From a recent Political Fiction Class…..Write a short piece in which an ordinary object becomes the focal point for a conflict between two characters. What does each character believe the object represents, and how do their interpretations shape their relationship and reveal their values?WhatsitI visited an estate sale today, not unusual for me as I… Read More Whatsit

POLITICAL FICTION CLASS:Assignment: Write a fictional scene where protest occurs in an everyday, non-political setting such as a family dinner, a workplace, or a school. How does a character protest something unjust or unfair in their everyday environment? What are the repercussions of their stand? SHELIA’S ‘WEAR’Sheila had never felt that her life was repressed,… Read More SHELIA’S ‘WEAR’

I never dreamed of being a hero. My life has always been boring and mundane. I’m not even sure my mom and dad, as much as they loved me, thought I would amount to anything, let alone become a hero. Yet on a clear, chilly day in November 2023, my life changed forever.The day started… Read More I Never Dreamed of Being A Hero

Beer GardensI once heard someone remark that Flint was a unique city. Their theory was, nowhere else could you find a Church, a Bank, a Coney Island and a Bar at each intersection. While maybe somewhat of an exaggeration, my hometown absolutely had its share of all four. The boom of the auto industry brought… Read More Beer Gardens

Assignment from a recent writing class:Writing: Write a satirical story in which a government, business, or other organization uses absurdly exaggerated propaganda to enforce a social or political agenda. Use humor or irony to highlight the ridiculousness of the system, but also convey a deeper critique of how propaganda can be used to manipulate society.… Read More Pssst. Wanna Buy A Watch?

For a writing class I recently took. It was suggested that I cut the first paragraph. Not sure if I agree…..During the final seven sessions, students will focus on a culminating project of up to 5000 words. This should be some form of fiction but can be any genre of the student’s choice (including prose… Read More Concoct

I Got the JobI can’t believe I got the job! Granny had been threatening me that I would have to move out of her basement if I didn’t begin to carry my weight. I do not understand, I’m a twenty-three-year-old man still trying to align his life goals. It was so unfair that mom and… Read More I Got the Job

Father’s Lemon, My SanctuaryAs strange as it might sound, some of the greatest memories of my childhood are tied to a car my parents owned. It was not a special automobile. It wasn’t fast or luxurious, just an entry model Chevrolet. Today the sight of a 1960’s white Chevrolet can calm my nerves and bring… Read More Father’s Lemon, My Sanctuary

The Edmonds at HolidaysMy Mother and Father’s families were so different in their social skills and morals. Father’s people from Missouri rarely made it through the third grade, yet they were a loving and caring community of blood, family and neighbors. Church attenders, frugal, aware not only of their family but also of those around… Read More The Edmonds at Holidays