I’ve polished many of the stories (and now two poems) to such an extent that I feel comfortable launching a new domain and website.
Are you curious?
Many of these short stories might seem a bit different. Some are happy, some are sad . . . most are a shifting mixture. I try to arrive at essential truths in surprising and creative ways. Human life is illuminated using sudden revelations. All of these works of fiction are very quick reads.
The poem I just published, A Brief Note, sounds dire as you read it. But read to the final two lines.
Anyway, I truly appreciate all of you who follow my adventures in photography–and creative writing! Life is a continuing journey . . .
I’ve recently written three short stories that touch upon human creativity and freedom. And the unending struggle . . . and the infinite mystery . . . and slow, bitter anguish . . . and sudden inspiration . . . and that joy a creator experiences when they’ve assembled a thing that seems powerful and true. In other words, that wonderful but turbulent journey undertaken by every passionate artist.
These three new works of fiction can be found on my writing blog Short Stories by Richard. How it has grown! Please enjoy the following links:
A Secret Junkyard is an odd, funny story that concerns black despair and creative rebirth.
A Long, Deep Drink suggests that satisfaction can be found by turning to gaze in a different direction.
My art is the way I reestablish the bonds that tie me to the universe.
This morning I saw a bunch of cool zines dangling in the windows of downtown’s Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. I was peering at the many imaginative covers and unexpected titles when I noticed this window display concerns the annual Tijuana Zine Fest, a regional festival that celebrates independent publishing and art.
I always love to bathe in individual, uninhibited creativity. Many of the zines appear to be subversive; others are humorous, or philosophical, or inspiring.
Best of luck to all the authors!
Keep on pushing to new horizons!
Keep on writing!
Tijuana Zine Fest is an annual festival that celebrates self-publishing and independent art in the culturally fertile Tijuana-San Diego border region.A bunch of creative zines hang inside the windows of the downtown Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, in their building at America Plaza.Why are you dumping me? Snap out of it.Tarantella Zine.Pabdia – Cine Enmascarado.Tijuana. Deep Affection. Xicanita. Self Care – Self Love.Fetish Witch. Beast County.One Punk’s Guide to African Politics. Accomplices Not Allies.Transitory Existence.Abandon everything again. Pobre Bebé. La Playa. A Manifesto for Discomfortable Writing.
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Perhaps the greatest, most difficult quest of our intelligent species is for a simple Theory of Everything. Everything–the entire cosmos–explained: easily, elegantly.
I just finished writing a short story concerning this. I’ve titled it The Perfect Snowflake. You can follow the link if you’d like to read it.
My writing blog Short Stories by Richard is the home to many small works of provocative fiction.
Like a mysterious living battery, your dog stores up love. Its tail is powered by love.
A healing love that flows from hand, to hand.
If you’d like to read a bit of fiction I wrote over the weekend about this magical phenomenon, a very short story that I’ve simply titled A Dog’s Tail, then follow the link! If you enjoy reading Cool San Diego Sights, you might like it!
Every morning brings unending moments captured in mind.
I encountered some poetic street art while walking up C Street this morning. Halfway to the top of Golden Hill, I paused.
An electrical box was painted with fading scraps of thoughtful poetry. As we walk we find ourselves in surprising places. Forgive my translation of Julio Cortázar.
We walked without looking for ourselves – but knowing that we walked to find ourselves. Your smile is the moon of my life.Each night rises — the passage of time–Your heroes are always with you.
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
I believe I finally got it right. My latest short story. For a while it seemed wrong, incomplete.
Returning the Ball is a happy story about youth, youthful optimism, and a heart’s gratitude.
This quick read is likely to make you smile. Perhaps even wipe a tear. Click the above link to read it.
Need something to read this Labor Day? I’ve gradually built a collection of short stories (and a poem) at my blog Short Stories by Richard. These small works of fiction are ideal for a beach read. Or half an hour by the pool.
Enjoy your day and thank you for supporting Cool San Diego Sights! I plan to head up to Balboa Park! What will I discover today? I don’t know!
Historical photo of the First and Last Chance Saloon, inside San Diego’s rowdy Stingaree District.
Murder! Gambling halls and brothels! Wyatt Earp! Corrupt police! Scheming businessmen! Secretive gangs! Pirates! A rip-roaring story dripping with suspense and excitement!
Would you like to read the first few chapters of a thrilling novel set in late 19th century San Diego? Jack Tyler, a talented author of adventure and steampunk fiction, is now writing an action-packed novel titled Stingaree, which takes place in San Diego’s old red-light district–an area of town that today is part of the Gaslamp Quarter. He has made many great chapters available to the public–for free! Click here to visit his website, then find the link to Stingaree.
In the late 1800s, the Stingaree was where sailors, ranch hands, and the working class sought their thrills in a depressed and rather desolate city. It was home to dozens of gambling parlors, whorehouses and saloons. Law-abiding citizens stayed away for their own safety. To be seen in the Stingaree might destroy one’s reputation. At night all hell would break loose. Those who prospered running tawdry businesses in the Stingaree had to pay the police bribes and watch their own backs.
In the novel Stingaree, the reader will recognize a variety of historical persons and locations. From the construction of the Hotel del Coronado, to George Marston’s department store, to the Horton House Hotel–the story is an exciting journey back in time. Jack Tyler successfully presents a city full of danger, uncertainty and great promise. From his imagination emerges an assortment of wonderfully inventive characters.
I must say I really enjoyed reading the completed chapters. This is the sort of smart, well-constructed story that would make for a really entertaining movie or television series. Cliffhangers and plot twists abound. Enjoy a fun read by clicking here and look for the link to Stingaree!
Cool San Diego Sights! 