Robert Grandstaff

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2020

Stories (8)

8 Stories

1554 karma pts

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“Ghost Ship” by Robert Grandstaff

Submitted to Contest #83

Deep blue waves launched our sailboat higher as the storm darkened the skies in the southeast. My brother David and I woke this morning to heavy seas and high winds. We’d never seen so much lightning in our lives. We checked the radar and saw the hurricane had shifted overnight, looking for warmer water. With the storm headed right at us, we turned further west to go around the outside. The Caribbean was no longer a safe option, so we hoped for Bermuda or the outlying islands. All morning we struggled against the wind and waves, and our p...

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“While Writing ” by Robert Grandstaff

Submitted to Contest #78

While Writing Sitting alone in my office, I began my latest short story when this happened. “Hi dad!” said my daughter Tyler, age 9. “Hi babe,” I said. Not looking up from my computer. “Whatcha doin?” she asked. “Working on a story.” I said. “You sure have a lot of hobbies,” &nb...

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“Murder at Kasserine Pass” by Robert Grandstaff

Submitted to Contest #70

Murder at Kasserine Pass The Bou Chebka road, deep inside the Kasserine Pass, narrowed to little more than a camel track along a dry riverbed and steep cliffs. Rooted in the pale sand, a grove of palm trees jutted out from the ground as if thrown down and forgotten long ago. The remnants of the US 26th Regimental Combat team used the shade of the palm trees to dig their foxholes. Covered in sand and blist...

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“Achieving a dream” by Robert Grandstaff

Submitted to Contest #66

Achieving a dreamOnce, it mattered most, being independent. Fulfilling a lifelong dream. All it took was education and hard work, the proverbial toss of the dice, and a little luck. Then one day you learn you can’t make it alone, no one ever does. The person who said they did it all by themselves is a liar. To say, “I walked down this road through the rain, sun, the good, and bad, you name it, I always had you by my side.” Those are the words of an achiever.The house door slid open and closed with the ease of a firm grip. Ev...

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“December 6th, 1941” by Robert Grandstaff

Submitted to Contest #64

December 6, 1941 A bright blue sky for a hundred miles west ended the day. Cool mountain breezes, from the snowcapped Sierras, blew across the lowlands. A short hike to the edge of town, Alex and John searched for the house known as “Decay and Splendor.” Hidden among a neighborhood of pines, the gothic manor sat empty and foreboding. Boarded-up windows and tangled vines hid a once beautiful home fallen from glory. Dead leaves scented the air and swished along a buried sidewalk as they approached. Statues and ...

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“Annabella” by Robert Grandstaff

Submitted to Contest #61

Annabella A small Victorian cottage sat on the shores of New Hampshire, the last one in the row, with nearly endless views of the ocean and it’s shores. Two brothers approached the house with an unending discussion about the conversation they needed to have with their father. “You know I can’t stand talking to him.” said Andrew. “Yes, but he’s Father, and you know how he ...

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“Just Say it Already” by Robert Grandstaff

Submitted to Contest #47

Just Say it Already As we walked along the street for the dozenth time, holding tight to each other’s hand, dogging on comers, and avoiding the broken sidewalk, I gazed at her when she wasn’t looking. The sky was cobalt blue with a trace of white cloud too thin to interfere with its grandeur. I’d only looked at it twice since we’d started walking because she was the most beautiful of God’s...

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“Moving Day” by Robert Grandstaff

Submitted to Contest #43

Moving Day There’s always something special for a child on moving day. A new house, new areas to explore, and being the oldest child getting to call dibs on the room of your choice. “Moving day, moving day, moving day!” shouted Christopher as he ran through the house. There was an unspoken rule that on moving day a child had the first twenty minutes to run around the house and explore every room without question. Closet doors were flung open, lights were turned on, basements and attics were expl...

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Author bio

Check out my website at: robertgrandstaffhomepage.com I retired from the US Air Force and started a new career in facilities management. I have a background in maintenance, finance, leadership and traveling. I’m an avid reader and began writing within the last 2 years to bring my ideas to life. I live in central Ohio with my wife and youngest daughter. The other three found my dad jokes so terrible they moved out. I earned a degree in Business Management from Peru State College. In the years of traveling around the world, I bring to life my experiences related to the stories I write. I enjoy history and classic literature. I like to write fiction, historical fiction, and a variety of short stories on random topics. Writing is an art. I want to share my unique ideas with my audience and influence stories with hope, humor, and entertainment. One day "they" will publish me. Check out my Facebook and Instagram accounts below. I would like to hear from you through Reedsy as well, but I believe Instagram would be easiest. https://www.instagram.com/robertgrandstaffauthor/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/Robert-Grandstaff-Author-109762494094992/ I’ve been using ProWritingAid for my work and found it very helpful. I like to write, but I have some grammar and punctuation struggles. ProWritingAid has been one of the best links to correct my errors and explain why. Here’s a link with a 20% discount passcode. https://prowritingaid.com/en/App/Purchase?afid=9573&vc=AIUGPJIBBF