Category Archives: Conflict

THE DUEL

The Story of Ray Markman – Part 2

by John Jonelis

Ray Markman

Friday, 1:30 am

Ray Markman claims, ‘I never worked a day in my life.’ Now I wait for Alexander Harbinger and Loop Lonagan to give their analysis based on boxes of old documents and memories. The clock reads 1:30 when Loop and Alex finally file in. They each carry thick note pads and plunk down in soft chairs across from my desk. From the way Loop pats his belly, I know they’re straight from some heavy lunch spot.

Lonagan is first to speak. “Me and Alex want you should go first.”

“What?” I say. “There’s some problem?”

Harbinger responds in his heavy German accent. “Vee are at a point of disagreement. Perhaps, Yon, you vill set ze right tone for the meeting.” Continue reading

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Filed under Biography, Characters, Conflict, Entrepreneur, Online Novel

I NEVER WORKED A DAY IN MY LIFE

The Story of Ray Markman – Part 1

Ray Markman

by John Jonelis

“What he says is—” I pause to confront the two men across my battered old WWII Air Force desk.  “What he says is this: ‘I never worked a day in my life.’  Far as I can tell, Ray Markman never stopped working a day in his life.  Should’ve retired years ago and he’s still working.  Day and night he’s working.” Continue reading

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THE FISCAL CLIFF – A SURPRISINGLY SIMPLE STORY

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

I’m at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago to try and understand the ecomomic situation in the good old USA. I’m here at the invitation of Northwestern University and grateful for the opportunity. Since the topic is economics, I’ll translate it into everyday language and reduce it to the points that impact you and me. Continue reading

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Filed under Conflict, Entrepreneur, Politics, The Economy

ROYA FETOVA – 30

Roya  Fetova

A Crowdsourced Novel
Read it here – Say what comes
next.

“Okay Paul, thanks for the report.” Agent Stan Harris flipped the file closed and moved it to the pile at his left.

Paul’s chair scraped loudly as he stood. “Stan, there’s something I want you to see.”

“What now? Another strangled giant?”

Paul grinned. “Just peek out your door a minute.” Continue reading

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Filed under Characters, Conflict, Crowd Sourced Novel, Crowdsourced Novel, Death, Interactive Story, Living Novel, Mystery, Relationships

ROYA FETOVA – 26

Roya Fetova

A Crowd Sourced Novel

Read it here – Say what comes next.


Frank’s body heat filled the box. The few holes drilled in the metal sides didn’t bring enough oxygen. Sweat dripped off his nose. With head crammed low between his knees, unable to move, his anger grew and his breathing quickened. Continue reading

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Filed under Conflict, Mystery, Suspense

SECRET

When a violent crime takes place, should the police always be involved? The quick answer is yes, but ponder a moment. I mean this as a human question, not an ethical one. We are emotional creatures and we make decisions through the filter of past experience. Continue reading

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Filed under Conflict, Death, Relationships, Suspense

CONFESSION

I’ve been reflecting on a difficult subject—admitting wrongdoing, as outlined in my previous post. People don’t like it. That’s normal. There are those who will admit fault after it’s been proven in a logical manner beyond all reasonable doubt. Others require a defining event. Some will never admit wrongdoing. We all know people who will continue an argument, knowing they are in the wrong.

The problem becomes acute when the person in the wrong is the head of the family. Continue reading

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Filed under Conflict, Influence, Relationships

NEW YEAR

A couple articles back, I pointed out that drama encompasses human change and I cited Scrooge. Little did I know that real change would be visited upon me so soon after writing those words. Continue reading

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THE NEGATIVE CHARACTER

Drama encompasses human change.  The main character is transformed.  As a reader, I’d be disappointed if that change turned out for the worse. By definition, that means the main character must start out seriously flawed. Is this logical, so far? If so, then stay with me: Continue reading

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Filed under Characters, Conflict, Relationships, Writing style

PRAISE

Zachary & NateAll of us are desperate to have someone believe that we are worthwhile.  What if a man believes that kind words stifle improvement?  What happens to his children when he hands out criticism, but never praise? He learned this mindset from his own father—will he pass it on to his son? Continue reading

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LOST IN GAMES

Many kids today are lost in destructive video games. Their friends are avatars. They spend less time relating to others and develop fewer skills to do so. Many become isolated, especially from the family unit, and deftly block parents from their world. That isolation can lead to depression and destructive behavior. A father and mother are disarmed—unable to bond with their kids—helpless to guide them during those precious years. Continue reading

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Filed under Conflict, Games, Influence, Relationships

ABANDONED CHILD

A boy is abandoned by his father at a tender age.  There is no denying that this kind of event leaves a festering wound in a child.  As he grows to adulthood, it has a tremendous influence on his world view.  When he’s grown, what happens to his relationship with his own child?  Continue reading

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Filed under Conflict, Relationships