The narrative centers on a young African American man named Max Knight who relocates to San Francisco with aspirations of pursuing a career in journalism. However, his circumstances take an unforeseen turn when he encounters his new cohabitant, Katie, a single mother grappling with undisclosed challenges. Consequently, Max finds himself compelled to share his living quarters with Katie and her son, Dusty, while also shouldering the responsibility of caring for the child. It is updated every Friday starting July 26th at noon EST and 9 am PST.

*UPDATED DESCRIPTION COMING SOON* In a world where humans and other species coexist, Saeris falls prey to the Chosen, a ruthless faction bent on domination after shattering the fragile peace in the land. Rescued and healed by the Dawnbringers, Saeris vows to destroy the Chosen and their leader who wields an ancient artifact to fuel their reign of terror. As the war rages on, Saeris must confront painful truths about her past, face the beings she's been trained to destroy, and make choices that could tear apart everything she's fighting for. In a world on the brink of collapse, the path to peace is uncertain, and nothing comes without sacrifice. TRIGGER WARNING: descriptions of blood and gore, tragic loss, killing, and consensual sex. ••• Start: February 2, 2025 End: April 17, 2025 Word count: 37,049 © D. C. Bolton 2025 © All Rights Reserved

❝ Things are only as beautiful as you make them, Charlie. Including murder. ❞ It's the opening night of Burton Abbey's production of Romeo and Juliet and all is going smoothly - that is until the climactic death scene. Romeo takes a big gulp of the poison to be with his lover, except it really is poison and Elijah, who plays Romeo, is now dead. Charlie Monet, in charge of props, is the first suspect but soon the suspicion around her turns to worry as it seems she's the next target. Khaleel Rahim, an aspiring writer, is dying for a mystery to solve at his new school. When he sees Charlie sneaking around at night he thinks he's finally found something worth writing about. After discovering Charlie's ability to see visions of the past, Khaleel decides that they're the perfect pair to solve the mystery. With threatening notes, a quiet library and poison disguised as props; somebody in the school is blurring the lines between theatre and reality and the fast friends are about to discover that there's more to boarding school than just silly rumours. [2022 Watty's Shortlist]

❝ 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐌𝐄, 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄. ❞ Saskia Vrana knows what to do when the Nights of Smoke come: Close the windows and doors. Don't look out into the darkness. Sacrifice and pray. And never dare to leave the convent. These are the sacred rules to follow if you want to survive the creatures lurking outside - and the Order of Wolves, which ensures the village's safety with watchful eyes. So, what to do when you accidentally violate one of them on the very first night and receive a divination you shouldn't outlive? However, it's not Saskia they hold responsible, but her fellow sister Katinka. When coldblooded Prince Silvan von Winterthal and his order take her, Saskia is eager to break all those rules at once and more to get her back. And if she must risk her own life making a deal with a devil while the Wild Hunt ravages the lands, she will. ______________ ONC 2024 ENTRY: Prompts 25, 28, 95

In a world where everything seems perfect, families often hide secrets beneath the surface. This story follows the Franklin family, who appear to be just another loving household. But behind their smiles lie misunderstandings and hidden tensions waiting to break free. As the family navigates their daily lives, each member grapples with their own struggles and desires. When unexpected relationships begin to form, the dynamics shift, and long-buried secrets come to light. Through this journey, the characters will confront betrayals and choices that challenge their bonds. They will learn about love, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to face the truths that can change everything. In the end, understanding each other becomes the key to healing and moving forward.