Scott Taylor

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Apr, 2023

Stories (25)

25 Stories

481 karma pts

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“The House at the Edge of Shadows” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #247

The House at the Edge of Shadows“YouTube videos make it look easy. Trust me; you can’t refurbish an old house with DIY videos.” Priscilla said.The house had been on the market for well over a year. Built-in the 1600s, it stood like a forgotten sentinel, its time-worn facade weathered by storms and secrets. Nobody wanted to touch it. Not after the haunted rumors spread through the town.They said the house had an eerie atmosphere as if it was inhabited by unseen spirits. It carried memories too heavy for mortal minds to comprehend within its d...

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“Have You Seen Me” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #246

(YA-Adult)Enshrouded in the shadows of the back seat, I found myself ensnared by the serpentine mountain paths that rose with an almost sacred severity. The driver, a silhouette of concentration, navigated the labyrinthine ascent from the right front seat, their hands a study in determination upon the wheel. A peculiar sense of déjà vu enveloped me as I observed her. A faint recognition flickered in the shallow depths of my memory.The flooded roads made each turn an unexpected encounter. She skillfully navigated the challenges with a deft to...

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“A Tale of Two Realities” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #245

In the hushed murmurs of a sleepy East Texas town, authors gathered, eyes skyward, as the celestial dance between the Devil Comet and a once-in-a-lifetime total eclipse promised to grace their corner of the world.Their expectations included a short duration of four minutes and twenty seconds where darkness enveloped them, followed by a day brimming with the exchange of captivating stories among their kindred tribe.A feeling of unease engulfed Clyde, sending a cold shiver down his spine, foreshadowing that the day would deviate significantly ...

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“Wandering Hearts” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #244

Finn's journey unfolded in the heart of forgotten landscapes, where the sun-kissed fields whispered their secrets to the few who knew how to listen.Finn was greeted by a sea of red lights as he drove over the hill. Unlike Manhattan, this was supposed to be a peaceful countryside. The journey began with a detour on an isolated road through wheat fields.He believed he'd sidestepped the broken-down traveling circus blocking the road ahead. Yet, destiny's hand guided him straight into a creek due to a washed-out bridge.The screeching sounds...

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“The Perfect Moment” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #243

In the year 2027, the fabric of time frayed. It began gently, like a whisper in the wind, but soon, the world felt its tremors. The study of Wandering Black Holes was primarily focused on by celestial physicists and science fiction writers. The cessation of communication from probes sent to the solar system’s outer regions prompted swift action from NASA and the military complex. Using their state-of-the-art space-based telescope, Ginger Johnson, a NASA expert in celestial mechanics, studied a recent phenomenon that appeared in the night s...

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“Roswell Invasion, Take II” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #242

Mingling with humans at the yearly UFO festival was surprisingly simple for Lupa. Sneaking into the Roswell UFO Museum felt effortless. Like numerous displays, they were practically unnoticed while standing still. Just as their commander had promised, they discovered the replicas that resembled them and morphed into living statues, taking their place.Following their extensive journey into town, they concealed themselves in plain sight until the museum shut down for the day."That bitch almost poked my eye out!"Lupa turned to glance at Xorn, r...

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“Chasing The Wind” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #240

Sitting in the rear of a vehicle that looks remarkably like a tank is where I find myself. I thought I had dodged all the hail until a sudden, excruciating ache in my arm told me otherwise. My terrified inner child gazes across the open field and sees the massive Supercell looming. Despite the agony and the risk, I hold my fear in check as I press on my wound. My cohorts are silent, waiting for a response. I meet the inquisitive gazes of my companions. They are wondering whether I will give up or persevere. Weeks before the storm, my husband...

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“Where the Wild Skunks Roam” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #239

The headlights cut through the shower of fall leaves, illuminating a path on the thick forest floor. The perfect camouflage provided by the leaves made it difficult to locate the dirt road. The wind carried a noticeable fragrance that persisted in the air. The odor of a skunk has a remarkable capacity to promptly stimulate the recall of memories. In this remote area, as my aunt used to ...

