https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/tag/singlepagestories/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/tag/singlepagestories/rss/ episodic Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:51:12 GMT Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:51:12 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/tag/singlepagestories/ https://image.nostr.build/f9740b2ec24a0cbd654e8553e490b2bcb2babc42322268a5ff55a6c1cfeb3010.jpg Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:51:12 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note10vm02smz6vsn0swstyqnnhjx6f0yy30vfkylhkffvavjlsx0sflqd5229x/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note10vm02smz6vsn0swstyqnnhjx6f0yy30vfkylhkffvavjlsx0sflqd5229x/ note10vm02smz6vsn0swstyqnnhjx6f0yy30vfkylhkffvavjlsx0sflqd5229x author note10vm02smz6vsn0swstyqnnhjx6f0yy30vfkylhkffvavjlsx0sflqd5229x npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 Paper samples from Mixam (on the right). Looking for a lower cost print solution for one of my microfiction collections (on the left, printed as a photobook).

#author #writing #microfiction #research #writer #authorstr #printing #paper #selfpublishing #singlepagestories

]]> Paper samples from Mixam (on the right). Looking for a lower cost print solution for one of my microfiction collections (on the left, printed as a photobook).

#author #writing #microfiction #research #writer #authorstr #printing #paper #selfpublishing #singlepagestories

]]> Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:12:30 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note104u34gtt3s6966pufkwrtucmmfqnjlk6jejjwghhg9nc920du5hspjh4q6/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note104u34gtt3s6966pufkwrtucmmfqnjlk6jejjwghhg9nc920du5hspjh4q6/ note104u34gtt3s6966pufkwrtucmmfqnjlk6jejjwghhg9nc920du5hspjh4q6 microfiction note104u34gtt3s6966pufkwrtucmmfqnjlk6jejjwghhg9nc920du5hspjh4q6 npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 CONSISTENT - The robin watched the caterpillar eat his way through all the leaves on a branch of the shrub. As soon as the insect extended his body toward her, the robin spoke. "Back off, buddy."

"But I must eat, or I’ll never change."

"Eat the leaves over there," the robin gestured with her wing. "These leaves hide my nest."

"But that branch is so far, and I am so hungry."

"If I eat you, you won't be hungry anymore." The robin leaned forward.

The caterpillar quickly backed up, almost falling off his branch. Once he straightened out, he found new leaves within easy munching distance. He began eating, ignoring the robin who fluffed her feathers and settled down to warm her eggs.

A few days later, a bright yellow butterfly landed on the edge of the robin's nest. "Look how I’ve changed!"

The robin frantically beat her wings. "Go away! Go away!"

The movement of air blew the butterfly into a dizzy circle. Finally able to control his flight, the butterfly flapped just over the robin's head. "Bird brain. I just came by to add some color to your dull life."

A black paw swatted the butterfly onto the lawn, where the cat batted him around until he could no longer fly.

The robin waited, her tiny heart beating as fast as a hummingbird's wings. The cat patted the still butterfly once more, then strode back to the house. The robin sat down on her eggs. "You didn’t change at all."

#microfiction #writing #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> CONSISTENT - The robin watched the caterpillar eat his way through all the leaves on a branch of the shrub. As soon as the insect extended his body toward her, the robin spoke. "Back off, buddy."

"But I must eat, or I’ll never change."

"Eat the leaves over there," the robin gestured with her wing. "These leaves hide my nest."

"But that branch is so far, and I am so hungry."

"If I eat you, you won't be hungry anymore." The robin leaned forward.

The caterpillar quickly backed up, almost falling off his branch. Once he straightened out, he found new leaves within easy munching distance. He began eating, ignoring the robin who fluffed her feathers and settled down to warm her eggs.

A few days later, a bright yellow butterfly landed on the edge of the robin's nest. "Look how I’ve changed!"

The robin frantically beat her wings. "Go away! Go away!"

The movement of air blew the butterfly into a dizzy circle. Finally able to control his flight, the butterfly flapped just over the robin's head. "Bird brain. I just came by to add some color to your dull life."

A black paw swatted the butterfly onto the lawn, where the cat batted him around until he could no longer fly.

The robin waited, her tiny heart beating as fast as a hummingbird's wings. The cat patted the still butterfly once more, then strode back to the house. The robin sat down on her eggs. "You didn’t change at all."

#microfiction #writing #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:30:25 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note1ngzf9z0vwvldx3afudwwp9e2cvt7j4eag8fk4nsgd6tk9gxs27kq4xhrlf/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note1ngzf9z0vwvldx3afudwwp9e2cvt7j4eag8fk4nsgd6tk9gxs27kq4xhrlf/ note1ngzf9z0vwvldx3afudwwp9e2cvt7j4eag8fk4nsgd6tk9gxs27kq4xhrlf microfiction note1ngzf9z0vwvldx3afudwwp9e2cvt7j4eag8fk4nsgd6tk9gxs27kq4xhrlf npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 EEFORT - Maxwell served a double fault, loosing the match. His opponent, one of the monks of the Bodhi Business Retreat, bowed and left the court. Max sank to his knees, chest heaving, sweat dripping from his brow.

Sports provided a quick means to put himself into a high-pressure situation. Unfortunately, most of the lessons of how not to choke at the critical moment still fled his mind at that critical moment. He'd gained some ground, but still didn't maintain his composure as consistently as he wanted.

On the tennis court, failure was a blow to his pride. In the board room, this flaw could cost Max his company. Tomorrow was his last day at the retreat. Best to get some rest so he could practice with another match, maybe two.

Max found his path off the court blocked by a full-grown tree that had not been there a moment earlier.

A monk appeared from the behind the trunk and handed Max a mango. "Well done. The wish-granting tree does not appear to everyone. Think of what you want to accomplish, then take a bite."

Max considered his options, then bit into the mango, smiling at the sweetness. As he swallowed, his surroundings faded to white, then solidified into the front of the retreat center.

"Welcome, Mr. Stein," a monk said, holding the door open for Max. "I hope you enjoy your two weeks with us. Much can be accomplished with dedicated practice and the willingness to learn."

#microfiction #writing #authorstr #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> EEFORT - Maxwell served a double fault, loosing the match. His opponent, one of the monks of the Bodhi Business Retreat, bowed and left the court. Max sank to his knees, chest heaving, sweat dripping from his brow.

Sports provided a quick means to put himself into a high-pressure situation. Unfortunately, most of the lessons of how not to choke at the critical moment still fled his mind at that critical moment. He'd gained some ground, but still didn't maintain his composure as consistently as he wanted.

On the tennis court, failure was a blow to his pride. In the board room, this flaw could cost Max his company. Tomorrow was his last day at the retreat. Best to get some rest so he could practice with another match, maybe two.

Max found his path off the court blocked by a full-grown tree that had not been there a moment earlier.

A monk appeared from the behind the trunk and handed Max a mango. "Well done. The wish-granting tree does not appear to everyone. Think of what you want to accomplish, then take a bite."

Max considered his options, then bit into the mango, smiling at the sweetness. As he swallowed, his surroundings faded to white, then solidified into the front of the retreat center.

"Welcome, Mr. Stein," a monk said, holding the door open for Max. "I hope you enjoy your two weeks with us. Much can be accomplished with dedicated practice and the willingness to learn."

#microfiction #writing #authorstr #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:25:39 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note15lqu6aquzk29cv4c0emn5c7pr7v476pn4xrtvcn03y2htvhnyczqc9mvg8/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note15lqu6aquzk29cv4c0emn5c7pr7v476pn4xrtvcn03y2htvhnyczqc9mvg8/ note15lqu6aquzk29cv4c0emn5c7pr7v476pn4xrtvcn03y2htvhnyczqc9mvg8 microfiction note15lqu6aquzk29cv4c0emn5c7pr7v476pn4xrtvcn03y2htvhnyczqc9mvg8 npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 IMMORTAL - While one Birmingham was the most populous city in the state of Alabama, and another Birmingham was the most populous city in the English Midlands, the Birmingham crater on the Moon had a population of zero.

Which made the fact that seventeen alarm clocks sat in its basin difficult to explain. Thankfully, Tonney didn’t have to explain it; xe just had to report it.

From the observation post on the other side of the moon, Tonney vidded the drone footage to xis supervisor on Mars. She sent a priority projection to her supervisor on Europa. He holoed the captain of the Lutwidge Dodgson, who walked into Tonney’s office two hours later and demanded to see the live video.

Still Birmingham crater. Now forty-two alarm clocks.

The captain advised Tonney to cut back on the neurostims and take a paid vacation. Now.

Tonney put in a call for an intra-solar shuttle, donned a spacesuit, and waited outside.

In the abandoned room, Alice slumped in Tonney’s chair. Just when her career was finally getting started. On the monitor, a white rabbit in a waistcoat appear amidst the time pieces. He looked up at the dronecam. "We shall be late."

Alice appeared beside the rabbit and his ears flushed pink at her vulgar suggestion of where he should put his pocket watch. A hole opened beneath their feet. A cacophony of ringing alarm clocks followed the falling duo to a new wonder.

#microfiction #story #writing #authorstr #nostrlife #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> IMMORTAL - While one Birmingham was the most populous city in the state of Alabama, and another Birmingham was the most populous city in the English Midlands, the Birmingham crater on the Moon had a population of zero.

Which made the fact that seventeen alarm clocks sat in its basin difficult to explain. Thankfully, Tonney didn’t have to explain it; xe just had to report it.

From the observation post on the other side of the moon, Tonney vidded the drone footage to xis supervisor on Mars. She sent a priority projection to her supervisor on Europa. He holoed the captain of the Lutwidge Dodgson, who walked into Tonney’s office two hours later and demanded to see the live video.

Still Birmingham crater. Now forty-two alarm clocks.

The captain advised Tonney to cut back on the neurostims and take a paid vacation. Now.

Tonney put in a call for an intra-solar shuttle, donned a spacesuit, and waited outside.

In the abandoned room, Alice slumped in Tonney’s chair. Just when her career was finally getting started. On the monitor, a white rabbit in a waistcoat appear amidst the time pieces. He looked up at the dronecam. "We shall be late."

Alice appeared beside the rabbit and his ears flushed pink at her vulgar suggestion of where he should put his pocket watch. A hole opened beneath their feet. A cacophony of ringing alarm clocks followed the falling duo to a new wonder.

#microfiction #story #writing #authorstr #nostrlife #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> Mon, 06 Nov 2023 16:14:56 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note138zkgs4nghdd5dmw5kape6730r4ptk8e2sfcjnwpdu5whumwj6lqzls2td/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note138zkgs4nghdd5dmw5kape6730r4ptk8e2sfcjnwpdu5whumwj6lqzls2td/ note138zkgs4nghdd5dmw5kape6730r4ptk8e2sfcjnwpdu5whumwj6lqzls2td microfiction note138zkgs4nghdd5dmw5kape6730r4ptk8e2sfcjnwpdu5whumwj6lqzls2td npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 INEVITABILITY: An acolyte of the Order of Mages fell off the path through the Library of Sands. His fellows found him three days later, several levels down from where he had disappeared. The shape of an hourglass marked his right palm, the emblem of a constellation on his left.

The First Mage had the acolyte visit every day. None knew what they talked of behind closed doors, and the acolyte did not return to his room until after the evening meal. He spoke with no one, not even his brother, with whom he used to share everything.

As the days passed, the imprint of the hourglass changed, as if sand truly flowed from one orb to the other.

After a week, the top orb was empty. After another week, the acolyte disappeared.

The acolyte's brother, an astronomer at the King's Court, noticed a new constellation in the sky, and wept a single tear.

#microfiction #story #writing #authorstr #nostrlife #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> INEVITABILITY: An acolyte of the Order of Mages fell off the path through the Library of Sands. His fellows found him three days later, several levels down from where he had disappeared. The shape of an hourglass marked his right palm, the emblem of a constellation on his left.

The First Mage had the acolyte visit every day. None knew what they talked of behind closed doors, and the acolyte did not return to his room until after the evening meal. He spoke with no one, not even his brother, with whom he used to share everything.

As the days passed, the imprint of the hourglass changed, as if sand truly flowed from one orb to the other.

After a week, the top orb was empty. After another week, the acolyte disappeared.

The acolyte's brother, an astronomer at the King's Court, noticed a new constellation in the sky, and wept a single tear.

#microfiction #story #writing #authorstr #nostrlife #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:32:53 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note17nkp0yd2vt90hz0yh99xrdqstngfjpgpuqtfcyf4npcmavfj7hdqtzdyag/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note17nkp0yd2vt90hz0yh99xrdqstngfjpgpuqtfcyf4npcmavfj7hdqtzdyag/ note17nkp0yd2vt90hz0yh99xrdqstngfjpgpuqtfcyf4npcmavfj7hdqtzdyag microfiction note17nkp0yd2vt90hz0yh99xrdqstngfjpgpuqtfcyf4npcmavfj7hdqtzdyag npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 INFILTRATION: We have a special guest for today's class, so pay attention as we review how to physically impersonate a human.

First, two arms and two legs; no more, though you can get away with less.

One nose and one mouth. The exception paperwork for this rule is not worth your time, trust me.

Two visible eyes only - if you can't keep the others hidden, pick a climate that requires clothing over most of your body.

Males and females dress and adorn themselves differently, though the cultural acceptance of these norms is more tolerant in certain areas of the planet. Do your research so your presentation doesn't disturb the locals ... unless that's part of your mission, in which case do your research in order to maximize the intended disruption.

Humans age at an accelerated rate compared to us. You'll either need to relocate after a period of time to avoid suspicion, or modify your physical form in order to maintain your cover. Consult the reference tables for recommended alterations.

As you can see, our guest has done a masterful job of impersonating a human male, age twenty-thirty years. The clothing style indicates association with a military organization, as does the metal, projectile-producing object in his ...

