Smelt Dipping(My first ‘Published’ Piece, Written at age 11)A few weeks ago, our family went smelt dipping. My cousin used a pair of our waders and went out dipping for smelt. When he came back to shore, he was soaked and wet. Then I went out and started dipping. I caught one w]and went back… Read More Smelt Dipping
I wrote this ‘book report’ in the 12th grade in High School. My American Literature teacher, Mr. David Fisher, was quite the Vonnegut fan. I have learned to appreciate Vonnegut over the years and was surprised at my response here in, all these years later. Mr. Fisher was a fantastic teacher and instilled in me… Read More 12th Grade Book Report – Cats Cradle – Vonnegut
Selected Sketches and Stories is a collection that showcases the literary and narrative side of Voltairine de Cleyre, a prominent American anarchist, feminist, and orator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While she is most famous for her political essays and poetry, this volume highlights her ability to use fiction and “sketches”… Read More Selected Sketches and Stories of Voltairine de Cleyre by Voltairine De Cleyre – Rostie Publishing
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
The KsumWrite a short story. At the beginning of the story a character encounters a problem and uses different strategies to solve it.In this story, choose one device – character, setting, or style – and use it to explore a political problem of importance to you. Manny was one of the chosen children to learn… Read More The Ksum
Ramblings of an Old Coot 