Ambush

As a fresh year lays out before me, I’m reminded of resolutions. For the last few years, I’ve had a similar resolution, yet I continue failing to achieve change. As a result, I am planning on trying something new in 2025. Instead of a list of alterations to live by, I’ll begin this year with a series of goals. Some are personal and so won’t be included, but others directly impact my creative endeavors and so will be fair game to discuss.

One reason I’ve had problems keeping those pesky resolutions has always been that I’m too ambitious. Despite my track record, I somehow think the upcoming year is different from the previous ones. Granted, for a few months it seems to work. Unfortunately, the sheer amount of writing I have planned overwhelms me and before I realize what’s happened, I have fallen behind. And in short order, I am struggling to honor my obligations to my patrons.

However, it’s my hope that with this shift to goals, I’ll perform better. Historically, I’ve had several objectives based on where I’m posting. My initial obligation is 36 pieces of flash fiction for Patreon. Then I added Wattpad, which would get 48 pieces of flash fiction and a dozen short stories. Then I’d like to go through the drafting process for a novel/novella or two planned. And finally, I included 52 pieces of micro fiction for Ko-Fi.

Ultimately, I’ve found this lofty ambition too great, so for 2025, I’m decreasing the overall output. My obligation for Patreon remains the same. However, my first reduction comes with Wattpad, where I’ll write anywhere from 24 to 36 pieces of flash fiction. When I am not crafting those narratives, I will squeeze in the time to go through the drafting process for a novel/novella/a dozen short stories, or some partial combination of all three. And finally, to create 24 pieces of micro fiction for Ko-Fi.

With my goals laid out, let’s turn to the first story for the new year, a piece of micro-tale for Ko-Fi, featuring Ramas Caldwell. While he’s starred in a couple pieces of flash fiction during 2024, it’s been almost two years since I’d written a proper 250-word story for this wonderful character. As a result, I wanted to give some insight into the depths of his powers.

Come, sit down and allow me to give you a mini-escape and kindle your imagination.

As the sun sailed across the sky, a hooded figure emerged from the nearby forest, blocking Ramas’s path. The mysterious individual drew his sword and brandished it at Ramas. “A price must be paid to travel beyond this point.”

A growl emanated from the wanderer’s helm as he stopped a stone’s throw away from the brigand. “You’re being foolish. If you turn around and leave, I’ll forget this insult.”

The brigand’s lips curled into a sneer as his stance widened, preparing to lunge. “I’m far too skilled to fear someone afraid to carry a sword.”