The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 37

A link to all of my fiction on line, and my other articles.

Click here to read from Chapter One.Here is the beginning of The Tale Of Jon Handshaker.

Chapter Thirty Six

Jorjah's Journey

A year in one place! Jorjah paused in her work as she considered the strangeness of it. Her clan had never spent more than six months in any one camp in her life. It just wasn’t done. It was nearly impossible anyway, as well as being impolite. Good relations with your nearest neighbors, hard enought to maintain at the best of times, would have been impossible if one clan tried to monopolize a prime spot for longer than that. Better to move on, leaving a garden half harvested than to greedily overuse the land. The flocks had to move, or strip the land of green. The land had to have half a year or more to recover before the next clan moved in.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 37

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 36

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker

Here is the beginning of The Tale Of Jon Handshaker.

"You are the Handshaker, are you not?" Max said quietly. "I would not fight you under any circumstances. Certainly not now, after you..." He stopped, though there seemed to be more that he wanted to say

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 36

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 35

A Push

"I have a knack for making people angry, " Max said.

Jon flushed again and didn't answer. He didn't trust himself not to say something stupid right at this point. His anger still boiled inside him, but the time for doing anything about it had passed. With his sober mind back in control, he didn't really want to hurt Max anyway, in spite of his outrageous behavior. I'll get back at him some other way. Something to surprise him.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 35

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 34

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 34

Training

Jon had an unpleasant day ahead of him, though he wouldn’t have suspected it when he woke that morning. The sun was bright, but with a sweet breeze blowing not too hot. For a change they had had plenty of good food these last few days. Maybe it was the deer liver that made Max feel strong enough for his new, self appointed task.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 33

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 33

Hand Number Seven Dreams

Dream One:

That night I dreamed. You must understand that as with Humans, we need sleep and dreams, though less because of our design, in order to provide the body time to rebuild, and the mind less fettered opportunity to integrate the experiences of the day into patterned memory.

How To Write A Query, Find A Literary Agent And Get Your Book Published Part 2, The Query Letter

How To Write A Query, Find A Literary Agent And Get Your Book Published Part 2, The Query Letter

How To Write A Query, Find A Literary Agent And Get Your Book Published

Is your manuscript ready to present to agents or publishers? Your Query up to grade?

How To Write A Query, Find A Literary Agent And Get Your Book Published

Eden's Rat

Eden's Rat

The first chapter of my new fantasy novel.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 31

A naked blond girl, violence and blood. Chapter 31 is now posted. Sorry, NOT x-rated.
The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 31

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 30

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 30

Blood Trail

Jon woke with his stomach clenched from hunger, his body aching from half-healed wounds. The dawn was just a glow through the trees, and the last, brightest stars were peering through clouds. He looked over at Max, still asleep curled up inside Jon’s cloak. The nights were warm, but Max always felt cold. He hardly slept, the pain from his burns kept him awake.

Click the link above to read.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 29

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 29

Alelu Miami On The Run

Alelu Miami stared down into the black pit at her toes. A knotted rope fashioned from fine silk clothing ran from the door handle, across the floor and down into the darkness, the lower end out of sight even with the lamp lit. Alelu got down on her knees and held the lamp down as far as she could. The lower end of the rope was still out of sight.

Click the link to read.

Why Post Your Fiction On Line

Why Post Your Fiction On Line

Why write on line and lose your chance to get a novel published?

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 28

A new installment is now up! Click through to read. Links to all chapters can be found on my profile page there.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 28

Blood Ties

Jon stood before the door and listened carefully for any reaction from inside the house. All was quiet. He felt cold, though the night was warm early summer. Sweat drenched his body and his breath was still coming in gasps. One down and four to go.

The first had gone according to plan.Almost too easy. Jon tried to bring his breathing under control, and nearly succeeded, though his heart was hammering.I killed a man.

Food That Causes Farts

What food to eat to avoid farting, and what food to avoid.

Food That Causes Farts

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Index Of Chapters

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Index Of Chapters

A reader suggested that I make it easier to navigate the story on line, so I made this index of the chapters, with a separate link to each. Thanks.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 27

Jon confronts the murderers. Click the link to read my SF novel on line.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter 27

Food Shortages And Higher Food Prices

Food Shortages And Higher Food Prices

Notes on the current round of food price inflation, causes and finger-pointing.

The US Military Meets Politics. What Could Go Wrong?

The US Military Meets Politics. What Could Go Wrong?

Article on the correct relationship of the US military towards the civilian government and the political parties.

Population Bomb, Teen Pregnancy. Oh No! My Kid Just Had A Kid!

