On Christmas Eve, somewhere out in the Asteroid Belt, a lonely prospector happens across something he never expected to find.When an autopsy finds traces of the banned insecticide Chlordane in the anointing oil on the corpse of a local big-wig, Pittsburgh police bring Lupa Schwartz, an outspoken non-believer, into an investigation focused on a well-liked local clergyman. Worried that the police are planning to use him as a political fall-guy, Schwartz coerces Cattleya Hoskin, a magazine reporter with a connection to his family’s past, to chronicle his process and squelch any misgiving that his world-view influenced the outcome. Suspicion in the case is focused on Fr. Coneely, an outspoken euthanasia advocate who had earlier made the mistake of telling the family of the now-dead man that, hypothetically, he could safely apply poison-laden oil to their suffering father during last rites, and nobody need be the wiser. Was Mr. Hanson the willing victim of a mercy killing, or was a lapsing insurance policy the real motive for one of Hanson’s five children to taint the oil?All of the elements which are to become the unique hallmarks of the Lupa Schwartz series are birthed in this story: Schwartz’s compulsion to flatten the tires of parking rule scofflaws, Cattleya’s frustration with Schwartz’s refusal to carry a credit card or cell phone, their unspoken agreement to never discuss their shared history, and Schwartz’s fondness for comedy movies. We also meet the supporting cast who populate each of the stories: Mia, the feisty mechanic who lives in Schwartz’s large Victorian during the week to work on his car collection, but who visits her grandmother on weekends; Beverly, the cook and housekeeper who may or may not be in love with Schwartz; and Trevor Johns, the Pittsburgh police homicide detective by day, and Jazz/Blues clarinet player by night. We also meet most of the circulating cast of bit-players who appear in stories as needed: Jana, Cat’s friend at Gamut Magazine HQ; the Five Seekers, members of a discussion group Schwartz belongs to; and Victor Jenkins, a newspaper reporter.

The play “Flight of the Soul” contrasts several points of view about eternal life but features a “brain uploading” concept proffered by Ray Kurtzweil and others including the author. In the play Ray Kurtzweil is thinly disguised as Ray Kurtz. Others are archetypes of other points of view except Bob Mover (a Bill Moyers type) and Mrs. Altevine, a rich widow in search of eternal life.When an autopsy finds traces of the banned insecticide Chlordane in the anointing oil on the corpse of a local big-wig, Pittsburgh police bring Lupa Schwartz, an outspoken non-believer, into an investigation focused on a well-liked local clergyman. Worried that the police are planning to use him as a political fall-guy, Schwartz coerces Cattleya Hoskin, a magazine reporter with a connection to his family’s past, to chronicle his process and squelch any misgiving that his world-view influenced the outcome. Suspicion in the case is focused on Fr. Coneely, an outspoken euthanasia advocate who had earlier made the mistake of telling the family of the now-dead man that, hypothetically, he could safely apply poison-laden oil to their suffering father during last rites, and nobody need be the wiser. Was Mr. Hanson the willing victim of a mercy killing, or was a lapsing insurance policy the real motive for one of Hanson’s five children to taint the oil?All of the elements which are to become the unique hallmarks of the Lupa Schwartz series are birthed in this story: Schwartz’s compulsion to flatten the tires of parking rule scofflaws, Cattleya’s frustration with Schwartz’s refusal to carry a credit card or cell phone, their unspoken agreement to never discuss their shared history, and Schwartz’s fondness for comedy movies. We also meet the supporting cast who populate each of the stories: Mia, the feisty mechanic who lives in Schwartz’s large Victorian during the week to work on his car collection, but who visits her grandmother on weekends; Beverly, the cook and housekeeper who may or may not be in love with Schwartz; and Trevor Johns, the Pittsburgh police homicide detective by day, and Jazz/Blues clarinet player by night. We also meet most of the circulating cast of bit-players who appear in stories as needed: Jana, Cat’s friend at Gamut Magazine HQ; the Five Seekers, members of a discussion group Schwartz belongs to; and Victor Jenkins, a newspaper reporter.

