Scott Taylor

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Apr, 2023

Stories (44)

44 Stories

1043 karma pts

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“The Six-Toed Muse” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #251

The sound of the ringing phone filled the room, prompting me to reach out and answer it. The voice on the other end was urgent, every word punctuated with a desperate tone. It belonged to my realtor, who had experienced every aspect of the real estate market, selling houses in every nook and cranny of this scorching town. “Listen,” he said, his voice filled with excitement, “I’ve got something special for you.” Leaning back in my chair, I could feel the warmth of the slanting sunrays as they streamed through the blinds, casting long, dark sh...

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“They Came from Outer Space” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #250

Bill’s eyes were fixed on the flickering lights of his ham radio set in the softly lit living room corner, where a labyrinth of wires snaked across the floor. The room was filled with an eerie symphony of static crackles and a faint pattern of blips and beeps.“Bill, what happened to the TV? Is the satellite dish broken again?” The cacophony of signals and static was momentarily interrupted by the apparent concern in his wife’s voice.He barely registered her words, his attention tethered to the enigmatic patterns emanating from the radio. “Wh...

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“The Bar, The Bull, and the Girl” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #249

Upon entering the dimly lit bar, Dan was immediately greeted by the crowd’s rising volume of murmurs and whispers. With each stride towards the center, the clink of glasses and the low murmur of conversations faded into the backdrop. Clinging to his broad shoulders, his leather jacket added a touch of ruggedness to his appearance. At the same time, the dim light highlighted the contours of his face.The venue buzzed with anticipation as the band tuned their instruments, creating a symphony of discordant sounds. Dan’s attention was immediately...

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“Persuasion” by Scott Taylor

Submitted to Contest #248

In the opulence of a bygone age when the soft plucking of a guitar reverberated through aristocratic drawing rooms, Miss Tucker found herself at a turning point in her life. In her chest, like the delicate strings of that instrument, beat a tango of competing longings. On the one hand, the canvas called out to her—a haven where her creative spirit could run free like a river of color. The burden of her love longing weighed heavily on her, casting a shadow on her aspirations.Concealed within her tattered diary was a chamber that Miss Tucker h...

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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 say, the pungent smell never seemed to go away, always lingering at this stage of the trip. Was the creation of it possibly linked to an animal, o...

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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.”Joan laughed and asked, “Since when did you smoke?”A sly smile appeared on Shelly’s face. “Do you ever que...

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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 head, before handing the paperwork to the hospital therapist. "You should stay here...

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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. Suddenly, her clothing preferences drastically shifted. Her grades plummeted from A’s to C’s and D’s. The clanging of the jailer’s cudgel rang out against the bars, waking many ...

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Author bio

Step into the realm of my words and imagination! Writing has been a fundamental aspect of my life since I was young, a daily practice that I couldn't live without. During my school days, I found immense pleasure in creating stories and giving free rein to my imagination. I have a passion that goes beyond the realm of writing. This adventure has allowed me to delve into different artistic paths, each providing a distinct means to express my ideas and feelings. My life underwent a major change when I relocated from the busy city to the peaceful countryside. I find tranquility here by taking leisurely strolls through the forest, relishing the gentle touch of moss beneath my feet and breathing in the invigorating fragrance of pine. These peaceful moments inspire my writing and ignite my creativity. Every morning begins with a ritual: a steaming cup of coffee enjoyed on my quiet front porch. As I savor the rich aroma, I watch the world slowly awaken, a peaceful start to a day filled with creative endeavors. In addition to my personal writing, I manage a league of writers, a platform where fellow authors can connect, share their work, and receive valuable feedback. This project is a labor of love, driven by a dedication to fostering a supportive community for writers. Marketing plays a crucial role in an author's success, and I have embraced the challenges of self-publishing. By immersing myself in the business's intricacies, I have found it a viable alternative to traditional publishing routes. My writing is fueled by passion rather than financial gain, a devotion that I hope resonates with my readers. If you enjoy my stories on Reedsy, you might find my first novel, ‘Earth’s Last Hope,’ particularly engaging. It’s a sci-fi tale that blends soft science with a harsh reality. To join our league and be part of our vibrant community, simply click the link to join our mailing list. We offer hybrid meetings, allowing you to participate via ZOOM from anywhere. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I hope my stories inspire and captivate you as much as they do me. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Scott-Taylor/author/B0BQCX3SRH • https://www.carrolltonleagueofwriters.com/ • https://wordpress.com/home/thetimedok.com email staylor823@gmail.com -Best