Author Archive for Nick Hayden – Page 23

The Day After published

About six months ago, I began a project with some of my writing friends. Now, it’s complete. It’s a collection of short stories, each inspired by the idea of “The Day After.” Here’s the official back cover copy: Natalya is an American mom and wife with a Russian name working…

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I’m Not Dead Yet!

I’ve started on Book 3 of Strin and Fred…. More updates to come.

Revenge of the Layout Editor

In high school I was drafted to be on the layout crew of the newspaper. Then, in college, I was drafted again, this time for layout editor. I really enjoyed the work, but I never guessed how much the experience would pay off. I am in the process of laying…

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News Update – Projects, Projects, Projects

I’ve been considering what I’d like to write next. I’ve hit my goal of 50 flash fictions, and while I enjoy writing them, I’m getting the itch to tackle a longer project again. The short works were a nice and much-needed break from finishing A Girl Called Snort, The Squire,…

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Your Call is Important to Us

Thank you for calling the Despair Help Line. Please listen carefully because our menu options have changed. Press or say 1 if you are uncertain whether what you are feeling is truly despair or only the results of a series of unfortunate events. Otherwise, press or say 2. Thank you….

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Playing God

“This is an exciting day, Miss Fitzgerald. Your vision will open hundreds of opportunities for us to help others like your father.” Marisa Fitzgerald smiled tightly, her lined face stretched taut. At sixty, she was the oldest of billionaire Henry Fitzgerald’s three children. A tiny, slim woman, she had never…

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The Beholder

As the rest of the audience stood, stretching and gossiping during the final intermission, Clara remained seated, her mind fixated on the upcoming results. She had watched the Pageant on TV as long as she could remember. Being here in person, among the elegant, almost gaudy, spectators was exhilarating, like…

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Ezra Jupe

The horse topped the steep rise, but the mountains that hemmed in Wind River Valley rose even higher. A faint breeze lightened the intense heat. The rider halted the horse, wiped the sweat from his face with a stiff handkerchief, and scanned the surroundings. He found the shack above him,…

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School’s Out

Even Richard Doutman’s modified XSV-9 struggled beneath the weight of the emergency transport trailer. His cycle hadn’t been designed to transport two dozen 12- and 13-year-olds against the movement of the Trans-Continental Conveyor. He didn’t mind. He expected his life to be interesting. “How’re they holding up?” Local patrolman George…

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The Communion of Saints

“Will those assisting with communion please come forward.” Steven approached and received one of the silver cups from the pastor, taking his place at the left station. He saw the same faces every time he helped with communion. Leland Dean, in the front row, hobbled forward in line. He was…

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Wastelands

  “Now if you would close your eyes, Mr. Eldritch. For some reason, it won’t project properly unless we shut our eyes for about half a minute beforehand.” Theodore Eldritch obliged the scientist. “No need to be dramatic, Chris.” “I—don’t misunderstand, sir. I’m not trying to be dramatic. You really won’t…

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Plugging away….

Dear Reader, So, it’s been a bit slow around here. This doesn’t mean I haven’t been writing, though I haven’t written as much as I would like. But I’ve been investing in some projects that won’t be available for some time. Also, I’ve been doing a lot of grading and critiquing….

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