Josh's List of Homegrown Stories!
This page contains some of the short stories that I have written over the years. They are not Stephen King or William Shakespeare, nor are they of any great length. However, I am proud of them, embarrassed by them and am continually proofreading them. If you happen across a typo or grammar error, please let me know.
I have removed the links to the works in progress and partial stories. I have been advised that there are some unsavory types that will steal an unlicensed or copyrighted work. In an attempt to protect my works, I will only link the official published works and give a brief description of my other works in progress.
I am officially a published author! My first novel Home Bound: A Survival Story is available on Amazon.com!!
The life that Jake Hawkins knew was thrown into turmoil the day the sky turned to fire. A sudden blackout has the county in chaos. While at his office 50 miles away from his home, his wife at work 30 miles away and his kids at school, Jake must fight through roving gangs and utter anarchy to reach his wife and kids. Using his survival techniques and skills that he learned from his father and his time as a Scoutmaster, he struggles to get back to his sanctuary. Will his disaster preparedness knowledge and forethought keep him safe from danger? Will the mental strain break him or his family? Can he survive his journey to get home?
Review it here on Goodreads.com 
Now Book 2: New Homestead is out as well!
Jake Hawkins has made it home with his family. The struggle to survive long term is beginning. The remaining families in the neighborhood watch and wonder about the Hawkins family. Will they be able to survive the coming winter? Will outside forces try to take what they have built? Will this be the beginning or the end of the New Homestead?
New Homestead is also available on Amazon.com!!
Review it here on Goodreads.com
The Beginning
This was my first attempt at writing a short story as an adult. I had written quite a few as a child, but this was my first.
I had been working midnights at EDS and I was poking around the PC's and I found a background that looked like parchment paper. Intriguing!
I then found a particularly interesting font, and once put together, this piece flowed out. It is a telling of Jack the Ripper
in 1800's London, with a twist!
The Lookout
This second story came swiftly after the first. It is an incredibly short story of a man who meets his own prophetic doom!
Untitled WWII Story
This one is still kicking around my head. I had to start it just to get the voices to stop! I still have no idea where this came from or where
it might end up.
The Fear
Another incredibly short story about a boy on his way home from his friends' house when terror strikes! It's a real page turner!
Jupiter
Another unfinished project regarding an object in two time periods have a profound effect on those around it. Kinda sci-fi-y!
Untitled Sci-Fi Story
This science fictional story tells the tale of a lone astronaut on the lunar surface and his only companion is an artificial intelligence
that resides in the lunar base computer system.
The Gauntlet
This is my first attempt at a true novel. I started this one soon after my son was born and it contains some characters and settings that
some folks would consider autobiographical. Whatever. This story takes place in a far-away land during a time of might and magic. A young
man discovers that all is not what it seems and that his destiny is far greater than what he was led to believe. Still in progress.
Uprising
Uprising tells the tale of two young lovers who are attempting to survive the zombie apocalypse. They are witness to the beginning of the end
and are powerless to stop it. They then trek out into the wilderness to ride out the storm. Almost novel length, and still ongoing.
Adonis
Adonis is another science fiction story regarding beings from out of this world who happen to have a human with them and he is one
charismatic speaker and leader! They leave him on Earth as their emissary and when they return, they learn that he was not what he seemed!
Letters to Dad
This one is the most recent. It is also the hardest to read. I wrote these letters to my father, Lee Thomas, soon after he passed away after
battling lung cancer. It was a very cathartic experience. I apologize to any family members who may read this and find any errors in my memories.
I wrote this at a time of great emotional and mental trauma, just as I am sure you endured as well.