The Word Worker

Tag: Reader

  • I Remember

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    I remember.The stunned faces of teenagers watching horrific history play out in real time on classroom tvs. I remember.Teachers calling relatives in New York and crying for missing loved ones and the inevitable death toll. I remember. The face of a president in a room full of children when the news was whispered in his…

  • The Round Peg in a Square Hole: Decisions, Decisions

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    To be clear, I am the abnormal one in my family. No, not the “neurodivergent” one. That’s the other six people in the house. I’m the round peg. All my life decisions were something I took for granted. What will I eat for breakfast? Which TV show do I feel like watching? What job will…

  • Checkers

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    He sat down across from old Fred, legs dangling even in the spindly little chair, and watched the old man with owlish eyes. As if his gaze exerted some sort of force, Fred raised his hat brim enough to peer under it at the boy. “Well?” “How ’bout a game?” The boy leaned back and…

  • Sunset

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in

    The deep rays surrounded her, burning deep into her skin. Her tears were flame, paths of umber scoring her cheeks. She screamed at the sea below, at the calm waves whispering against the rocks. Her hands trembled on the railing, knuckles white and stiff against the gray wood. Where was the peace promised? Where were…

  • FWG Blog Thursday: Famous First Lines

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    This week’s response is provided by my kids. Following are two different stories using the prompt. Aside from a small amount of editing, these stories come straight from them and are written in their own voices. I hope you enjoy them. Thor’s Hammer, by Isaiah All this happened, more or less. I’ll fill you in…

  • Thump

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    A little boy was walking in the woods one day. He tripped over a stump and fell on his face with a thump. He started to get up and realized he had fallen at the edge of a pond. A giant bullfrog stared him right in the eyes. The little boy reached to pet it,…

  • Candles

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    The dried up, decomposing vines brushed her skin, tendrils of the darkness that protected what was left of her soul and crushed the breath from her lungs all at once. The candles in front of her flickered, pitiful against even the promise of wind in a trembling leaf at the edge of vision. Only three.…

  • Book Sale

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    The month of March is all about books! This week in particular, at least for Smashwords readers, is super special. Books of all shapes and sizes are discounted all week, just begging to be downloaded and devoured by eager imaginations! _Chosen_, a story of magic, dragons, and prophecy, is one of those. Seline finds herself…

  • Three Suns Eve

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    “Thalia!” Her little brother’s high pitched shriek penetrated the thick timber walls even with the doors almost entirely closed. “Thalia, Mama says thirdmeal will be ready in three clicks.” Eben threw the door wide and stood panting in the sudden light. “Eben, please!” Thalia shaded her eyes with one hand and fanned herself with her…

  • The House

    —

    by

    wordworkerrussell
    in ,

    She trailed her fingers along the wooden bannister, stepping carefully to avoid tripping over the litter of decay. The air smelled faintly musty, but the open front door lit up the foyer with clear sunlight. She turned and grinned at her companions. Chuck groaned. “I know that look,” he told the real estate agent with…