Population Bomb, Teen Pregnancy. Oh No! My Kid Just Had A Kid!

An alternative view of teen pregnancy. Click the link to read.

Just Gotta Love Them Tiny Feet

Just Gotta Love Them Tiny Feet

A science fiction short story, the first I ever wrote. Not too bad, with some flaws, but a nice read.

Click the link above to read.

Politicians Love Poverty And Debt.

Politicians Love Poverty And Debt.

Democrat politicians want us to be poor and in debt. Republican politicians don't much care one way or the other. Neither is on the side of the little guy.

Look at the facts. What does the government encourage, and what discourage? Debt is encouraged. What is most peoples' biggest tax deduction? The mortgage. We are encouraged to take on more and bigger debt, in order to qualify for a tax break. We wouldn't need that tax break if taxes weren't so damned high in the first place.

Click the link above to read.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty Six

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty Six

Click to read about bloody violence.

A Good First Job For A Kid

A Good First Job For A Kid

My first real job was baling hay. Great training for sport and life! Click the link to read.

Is Dental Insurance A Scam?

Is Dental Insurance A Scam?

Read an article from a dental insurance insider. Evaluate your policy, cost vs. benefits for dental insurance. Decide if your policy is worth the money or not, and how to get your money back out of dental insurance.

Stuck In Telephone Hell. How To Get Off The Customer Service Merry-Go-Round

Stuck In Telephone Hell. How To Get Off The Customer Service Merry-Go-Round

SOme hints for how to handle your calls into customer service, avoid problems and get the results you want.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty Five

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty Five

Jon's escape is in danger. This chapter is the first of several bloody and grim episodes, as Jon's pursuers get ahead of him and wait...

Click the link above to read. I seem to have missed putting up a couple of chapters. Don't worry, all chapters are there and linked together. Find one and find them all.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty Two

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty Two

Click the link above to read now. Shan Shen chops off a butcher's head.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty

Alelu Miami In Hiding

"I'm bored," Alelu said to herself, for at least the hundredth time today. Or so she imagined. It was the one thing which she had not prepared for properly. How wonderfully it had all gone, everyone obeying her, falling in with her plans as if they were conscious partners.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Twenty

Click the link above to read.

Alelu Miami In Hiding

"I'm bored," Alelu said to herself, for at least the hundredth time today. Or so she imagined. It was the one thing which she had not prepared for properly. How wonderfully it had all gone, everyone obeying her, falling in with her plans as if they were conscious partners.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Nineteen

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Nineteen

Click the link above for chapter nineteen of my new on-line novel. A link to chapter one is at the top of the page.

The Bow

Jon Homeless had a problem. The day promised glories, hot sun splashed through high trees, casting shadows of oak and walnut leaf across his broad back, but Jon was sunk in thought. The fish in this little pool between twin riffles were playing hard to get. He had already taken, and eaten whole and raw a few small ones, but that was not what had him deep in a muse. The here and now was lost to him. He mechanically drew and cast his line with casual skill, trying first the bank edge, then the center, then the head or foot of the pool as the random urge took him.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter EIghteen

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter EIghteen

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Seventeen

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Seventeen

Click the link above to read chapter seventeen or to find a link to the other chapters.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Sixteen

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen, with links to all other chapters, is now on line. Click the link above to read.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Fifteen

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Fifteen

Today I posted the link above, to chapter fifteen.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Fourteen

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Fourteen

click the link above for the latest chapter, now on line.

Chapter Fourteen

Smoke And Ash

Kan Lam walked the streets of the upper village, surveying the destruction, compulsively counting dead animals. He tried to make himself stop, but every time he passed some sad crumpled corpse he added a number. He was an educated man, he could count as high as necessary. For once he almost wished he had less education. There were surprisingly few people dead. His mind shied away from that thought, but not before the image of the yew in the meeting ground filled his mind. Thank the King, nobody tried to fight.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Thirteen

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Thirteen
Click the above link for chapter thirteen.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Twelve

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Twelve:

Click here to go straight to chapter one.

Click the link above to read chapter twelve.

Chapter Twelve

A Raised Hand

Kan Lam looked up across the meeting ground at the tall houses, whose peaks showed above the intervening hedgeline. He scowled, and spat once into the dirt at his feet. Glancing about hurriedly he scuffed dust over the spit with his dirty toe. He looked back over at the far side of the hedge. They'll be getting theirs. Today."

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Eleven

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven is now available on line. Click the link above to read, or the link below to go straight to chapter one.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker

Click here to go straight to chapter one.

