’ movie.
To those who commented that it would be impossib ... more
Welcome back to the story & the blog.
Quick note - Back in Chapter 24 I commented on coin operated pool tables, and how I had no idea how it figured out what was a cue ball. Well, one of my readers ... more
Before pirates and Neverland, a mischievous infant slips from his London nursery and glides to Kensington Gardens, where birds and fairies rule by moonlight. Learning their secret customs and perilous games, he befriends a lost little girl and tests the fragile bridge between play and home. A wistful, magical origin tale about freedom, belonging, and the moment childhood begins to take flight. Added Chapter 6 (final)
Age Rating: Older than 7 | Genre: Children Tags: Fantasy, Genies, Vignettes Votes:* | Score:* Size: 112KB | 22,003 words |
Downloads: 163 |
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Caleb Hartwell goes on a hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina with a couple of buddies. He goes off by himself for a moment, stumbles onto a hidden time portal, and is sent back to the year 1853. He encounters a runaway slave, and suddenly, he finds a sense of purpose.
Age Rating: Older than 13 | Genre: Time Travel Tags: Romance, Historical, Time Travel Votes: 27 | Score: 8.21 Size: 301KB | 57,606 words |
Posted:
One of my readers commented that I should mention some appropriate veteran’s organizations. While I invented the West Georgia Veterans Coalition in the first story, there really is an IAVA, the Iraq a ... more
Several readers wanted to know why Grim wanted to get a PhD. It was going to be a pain in the ass. Why move out of the house? Why spend all the time doing it?
Why does anybody get a PhD? Because the ... more
In Chapter 6, Grim states “The first segment was on the threat of Islamic terrorism in the United States, which was actually a very low risk. Most terrorists in America are right wing nutjobs and whit ... more
A clever and suspenseful mystery unfolds as a detective confronts a cunning killer whose crimes are as intricate as they are chilling. Added Chapter 20 (final)
Age Rating: Older than 17 | Genre: Mystery Tags: Horror, Mystery, Detective, Gothic, Novel-Classic Votes:* | Score:* Size: 305KB | 57,471 words |
Downloads: 749 |
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A disturbing email came to me the other day: “I like your writing. Saying that, I started reading your new Grim Reaper story. I went back and started to read Book 2. Then I remember that part where yo ... more
Some formatting problems with chapter 3 and 4. I have recoded them and uploaded them for immediate posting, but it will probably still take some time.
The cruise comes to an end, and we learn someth ... more
And so we begin! For those new to the story, you simply won’t understand it without reading the two earlier stories in the series, The Grim Reaper and Adventures in Southern Law Enforcement. Reaper Se ... more
When I wrote this section I knew I was pushing the limits on what could possibly happen. If one of my advisers or editors said, “That’s impossible.”, I would go in a different direction. If they said, ... more
A couple of things to blog about with this chapter. First off, a couple of readers have complained I have had Carl do the impossible. No officer would have ever have jumped his paratroopers from airpl ... more