Second Collection of Short Stories Book 2 of The Soul Series
Fictional Humor Short Stories
Date Published: 01-25-2023
Publisher: Magic Zoe Publishing
One Soul’s Journey is an eclectic and extraordinary collection of short
stories.
The ingredients: imagination, a dash of real life, inspiration, and lots of
love. If you’ve read and loved her first collection, “For the
Soul,” this book will delight you.
Praise for The Soul Series
5.0 out of 5 stars
“Delightfully charming short stories”
“Excellent book. A must-read”
About the Author
Barbara Daniels Dena is an American best-selling author and influential
writer of her eclectic short stories in ‘The Soul Series.’
The author’s stories are almost a memoir and are a unique collection of
inspiring short stories of ‘good ole fashioned living,’ along with many past
and present memories and life experiences that tug on the heart, warming
stories, and fictional tall tales and doggie tails delighting readers
worldwide. The books are available on Amazon Books, Kindle, and many fine
online book sites.
Barbara began writing at an early age as a lover of
“Make-Believe.” Today, her writing has developed from memories of
family experiences, various compilations of events in her life, and her love
of animals. She is willing to admit that her vivid imagination plays a role
in her stories. The author is an Illinois native who has lived in many
places; as Barb says, like a free-spirited “Gypsy,” she has lived
and worked in Illinois, Washington, Idaho, and Georgia, but Ultimately,
comes home settling back in the Quad Cities area of Illinois.
She is a proud mother of two grown children. She was a business owner, ran
a Temp Agency, transitioned into her passion for floral design, and opened,
owned, and ran several floral shops. Her favorite flower is the
“Casablanca Lily.” Her favorite color is Red, and when she isn’t
writing, Barbara spends her free time oil painting and enjoys quilting,
knitting, and reading.
Her favorite book is “Death Be Not Proud” by John J. Gunther. Her
first love will always be playing with her fur baby; a little Yorkie named
Zoe. She continues to write from her cozy nook as she gazes over a pond full
of geese and ducks. On many days it is more gazing than writing.
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Darren E. Watling will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
The earth’s epilogue was a forgone conclusion.
Our World selects seven of the best human beings that man, woman, and other could put their faith in, to ensure human existence, each displaying traits of a master in his/hers/its field.
However, not all traits are in the best interest of humankind.
Out of this World places seven hospital patients on a Plan B shuttle. Life was difficult on Earth. A new planet presents new problems. The ex-Fruit and Nut Friendly Psychiatric Hospital patients are up for the challenge.
Into the Other World—The Twist. Not only a mid-1900s dance, it is also associated with a lemon, a warped shape, a frame of mind, a warped frame of mind, a face you pull from sucking lemons and an end of story, unexpected finish, not to be given away, glancing at the back cover.
Read an Excerpt
“The court versus Jarred Pork,” the bailiff announced.
“Another serious offence. Jaywalking again. Unbelievable. What have you got to say for yourself, hmm? Well? Speak up, speak up,” the judge said, his thick and fearsome eyebrows alternating up and down.
“If the court pleases, Your Honour . . .” Sid, the defence lawyer, started.
“I’m not too pleased so far but ‘carry on, Sid’.”
“I’m the accused’s attorney. I will speak for Jarred as the accused is mute.”
The judge gave a heavy sigh and adjusted his black gown. “Very well, continue.”
“Jarred went out looking for his husband, as he hadn’t returned with an asthma puffer for their great-grandson., Wheelchair-bound, Jarred left the child with a trusting neighbour. As Jarred left their tiny unit, the red-bearded, dreadlocked kiddies friend, Molly Lester sang a kiddie song, and everyone assumed the child was safe, sport. (It is said Molly was heard on the phone: Hey, Dad! Bring Bill over. I’ve got another one. Presumably, another child to nurture, teach and explain what fine examples of human beings they are).
“I’ve heard enough from that man’s/woman’s/its mouth. Guilty! Throw away the key, like a rapper!” “Next, and this better be good, Johnny,” Clint said, as Sid swapped out and Johnny became the new defence lawyer.
“You sure are a weird lawyer Johnny, but I like you.”
“The court versus Harlett Sexton Action. The Honourable Judge Clint Eros presiding,” the bailiff stated.
“Oh, you poor thing. What have they got you in here for?” the judge showing compassion to the DD’s.
Harlette continued chewing gum as she spoke, “Well, Clinty, I’m pretty sure it’s a case of mistaken identity. I was on my way to make another porn movie, and the next thing I remember was a police officer saying I hit something or something.”
“You have a very strong defence Miss Action,” the unbiased judge claimed. “Let the prosecution begin.”
From chapter ‘Clint’ part three – Into the Other World
About the Author:
Born Darren Edward Watling, Subiaco, Western Australia, 1966. Darren excelled in English, maintaining ‘A’s, throughout his schooling and wrote a play, ‘Laughing Gas’, for his school at the age of 10. Credited with one small, published article, Darren found inspiration and reward, arriving at his latest piece, ‘Last Chance’.
He completed an apprenticeship, as a fitter, at Princess Margaret Hospital, while continuing his passion for short story writing.
Traveling Australia for three years on a private bus gave Darren a beginning to the experiences and continued, humorous outlook he has on life.
Darren approached his mother Jill Stubbs Mills and asked for her blessing to take her short story, ‘Deception’, and rewrite it into a novel. (The feedback from her publisher about her story was exceptional). Jill agreed to her son’s request. Sadly, Jill now suffers with dementia, but, keeps her sense of humour.
