Mark Gagnon
Bio
My life has been spent traveling here and abroad. Now it's time to write.
I have three published books: Mitigating Circumstances, Short Stories for Open Minds, and Short Stories from an Untethered Mind. Unmitigated Greed is do out soon.
Achievements (1)
Stories (467)
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Test Heist
Since the brownie caper, there have been many successful heists along with a few botched ones. Now my skills were about to be tested. It was time for finals and graduation from high school. My worst subject was English. A grade of B was required or I wouldn’t graduate. Of course, I could study, but where was the fun in that? I needed a copy of the answer sheet.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
My First Heist
The captivating aroma of freshly baked brownies drew me and Rusty directly to the kitchen. There, resting on the countertop, were three cooling racks filled with chocolate delights. Mother was busy readying the house for company, so my window of opportunity was limited. She had baked the brownies for her guests, but I didn’t think she would miss one or two.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
The Fourth Side
“The cameras are set up and ready to roll, Professor Colter. We’re prepared to record every minute of this history-making event. What does it feel like to be the first human in over eight thousand years to enter this massive structure that time has forgotten?”
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Into the Mist
A lone lantern slowly swayed in rhythm with the gently rocking rowboat. It cast its dim light out into the evening mist, attempting to illuminate the darkness. Even the mighty beam from a nearby lighthouse had a limited effect against the thickening fog.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
My New House
I purchased a two-story Federalist-style house, which included a room-sized attic. Its location, in the historic district of Salem, Massachusetts, was perfect. The elderly couple selling the home said it was constructed in 1792 and had belonged to their family ever since. The two were sad to see it go, but since they were the last of their line, well into their 80’s, and in poor health, they felt it was time.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Horror
Juxtaposition
The roar of motorcycle engines echoed through the normally quiet valley, alerting the villagers to the potential chaos about to arrive. Most residents hoped the riders would pass through without stopping, but a few waited anxiously for them to arrive. Members of the village clan felt visitors during the summer solstice was a sign not to be overlooked.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
One Very Weird Day
It’s amazing just how messed up a living room can get when a few of the guys come over for Chinese takeout, followed by a Thursday night football game. I was returning my home to a livable condition when I came across three unopened fortune cookies. I don’t believe in fortune-telling, tarot cards, Ouija boards, or any type of precognition, but fortune cookies are always good for a laugh. I broke open the first cookie and extracted the message “You will meet a famous person today. Cookie #2 foretold - Soon you will travel to a faraway place. Finally, cookie #3 revealed - You will read a book that never ends. I ate the cookies, wadded up the paper strips and tossed them in the recycling.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Vocal’s Name Game
It never occurred to me how many authors on Vocal use pen names. When I take the time to write a story, I want everyone to know it was me, not a pseudo me that wrote it. Yes, that means the world knows I wrote a great tale or some rubbish, but that’s okay.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Finders Keepers
What do you consider valuable? Is it a piece of jewelry, a work of art, or maybe a family photo? Some wealthy people gauge their success by the number of rare items they’ve collected. Finding missing treasures for rich investors is what I do¬ — I’m a finder. My job takes me from small antique shops to private collectors who are in financial distress and looking to liquidate valuable assets. The work is always interesting and occasionally dangerous if multiple finders are searching for the same object. We don’t get paid unless we recover a requested item.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
