Bringing you stories, book and game reviews, writing tips, and updates from author S.G. Baker.
Between one town and the next, I spied in the distance twin lanterns casting steady, white light into the night, throwing tree limbs and grass blades into sharp, black relief. One lamp hung above the other, appearing like the eyes in a face cocked sideways. Perhaps in curiosity, perhaps madness. No matter how close my … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – Artificial Illumination
An ornate greenhouse existed not only far from civilization, but smack in the middle of an already existing forest. Enormous, though in height rather than breadth. Craning my head back to gaze upward at its towering, clear walls, I wondered what must grow within. So I went inside. Warmth blanketed my face like an unpleasant … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – Unrooted
Within a drab buffet restaurant where the aging came to dine, I met a glimmering hostess. Pink glitter twinkled across her skin from head to foot; climbing her cheeks, creeping down her neck bellow the collar of her sensible black blouse, and reappearing from beneath her sleeves to adorn her arms. Microscopic flakes flashed beneath … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – Glimmering Glitter
On this, the longest day of the year, as the sun reached and reached and reached for the horizon, the empty roads and secret paths called me forth to wander. Toward whimsical places, toward unforgettable faces, their whispers urged me. "Follow... follow..." With yearning tugging at my heart, I left without hesitation. Since that day, … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – The Longest Day
While passing a farmhouse late one summer evening, I overheard the weather forecast through an open window, the local meteorologist calling for light showers very soon. Though I saw no clouds in the sky, I took shelter beneath an overhang out in the field behind the house, making myself comfortable as the sun finished passing … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – A Chance of Light Showers
When I stopped at a well in the woods, I found within not water but a wretched waif. A pale figure curled up on a bed of grass and crushed flowers, the hands cupped over their head the picture of abject sorrow. Their voice bounced off the stone walls up to me, distorted and muffled. … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – The Wretched Well
When the moon drew too close, we retreated indoors and barred the windows shut. Mystified, I helped with the task of preparing for a siege, but once the work was done, I tried to be on my way. The townsfolk would have none of it. "It's just a lunar eclipse," I argued. I was standing … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – A Silent Eclipse
I came upon the rusting ruins of an ancient amusement park far, far away from civilization. Its Ferris wheel soared into the clear sky, the broken spokes and missing seats like the popped blood vessels in a drunkard's eyeball. Next to this, a single roller coaster loop made another eye, and there, a dry water … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – When the Park Slept
In my wanderings, I often find myself traipsing a barren land. From horizon to horizon the ground stretches dry and cracked, riddled like puzzle pieces with the long-gone memory of water. Gray haze blows across the sky, blocking out the sunlight like smoke from an unseen fire. But I smell no ash, only empty heat. … Continue reading The Hopeful Wanderer – A Barren Heart
Word Nerd Scribbles 