Richard Schiver

Tag: short stories

  • Weekly Writing Challenge – I Am. 02/11/2026

    Weekly Writing Challenge – I Am. 02/11/2026

    The final segment:

    Brodie sat in a narrow chair built more for function than comfort. For reasons beyond his understanding Doctor Wilberman had asked him to stop by his office. He was sure it had something to do with the clone who had recently confronted him in the men’s room.

    “He didn’t say anything at all?” Doctor Wilberman asked as he worked to keep his pipe lit.

    “They can’t speak,” Brodie assured him, sticking to the proper narrative, it was safer that way, for him at least. He recognized the clone as the assistant manager of a co-op his grandfather used to take him to when he was a small child. Reminding him of a man who went missing when he was a teen. Several years before the restrictions on cloning were lifted.

    “True,” Doctor Wilberman said as he exhaled a cloud of smoke and flipped through the file lying open on his desk. “There are some who believe a bit of the past remains with the cells we use to create these clones. Are you sure he didn’t say anything?” Doctor Wilberman said as he continued flipping through the pages of the report, “according to the foreman’s report the clone in question tried to speak to him in the mess hall.”

    Brodie shrugged, his fingers working along the edge of his hat, hidden below the lip of the doctor’s desk. It wouldn’t do for them to see how nervous he was. While cloning was now legal, it hadn’t always been that way, and he remembered a time when several of the larger corporate farms operated outside the law in that regard.

    “He didn’t say a word sir, he tried to, but nothing came out.”

    “You’re certain?”

    “Absolutely.”

    “Did you recognize him?”

    “Why would I recognize him? Aren’t all the clones taken from the same cell source?”

    “They are, but every so often a mutation occurs, such as it did here.”

    “If you say so sir, you know more about this stuff than I do.”

    “Very well then,” Doctor Wilberman said as he closed the file, “if there’s anything else I need to ask I’ll be in touch.”

    “Can I go now?” Brodie said as he moved to get up, he couldn’t wait to get out from under the doctor’s scrutiny. If he did admit to recognizing this particular batch of clones what would happen to him?

    “You’re free to go,” the doctor said and Brodie got out of the office as fast as he could. He was halfway across the compound when he saw the latest batch coming in from the fields. Each one of them reminded him of that manager who had gone missing nearly thirty years before and he wondered how he was going to keep his mouth shut while working around them every day. On the other hand who could he say anything to? Cloning was now legal, and while it might have been safe to reveal what he knew, there were no absolutes. He’d felt a connection with the clone, a recognition of his plight, and as he watched them moved across the compound he worried another one might try to make contact with him.

    This completes the story I AM. Join me next week when I begin a new short story. I’ve been itching to go a lot darker than the past stories so we’ll have to wait and see what I come up with. The letter will be J, and that opens up so many possibilities.

  • Why Sharing Your Writing Dream Matters

    Why Sharing Your Writing Dream Matters

    Do you share your writing with those close to you?

    Every writer begins with a dream—whether it’s finishing a novel, publishing a memoir, or simply expressing creativity through words. Yet, sharing this dream with friends and family can feel daunting. The act of revealing your writing ambitions is often the first step toward claiming your identity as a writer, but it’s also a leap into vulnerability.

    My wife supports my dream, but she does not read in the genre I work and flatly refuses to read anything I’ve written. I do have several friends who have read my work and are always asking what’s coming next.

    Why Share Your Dream?

    Sharing your writing dream is transformative. It turns a private aspiration into a public commitment, helping you grow both as a writer and as a person. When you allow others to read your work, you move beyond imposter syndrome and embrace your creative potential. Supportive feedback can boost your confidence, while constructive criticism sharpens your skills. Kerstin at Write You Journey

    Navigating Support and Skepticism

    Not everyone will understand your passion. Some friends or family may be unsupportive, dismissive, or simply indifferent. Remember, their reactions often reflect their own insecurities, not your worth as a writer. Setting boundaries and communicating your feelings can help manage expectations. If support is lacking, seek encouragement from writing groups or online communities, where fellow writers understand your journey. Lisa Fellinger at Live Write Thrive

    Building Accountability

    Announcing your goals to loved ones creates accountability. Whether you share updates on social media, join a writing group, or simply tell a trusted friend, publicizing your intentions makes you more likely to follow through. Allowing you to celebrate your milestones together, such as finishing a chapter, submitting a story, or receiving feedback. These moments reinforce your commitment and remind you that progress is worth celebrating.

    Embracing the Journey

    Sharing your writing dream is not just about seeking validation, it’s about inviting others into your creative world. Be open to feedback but protect your vision. Surround yourself with those who encourage you, and don’t be discouraged by those who don’t. Ultimately, your writing journey is yours to shape but sharing it can make the path brighter and more rewarding.

    Listed below are several writing communities, stop by and check them out.

    • Reedsy Discord: A supportive, free community for writers of all genres, offering writing prompts, flash fiction contests, and peer feedback.
      Absolute Write Water Cooler: One of the largest and most active forums, covering every genre, freelance writing, publishing, and critique.
      Critique Circle: Focused on in-depth feedback and critiques, with free and paid options.
      Writers.com: Offers regular prompts, Zoom sessions, workshops, and an online space for sharing work.
      Scribophile: A large, award-winning group for manuscript feedback, beta readers, and writing forums.
      WritersCafe.org: Post your work, get reviews, join contests, and connect with other writers.
      Shut Up & Write!: Global, free community focused on accountability and writing sessions—both online and in-person.
      She Writes: A large community for women writers, offering articles, tips, and forums.
      The Next Big Writer: For writers seeking critiques and advice from published authors.

    This is far from an exhaustive list of the groups out there. If you’d like to share those I’ve missed leave a comment below.

  • Weekly Writing Challenge 02/04/2026 I Am.

    Weekly Writing Challenge 02/04/2026 I Am.

    Gus backed away from the three men, then turned and fled towards the only building that had any color in his featureless world.

    “He’s got a gun, get him.” He heard the shouts behind him as he fled across the open ground. A farmhand appeared at the door before him, his relaxed features giving way to sudden surprise when he found himself staring down the muzzle of the pistol as Gus pushed past him into the interior of the building.

    He stopped just inside the door, his wavy reflection stretched out at his feet in the surface of the highly polished floor. A door stood to his right and as approaching footsteps came from around the bend in the hallway before him, trapped between them and the pounding footsteps that were fast approaching behind him, he slipped into the room.

    Beyond the door, on his right, stood a row of stalls. Gray walls wrapped around toilets to afford the user a degree of privacy. Opposite the stalls was a row of white porcelain sinks and above each was a mirror.

    Gus was drawn to the mirror, having never seen himself as much as he could recall, the sound of movement in one of the stalls interrupted him and he spun around with the pistol leveled at the door as a farmhand emerged from within the stall. It was the one he recognized as Brodie and he stepped towards him. His hands spread in a questioning manner as Brodie backed away.

    Gus grunted, unable to make any other sound, his hand once more going to the puckered wound on his neck, he could feel the stitches with his fingers.

    “Don’t hurt me, please,” Brodie said as he backed away.

    From the corner of his eye Gus caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror to his right as Brodie backed towards the door. It drew him like a moth to a flame and with Brodie forgotten he spun around to look at himself in the mirror. What he saw gazing back at him was the same face he’d seen upon his arrival.

    Short sandy hair crowning a face that formed a near perfect circle with wide spaced eyes, and a pug nose above a thin mouth.

    No!

    It couldn’t be, it wasn’t possible, he wasn’t one of them. He had a wife, kids, a home. He had been the assistant manager of a farmers co-op. His finger went to his throat, he fel that puckered wound, the stitches protruding from his flesh. But when he looked in the mirror all he saw was the unblemished skin of his neck.

    No!

    A commotion at the door drew his attention and he turned to confront several farmhands pushing their way through the door with weapons aimed in his direction. He lifted the pistol and aimed the shaking muzzle at them. Bullets ripped through tender flesh, spinning him around and he fell face first towards the floor, his last thoughts clinging to the notion that it had all been a terrible mistake.

    To be continued!

  • Plotting vs Pantsing: Which Writing Style Suits You?

    Plotting vs Pantsing: Which Writing Style Suits You?

    When embarking on a writing project, authors often find themselves choosing between two distinct approaches. Plotting and pantsing. Each method offers unique advantages and challenges, and understanding their differences can help writers select the path that best suits their creative style.

    Plotting: Structure and Strategy

    Plotting, sometimes called outlining, is a methodical approach where writers plan their story in advance. This can involve creating detailed outlines, mapping out character arcs, and organizing scenes before writing the first draft. Plotters benefit from having a clear roadmap, which helps maintain narrative coherence and logical progression. This structure is especially useful for complex stories with multiple subplots or intricate character relationships. Plotting can also minimize writer’s block, as the author always knows what comes next, and it often leads to more efficient revisions since potential plot holes are addressed early on. However, plotting can sometimes stifle spontaneity, making stories feel predictable or causing writers to get stuck in the planning phase without moving forward.

    Pantsing: Creativity and Discovery

    Pantsing, derived from “flying by the seat of your pants,” is a more spontaneous approach. Pantsers dive into writing with minimal planning, allowing the story and characters to evolve organically. This method fosters creativity and can lead to unexpected twists, making the writing process exciting and dynamic. Pantsers discover their plot as they write, which can result in fresh, authentic narratives. However, this freedom comes with risks: stories may lack structure, leading to plot holes or pacing issues, and writers may experience burnout if inspiration wanes.

    Choosing Your Path

    Ultimately, neither method is universally superior. Some writers blend both approaches, outlining key points but leaving room for discovery. The choice depends on your personality, project needs, and what inspires you most. Whether you thrive on structure or embrace creative chaos, understanding plotting and pantsing empowers you to craft stories in a way that feels authentic and productive.

    Plotting, or outlining, is favored by writers who prefer structure and advance planning. Notable authors who are known for their plotting methods include:

    • J.K. Rowling: Famously plotted the entire Harry Potter series before writing, using detailed outlines and spreadsheets to track characters and plot points.
    • Brandon Sanderson: Known for his intricate world-building and complex plots, Sanderson meticulously outlines his novels before drafting.
    • James Patterson: Outlines every chapter before writing, ensuring a tight, fast-paced narrative.
    • John Grisham: Plans his legal thrillers in detail, mapping out the story before beginning the first draft.
    • Dan Brown: Uses extensive outlines and research to structure his bestselling thrillers.

    These authors demonstrate that plotting can help manage complex stories and maintain consistency throughout a series or standalone novel.

    Authors Who Use Pantsing

    Pantsing, or “writing by the seat of your pants,” is embraced by writers who prefer spontaneity and organic story development. Well-known pantsers include:

    • Stephen King: Often writes without a clear outline, letting the story and characters guide the narrative. King discusses this approach in his memoir, On Writing.
    • George R.R. Martin: Describes himself as a “gardener” rather than an “architect,” preferring to discover the story as he writes.
    • Margaret Atwood: Known for allowing her stories to evolve naturally, without rigid outlines.
    • Neil Gaiman: Embraces discovery writing, letting ideas and characters develop as he goes.
    • Ernest Hemingway: Wrote with minimal planning, focusing on the flow of the narrative.

    Other notable pantsers include Diana Gabaldon (Outlander), Mark Twain, Isaac Asimov, Dean Koontz, and Hilary Mantel. These authors value the creative freedom and unexpected twists that pantsing can bring to their work.

    If you’re a writer what method works best for you? I’m more of a pantser until the work starts becoming unwieldy at which point I’ll start plotting the rest of the novel to fill in any holes.

  • Weekly Writing Challenge 01/28/2026 – I Am

    Weekly Writing Challenge 01/28/2026 – I Am

    They’ll be coming soon, they’ll let me out soon. The two thoughts chased one another through his mind as the night gave way to dawn and the sounds of a new day filled the compound.

    “What about the one in the box?” One of the farmhands shouted from somewhere nearby.

    “Leave him, he hasn’t learned his lesson yet.” Came the answer that sent the first waves of panic washing through his body. They weren’t coming to open the box anytime soon, not before he learned his lesson.

    What lesson?

    He hadn’t done anything and he fought to quell the panic that threatened to turn him into a raving lunatic that would batter its flesh against unyielding steel in a mindless foray into madness.

    It won’t be much longer. He tried to convince himself but that need to stretch his legs grew with every passing moment. The steel around him became warm as the suns rays broke across the horizon. Spilling through the countryside like a river unleashed from it restraints. Running wildly as it cast long shadows for the remnants of the night to seek shelter in.

    He focused on keeping himself calm, a nerve-jangling panic thrumming just beneath the surface of his consciousness as he pressed the palms of his hands against the warming steel that was mere inches from his face.

    It won’t be much longer.

    His leg jerked spasmodically, driving his knee against the lid of his prison, coffin, and pain washed up his leg as panic and rage swelled within him. He screamed as he beat against the lid of his prison, soft flesh turning to mush against the unyielding steel as flecks of blood rained down upon his face. He thrashed back and forth, bouncing his head from unforgiving steel, his screams filling the confined space, ringing in his ears as he pummeled the lid.

    He didn’t know how long he had been screaming before the lid was lifted, he was only dimly aware of the cold gray steel replaced by a featureless blue sky. Rough hands reached into the box and pulled him to his feet, standing him next to the box where he collapsed onto the ground.

    “On your feet boy,” that familiar voice shouted and he struggled to stand as gloved hands held him steady. He was whimpering in his throat as he gazed about the compound. The featureless gray buildings that surrounded him represented his future. Endless days beneath a relentless sun and the stinging whip of the overseer. Bent to his task until he could no longer stand up straight. Scrabbling through the remainder of his short life like a deformed crab performing tricks for its master for small scraps to sustain itself.

    No!

    He looked down, catching a glimpse of a well-worn handle, the butt of a pistol sticking out of its holster on the overseer’s hip. Before reason could stop him, he reached out and snatched the pistol from the holster. He fumbled with it in his hand, not sure how to use it, relying more on instinct as he wrapped one hand around the handle and pointed the muzzle at the three farmhands who had come to take him from the box.

    “Let’s get him back to the…” the man in charge began, the rest of his sentence dying as he turned to find the muzzle of the pistol aimed at his face.

    To be continued!