Reflections from the Creek

by Stephen Payseur

In Lessons From the Creek, I recounted my meeting with a somewhat enigmatic character named Josh. It was a pleasant meeting, uplifting, unsettling, and quite a bit of fun actually. That book was part fact and part fiction, and I still refuse to tell which parts are which. Keep in mind, once again, that the parts that a “normal” person would think are true, and others that would seem totally made up, may not be that way at all. Some of the “fiction” sounding events actually did happen, while some of the more mundane ones are simply a figment of my imagination. This book, Reflections from the Creek, is similar. It is part fact and part fiction and again, I will let the reader figure out what parts I made up and what parts actually happened. Keep in mind that some of the parts that seem like fiction are actually fact, and some of those that are hard to believe are actually true. Some of them have true and false elements mixed together. As before, some of the names and locations have been changed to conceal who and where they are. Reflections from the Creek recounts other times that I was fortunate enough to spend time with Josh. As you might have guessed, these also took place on unnamed creeks somewhere in the southeastern United States. I guess I should confess that I have had many of these trips with my friend, Josh. Most of them have been, at least on my part, an accidental meeting. I can’t speak for him. On all of them, I have learned something about him, but most importantly about myself. I really think that is the skill, or art if you will, of any visit with Josh. It’s not so much what he says or does, even though that plays a large part. It is more about how it has encouraged me to think about how and why I do certain things.
The story you are about to read is a continuation of my encounters with what I consider to be a remarkable person in an equally remarkable setting. Whether it is the person or the setting that makes all the difference, I can’t say. I can say that it is entirely remarkable as I look back on the experiences. I have learned a lot from Josh, and in this book he takes his lessons to me even further.

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2016

About the author

Thank you for visiting my Author Page. I live in Lincolnton NC, just a few miles northwest of Charlotte.

I am retired and have begun to write a little more than I used to.

My latest book is Insurgents. It was released just a couple of weeks ago. Below are the reviews I've received in this short time.

For immediate release:

Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Fiction - Thriller - Political book "Insurgents" by Stephen Payseur, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09G....

Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

"Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Insurgents is a work of fiction in the political and thriller subgenres and will serve as the first installment of a planned series. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Stephen Payseur. The book follows lovers Cameron and Sterling as their fledgling relationship gets put to the test after a strange online presence starts a movement across the country. Soon they are caught in a deep and spiraling web of soldiers, hackers, and criminals as they run for their lives with the help of a mysterious online group that seems to have a vested interest in their survival.

Political thrillers such as this book live and die on their pacing and depth, something that Stephen Payseur is able to deliver in spades page after page. An exciting and constantly evolving story populated by dynamic and fully fleshed out characters, each of whom leaped from the page as a unique individual thanks to the prose which paints such vivid pictures of these people and the world they live in so that the whole adventure feels unnervingly close to reality. In addition to the challenge of spinning a complex yet engaging political intrigue, Insurgents sets itself the ambitious goal of laying the groundwork for future installments whilst feeling like a complete and whole story in and of itself. This is again something that the author accomplishes well, with an ending that left me excited for future installments but satisfied that the first story in the series also stood well on its own."

You can learn more about Stephen Payseur and "Insurgents" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi... where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

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Mike O
I really enjoyed Insurgents! Do you want some intrigue? How about some romance? Are you into mystery? Want to learn more about the potential of internet and technology? You will want to read this book. Many years ago, a teacher of mine quoted over and over that we study to learn where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going. Payseur's book may provide some of the answers, and if not, it will, at the very least, make you think.

Greg M
My friend has written a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat political/cyber thriller that is especially timely as we consider recent events. This definitely should be on your list of must reads in the near future. Be sure to order your copy from Amazon, they will also make fantastic Christmas gifts!

Katherine W
I just finished Insurgents and really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to the next installment. You did a lot of research or maybe you know a lot about the IT stuff. I like the way you alternated between the 4 characte