J. S. Bailey

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2023

Stories (6)

6 Stories

134 karma pts

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“Comfort” by J. S. Bailey

Submitted to Contest #243

I wanted nothing more than to be chosen, to be relieved of the constant pressure, day after day trying to impress—sitting up straight, arms by my side—only to be disappointed. I somehow didn't see you come in. Clouded by the strings of my thoughts, I was only awoken when everybody raised their voices to sing 'Happy Birthday'. I can sing too, I thought, but my voice wasn't ready yet. I stared at you, up on that counter with your number 7 badge. I've never had a birthday. Your grandmother caught my attention early on. She seemed caring, ...

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“Even Stevens” by J. S. Bailey

Submitted to Contest #231

1979 - Outside a movie theatre "Hey! Get outta the way will ya," shooed the box office clerk as Jack and Stanley Stevens disrupted a young couple trying to pay for tickets. "Hee-yaww," said Stanley, adding sound effects as he threw an open palm at Jack's torso, to which Jack leaned back like a limbo champion to avoid. "Eyat!" Jack made his move, a springing jump-kick ai...

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“First to Slay a Giant” by J. S. Bailey

Submitted to Contest #230

An arrogant hunter drops a severed giant's head onto the tavern counter with a thunk. "How shall I receive my reward?" he asks. A large bald man had been polishing tankards behind the counter. He turned at the question the hunter posed. A thick brown beard with three thin beaded-braids hangs from his chin. "And how, may I ask, did you come across this–" he glares at the greyish head leaking on his counter, "–beas...

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“Babes of Montego Bay” by J. S. Bailey

Submitted to Contest #228

“Welcome, welcome. Lemme take yuh bags, sir." "Oh, thanks mate." A short, afro-haired gentleman in a baggy suit takes a suitcase from the father and proceeds to pull a satchel from his shoulder. "Really there's no need." The man holds the strap of the bag in attempt to keep it but the pudgy Jamaican gives an insistent tug. "Oh. Thank you. What's your name?" "Mi name eh Grumpy. Dat wha mi frien...

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“Source of the River” by J. S. Bailey

Submitted to Contest #204

There are two wolves fighting inside all of us. One is evil, one is good. Which one will you feed?Those are my father's words. Chief Long Branch. He was a wise man. Wisdom is of the future, he used to say, knowledge is of the past. It is better to be wise, River Walker.I hear his voice as clear as ever now, as I watch Mama weave a blanket on the loom under the big tree, just as she did every day before I was born and each day after. My father told me stories of me watching her as an infa...

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“Electric Veins” by J. S. Bailey

Submitted to Contest #199

Strobe lights of green and blue shoot across the air as I stare, dark pupils absorbing colour from every refraction of light and sound, clashing in harmony around the room. I will never leave this place. My mouth runs dry. My lips remember their place in the sand as the back of my throat dries up like a sponge left in front of the window on a hot summer's day. Bass is flowing from the...

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Author bio

J. S. Bailey is an artist and creative that has very recently started channeling his imagination through language. From Dublin, Ireland, he spends each waking moment trying to find every speck of advice he can in order to hone his skill within the craft of writing. He finds inspiration in every aspect of life and loves to experience stories. He is at the beginning of his journey and is eager to connect with writers and discuss the ins and outs of the craft. He is also a Reedsy prompts judge.