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 (457)
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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
Sharp Edges
Alexander, not Alex or Al, stood six feet three inches and weighed two hundred and twenty pounds, all muscle. Everything about Alexander, from his male model looks to his perfectly tailored attire, was the epitome of the well-put-together man. His wit was every bit as sharp as his appearance. By simply walking into a room, Alexander commanded everyone’s attention.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Pinocchio Paradox
“How did you like the story, Sam? Is it the way you thought it would go? I tried to mimic your writing style.” “The story is phenomenal, much better than anything I could have written, and that’s the problem. I didn’t write it, Pinocchio. You did!”
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
The Cleaner
My one-man company is highly successful, with more clients than I can handle. I’ve thought of hiring others to help me carry the load, but I’m sure nobody could replicate the attention to detail my client’s demand. Once I finish a job, no one would ever guess anything had occurred.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Discoveries. Top Story - May 2023.
“So, this is what I get for trusting you.” The vitriol oozed from Cain’s words. His eyes burned with hate as he glared into her gold-flecked orbs. All he needed to do was pay attention, but that was something he didn’t want to do. It was only now, knowing the end was near, that he saw her for what she actually was—a demon.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Horror
No Respect!
I don't understand. People are always calling me a pane. Just what have I done to deserve such disrespect? I let in the light while blocking the wind and cold. I can enhance a room's beauty while protecting people from storms. So, what is it that has garnered me this moniker? I know people don't enjoy cleaning me but is getting dirty my fault?
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Huracn
The Carib Indians called me Huracn, Mayans knew me as Huraka. Whatever name you choose; just know I am to be feared. When I blow into town, exhibiting my full fury, the sturdiest tree will bend and snap, roofs will be torn from their anchors, and waters will rise to engulf the land that normally holds them at bay.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Gift from the Sky God
Oogh peered at the ominous black sky from the relative safety of his cave, watching the brilliant sky snakes arcing across the heavens. A blinding flash and deafening crack forced him to retreat as several sky snakes shattered a nearby tree. Baby snakes eagerly fed on shattered tree limbs. Oogh summoned his courage and hesitantly approached the devastation. He felt warmth as he advanced, but pain when attempting to touch a snake. He picked up a long branch with a glowing snake on one end and returned to his shelter. Oogh would stay warm tonight.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Fiction
Fate's Plan
She was born in the East End of London, post-World War II. The youngest of four children, she was part of a close-knit family and neighborhood. Her playground consisted of city streets and heaps of rubble created by the bombing raids and V-2 rocket attacks from the Nazis. It wasn’t an easy life for the children of that time, but like all kids, she and her friends adapted and flourished.
By Mark Gagnon3 years ago in Journal