When an autopsy finds traces of the banned insecticide Chlordane in the anointing oil on the corpse of a local big-wig, Pittsburgh police bring Lupa Schwartz, an outspoken non-believer, into an investigation focused on a well-liked local clergyman. Worried that the police are planning to use him as a political fall-guy...When an autopsy finds traces of the banned insecticide Chlordane in the anointing oil on the corpse of a local big-wig, Pittsburgh police bring Lupa Schwartz, an outspoken non-believer, into an investigation focused on a well-liked local clergyman. Worried that the police are planning to use him as a political fall-guy, Schwartz coerces Cattleya Hoskin, a magazine reporter with a connection to his family’s past, to chronicle his process and squelch any misgiving that his world-view influenced the outcome. Suspicion in the case is focused on Fr. Coneely, an outspoken euthanasia advocate who had earlier made the mistake of telling the family of the now-dead man that, hypothetically, he could safely apply poison-laden oil to their suffering father during last rites, and nobody need be the wiser. Was Mr. Hanson the willing victim of a mercy killing, or was a lapsing insurance policy the real motive for one of Hanson’s five children to taint the oil?All of the elements which are to become the unique hallmarks of the Lupa Schwartz series are birthed in this story: Schwartz’s compulsion to flatten the tires of parking rule scofflaws, Cattleya’s frustration with Schwartz’s refusal to carry a credit card or cell phone, their unspoken agreement to never discuss their shared history, and Schwartz’s fondness for comedy movies. We also meet the supporting cast who populate each of the stories: Mia, the feisty mechanic who lives in Schwartz’s large Victorian during the week to work on his car collection, but who visits her grandmother on weekends; Beverly, the cook and housekeeper who may or may not be in love with Schwartz; and Trevor Johns, the Pittsburgh police homicide detective by day, and Jazz/Blues clarinet player by night. We also meet most of the circulating cast of bit-players who appear in stories as needed: Jana, Cat’s friend at Gamut Magazine HQ; the Five Seekers, members of a discussion group Schwartz belongs to; and Victor Jenkins, a newspaper reporter.

The invention of the Emoticator promises to free mankind from regret, but is that really such a great idea?Lily isn't exactly whiter than white, even if that's what she wants the world to think of her. Under her pretty shop girl exterior, there's a darkness. A side that comes alive when she does her 'real' job – working as a trapper for a group of professional thieves. Her job is to hunt millionaires and billionaires. To lure them back to their mansions and scout the place once they're knocked out. It's something she's good at, something she enjoys. All until her latest job goes wrong, a man gets killed, and her life begins to turn on its head. Duke wears a mask during the day, one he takes off at night. His world isn't the spreadsheets and suits and meetings that he's forced to endure. It's the world after dark he truly inhabits. A world of alcohol and women and fighting. A world he enters in order to rebel. When he meets Lily after his latest scrap outside a nightclub, he thinks nothing of it. When he sees her the next day working in a local shop, he begins to get interested. And when she comes to him for help, he feels obliged to say yes. Soon, however, their lives will intertwine even more than either of them know. DECEIT is a new adult romance series by L.A Shorter, told from the double perspective of Lily and Duke. It will be told through several parts, each the length of a novella. Part 1 is roughly 22,000 words.

There are three things the shy, awkward Oddily knows for sure.She would rather be anyone other than herself…She wants to fit in at school…And strange things are happening to her.For Oddily, she tries to keep an open mind…But what she discovers is too unbelievable to think about…Too magical to consider, and too dangerous to ignore.Oddily becomes trapped in an adventure like no other.Lily isn't exactly whiter than white, even if that's what she wants the world to think of her. Under her pretty shop girl exterior, there's a darkness. A side that comes alive when she does her 'real' job – working as a trapper for a group of professional thieves. Her job is to hunt millionaires and billionaires. To lure them back to their mansions and scout the place once they're knocked out. It's something she's good at, something she enjoys. All until her latest job goes wrong, a man gets killed, and her life begins to turn on its head. Duke wears a mask during the day, one he takes off at night. His world isn't the spreadsheets and suits and meetings that he's forced to endure. It's the world after dark he truly inhabits. A world of alcohol and women and fighting. A world he enters in order to rebel. When he meets Lily after his latest scrap outside a nightclub, he thinks nothing of it. When he sees her the next day working in a local shop, he begins to get interested. And when she comes to him for help, he feels obliged to say yes. Soon, however, their lives will intertwine even more than either of them know. DECEIT is a new adult romance series by L.A Shorter, told from the double perspective of Lily and Duke. It will be told through several parts, each the length of a novella. Part 1 is roughly 22,000 words.

