James Pyles's Blog, page 3

One Sweet Ride

Larry hurt all over. He was too old to be tramping through the woods. His legs felt as wooden as his cane. He’d fall without the support and even if he didn’t break a hip, he might not be able to get back up. “Made it,” he croaked. He had no idea how the remains […]

Book Review of “Ghost Story” (2011), Book 13 in “The Dresden Files” Series

I’ve been systematically going through The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher and late last night, I finished Ghost Story (2011) the thirteenth in the series. Oh man. Spoiler Alert! Stop here if you haven’t read the novel and want to be surprised (and there are a lot of surprises to be had). You have […]

The Last Visitor

Another séance, another summoning, another mystery solved, or whatever. Robert lost count of all the spectral visitations he had performed in order to pay for his modest home in the suburbs (ridiculously overpriced). The clients and spirits had all left half an hour ago, the candles were burnt out, and he sat back on the […]

The Second Wave is here!

Ten of my drabbles (the maximum number allowed) are featured in this anthology. A SINGLE MOMENT –– A HUNDRED WORDS –– A UNIVERSE OF POSSIBILITIES What happens after the unknown has arrived? When the echoes of first contact fade, humanity is left to navigate the tremors of change — new alliances, fragile peace, simmering conflicts, […]

What About The Bob?

“Not this one either, Lilly,” Martin complained. “This isn’t a person, just some building.” “You wanted a bob,” said the virtual avatar. “As in haircut, not a…” He consulted his heads-up menu. “Big Old Building.” The immediate environment shuffled through a series of images like cards. “You didn’t like Hailey Bieber, Jenna Ortega, Zendaya, Megan […]

We’ll Come Back To Wake You Up

“Where are we, Sarah?” Five-year-old Emily sat in the grass with her best friend from kindergarten. “The old graveyard,” said Sarah. “It’s where you find dead people.” Emily’s mouth gaped. “You mean like my pet turtle that Mommy buried in the backyard?” “I mean like Great-Grandma who was so old she didn’t know her own […]

Book Review of “Changes” (2011): A Dresden Files Novel by Jim Butcher

I just finished Jim Butcher’s Changes (2011), book twelve in The Dresden Files series and it is over-the-top great. Spoiler Alert! If you haven’t read this book yet, are a fan of the series, and want to be surprised STOP READING HERE! You have been warned. One of the dangers any series faces is falling […]

Film Review of “Sketch” (2024)

My ten-year-old granddaughter and I just got back from watching the 2024 movie Sketch, which just had its general release to U.S. theaters yesterday. Spoiler Alert! This is a brand new film, so if you don’t want to know more, stop here. Well, actually, you should know up front that the PG rating pushes right […]

Battle of the Pots

“You are both fools,” sneered Potted Plant. “I’m the one she checks on daily to see if I have enough water. Look how my glorious green leaves adorn the kitchen.” “Oh, shut up,” groused Electric Pot. “You tell her,” said Other Pot. “Whatever,” said EP. “You think your coffee is better?” complained OP. “Coffee? That […]

The Based Books for Male Readers is Live NOW!

The Based Books For Male Readers (I’m sure some women would enjoy them, too) is live starting today, Wednesday, July 30th through August 5th. Tons and tons of digital books, all priced from 99 cents down to FREE are available for download from Amazon. Here’s part of the blurb: Whether you’re a father, a fighter, […]