Hala Giles

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2023

Stories (1)

1 Story

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“First Rate Brother” by Hala Giles

Submitted to Contest #204

Momma called you Newt on account of your size. Poppa liked things formal, so Newton Shea became the name. A fine name. It suited you too. Small and mighty. You turned orange, like one of those Eastern Newts, to ward off predators. You’d raise those tiny fists and kick at friends and foes. Heck, you’d even attack yourself if a limb took you by surprise. We were instant buddies and I swore an oath, before I knew the words, that nobody would hurt you. “Need you, El Paso” was the message over the wire. Six long hot days driving wagon over Dall...

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Author bio

Psychology puts people in boxes, said my English teacher, clearly disappointed to hear I wasn't studying English at university. I have often thought about these words for the last 25 years. I love my day job but last year, burned out from academic pressures, I finally understood my English teacher. I started writing fiction again and caught the bug. I can entertain realities and emotions without objective proof and reveal more human truth. Writing excites me. The first story I wrote, a horror, was terrible but I was still afraid to turn the lights off at night. More please. I'm feeling my way into it (clumsily), taking courses when I can and learning from feedback. Any feedback is appreciated. Thank you for checking out my page. I look forward to connecting.