Lily lives a life of deceit. She pretends to have a normal life, but in reality she's part of a team of professional thieves, working as a trapper to lure rich men back to their mansions to be robbed. Duke is dissatisfied with his life, despite being the son of the billionaire. By day he works for his father, by night he indulges his dark side. When he meets Lily, both their lives change forever.Lily isn't exactly whiter than white, even if that's what she wants the world to think of her. Under her pretty shop girl exterior, there's a darkness. A side that comes alive when she does her 'real' job – working as a trapper for a group of professional thieves. Her job is to hunt millionaires and billionaires. To lure them back to their mansions and scout the place once they're knocked out. It's something she's good at, something she enjoys. All until her latest job goes wrong, a man gets killed, and her life begins to turn on its head. Duke wears a mask during the day, one he takes off at night. His world isn't the spreadsheets and suits and meetings that he's forced to endure. It's the world after dark he truly inhabits. A world of alcohol and women and fighting. A world he enters in order to rebel. When he meets Lily after his latest scrap outside a nightclub, he thinks nothing of it. When he sees her the next day working in a local shop, he begins to get interested. And when she comes to him for help, he feels obliged to say yes. Soon, however, their lives will intertwine even more than either of them know. DECEIT is a new adult romance series by L.A Shorter, told from the double perspective of Lily and Duke. It will be told through several parts, each the length of a novella. Part 1 is roughly 22,000 words.

Biggs Darklighter; Hero of the Rebellion, one of the original members of Rogue Squadron and the bestfriend of Luke Skywalker. Witness his life, adventure and heroism the way it has never been told before. From the author that gave you the fan fiction Artoo Detoo: Droid of a Kind (Volume 1), we present to you; Star Wars: Biggs. Enjoy reading and May the Force be with you all, always.Aka Bradley. A quiet part of the little-known universe. A dimension frequented by only an allusive few. Where vast plains and picturesque meadows are inhabited by relatively innocent, although odd creatures. Where the hustle and bustle of town life has gone on conservatively for countable days... and then some. But when Billy, a rugged fourteen year old from Yorkshire, arrives all-of-a-sudden, and hooks up with Cetra, the quirky redheaded girl with detachable appendages, what one might call “all-Hell” breaks loose. Now, all Billy wants to do is find a way home, but the self-imposed guardians of Bradley; those known as Humps – big, ugly and gross – have other ridiculous and humiliating plans for him. Strike up an adventure to rival his own imagination, to which Billy and his newly acquired team of travellers will stumble upon the answers to age old questions, not just relating to Bradley, but to the universe, and Earth itself.Ride alongside Billy as he traverses the Plain of the Fourteen Pillars, ultimately endeavouring to make his way home, and having a grand-old-adventure in the process. Meet quirky, charismatic, and humorous characters along the way, guiding Billy through this strange land. Be a part of their journey as they learn to rely upon one another. Feel their fears, love, jealousy and mistrust. But also join in the laughter and fun as meaningful friendships grow within the confines of a group who as individuals lacked any real purpose or direction to their lives. Plain of the Fourteen Pillars is a fun ride; and it is only the beginning of Billy’s adventure....

Bradley. A quiet part of the universe. A dimension frequented by only a few. But when Billy arrives all-of-a-sudden, and hooks up with Cetra, the quirky redheaded girl with detachable appendages, all-Hell breaks loose. Now, all Billy wants to do is get home, but the self-imposed guardians of Bradley; those known as Humps – big, ugly and gross – have other ridiculous and humiliating plans for him.Aka Bradley. A quiet part of the little-known universe. A dimension frequented by only an allusive few. Where vast plains and picturesque meadows are inhabited by relatively innocent, although odd creatures. Where the hustle and bustle of town life has gone on conservatively for countable days... and then some. But when Billy, a rugged fourteen year old from Yorkshire, arrives all-of-a-sudden, and hooks up with Cetra, the quirky redheaded girl with detachable appendages, what one might call “all-Hell” breaks loose. Now, all Billy wants to do is find a way home, but the self-imposed guardians of Bradley; those known as Humps – big, ugly and gross – have other ridiculous and humiliating plans for him. Strike up an adventure to rival his own imagination, to which Billy and his newly acquired team of travellers will stumble upon the answers to age old questions, not just relating to Bradley, but to the universe, and Earth itself.Ride alongside Billy as he traverses the Plain of the Fourteen Pillars, ultimately endeavouring to make his way home, and having a grand-old-adventure in the process. Meet quirky, charismatic, and humorous characters along the way, guiding Billy through this strange land. Be a part of their journey as they learn to rely upon one another. Feel their fears, love, jealousy and mistrust. But also join in the laughter and fun as meaningful friendships grow within the confines of a group who as individuals lacked any real purpose or direction to their lives. Plain of the Fourteen Pillars is a fun ride; and it is only the beginning of Billy’s adventure....

