Three Line Conversations

“Kids these days got it too easy.”

“You know it. Radio, sliced bread, six-day work-weeks.”

“Seriously. I had to get up at 4:00 am this morning so I could lace up my boots in time for work.”

Three Line Conversations were inspired by Haikus. I borrowed the form of three lines, but without the syllable counts. And dialog instead of poetry.

Sitting at the kitchen table

“I’m scared, James. Twenty days without rain. If we lose the crop this year, we’ll lose the farm.”

“I know, Darling. I’ve stood out in the field every day praying for rain.”

Suddenly, the skies opened up.

James walked outside into the downpour.

“Where you going, James?”

“To thank God.”

Based on the Centina Pentina prompt: Write a 50-word story about gratitude.

ZZ Top song title fiction

Zane Zoombottom was a dude
Who thought he had it made
He was Goin’ Down To Mexico
And he Just Got Paid

He saw a Girl In A T-Shirt
Who was Waitin’ For The Bus
She was his Neighbor, Neighbor
And started making a big fuss

He slowed down the car
And pulled up by her side
She said, “Do I know you?”
He said, “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide”

She said, “My Head’s In Mississippi”
“But my heart won’t let me stay”
“I’m looking for adventure”
“I just want to Breakaway”

ZZ knew she was a Hairdresser
With really long Legs
“Well, I’m A Fool For Your Stockings”
“Can you cook bacon and eggs?” …

Step by step

Because Medium uses a single-column feed to show stories, it doesn’t take long before our stories disappear down the feed. If you only write about current events, this may be no big deal. Few people want to read old news or opinions. But if you write stories with lasting appeal, like fiction, or poetry, or other creative writing, then a single-column feed is not desirable.

You could create a personal publication to organize your writing (I did), but all of Medium’s in-house publications have already gone to the “frictionless reading” single-column blog layout. …

Underwater Sea Turtle race in Hawaii

Most humans are unaware of the Honu 100. But for the sea life around Hawaii, it is the event of the year. A course is set up underwater, and 33 of the Pacific Ocean’s fastest sea turtles (honu) race 100 miles around the Hawaiian Islands. Each year, different islands are featured in the course.

For months prior to the race, the racers follow a strict diet and exercise regime to be in top shape for the swim. As race day gets closer, the anticipation builds until the whole sea is abubble with excitement.

Finally, race day arrives.

Countless schools of fish show up to cheer on their favorites, while starfish line up to mark the course. Wagering is common, especially among sharks, who often give out loans to those wanting to bet big. …

The tale of the glass tower

In a time long forgotten, there lived a King. He wasn’t the wisest King, but he cared for the people he ruled and was rarely cruel.

The King surrounded himself with wise counsel. Although he did not always heed their advice. One example was the stained glass tower.

On a day like many other days, when nothing of great importance was happening, the King decided to go for a ride. The King enjoyed riding in a field that spread out treeless as far as the eye could see. After riding for a while, the King stopped and dismounted. He looked around. In a fit of whimsy, the King decided to build a tower made entirely out of stained glass. …

Social media is not so social anymore

There was a time in the 2000s when Facebook was fun. A platform where people posted personal posts like, “We’re going to the concert in the park. Anyone want to join us?” Or photos of family vacations. Even pictures of their lunch.

It wasn’t great literature, and the food photos got old, but it was harmless for the most part. I often posted humorous posts and got several funny responses. I enjoyed checking Facebook.

Eventually, Facebook introduced the share button, which allowed people to share other people’s posts. Even things outside of Facebook became fair game. …

Hmm…

Whenever I hear a writer say, “I write for myself,” I always think, That’s weird. I want other people to read my stories — as many people as possible.

Seriously. If I only wanted myself to read my stories, I would just post them on my website where they would be safe from reading eyes.

The only thing I write for myself is a grocery list. Which reminds me, I need bread. Be right back.