Joseph Ellis

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jan, 2024

Stories (17)

17 Stories

399 karma pts

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“Facades, Canopies, Arcades” by Joseph Ellis

Submitted to Contest #235

A Google search, a subway right to the exurbs, and a walk through a mall parking lot led Amanda to the start of The Possum Trail. She wanted a new route for her morning jogs, to “change things up”, and the sign featuring a cartoon possum with pitch-black eyes promised something different. The trail was several miles long, paralleled a highway, and was mostly straight, with the occasional branching path. It was still dark when she arrived, streetlights still on, the lot empty. Dew glistened off islands of grass among the asphalt, the earthy...

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“Reflections at the Last Chance Saloon” by Joseph Ellis

Submitted to Contest #233

The saloon entrance bears the image of a steer's skull facing outward, defiant, its horns splayed to the high hinges. Yet the doors part with barely a push. I scoff at the cheap construction. The white noise of mass conversation envelops me. People crowd the tables, but the bar is open. I claim the 2nd stool from the left. The bartender glides into my field of view: “What’s your poison?” he asks. “Oh, I don’t drink alcohol.” “Good. We don’t serve it.” “Water to start.” He moves off. “And prune juice as well,” I call after him. I add a sh...

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Author bio

Aspiring novelist. Lover of puzzles and games, but not competition. Cat enjoyer. Amateur practicing his craft, and marveling at how many solid writers there are in this community.

Shortlisted 2 stories ⭐️

Contest #272

Ghost Song – read story

Contest #268

Trial by Egotism – read story