Allen W. Watkins

A retiree's forer into flea-market-world; solace in a little cabin in the wood; a final farewell. These are the winning stories from the 2016 Creative Writer's Notebook Short Story Contest. The Honorable Mention short stories are just as diverse. Discover: A suggestion; pests and persistence; a point of no return; learning the trade; Anything for a party; meticulous preparations; an avocation; Petey's journey; The academic's book; a mild-mannered man; a scent of roses; the tourist; If photos could talk; a promising career; the tontine; with this ring; A snowy night; a question of identity; a story within a story within a story; a trick played ... or not; A tangled net; a visit and an unknown future; and a hunting trip. Journeys X presents characters, plots, and emotions in a variety of genres that lead the reader into the fertile imaginations of these award-winning authors. Enjoy

A boy's coming of age; a summer job; a helping hand ... of sorts. These are the winning stories from the 2015 Creative Writer's Notebook Short Story Contest. The Honorable Mention short stories are just as diverse. Discover: -A friendship lost; a doctor's timing; a boy's regret; a memory tree- -A recipe; a day for fishing; a legend; understanding golf- -A job interview; a first impression; an unexpected guardian- -A 'what if'; an memory book; war games; a devious play- -A question; a crisis of flight; the holiday; a grandfather's concern; - -And a veteran's memory Journeys IX presents characters, plots, and emotions in a variety of genres that lead the reader into the fertile imaginations of these award-winning authors.

Detour is a collection of stories-some award winning-that covers many facets of life and fantasy. "Some of my own traits and actions of people I know appear in the stories. Of course, the names are changed so I won't be blamed." -Allen W. Watkins "I knew Allen Watkins' collection of short stories, Detour, was a winner after finishing the first story with tears in my eyes. From his "catchy" one-page "Catch 22", through the happy ending of "A Memorable Christmas", to his tale of vengeance "Light of the Moon", Watkins plays with the emotions the way Gene Krupa played the drums." -Joan West, Editor & Publisher, Write Publish Sell "Allen and I have been trading short stories for nearly two decades. He is undeniably one of the best story tellers ever. He takes a speck of an idea and transforms it into a wonderful read that everyone can enjoy." -Jack Petro, Author & Theater Critic