Chapter Eleven

Kon Nok Village

Waking curled up in the densely weedy corner of some less than industrious farmer’s cornfield, Jon felt tired, dirty, itchy, stiff, sore, his eyes were swollen and his ears ached, he was hungry and thirsty and weak. And he was free. For the first time in his life since he was able to understand what it meant to be a Lamb, doomed to live as a prisoner, however pampered, and to die young, Jon felt in control of his destiny. He felt good.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Ten

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

The Barrel

As the sky brightened and the streets became more visible, Jon's fear grew. he was gasping with relief when he turned into the last narrow street before his destination. He broke into a jog and with a last sprint ducked into the tiny gap between two decrepit buildings. It was as black as full night here still, the buildings leaned in on each other, resting as it were, propping each other up at the eaves. Jon pushed his way deeper between them and settled back in to wait for Giant. The hard part was over, he thought.

He was wrong. The weeks of waiting in Lily’s room had made him terribly impatient to be moving. Every minute seemed to drag an hour and he found himself counting his breaths. Forcing himself to stop, he was counting his heartbeats a minute later. He could feel his heart beating strongly and the rush of blood in his ears rang in the early morning silence.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Nine

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Nine
Jon begins his escape from the city. The worst is yet to come!Click the link above to read, and find links to earlier chapters.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter 8

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter 8
Chapter 8 is now on line. Click the link above to read. Links to all previous chapters are there too.

Chapter Eight

Lily

"Jon, get up! We have to get these clothes off you!" Lily's voice was frantic. Somehow, it cut through Jon's weakness, and he crawled up to his knees. He began poking clumsily at his clothes, until she slapped his hands away. With the quick skill of years of practice, she stripped him of every stitch. He moved only enough to get the remains of his pants off, then lay back down.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Seven

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Seven

A new chapter is now on line. Read it! There is a place for comments at the bottom, and links to previous chapters.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Six

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Six

Chapter six is up!

Jon On-The-Run woke from bad dreams. Dreams of rebellion and war, fire and death. He was happy to be awake, even as he came to remember where he was, and why. Billy was filling one lamp from the tin of whale oil, and had lit the other. It was his cursing burnt fingers that had woken Jon. He wondered if that had been the source of his fiery dreams, that or the smell of smoke still in the tunnel. Or was it the memory of what he had seen above?

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter 5

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter 5

Chapter five of The Tale Of Jon Handshaker is now posted. Click the link above to go there. There are links to the earlier chapters from that page.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Four

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Four

The latest chapter of my on-line novel is up. Read!

...Fire covered the walls and floor. On the stairs opposite a few boys and servants crouched helpless. On the floor, smothered in flame, were piles, shapeless except for an outstretched hand or foot. In the open doorway to the outside was a line of men. Not throwing water or plunging in to pull out victims, but standing ready with red swords and spears. Red from the fire? Or blood. One of the men pointed at the open door and at Jon, and a javelin flew. Jon stumbled back into darkness.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Three

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Three

Parade Of Fools, chapter three of my science fiction novel, is now on line.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Three

Click here to go to chapter one.

Chapter Three

Parade Of Fools

The long night of physical labor gave Jon plenty of time to think. The future was clear. He would have to put up with this Handshaker business for a long time, perhaps even right up till he took his final, royal, name. That was always the last name. Young as he was, Jon was all too aware of his rapidly approaching and quite inevitable end.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Two

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter Two

The second chapter of my on-line fantasy/science fiction novel is now up. Please click the link above to read. Thanks.

Frugal Living, Money Saving Tip #4

Frugal Living, Money Saving Tip #4
How to save money grilling and barbecue cooking. Make your own charcoal at home. Its easy, and charcoal is expensive. Click the link above to read my article. Thanks.

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter One

The Tale Of Jon Handshaker, Chapter One

I have put a chapter of my new novel up on HubPages. Click the link above to read more. Thanks.

Jon Lamb was having little luck. He had fished the shallow, cold, mountain creeks of the Reservation Lands for trout and grayling, but he was new to this city and to the wide, slow rivers that encompassed it.

The Festival of the Dog Star, the first sighting of the summer star over the horizon, was one of four given over for purification. People, public spirited, or simply ever mindful of their neighbors' eyes, were diligently cleaning their homes, shops, and streets. They burned richly scented pine boughs in hopes of warding off the summer fevers, brought on by insects and the heavy, humid air. Jon was playing hooky.

Frugal Living, Money Saving Tip #11

Frugal Living, Money Saving Tip #11

Stores are stealing from you. Learn how to stop stores from charging more than list prices when you shop. Click the link above. Thanks.