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“Pharmaceutical Slavery” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #233

In literature, there is a concept called ‘arcs.’ This prompt seemed like a good place to demonstrate the idea. I start this story where the protagonist undergoes a negative arc, and then we see a positive arc. Enjoy. Language‘Your doctor has not approved your refill for HY….’Damit“Shelly, is everything ok?” Joan asked.Shelly briefly looked away from her phone. “Some days, I feel like screaming. I’m going to go outside for a smoke break.”

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“My Time In Hell” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #231

Why do I write? What do I write?I was asked these questions recently. The answers are simple.There are times in life when the world purely sucks. We can either wallow in self-pity or do what we must to push through the bad times. The more this story is told, the better off this world will be. Don't believe me, read on."Nurse Tatum, I know I need to go to rehab. As soon as I get home, I will make the necessary arrangements.She glanced at my charts, shaking her...

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“No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #230

“Out of all the reasons for my imprisonment, helping one of my honor students shouldn’t have been one of them,” I muttered. “Bob, you have ten hours and three minutes before meeting your maker!” He chuckled sadistically as he spoke. Reflecting on my feelings, my jaw tightened at the thought of not missing this jerk. Twelve years ago, Missy asked for my help. ...

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“Snowy” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #222

“Tony, one more screw-up, and you’re fired!” Tony didn’t make eye contact with his boss. Her instructions were ambiguous, but he had learned not to question her. “Yes, ma’am.” Laura was hard to get along with. While everyone knew it, they still wanted to work for that company. Only after Laura repeatedly rebuked them did they finally decide to leave and find a new company ...

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“The Pose” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #221

“Excuse me, you’re not supposed to be here.” I turned to see a young, undressed woman with a spirit board. She was in a somewhat darkened room with only a few lit candles for effect. The shadows accentuated her attributes, making her a sight to behold. Smoke filled the air from different incense burners. All that was missing was a crystal ball. I thought it strange that I could detect the sharp odo...

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“Project Panoptes ” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #219

Harold gasped when he saw the ads on his phone. Suzi peeked at his screen to see various things meant to be used during role-playing behind locked doors.Her wide eyes and exaggerated frown lines told the tale. “Is there something you’re not telling me?Harold smirked before returning his gaze to the advertisement. Everything existed. From lubes to gels to fuzzy handcuffs and even a leather paddle with a large crimson heart. It amazed him to see things that made the perverse seem normal.He smiled while he con...

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“The Interloper” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #210

“You know damned well why I am not going to work at NASA.”Smoke filled the bar as people around her took notice of her tone. The wind howled outside on the northern slope as she sat closer to the stove. Besides the wind, there was the sound of his heavy breathing among the static caused by the unusually intense auroral activity.“Sammy, this isn’t about me or you; this is about something much more important.”General George Richards had not called his daughter by that name sin...

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Author bio

Greetings, and thank you for taking the time to read my bio. Writing became a habit, something I couldn't go a day without doing, even from a young age. One of my favorite activities in school was immersing myself in writing stories, letting my imagination run wild. My passion lies in mastering art and delving into different avenues of creative expression. Since moving from the bustling city to the peaceful countryside, I have found solace in leisurely walks through the woods, where I can feel the soft moss beneath my feet and breathe in the refreshing scent of pine. I start my day with a steaming cup of coffee, savoring the rich aroma as I settle onto the quiet front porch, watching the world gradually awaken. Rarely does the silence get disturbed by the hum of machines or the hustle of morning commuters. Specific individuals are chosen to fulfill various roles. Although I wasn't actively searching, the opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. By managing a league of writers, I provide a platform for fellow writers to connect, share their work, and receive valuable feedback. This project is driven by love and dedication. On my author page, you can find my latest novels and our newest anthology, which I independently published. Getting noticed among the countless submissions proved more challenging than writing a trilogy. When it comes to marketing, effectively promoting your work can make or break an author's success. However, self-publishing and immersing oneself in the intricacies of the business is a more viable alternative than attempting to secure an agent. Write with fervor and devotion for your craft, driven by your passion rather than mere financial gain. If you like my stories on Reedsy, you will enjoy my first novel, ‘Earth’s Last Hope.’ It’s sci-fi, which is soft science and a brutal reality. To become affiliated with our league, simply click the link and request to join our mailing list. We have a hybrid meeting so you can ZOOM in. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-Taylor/author/B0BQCX3SRH • https://www.carrolltonleagueofwriters.com/ • https://wordpress.com/home/thetimedok.com -Best