Fiction

The Austere Academy
'The Austere Academy' is volume 5 of the Lemony Snicket series. This is when the Baudelaire children entered Prufrock Preparatory School after leaving Lucky Smells Lumbermill. Prufrock Prep for the Baudelaire's could be when they did make two friends and on nasty enemy in the name of Carmelita Spats. Count Olaf is always around in some disguise that always seems to fool the adults around wherever Violet, Klaus and Sunny end up for a time. 'The Austere Academy' is one story that could make one think of sending your kids to a prep school, but schools are not that bad.
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique
The Open Book
There on the table was an open book. As the people were walking around the room no one noticed what was sticking up from the middle. There was this one brave person that decided to go up to the desk and peek. At that moment a slight breeze fluttered the loose sheet to the floor. The person picked it up, looked at it, and read silently. The person couldn't believe what they read. "Please do not touch the book!" It is very fragile, and one cannot touch without gloves. Yes, this is story of a visit to a book museum.
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique
Cornbread and Poppy at the Museum
'Poppy and Cornbread at the museum is a beginning chapter book for young readers. Who wouldn't enjoy reading and sharing a story of two adorable mice that is written by Matthew Cordell. In the small village of Moonville there are two mice who are totally different but are best friends, but there is a secret in this tiny village that involves these two best friends. Technically the story is told where the words and the pictures tell the story each its own way.
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique
The Miserable Mill
From the depths of Lake Lachrymose to the workings of the Lucky Smells Lumbermill the Baudelaire children are caught up in another nasty and sad predicament. In this volume it is Klaus who is the main character for it is about his glasses and how hypnosis can affect all people in many ways and means to get what one wants. Count Olaf is always around in some form or another. Will these three children really ever find a home that feels love?
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique
Halloween
Horrifying anxiety letting loose other worldly entities entering neverland. _____________ There was this one All Hallow's Eve that no body could be found. Why do you suppose this happened. Could it have been that they did not follow the rules that were stated one night, or could it have been that there was a sense that they were being watched, but what was watching them? They were afraid to ask and did not really want an answer, but they had to know. They listened to each, and it occurred to them that what was watching them was each other's bodies.
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique
AI Generated Stories On Vocal? Seriously, What Is The Point?
Introduction When I see that a story is AI-generated it is a red flag to me, something to avoid. Today I have seen a lot on Vocal, and yes they are flagging themselves but seriously what is the point? I don't want to read something that someone couldn't be bothered to write.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred about a year ago in Critique
Just for Fun! 3
The circus was his life and Harold, the clown, wondered what he was going to do when the circus was sold to another owner for, he knew that he was getting up in age and soon would retire. Harold knew there were a few things he needed to check up on with the boss. The manager of the circus wanted to talk to Harold the next day anyhow about something. He would ask him then. The next day Harold met the manager, and wouldn't you know it he suggested to Harold that he retire and receive his benefits for retirement.
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique
Just for Fun!
There was a woman named Mary and for some reason she is leaving a room that meant everything to her. Then why am I leaving that is a good question for one to ask. One reason could be there was a fight that she did not want to remember, then again it could be a room that something sad occurred, but then again, the room could just be a room that one could love but seems to be feeling not just right. Could it be that she will remember this room that she loved but cannot stay there no longer.
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique
I Took a Break From Writing My Sci-Fi Novel
I’ve been working on this story for quite some time. I’ve been taking a break from it for a few weeks but have still been writing nonetheless. With my break from this story, it’s time to pick up where I left off. Sometimes it’s good and even much needed to step away from work for a time as long as it isn’t for too long.
By Jasmine Aguilarabout a year ago in Critique
Joker: Folie à Deux et les folies d’un réalisateur
Two very different Jokers, from several perspectives, starting with the explosive box office success at the Venice Film Festival of the first film, compared to the colossal disappointment of the second. This was not what anyone had signed up for. The first film left the stage with a Golden Lion and Joaquin Phoenix pocketing an Oscar for Best Actor. Quite the curtain call. The second? Well, it barely managed to keep the audience awake, let alone intrigued.
By Simone Nunziataabout a year ago in Critique
First Page
An Anomalous white lightning fractures throughout the realm, coating an illuminated portrait onto the sands as it sweeps over a towering dune. The lightning pulsates, shining a brighter reflection on the sand’s complexion, sparkling golden halos just before the lightning’s flailing retreat.
By Noah Lichtenbergabout a year ago in Critique
The Pumpkin Patch
Oh, what lurks in this field of pumpkins so near the day of All Hallows Eve. The sun comes up just as it always does but moves just a bit faster it seems, and the dusk just seems to last a little longer. Suddenly the moon just appears huge and full. One just walks around and seems weary and not knowing why. One remembers then on their walk around the pumpkin patch that there is a special being this time of year. Could it be, could it be. Oh, yes could be The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Only just believe.
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique