Another new short story. This one strays into fantasy territory, but I still think it fits with themes of others I’ve written. Give it a read and let me know what you think.

Click here to read Old Bones Burn Strong.

If you want to read some of my other shorts, click here. And for those of you who prefer reading via e-books, the first twenty stories are available in a free download here.

Another short story for you. After a serious one last time (Waiting), this time I’ve gone for something lighter (you’ll understand when you get to the end). It’s called They Need To Learn, and you can read it here.

I’ve got over thirty short stories on the site now, so if this one piques your interest, try a few others. The full list can be found here.

I’m also working on an e-book of the first twenty stories‌—‌ideal if reading web-pages isn’t your thing.  Hopefully, that should be out in a few days (maybe even by the time you read this).

And, as always, I’d love to hear what people thought of this story, or any of the others. Add a comment on the page, or send me an e-mail.

Enjoy reading.

Another free short story.

I think I’ve been moving away from the dark, violent stuff recently, because this story definitely has a different feel, although don’t expect anything too happy.

Give it a read, and let me know what you think.

You can read it here.

I’ve got another short story for you, called Don’t Go. It’s a little gentler than normal (although there’s still death in the air, and it’s not all light and fluffy). Let me know what you think of it.

You can read it here.

Life Story is a new short, free to read here.

Everyone tells stories. When you tell someone what you’ve done that day, it’s a story. When you relate a tale from your childhood, you’re a storyteller. But stories always have an angle. And sometimes, the stories we tell are fabrications.

But any story, once told, is alive.

You are the story you tell.

Read Life Story here, and check out more free shorts here. And, as usual, I’d love to know what you think.

It’s time for another short story. The Pinnacle is the story of two once-friends on a climbing trip. Or possibly it’s about maturity verses remaining carefree. Then again, it might be about the lengths people travel to protect what they believe to be important.

No, scrap all that. It’s close to 1000 words for your enjoyment. Read into it whatever you want.

But, as always, I’d love to hear what you think of it.

Read the story here, and don’t forget the full list of short stories here.

Whatever is happening, the mundane is never far away. The master criminal may well have a moment of doubt, wondering if the oven is still on. The professional assassin might be worried about their kid’s school tests. The hired thug might be struggling with the breakup of a relationship. And a husband-and-wife torture team, when you got past their job, would be just like any other couple.

This story, A Little Moment Of Happiness, sprung from these kind of thoughts. You can read it here.

This fortnight’s story is The Tracker. I’m not going to say any more about it. Give it a read and let me know what you think.

Read it here. For other short stories, click here.

Another short story for you. This one’s called Clay, and you can read it here.

When I wrote the first draft of the first Dominions novel, I had whole sections from Sertio’s point of view. I explored his reasons for becoming an artist, and the shocking truth that drove him. But it didn’t fit with the rest of the story, and so I cut it, leaving only the smallest of hints.

So I knew I had to return to Sertio at some point (and I have plans for him in later Dominions books). But for now, I thought it would be interesting to see him at work. Again, there are only hints at his past, but it’s interesting to see a darker side of a character who appeared so carefree and full of life in Dark Glass.

It’s a bit different to my other stories, so I’d be interested to hear what you think, either in the comments section or directly (twiain@twiain.com).

Don’t forget the other short stories, too‌—‌25 of them now, and all free to read here.