Mark Gagnon
Bio
My life has been spent traveling here and abroad. Now it's time to write.
I have three published books: Mitigating Circumstances, Short Stories for Open Minds, and Short Stories from an Untethered Mind. Unmitigated Greed is do out soon.
Achievements (1)
Stories (451)
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Marooned. Top Story - June 2023.
The digital sign read, ACCIDENT AHEAD. ROAD CLOSED. FOLLOW DETOUR, and that’s what I did, or thought I was doing. I-25 between Las Cruces and Albuquerque is the personification of desolate nothingness. Becoming lost should have been impossible. The word impossible only applies to a task until someone accomplishes that task and, unfortunately, that someone was me. There were sparsely placed detour signs right up to where the road forked. Then it was driver’s choice. Waze was useless because there was no cell service. I chose the right fork, which was definitely wrong.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Journal
Amish Grand Prix
It’s my privilege to report on this first-ever Amish Grand Prix to take place in Pennsylvania Dutch Country since the area was founded. People have come from all over the region to watch this unique challenge of horse, man, and buggy. Television crews line the course, eager to capture the perfect shot as buggies and drivers clip-clop past their position. Amish children curiously weave in and out of the crowd to get a better view of the TV cameras.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Humor
Family Legend
My twelve-year-old grandson and I were re-organizing the garage when he came across a sealed clear plastic container. The only item inside was a rusty old can with a dent in it. The can was unopened and had a faded label. He took the can out of the plastic box, held it up to the light, and shook it a few times, searching for a reason to keep it.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in History
Stagecoach Whip
It isn’t a simple job or a clean one. The hours are impossibly long, and rest is only granted when each leg of the trip is finished. Danger can spring from behind an outcropping of rocks, or from a fellow traveler. The weather is both friend and foe depending on the day. Even the very ground can shift underfoot. Only a fool would choose a job like this, so a fool is what I must be because driving a stagecoach is the only job I’ve ever wanted.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in History
My Final Heist
It all started with brownies, advanced to copying test answers, then moved to stealing from thieves. I have built a storied career taking from others and becoming wealthy. Renowned museums have offered bounties for my capture. Unscrupulous antiquities collectors have paid massive sums for my stolen booty. Throughout my illustrious career, there has only been one precious item I’ve never acquired. I’ve come close several times but lost out to others. Once again, fate has presented me with an opportunity to obtain what has always eluded me. I must not fail, as this will be my final heist.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Heisted Heist
After graduation, most of my class either went to college or joined the military. I got a job selling costume jewelry at a local flea market. Rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings were popular items. The owner of the booth was highly skilled at crafting these items. Many designs were copied from high end shops. These trinkets looked amazing but contained no valuable gems.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Dry Scrubbing 1821
My name is Thomas Jennings, a lifelong free New York City resident and proud owner of one of the busiest tailor shops in Manhattan. In the late 1700s, I began a long apprenticeship that taught me the skills needed to excel in this essential craft. I’m well known throughout the elite of this city for my custom-fitted suits, shirts, and casual clothing. My little shop on Church Street is thriving. Fortunately for my clients, I’m also a curious person who enjoys solving problems.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in History
April 1775
The Barn Owl Inn was a popular location on the main road between Boston, Lexington, Concord, and Worcester. There was never a shortage of guests, regardless of the weather. Roadside inns and taverns like the Barn Owl were family-owned businesses which meant everyone in the family was required to help in order to make it work.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in History
Test Heist
Since the brownie caper, there have been many successful heists along with a few botched ones. Now my skills were about to be tested. It was time for finals and graduation from high school. My worst subject was English. A grade of B was required or I wouldn’t graduate. Of course, I could study, but where was the fun in that? I needed a copy of the answer sheet.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
My First Heist
The captivating aroma of freshly baked brownies drew me and Rusty directly to the kitchen. There, resting on the countertop, were three cooling racks filled with chocolate delights. Mother was busy readying the house for company, so my window of opportunity was limited. She had baked the brownies for her guests, but I didn’t think she would miss one or two.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
The Fourth Side
“The cameras are set up and ready to roll, Professor Colter. We’re prepared to record every minute of this history-making event. What does it feel like to be the first human in over eight thousand years to enter this massive structure that time has forgotten?”
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Into the Mist
A lone lantern slowly swayed in rhythm with the gently rocking rowboat. It cast its dim light out into the evening mist, attempting to illuminate the darkness. Even the mighty beam from a nearby lighthouse had a limited effect against the thickening fog.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
