Stories and Paintings
The next morning, the chief rooster’s crow announced the dawn. Hector, from his stall in the corner, pried one eye open and peered around. The faintest light crept into the barn. The cows began to move about; some of the calves had to be nudged awake. Tiny, rapid wingbeats hummed before Hector’s nose as a... Continue Reading →
After a long, sweltering afternoon, dusk made its welcome descent upon Butterberry Farm. Stretching shadows blended with the dimming light. The unrelenting summer wind, having scorched the paddocks with furnace heat all day, now sailed off to wherever the wind goes. In the chicken yard, mother hens gathered their chicks under the watchful eye of... Continue Reading →
What chance would a famous rock band have against a pirate attack? Could feng shui alter the course of international politics? Is smearing Nutella on your face racist? From the lively imagination of Miles Venison comes this collection of short stories exploring life's rarest questions. Discover the highs and lows of freelance fruit-picking, attend the... Continue Reading →
For self-obsessed politician Stan Berserkervich, the Covid-19 pandemic represents an opportunity to display his greatness. But standing in the way of public adoration are negative journalists, pesky protesters and an unfortunately named mascot. In this short story, Miles Venison takes a satirical look at Australia's absurd response to the coronavirus. Available in eBook. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LTCJ9B4
When you think of the very first Christmas, what thoughts come to mind? Maybe images of cosy wholesomeness, and pleasantness of all kinds. But that is only one side of the story, and there is a whole other side more, And you need to know both sides of the story to know what Christmas is... Continue Reading →
Shane “Slingshot” Adams sat on a milk crate outside a kebab shop and stared at the raindrops darting down into the street. Tiny flashes of white and blue and red, reflecting the lights of the cars and the shops. The rain trickled down the back of his neck, soaking the bright yellow collar of his... Continue Reading →
You can’t judge a boat by how she handles calm waters. Let her weather a storm or two and then see if she is worth shackling yourself to a debt you have no hope of ever repaying. No matter how splendid a boat looks, no matter how many women you believe it will entice to... Continue Reading →
Elliott Pinchman was used to naysayers. Having family members, friends, legal experts, clergy and even strangers tell you that you are headed for failure seems to be a rite of passage for any self-taught taxidermist. “Oh Elliott, it’s such a gruesome profession.” “Elliott, find a new hobby. Why don’t you take up roller skating or... Continue Reading →
“I like bread. I’m not apologising for that. And I’m not going to miss out on what makes me happy anymore just to please you.” “Why do you have to blow everything out of proportion? I never said—” “I know what you said, and I know what you meant.” It wasn’t the kind of... Continue Reading →
Danny Belcher had worked at St Blaise Bank’s Fairfield Shopping Centre branch for eight years. He had been a loyal employee, followed the rules, worked hard, and worn a constant smile—even while enduring abuse from frustrated customers. He had denied loans, offered credit card limit increases, requested the immediate payment of overdrawn account fees,... Continue Reading →
In Search of Lost Marbles 