J. D. Lair

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2023

Stories (9)

9 Stories

516 karma pts

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“For Grandma” by J. D. Lair

A fire crackled in the hearth as snow fell in flurries outside. Melanie sat in her easy chair nearby and rocked while listening to an old sermon tape. The sermon was on the Fatherhood of God, an attribute she struggled to find relatable. As she listened with her Bible open on her lap, the back door flew open to little Simon standing in the cold. He wore a blue stocking cap with a white ball on top and white tassels hanging from the ear flaps. After taking his damp coat and shoes off by the door, he came into the living room to warm himsel...

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“On the Plains of Venusia” by J. D. Lair

*Brief violence and some minor gruesome details* The thunk of a hatchet into dry wood was the loudest sound Astor wanted to make in the wilderness tonight. He hesitated making a fire in the first place, but it was frigid out here and he needed to eat. A rabbit he caught earlier in the day hung from a makeshift spit. One side of the stick rested in a crevice on a large boulder. The...

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“Daydreaming” by J. D. Lair

Eggs are frying in a pan—scrambled with cheddar, and seasoned with black pepper and garlic powder. Sneezing is inevitable. Apple slices are softening in the steam pot on the burner next door. Our twins like them with sprinkled cinnamon. There are some soft tugs at the hem of my gray robe. I see they have joined me in the kitchen. You are still resting on the couch, waiting for the coffee to finish brewing.“Just a minute kiddos. Papa’s getting your breakfast ready,” I say to the twins.They are cramming t...

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“Descendants of Esau” by J. D. Lair

All five senses come alive in the wilderness. Hearing and smell tend to be the most sensitive though. Tonight, I hear an orchestra of frogs and crickets backed by a babbling brook. As I take deep breaths, the smells of pine smoke and lake water take hold of my nostrils. It occurs to me how closely smell and taste are linked when I also recognize both of those smells as flavors on my tongue while eating the fried trout I made for dinner tonight. Though sight can be hindered by firelight, the full moon casting its heavy glow across the lake...

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“The Lighthouse Keeper” by J. D. Lair

Another body washed ashore today, hand-delivered by the sea, just like me. There was no wreckage nearby, but it is normal for broken vessels to get buried in the depths. Survivors are few out here near the Island of Abyss. When their initial lifelines sink, there is no driftwood nor buoys to cling to; not even the birds flew out this far. Most often, they sank into the deep darkness exhausted from trying to keep their head above water. Sometimes a fortunate beast happened upon them and swallowed them whole. Some would say the latter is a ...

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“Simon Says, "Stop!"” by J. D. Lair

Simon Bricher woke up with his face stuck to a couch cushion. It was not a gentle waking either, but one he had grown used to with his heart racing and body slick with sweat. Usually, he awoke in one of the twin beds in his bedroom. Tonight he must have only managed to make it across the living room from the recliner to the couch. Fortunately, he kept a spare blanket and pillow out here, though both had ended up on the ground. After pulling his face free from the leather, he reached for the blanket and pulled it over himself. It was mid-O...

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“Scarlet Snow” by J. D. Lair

Warning: Contains scenes of death.It was so terribly cold. Snow was falling, and it was almost dark. John continued shoveling hardened earth into the unmarked grave. The silence surrounding him accentuated the sickening sounds of the task at hand. This was his least favorite part of it all. There was always such finality attached to the burying of a body.***Jonathan Tearse had taken over the family trade with his father’s passing. Tearse Ranch of Evergreen Valle...

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“Transmeowtation” by J. D. Lair

I was staring out my office window again. The sun was shining through the oak leaves of the tree out back. The various birds of the yard created a euphony of song. The little brown ground squirrels ran up, down and around the lawn like they had too much caffeine this morning. Part of me wanted to join them, leave this world behind with all its responsibilities, but I would have to settle for taking my lunch out at the ...

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“The Man Life Happened To” by J. D. Lair

The bases were loaded and they were down by one point. It was the bottom of the ninth and little Joey was up to bat. The other parents groaned in the stands wishing anyone else stood at home plate, a kid who could actually hit the ball. The first two pitches whizzed by without him really noticing, both strikes according to the umpire. Little Joey knew he had to be ready for this next one and swing with all his might. H...

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Author bio

Reedsy is a great place to learn and hone your craft. Much like many things in life, you will get as much out of it as you put into it, so don’t be afraid to get engaged with the wonderful community here! Constructive criticism is always welcome as it serves to make me a better writer. However, I will not leave critiques unless it is asked for, you offer your own advice on my story and want it reciprocated, or I happen to get your story in the critique circle. The last thing I want to do is discourage fellow writers with unsolicited advice, so if you are looking for help, speak up. :) First drafts: Moleskine with a Palomino Blackwing 602. I find the physical act of handwriting helps creativity flow better. Plus, it’s ultra-portable! For some stories not posted here, please visit: https://jdlair.wordpress.com/ Email for critiques or inquiries: josiahlair@gmail.com Copyright © 2023 J. D. Lair - All Rights Reserved. Using content without written permission is prohibited.