Rita Boehm

The journey of true character begins when we take responsibility for our actions, stand upon our beliefs, and fight our own battles. This story chronicles the life of a woman who aspired to be herself, made her own choices, suffered the consequences of those choices, and allowed the trials and tribulations of life to form her true character. It is meant to inspire you to be brave in life, to become a pillar of your own strength, and earn a crown of golden laurel.

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