#microfiction #story #writing #authorstr #nostrlife #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> INFILTRATION: We have a special guest for today's class, so pay attention as we review how to physically impersonate a human.

First, two arms and two legs; no more, though you can get away with less.

One nose and one mouth. The exception paperwork for this rule is not worth your time, trust me.

Two visible eyes only - if you can't keep the others hidden, pick a climate that requires clothing over most of your body.

Males and females dress and adorn themselves differently, though the cultural acceptance of these norms is more tolerant in certain areas of the planet. Do your research so your presentation doesn't disturb the locals ... unless that's part of your mission, in which case do your research in order to maximize the intended disruption.

Humans age at an accelerated rate compared to us. You'll either need to relocate after a period of time to avoid suspicion, or modify your physical form in order to maintain your cover. Consult the reference tables for recommended alterations.

As you can see, our guest has done a masterful job of impersonating a human male, age twenty-thirty years. The clothing style indicates association with a military organization, as does the metal, projectile-producing object in his ...

#microfiction #story #writing #authorstr #nostrlife #grownostr #storytime #singlepagestories

]]> Tue, 15 Aug 2023 23:31:13 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note1s27cw6qlxm5jp3h4ecxea3ze5zg0lzjn8qzahna9t9uh3gwh5wus2av4u2/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note1s27cw6qlxm5jp3h4ecxea3ze5zg0lzjn8qzahna9t9uh3gwh5wus2av4u2/ note1s27cw6qlxm5jp3h4ecxea3ze5zg0lzjn8qzahna9t9uh3gwh5wus2av4u2 microfiction note1s27cw6qlxm5jp3h4ecxea3ze5zg0lzjn8qzahna9t9uh3gwh5wus2av4u2 npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 SINGLE PAGE STORY* … Tuesday! instead of Sunday because Mom and I had a Rummikub marathon on Sunday and I completely forgot to post. This is one of my favorites. :)

May need to tap the photo to see the read the whole thing.

* Fanciful #microfiction of 300 words or less.

#story #storystr #author #authorstr #singlepagestories #writing #fiction

]]> SINGLE PAGE STORY* … Tuesday! instead of Sunday because Mom and I had a Rummikub marathon on Sunday and I completely forgot to post. This is one of my favorites. :)

May need to tap the photo to see the read the whole thing.

* Fanciful #microfiction of 300 words or less.

#story #storystr #author #authorstr #singlepagestories #writing #fiction

]]> Sun, 06 Aug 2023 18:19:52 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note1pt42lsggsnjkeewafc7q5s4df8pjdqxxnwu2w5tkpepxr6rrvauq843na6/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note1pt42lsggsnjkeewafc7q5s4df8pjdqxxnwu2w5tkpepxr6rrvauq843na6/ note1pt42lsggsnjkeewafc7q5s4df8pjdqxxnwu2w5tkpepxr6rrvauq843na6 microfiction note1pt42lsggsnjkeewafc7q5s4df8pjdqxxnwu2w5tkpepxr6rrvauq843na6 npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 SINGLE PAGE STORY SUNDAY! Fanciful #microfiction of 300 words or less.

#story #storystr #author #authorstr #singlepagestories #writing #fiction

]]> SINGLE PAGE STORY SUNDAY! Fanciful #microfiction of 300 words or less.

#story #storystr #author #authorstr #singlepagestories #writing #fiction

]]> Sun, 30 Jul 2023 17:28:24 GMT https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note1szdas5x3256cdl3tehfpf3r20rgyp2ed7arcdqt23525qlr98rlqjh6y7x/ https://rustypuppy.npub.pro/post/note1szdas5x3256cdl3tehfpf3r20rgyp2ed7arcdqt23525qlr98rlqjh6y7x/ note1szdas5x3256cdl3tehfpf3r20rgyp2ed7arcdqt23525qlr98rlqjh6y7x microfiction note1szdas5x3256cdl3tehfpf3r20rgyp2ed7arcdqt23525qlr98rlqjh6y7x npub1jdtdqz9tyf4tdvy2k0rnjqz5dv5rd3yvw5nlpefn9syjqx37dhyqxwh0c8 In my excitement, I thought it was a 500 word limit on ZBD Social, not 500 characters. :(

It’s okay, just means I’ll be posting my Single Page Stories as images every Sunday instead of text. :)

#microfiction #singlepagestories #authorstr #writing #fiction #storystr

]]> In my excitement, I thought it was a 500 word limit on ZBD Social, not 500 characters. :(

It’s okay, just means I’ll be posting my Single Page Stories as images every Sunday instead of text. :)

#microfiction #singlepagestories #authorstr #writing #fiction #storystr

]]>