A couple redefines their life. “Triptych,” a short story now on Substack. Two women in line ahead of me ask if boys are all right and the men they will become as they scan their jeans, candles, and a shirt with three states joining hands over a point their borders share, and I tell themContinue reading ““Triptych””
Cloudbreak – New Story Collection Available 19 September 2025
“A life inside yourself isn’t a life.” Seventeen stories laced with humor and heart crisscross America where ordinary men and women search for identity and order. A retired colonel investigates a cloaked figure at a naval station. Struggling with PTSD, a sister makes a request of her brother. After success at work, a man’s stressContinue reading “Cloudbreak – New Story Collection Available 19 September 2025”
“Three Ghosts for Maisie Tidwell” plus Cloudbreak, a forthcoming collection of short stories
“Three Ghosts for Maisie Tidwell” Three ghosts aid a teen for her prom. Plus Cloudbreak, a forthcoming collection of short stories. She chants quietly. Brandt runs over, swirling and swilling, and bumps into her. Blue slush sparkles over the pamphlet. Ink bleeds. Paper crumbles. Pages tear. The binding swells and snaps. Brandt apologizes. Maisie tellsContinue reading ““Three Ghosts for Maisie Tidwell” plus Cloudbreak, a forthcoming collection of short stories”
“Lines in Spring”
A man repairs a friendship. “Lines in Spring,” a short story now on Substack. We had joked about who gets away with what and why, and those jokes turned serious but never vicious, and we hashed it out like the blood brothers we were, finding the good in each other—finding something more—while calling out the badContinue reading ““Lines in Spring””
“Fun Run”
This is Karl Kevin Kruger, and don’t mind those initials, but leave your message at the tone. William Auten – “Fun Run” An aunt picks up her nephew and niece for a race. “Fun Run,” a short story now on Substack. And while you’re there, sign up as a subscriber. My fiction and updates reachContinue reading ““Fun Run””
Night School Now Available, Goodreads Giveaway, and Pepper’s Ghost Quarterfinalist for ScreenCraft Cinematic Prose 2025
Your support helped make all these possible. And thank you to my annual paid Substack subscribers. One annual paid Substack subscription contributed to producing and promoting Night School and entering the Cinematic Prose contest for Pepper’s Ghost. And while you’re there, sign up as a subscriber. My fiction and updates reach your inbox once aContinue reading “Night School Now Available, Goodreads Giveaway, and Pepper’s Ghost Quarterfinalist for ScreenCraft Cinematic Prose 2025”
Year-End Thank You
THANK YOU FOR 2024 Producing and promoting stories requires time and money. Independent authors like me are often overlooked because of trends, sales, and genre. I do not answer to a board or a corporation and have no interest in being with the “right people” and saying the “right phrases.” But this is where youContinue reading “Year-End Thank You”
“A Pale Sequence of Stars” – Substack
A boy helps his sister but not how he planned. “A Pale Sequence of Stars” a short story now on Substack. Plus: Night School – new novel available 23 January 2025. Sara slams the bedroom door. The TV and shower crank on. Pug expects a clang from the liquor cabinet in his parents’ bedroom RuthieContinue reading ““A Pale Sequence of Stars” – Substack”
Happy Halloween – “Mrs. Carol’s Driving Lesson”
A mother traverses a gentlemen’s club. “Mrs. Carol’s Driving Lesson” a short story now on Substack. A Jeep behind us flashes its lights. I start for the turn, but the Jeep whirs around and lets me know I should shove my glasses into my body part that give birth to my children. I will prayContinue reading “Happy Halloween – “Mrs. Carol’s Driving Lesson””
Night School New Novel Available 23 January 2025 – Chapter 1 on Substack
“What you hear is what you know, but what you don’t know is what you need to hear.” When college radio DJ Scotty Piper receives mysterious messages connected to his love of music and encyclopedic knowledge about a legendary rock band and their enigmatic guitarist, he leaves behind his colleagues and everything familiar and raisesContinue reading “Night School New Novel Available 23 January 2025 – Chapter 1 on Substack”