Raymond G. Taylor
Bio
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
Stories (156/625)
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Manhattan skyline
Jody was late for the meeting, walking between blocks in Lower Manhattan, trying to find the subway entrance. She could hardly cross the road for traffic, and the noise, smells and searing heat were unbearable. She whistled up a taxi and hopped in. Acutely conscious of the time, Jody still had leisure to admire the classic, geometric lines of the buildings reaching up to the sky. She recalled what her grandma from New York had said about cab drivers.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Fiction
Back to school blues
First day back at school tomorrow and Susan was not happy to return after the long summer vacation. “There’s really nothing to worry about, dear. You’ll be fine,” said her Aunt Emily. Susan was not convinced. Emily tried to reassure her. “You’ll be able to see your friends again.” That was true, but she was not sure she wanted to see them, particularly if it meant going back to school to do so. First day after the long summer break, it was also the day when she and four other children had been selected to tell the class about their summer. They were told to choose one thing that they had done during the vacation, and speak about it for five minutes, bringing something along to use as a visual aid. A kind of show and tell.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Fiction
Short and Sweet TOO
Here is a collection of some of my short stories, for publication in a book later in the year... perhaps. The above illustration is my first attempt at the cover design. What do you think? The "Please do not lick..." line is from an Andy Warhol painting: Please do not lick this page. Here is the provisional list of stories. Those without a link are not currently available on Vocal. I would be grateful for any feedback on the cover design, the title of the book (there is a Short and Sweet 'one'), or choice of stories or running order. Please add any comments below below.
By Raymond G. Taylorabout a year ago in Fiction
Stranger on the shore. Content Warning.
It started out as a barely-remembered, hazy and confused dream about standing in front of a canvass, painting a seascape at night. The painting was very much a vague outline and I completely forgot about the dream as soon as I got up in the morning and drank my first cup of strong black coffee. It wasn't until about two weeks later that I had a second dream.
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Fiction
Roulette Russe. Content Warning.
Midnight. Spinning the chamber, my doubts must have been amplified by the tense expression on my face, though I tried to disguise my disquiet. I thrust the barrel end against my temple, looking my antagonist directly in the eye. I squeezed the trigger – CLICK!
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Fiction
Spooky and Macabre
Some of the following stories fall into the 'tales of the unexpected' variety, while others are just mysterious, macabre or just plain spooky. I hope you will find something that sends shivers down your spine, while others you may just find funny and entertaining. Enjoy!
By Raymond G. Taylor2 years ago in Fiction
