Two months ago: Blue glares at Black and mumbles something between clenched teeth. Weeks later: When Black thinks things are okay, Blue shoots him a dirty stare, a nasty comment. Black tries to let it go. "I haven't done anything to him." Blue pushes. "Why can't he just leave me alone?" Black wonders. Then comes the challenge. "I can kick your ass." "I don't wanna fight you," … [Read more...] about Black and Blue
bullying
Critique: First, do no harm
Disclaimer: The events depicted in this blog took place sometime between the years 2004 and the present. At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed. Incidents may be embellished. I am, after all, a fiction writer. And since this is my blog, it is based on my opinion. But keep in mind, (at risk of cliché) opinions are like assholes—everybody has one. I have … [Read more...] about Critique: First, do no harm
Worn Shoes
I was young when I first understood what it meant to "put yourself" in someone else's shoes. Those words changed the way I thought. They taught me one of the most valuable lessons in life and set me on the road to being a writer. It's a simple concept, putting yourself in someone's shoes. It takes empathy to wear what they wear, walk where they walk, see what they see, live the … [Read more...] about Worn Shoes
The Bully
Every day, on my lunch break, I take Creo, my dachshund-corgi-terrier, for a walk at the same park. I swear she can tell time. She starts staring at me around noon. Last week, after almost two hours of dog sighing and groaning, I put her on her leash. When we got to the park, a giant dog was running loose while its owner sat inside his truck. Now, this is not a dog park. Signs … [Read more...] about The Bully
