I’ve been revisiting a draft I first wrote in high school—an over-the-top police thriller heavy on gore and light on character. Fourteen years later, I’m reshaping it into something quieter and more human. This post shows the original alongside the revision, and reflects on what it means to finally move a story from the unfinished pile to the finished one.
Tag Archives: Fiction
Clause 27 – Fiction
Seven years ago, I started a story in a hot apartment in Rangeley, Maine. I finally finished it. Here’s Clause 27—a thriller about contracts, betrayal, and walking away (if they let you).
Geography of Ledger’s Reach – Fiction
The island of Ledger’s Reach is shaped like a lopsided, upside-down U. In the center sits the protected harbor, the primary base for the island’s economy. Surrounding the harbor are docks, taverns, trade schools, the Governor’s Office, and residential areas. While the island receives most of its food through trade, several residents do farm inContinueContinue reading “Geography of Ledger’s Reach – Fiction”
A Pilot and a Passenger: Between Maine and Boston
Our pilot, Oscar, spoke in a clear and confident voice. He uttered just one “um” as if he was remembering where he was. “…and we thank you for choosing Cape Air.” He lacked a Maine or even a Boston accent, seeming to hail from somewhere other then our origin or destination. Lecturing us on theContinueContinue reading “A Pilot and a Passenger: Between Maine and Boston”
Springwood History: Eminent Domain – Fiction
Eminent Domain Crest runs against Dan Clarke. The best point Clarke has been able to make against Crest is the Year of Eminent Domain. For one year of her term, Juliana Crest changed routes, moved the cargo harbors, and redesignated districts. Entire zones have shifted. She’s taken land for public use. Hundreds protested her repeatedContinueContinue reading “Springwood History: Eminent Domain – Fiction”
Rediscovering My Creative Drive Through The Springwood Current
Introduction I had this idea two weeks ago that I would design and create a newspaper based on a game I was playing. Cities: Skylines. The game allows you to run a city, adding infrastructure, and watching as the traffic impacts the city services like fire and police. You’ve read, perhaps, some of the “history”ContinueContinue reading “Rediscovering My Creative Drive Through The Springwood Current”
Growing Pains in Springwood City – Fiction
Growing Pains Through the years, Springwood has added multiple neighborhoods and commercial districts. The city rented land to local industrial giants like Flatland Trees and Lower Farms. Island Hills was surpassed as the largest residential sector in the 1930s. Middleborough is the largest residential area by land size. Like Island Hills, the area hosts familyContinueContinue reading “Growing Pains in Springwood City – Fiction”
Exploring Springwood’s Historic Journey – Fiction
Springwood originated on the dog-shaped island that cuts into the Spring River. The city has acknowledged its success based on this starting place. Founded right off Exit 22 from Peters Highway, the historic downtown marked many of the first buildings erected. Springwood Supermarket, Downtown Pharmacy, and The Busy Cornershop were the starting shops in town.ContinueContinue reading “Exploring Springwood’s Historic Journey – Fiction”
Cursory Glance: The Diner – Nonfiction
His arms were covered in veins of World War One trenches. The contours stuck out like a frame captured by a British spotter, showing the primary trench, maintenance trenches, and all the supporting features. His skin was tanned and almost leathery. Not leathery, but almost. His biceps were small only because he himself was aContinueContinue reading “Cursory Glance: The Diner – Nonfiction”
Walking Home to Georgia – Fiction
The thunderstorm was moving quickly towards Jim. Thunder erupted above him like a thousand muskets. Lightning flashed in the dimming light of dusk. Jim had anticipated this storm for a while as he watched the clouds assemble in their uniforms of grey and butternut. In some sense, he felt a connection to the clouds. HeContinueContinue reading “Walking Home to Georgia – Fiction”