Various forms of employment, including a movie extra, a welder on a crocodile farm, a drummer for a touring band and currently a roof plumber, gave Darren considerable ‘fuel’, for a fired up, comedic novel.
Darren has had several passions over the past 56 years while walking this Earth. Drums, Karate, tennis and continuing today- comedic writing.
Memorable characters move swiftly through a well-crafted plot. Punctuated with sharp humor, twenty-first-century romances blossom in spite of well-heeled parental attempts to manipulate others to do their bidding.
Terri Sue Ellen, nonsensical and faux refined, and Charles Covington, wealthy executive, have a prickly daughter, Delaney Mae Anne, who wants a husband . . . so they buy one using their wealth and prestige to seal the deal.
But after a four-week honeymoon, Skye Topple grasps the fact that he’s made a blunder in marrying the boss’s daughter.
Life’s hilarious complications follow him as he embarks on a journey to sort through the shambles of his life’s choices when he returns to his humble beginnings in Big Sur where he tries to reunite with his family.
Blending truth with hyperbole, wicked humor ensues as scheming business partners and arrogant in-laws attempt to destroy Skye’s bold plans for his future.
When the bizarre son of a new business partner covets his wife, Skye realizes he’s ready to move on but not before he gets what he’s been promised.
He joins forces with RB, the unwanted step-brother of his wacky mother-in-law, and the men take part in an eccentric ruse, hoping the final cards fall in their favor. How dangerous are they, and how far will they go?
Find out in the dramatic story that takes a humorous approach on classiness, opulence, family, and romance.
From the Author
“When did you know you wanted to be a writer?”
When I was a child I knew that telling a story was fun. Unfortunately, that often got me in trouble as I talked too much. But around sixth grade a teacher, in an attempt to get me to pay attention and stop talking, told me to write it down. Whoa! This was a new concept to me at the time as it meant actually closing my mouth and concentrating on what I was thinking. I remember telling my mother and she blinked, smiled, and told me that was a lovely idea. I believe she was relieved!
I moved forward and learned to put things together in a coherent manner. And finally, when I entered high school, I actually had instructors who cared enough to guide the way. They challenged and praised and criticized. It was like a breath of fresh air to discover that along with mandatory subjects – history, economics, and science – writing was also important. It was a definite skill and one to be developed.
“What advice would you give to aspiring authors?”
Never let someone steal your creativity. Give your mind and your heart permission to explore. Plug in what you want and go with it. Don’t sell yourself short.
My professors used to suggest mini outlines but that required a beginning, middle, and an end. Sometimes an idea is just one part. Jot it down, let it jumble around on paper, clean it up and see what you’ve got. When you offer it to friends or professors, if you’re told no, that doesn’t work, don’t delete it, save it. You may want to come back in a few months – or even years – and look it over again, maybe revise, maybe combine with a fresh idea or put it back in save. You’ll surprise yourself.
Thanks for your time! Your opinion means a lot to me!
Excerpt
Delaney looked puzzled. “Mother, what will you do when you get a pool? I thought you didn’t like to swim.”
“It’s an exhaustin’ exercise, and a person can get very wet, but it is a part of mah new physical fitness program, honey. As one ages, one must step up to the challenges. Ah even sought out our favorite hairstylist for advice. The secret is that due to mah larger derriere, well, Mr. Freddie pointed out that ah needed me a hairstyle that would call attention to mah head and not mah bottom.” She sighed wearily, “Even though he is a toad, he does know hair.”
“I had no idea that could be done.” Basking in her own emotional incompetence, Delaney, smiled her support.
“Why, maintainin’ mahself a good hair-do whilst swimmin’ about is essential. Ah read an article online that pointed out splashin’ around in an expensive pool was best as it produced more cool bubbles, and they could swim faster toward me so mah hot flashes would disappear quicker. To complete the picture, a pool boy is a mandatory accessory. So, ah gotta get me one. Pronto!”
“I understand now.” Delaney placed her head in her hands. “Anyhoo, what qualities are you looking for in the new hire?”
“Nice physique, good bone structure, tall fellah, pleasant manner, a bright smile . . . a young man who fills out his swimmin’ shorts.”
“Oh, my! That sound very physical.”
“Indeed it is!” She looked at her daughter in shock. “Delaney Mae Anne, ya got to learn to think before ya speak. Just how could an unphysical person instruct me on physical activities? A man with a good package is a healthy man and will have the stamina to keep up with me as ah bustle along in mah swimmin’ accomplishments.”
Former business woman and entrepreneur, Linda Nielsen, is involved in community work, actively supporting animal rights, no kill facilities, and finding home for senior pets.
Her mother was a writer, her maternal grandmother wrote poetry and her paternal grandmother was an artist. She jokes that artistic ability runs in her veins, but she has yet to discover her hidden ability to pain anything other than the bathroom walls.
She and her husband have traveled through Eastern Europe, Asia, South America, Russia. Australia and the Baltic with backpacks, catching any flights that were available. But now that the world has changed, she admits to discovering more at home activities.
Linda enjoys wine tasting and credits the lesser known areas such as Calaveras County and the Lodi area in San Joaquin County as having some of the finest wines in California.
She escapes from her computer by spending sunny mornings in her garden and has fun cooking but admits that not everything in the kitchen is a success.
She thanks her fans and their ongoing support for keeping her focused when she’s writing and offering their feedback on both the story lines and her characters.
