The Word Worker

Author: wordworkerrussell

  • Book Teaser: Chosen – The Vampyr

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    At first glance the figures gliding down through the trees seemed non-threatening, almost human. They wore leather jackets that hung low and had ragged holes worn in elbows and tail. As their feet touched the ground, my skin began to crawl. Three pairs of red eyes stared out of bloodless faces. One of them focused…

  • The Legend

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    There he was, in all his lacy glory. I’d heard of the viscount, of course, from every local in every cafe and bistro between Paris and Calais. Quite the legend, apparently, that no one outside of France had ever heard. No one remembered his full title, or even his family name, only that he was…

  • Book Review: The Trumpeter of Krakow

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    A legend of quiet courage becomes the centerpiece of a tale of adventure and intrigue in this lovely classic. The Hejnal, still played to the broken note in St. Mary’s today, plays only a minor role in Kelly’s story, but is a symbol for the goodness and innocent courage in the hearts of Joseph and…

  • Vlad

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    How long had it been? One hundred years? Two? Locked deep within the castle vaults, skin burned black and then white by the silver of his sarcophagus, thirst that would not be assuaged by his own blood turning his mind to enraged madness. How long since his screams of pain had turned to bitter silence,…

  • Balanced, or Teetering?

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    Parenting often feels like walking a tightrope. Without a balance pole. Meeting physical needs of growing bodies can alone feel like an insurmountable challenge. That pair of shoes you just bought last month that already don’t fit. The three hundred dollars worth of food that didn’t last a week. Then there are the emotional needs,…

  • “Follow Me”

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    Purpose Matthew 4:18-22 “As he was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter), and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea – for they were fishermen. ‘Follow me,’ he told them, ‘and I will make you fish for people. Immediately they left their…

  • Book Teaser: Chosen – The Sprite

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in , ,

    With my first full-length novel tentatively releasing this summer, I will be sharing a teaser from the unpolished manuscript every couple of weeks until release. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them. Laughter like the tinkling of a wind chime drew my attention to a small copse. I approached…

  • Doorman

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in , ,

    The floor undulated beneath me, its checkered waves lifting me although I could not feel a surface under my feet. I wasn’t sure I even had feet; I couldn’t seem to find myself. The door hung from nothing, stood on nothing, with light streaming through it from some unidentifiable source. A Fedora sat on top…

  • Book Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    In my quest to read aloud all of my childhood favorites to my own children, this was the latest challenge. It is a challenging read in many ways, although as a child I simply enjoyed it for the adventure. I had no idea at the time how much my heart was being shaped. Three unlikely…

  • Black and White Summer

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    This flash fiction was inspired by a photo prompt that I unfortunately don’t have the right to share. You the reader get to imagine the scene for yourself this week! Enjoy! ********************************************* Gramps kept the old black and white postcard in his wallet, folded up neatly to fit in a card slot. Sometimes he would…