Gil's second flash fiction anthology adds more spice to the mix, especially when it comes to time. (You'll see what that means.) From horror and science fiction to comedy and romance, dive into 30 stories you can read quickly anytime, anywhere."Thirty More Stories" is the companion volume to "Thirty Stories," Gil C. Schmidt's collections of stories that fit on one page. Flash fiction is meant to delight the reader with quick bursts of imagery and emotion, and Gil's stories achieve that and much more. Ranging from horror to comedy, romance and science fiction, "Thirty More Stories" delivers fiction that can be read in mere minutes and enjoyed for days on end.

Short, sweet snippets of stories which have the ability to tempt the imagination, tantalise a reader and pose questions, this collection of flash fiction each have a sting in the tale.Twisted Tales is an anthology of short, sweet story snippets which have the ability to tempt the imagination, tantalise a reader and pose questions.This collection explores the twisted existence of love, family and relationships as characters seek a sense of self and identity. It is filled with a mixture of stories, some which will make you think, others smile and tales which will have you reaching for your security blanket.

When friendship is developed between a boy and a girl, there is a likelihood that one of them falls in love with the other. But due to fear of losing a friend he/she prefers to keep mum. In the process he / she suffers whole life. Can you blame the other party for not reading the other’s mind properly?When friendship is developed between a boy and a girl, there is a likelihood, one of them falls in love with the other. But due to fear of losing a friend he/she prefers to keep mum. In the process he / she suffers whole life. Can you blame the other party for not reading the other’s mind properly?Amrita and I were good friends even though we had wide gaps between our social backgrounds. She was a daughter of a senior Government official having large house in the middle of the city. On the other hand, I was from a modest background of a teachers’ family. Despite of that she was friendly with me, for that I am always grateful to her. I always used to feel comfortable with Amrita as a friend. Even after Naveen and she became lovers, my relation with Amrita remained same for four years of college life. Many of my friends used to refer her as my sister and I also never mind for such references! But Amrita's feeling for me was not limited to mere friendship!

I've seen hellish things. I've had terrible acts committed within my walls by equally terrible people. I am in anguish. I am tormented. The ghosts of the long dead walk my floors. They fill me with dread and fear. I can't protest. If only I could be free. If only these walls could scream...I could let the world know of my never ending horror...In this supplementary short story to the Viator Legacy Series, Erin Lausten delves deeper into the mystery that surrounds Carlo, a character with more secrets than a prowling cat. A chance meeting in the night has Lisa wondering if her intuition has taken time off. Oozing charm and mystery, Carlo has her intrigued from the first moment. But once her intuition finally kicks in, it might be a little too late for her heart to recover

A chance meeting in the night has Lisa wondering if her intuition has taken time off. Oozing charm and mystery, Carlo has her intrigued from the first moment. But once her intuition finally kicks in it might be a little too late for her heart to recover.In this supplementary short story to the Viator Legacy Series, Erin Lausten delves deeper into the mystery that surrounds Carlo, a character with more secrets than a prowling cat. A chance meeting in the night has Lisa wondering if her intuition has taken time off. Oozing charm and mystery, Carlo has her intrigued from the first moment. But once her intuition finally kicks in, it might be a little too late for her heart to recover

An elderly American Indian recants an event that happened to him when he was a young boy.Hot Shots FC is for children age 6-12 who want fun, fun, fun and football! It follows the adventures of Hat Trick Boy who wants nothing in more in life but to live, eat and sleep football. But trouble starts when Hat Trick Boy is selected to join the local side, Hammers FC, and his three best friends aren’t selected. Hat Trick Boy has to choose between his friends, and his football; and he makes a mistake. He chooses to join Hammers FC. He doesn't know his friends are about to set up the greatest junior football club ever, Hot Shots FC...

For readers age 6-12 who want fun, fun fun and football! Hot Shots FC is about a group of friends who create their own wacky football club. But the team gets more than it bargains for when they take on the big, bad boys of Hammers FC. Suddenly Hot Shots FC have to play football like they've never played it before!Hot Shots FC is for children age 6-12 who want fun, fun, fun and football! It follows the adventures of Hat Trick Boy who wants nothing in more in life but to live, eat and sleep football. But trouble starts when Hat Trick Boy is selected to join the local side, Hammers FC, and his three best friends aren’t selected. Hat Trick Boy has to choose between his friends, and his football; and he makes a mistake. He chooses to join Hammers FC. He doesn't know his friends are about to set up the greatest junior football club ever, Hot Shots FC...