A set of very short fiction pieces that I originally wrote for Twitter.
Just days after a nuclear holocaust devastated the planet, one family experienced a new woe.
“Please tell me you didn’t build our bomb shelter on top of a Native American burial ground!”
“No! I would never build on sacred ground!”
A femur fell from the ceiling.
***
The technology allowed humans to travel back through time to the Mesozoic.
And this time there was even more slaughter — there was a need for more slaughter.
Dinosaurs were killed in the thousands — too many.
Chicxulub was a hoax.
All for the precious, precious oil.
***
“You’re planet is going to lose one of the elements, but we’re going to let you pick.”
“That’s tricky. Obviously, we need to keep earth and water.”
“Obviously.”
“So, fire or wind?”
“Right.”
“I feel like we need fire.”
“You’re about to offend a lot of kite enthusiasts.”
***
The gods introduced the elements to the void, and the natural interaction of these fundamental features shaped a new world.
This was pleasing to the deities, but there was a desire to create.
One may consider that moment the start of the downfall of these manipulators.
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Author: joshuajscully
That’s my picture up there. I’m not totally sure why I look so angry. I may be thinking about how much I hated the Crypt Keeper as a child.
I grew up faithfully watching reruns of The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt. Unfortunately, I missed the boat in terms of writing for either of those programs. I do consider both to have been wildly influential when I think back to my earliest thoughts about becoming an author and I’m grateful my parents let me watch those shows as a kid (although there were probably some nights early in my childhood my mother wished she hadn’t let me watch those shows). If you’re familiar with either program, then you know what genres are my focus. I thoroughly enjoy science fiction, suspense, the twist ending, and some horror or supernatural elements as well. Honestly, when I was a kid the Crypt Keeper scared the hell out of me. As an adult, I’ve really learned to embrace the puns.
Historical fiction is a favorite of mine as well, and the root of that is shared with my profession. I am an educator by trade, and I teach American History. I consider some of the best writing I’ve ever done to be within the realm of historical fiction and I really enjoy saturating my mind in the research end of those projects.
I would make the argument that storytelling is in my blood. Even my sister mulled, very briefly (about 45 minutes), launching a career as a screenwriter! My last name is one of those Irish (and, apparently, formally Manx) ones with a wonderfully researched history -“the story-teller’s descendant”. On of the first day of school each year, I do share that “my name is Mr. Scully, and that rhymes with Kelly”, just so I do not hear the myriad of mispronunciations on the first day.
Several years ago, I started a blog similar to this one to highlight my middle years as a teacher. If that aspect of my life is of any interest to you at all, you can still find that blog online. During my summers, I really have time to pursue my writing projects and this blog will highlight some of that work. My first attempts to sit down and write extensively occurred when I was 15, but only a few years ago did I make setting time aside to write a priority. I’ve also benefited wildly over the years from many willing readers among my family and friends. The direction and feedback from those individuals has been invaluable.
Outside the world of the written word, I am an educator, basketball coach, lecturer, and (very, very occasionally) a landscaper. I have only ever known Western Pennsylvania as my home.
Although I love a good novel, I am absolutely unable to resist the power of the short story. The latter is really what I hope to be remembered for one day.
View all posts by joshuajscully
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