Random thought: This just in…The National Origami Championship is streaming on Paper View.

I know what you’re thinking today. You’re wondering: Why are my 101-word stories a lot like this time of year? I guess it’s because summer better than others. Probably a lot like this blog. On that note, I’ll apologize for two painful puns and jump right into a story that is 100% pun-free. The prompt was sent in a few years ago by my anonymous friend (Mike Latta). Thanks, whoever you are. Here’s the story inspired by his generous gift.

          Educating the Educated

Junior, home from college, interrupted dad’s gardening.

“You probably shouldn’t have that Buddha in the yard, Dad. It’s cultural appropriation.”

Brad sighed, stopped raking, and addressed his newly-enlightened son.

“Thanks, Junior. I forgot how rude it is to appreciate great art.”

“It’s just that people jump to conclusions. I’m trying to protect you.”

Brad spotted his neighbor. Waved him over.

“Junior, meet our new neighbor. He’s gay.”

“Not cool, Dad.”

Junior extended a hand. “Sorry about my father. I’m Junior.”

“I’m Gay. My wife’s Lynn.”

Brad smiled at Gay. “Sorry about my son. He’s still working on not jumping to conclusions.”

Prompt: Over-woke

NOVEL NEWS & NOTES…

Pushing the boulder up the hill… Yesterday, I took the terrifying leap of sending my current draft to a handful of brave (and very generous) souls. For the first time, Questionable Characters is out in the world where humans who enjoy reading actual books will look at mine and tell me if it in any way resembles what others might call a “novel.”

I included a list of questions that will tell me what’s working and what isn’t. I’m seeking complete honesty and I hope that’s what I get. Anything short of that will not really help me write the best novel I’m capable of writing at this point. Having fresh eyes read everything that’s on the page will be incredibly helpful because I’m way too close to see things that will be incredibly obvious to others. One quick example: Sandi (my anonymous wife) found a bit where a character knows about a camera that the police confiscated. The only problem was that the other character in the scene hadn’t told him what was seized yet. Sometimes, during the cut-and-paste process while editing scenes, little things disappear, but since I already know the story, I don’t catch the mistake. That’s where fresh eyes spot the obvious.

I need those fresh eyes.

Sometime in the next month I’ll be getting back the questionnaires that let me know if my last year and a half has been all one giant delusion, or if I’m on to something that has potential.

Stay tuned.

Scotty out

Want to catch up on all the stories you missed? Here’s the link: