DALE THELE - AUTHOR
Bonus 2024
Bonus items included in the newsletters
Ezekiel & Abrahim:
GHOSTS of LOST CREEK JUNCTION
by Dale Thele
On this sunny and humid late morning, a slender young man, standing 5'11", steps off a Trailways bus embellished with a red logo across its midsection. Overwhelmed by nerves and uncertainty, he stands in an empty, gravel-covered lot. The sun beats down, causing the sun-bleached pebbles to shimmer and emit wiggly heat waves that rise toward the cloudless sky.
Wait a moment! I can already sense the questions in your mind: Who is this person? Where did he come from on the bus? What town is he in? And why the heck should I even care?
First and foremost, that young man is me—Taylor Greene. This is the story of how my three friends, my dog, and I spent an unforgettable summer vacation. Let me tell you right off the bat: This wasn't just any ordinary summer. It was three months unlike anything I'd ever experienced before, and I'll likely never encounter again.
Text can be read directly on your screen, or you may wish to print (9 print pages)
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
TOM TURKEY
by Dale Thele
Once upon a time, a turkey named Tom lived in a quaint little town. Tom was no ordinary turkey—he was a master of wit and charm and always had a clever response to any situation. His fellow turkeys looked up to him, admiring his quick wit and sharp intellect.
As the dreaded Thanksgiving approached, Tom found himself in a tight spot. The townspeople had chosen him to be the star of their annual feast. But Tom was no pushover - he knew exactly what that meant. With a steely determination, Tom set out to outsmart the townspeople and escape his fate.
With charm and wit, Tom spun tales of his adventures that left the townspeople spellbound. He entertained them with his jokes and riddles, making them laugh until their sides hurt. His storytelling skills were so captivating that the townspeople couldn't bring themselves to harm such a clever and entertaining turkey. Tom was spared from becoming the main course.
And so, Tom Turkey lived happily ever after, using his wit and intellect to charm his way out of any sticky situation that came his way. He became a legend in the town, known far and wide for his quick wit and sharp intellect. And every Thanksgiving, the townspeople would raise a toast to Tom, the turkey who outsmarted them all.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
SPOOKIEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
by Dale Thele
Once upon a time, in a small town nestled in the heart of the forest, there was a legend that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it. It was said that every Halloween night, the ghost of a vengeful witch would rise from her grave and roam the streets, seeking out those who dared to mock her memory. The townspeople would lock their doors and shutter their windows, praying they would not be the next victim of her wrath.
One fateful Halloween, a group of daring teenagers decided to test the legend and ventured into the cemetery where the witch was buried. As they crept through the darkened tombstones, a chill wind whispered through the trees, sending a shiver down their spines. Suddenly, a figure cloaked in a shadow appeared before them, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. The teens screamed in terror and fled, but the ghostly figure pursued them, its unearthly wails echoing through the night.
As the sun rose on All Saints' Day, the townspeople awoke to find the cemetery in disarray, tombstones toppled and crypts cracked open. The teenagers were never seen again, their fate a mystery that haunted the town for years to come. And on every Halloween night, the ghostly figure of the vengeful witch could be seen wandering the streets, a reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows on the spookiest night of the year.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
THE MYSTERY of the MISSING TOUPEE
by Dale Thele
In the bustling city of New York, a renowned businessman named Mr. Barrett P. Johnson was known for his impeccable style and perfectly coiffed hair. However, one fateful morning, Mr. Barrett P. Johnson woke up to find his prized toupee missing from its usual resting place on his bedside table. Panic set in as he frantically searched his luxurious penthouse for any sign of the missing hairpiece.
As news of the missing toupee spread throughout the city, rumors began to swirl about who could have been behind such a daring caper. Some speculated it was a jealous rival looking to sabotage Mr. Johnson's impeccable image, while others believed it was a mischievous prank pulled by one of his many admirers. The mystery deepened as no clues were found, leaving Mr. Barrett P. Johnson more perplexed than ever.
Just when all hope seemed lost, a clever detective named Detective Clive Smith stepped in to crack the case. With his keen eye for detail and sharp wit, Detective Smith followed a trail of clues that led him to a surprising culprit—Mr. Johnson's pet cat, Mr. Mews. It turned out that Mr. Mews had taken a liking to the toupee and hid it in a secret hiding spot. With the mystery solved, Mr. Johnson was relieved to be reunited with his beloved toupee and vowed to keep a closer eye on his mischievous feline friend in the future.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
SUMMER MEMORY
by Dale Thele
As the sun began its slow descent behind the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, the summer evening came alive with the sounds of laughter and music. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, creating a tranquil and idyllic atmosphere. Families gathered in their yards, enjoying barbecues and picnics, while children played games and chased fireflies.
As the evening wore on, the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, with pink, orange, and purple hues painting a breathtaking masterpiece above. The gentle breeze carried the sound of crickets chirping and birds singing, adding to the symphony of nature's evening chorus. Friends sat around a crackling bonfire, sharing stories and toasting marshmallows, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames, in awe of the beauty that surrounded them.
As the stars twinkled in the darkening sky, the summer evening became magical, filled with a sense of wonder and possibility. The world seemed to slow down, allowing everyone to savor the simple joys of a warm summer night. As the moon rose high in the sky, casting a soft silver light over the world below, it was clear that this was a night to be remembered, a perfect moment frozen in time.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
Image by Pixabay
SUNFLOWER GROVE
by Dale Thele
In the small town of Sunflower Grove, summertime was a magical season filled with endless possibilities. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the fields of wildflowers and the lazy river that meandered through the town. Children ran barefoot through the streets, their laughter echoing in the air as they chased after fireflies in the twilight.
Every year, the townspeople would come together for the annual Summertime Festival, a celebration of music, food, and community. The smell of barbecue filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of freshly baked pies. Musicians played lively tunes on the town square, and dancers twirled under the twinkling lights strung between the trees.
As the sun sets on another perfect summer day, the townspeople gathered around a bonfire, sharing stories and laughter late into the night. It was a time of joy and camaraderie, a time to savor life's simple pleasures and bask in the warmth of the season. And as the stars twinkled overhead, casting a soft glow on the faces of the gathered crowd, they knew that these moments would be cherished forever in their hearts.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
Image by Alana Jordan from Pixabay
BIRD WITH A BROKEN WING
by Dale Thele
Once upon a time, in a lush forest filled with vibrant colors and enchanting melodies, there lived a beautiful bird with a broken wing. This bird, named Luna, was known far and wide for her graceful flight and melodious songs that could captivate even the most stoic of hearts. But one fateful day, while soaring through the sky in search of food, Luna's wing was caught in a sudden gust of wind, and she plummeted to the forest floor, her wing broken and her spirit shattered.
As Luna lay on the forest floor, her once vibrant feathers now dull and lifeless, she felt a deep sense of despair wash over her. She longed to fly again, to feel the wind beneath her wings and the sun on her face. But with her broken wing, it seemed like an impossible dream. However, Luna was not one to give up easily. With a determined glint in her eye, she vowed to find a way to heal her broken wing and take to the skies once more.
Day after day, Luna worked tirelessly to mend her broken wing. She sought out healing herbs and remedies, practiced gentle exercises to strengthen her muscles, and never lost hope that one day she would fly again. Slowly, but indeed, her efforts began to pay off. Her wing started to heal, her feathers regained their luster, and her spirit soared higher than ever before.
Finally, the day arrived when Luna felt strong enough to take flight again. With a deep breath and a heart of gratitude, she spread her wings and launched herself into the sky. As she soared through the clouds, her melodious songs filled the forest once more, bringing joy and wonder to all who heard them. Luna had overcome adversity and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before, a true testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
And so, the bird with the broken wing symbolized hope and inspiration for all who knew her story. She showed that even in the face of adversity, with courage and determination, anything is possible. As Luna continued to soar through the sky, her broken wing serving as a reminder of the strength within us all, the forest echoed with the sound of her beautiful songs, a testament to the indomitable spirit of a bird who refused to be grounded.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
THE TORTOISE & THE HARE
(the REAL story)
by Dale Thele
Once upon a time, on a beautiful spring morning, a cocky Hare boasted to the other animals in the forest about his lightning speed.
"I'm the fastest creature in the forest; no one can beat me," the Hare strutted, showing off.
The other animals were tired of hearing the Hare bragging day in and day out.
"If only someone would challenge the Hare to a race," Mr. Raccoon suggested.
"I'll race the Hare," said Tortoise.
"You?" Mr. Raccoon was surprised. "You're slower than a snail. You don't stand a chance against the Hare."
"I have just as much chance as anyone else to beat the Hare in a race," Tortoise insisted.
"You want to race me?" Hare burst out laughing. "It wouldn't be fair. I'm fast, and you're slow. The race would be over before it even began."
"Are you scared to race me?" Tortoise taunted.
"I have no fear of racing you," Hare replied confidently. "It'll be your loss."
On race day, all the forest animals gathered at the starting line. Hare and Tortoise were ready to go.
"The first to reach the far edge of the forest will be the WINNER," Mr. Skunk announced.
"Ready, set, go!" Mr. Raccoon said as he fired a shot into the air with a toy cap gun.
Hare took off like a rocket, disappearing into the distance.
Meanwhile, the Tortoise moved slowly and steadily along the path.
After a while, Hare looked back and saw no sign of Tortoise.
"Tortoise must have given up and gone home," Hare thought.
Hare's stomach growled.
"I'm getting hungry," he realized.
Spotting a Taco Truck nearby, Hare headed over for a snack.
Author note: Did I forget to mention that this story occurred in TEXAS?
Hare bounced over to the Taco Truck and chowed down on a hefty bag of tacos. Feeling full and sleepy, he caught some Z's in the shade of a big ol' tree.
While Hare snoozed, Tortoise caught up to him. Seeing Hare in such a deep sleep, Tortoise couldn't bring himself to wake him. Instead, he made a pit stop at the Taco Truck and scarfed down a bean burrito. Once he finished, Tortoise returned to the race.
Not long after returning to the track, Tortoise's stomach started acting strange.
"Guess I ate that burrito too fast," he thought.
His stomach churned, and then, out of nowhere, he let out some gas. With each toot, he was propelled forward like a rocket strapped atop his shell.
He pushed out more toots, propelling himself closer and closer to the finish line.
Hare woke up from his nap, rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and glanced back at the trail. He looked around for Tortoise, but he was nowhere to be found. Then, he turned his gaze in the opposite direction towards the finish line. To his surprise, he saw Tortoise approaching the finish.
“There's no way I'm letting that reptile beat me,” Hare thought.
With determination, Hare started running like he had never run before. He caught up with Tortoise, and they were neck and neck. It was anyone's guess who would be the winner.
Tortoise pushed real hard to let a final gas bubble rip, propelling him across the finish line.
Hare was in disbelief. The Tortoise had beaten him.
The moral of the story: Never underestimate the power of a Texas taco truck bean burrito.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
BRAXTON & THE BLUE MABLE
by Dale Thele
Braxton, a young boy too young for elementary school, was a quiet kid who didn't interact well with kids his own age. Instead, he spent his days watching the world go by.
One day, at the park, a stranger gifted Braxton with a blue marble. Braxton didn't know why, but he cherished the marble and carried it with him wherever he went, either holding it in his hand or keeping it safe in his pocket.
When Braxton was alone, which was most of the time since he was often ignored by his peers and even his parents, he would roll the blue marble between his fingers and thumb. As he rolled the marble, he would daydream about exciting adventures to exotic places. Despite never actually going on these adventures due to his family's financial constraints, Braxton found solace in creating his own adventures in his imagination.
As Braxton grew older, he began writing his adventures on paper. The more he wrote, the more he rolled the blue marble in his hand. He kept his stories to himself, finding them to be personal and special.
One day, while Braxton was in high school, a bully knocked Braxton's books from his hands. Loose papers flew from Braxton's grasp. Some of those papers were from the adventure story he was writing. A teacher helped Braxton gather his books and papers, and in the process, she caught a glimpse of his writing. Intrigued, the teacher asked to read Braxton's story. She was so impressed by his writing that she encouraged him to submit his story to a writing contest, where the winning story would be published.
Braxton agreed to let the teacher submit one of his stories to the contest. Months went by, and Braxton started to feel discouraged because he hadn't heard anything from the contest organizers.
Then, one morning at school, the teacher excitedly announced to the class that Braxton's story had won a writing contest and would be published in a big newspaper from out of town.
A few weeks later, the teacher received a message from a man who had read Braxton's story in the newspaper. The man was a book publisher and offered Braxton an opportunity to publish his stories in a book.
With nothing to lose, Braxton accepted the offer.
Months later, Braxton's book became a bestseller, flying off the shelves of bookstores. He started receiving royalty checks that were more money than he had ever seen before. Unfortunately, his greedy parents found out about his success and took the checks for themselves, leaving poor Braxton with nothing.
The publisher, through Braxton's high school teacher, asked if he had more stories to share. Of course, he did - he had been writing adventure tales for years.
Braxton's teacher managed to get his stories to the publisher and explained the situation of his parents cashing his checks. The publisher then released Braxton's second book, which sold even faster than the first. To protect Braxton's earnings, the publisher agreed to hold onto his royalty checks instead of sending them to his home.
The parents grew suspicious when the royalty checks stopped coming. They suspected that Braxton was trying to keep all the money for himself, so they decided to send him to a hospital.
Braxton found out about his parents' plan and confided in his teacher, who then informed the publisher.
A few days later, a mysterious man showed up at Braxton's parents' house. He claimed to be the administrator of a home for troubled boys and offered to take Braxton away so he wouldn't be a burden on his parents anymore. They were thrilled to finally be rid of Braxton. They had always seen him as a burden and were happy to see him go.
The man, who was actually Braxton's publisher, took him to live in the big city, which was a new experience for Braxton. In his new home, he was able to write stories of more and more adventures.
Over the next decade, Braxton wrote captivating stories about exotic places all over the world. Despite never leaving his new home, he was able to imagine the world through the blue marble he always kept with him.
Not too shabby of a life for a boy who couldn't speak and was confined to a wheelchair.
What's holding you back from chasing your dreams?
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
REMEMBERING SHANE
by Dale Thele
Before writing the first of four books, it took me nearly 10 years to decide the best format to tell Shane's story. I began the first book numerous times, but the manuscript felt wrong. I'd shelve the manuscript for months on end, then I'd start writing a new manuscript, only to again be disappointed. This went on for 9 years until finally, I began writing, and I liked what I was writing.
Although untitled until 2019, CLIPPED WINGS was a story inside me for over 40 years. It was waiting to come out, but I was frightened to tell it to anyone. For 40+ years, it festered inside me. Nightmares. Night sweats. Moments of sheer terror. The story was eating at me from within. If I didn't find an outlet, I suspected it would eventually drive me crazy.
I finally decided to write an autobiography, which could turn into numerous slander lawsuits. Something I wanted to avoid contending with. After several years of considering my options, I wrote a fiction based on real life.
The cast of characters in the series is extensive, so I combined the names and characteristics of real-life individuals with fictional traits. By giving the characters fictional names, the chances of anyone pinpointing precisely who the characters are/were in real life would be remote.
The first book of the series, entitled CLIPPED WINGS, a monster of a book at 768 pages, started with this quote:
“The hardest part in life is trying to show the smile
you know is fake while hiding the tears that won’t stop.”
—unknown
This coming-of-age story starts in the 1970s as Shane begins his sophomore year in the only high school in a not-so-large north central Oklahoma town. Weaving current experiences with stories from his childhood, he constructs an intricate tapestry of tales that explains who he is becoming.
The second book of the series, entitled BLURRED LINES at 256 pages, started with this quote:
“Reality is not easy,
but all this make-believe doesn’t make it easier.”
Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Shane Davison pens a fictional short story for a college writing class assignment that goes haywire as boundaries between fiction and reality become obscured. The warning signs are there but go unheeded as the work-in-progress is “just a class assignment.” Or is it becoming more than just fantasy, seeming so real-to-life in fact that people’s lives could be at risk?
The third book of the series, entitled CHASING UNICORNS at 502 pages, started with this quote:
“There are some who went off in search of unicorns
but found only rhinoceros.”
Laurent Binet
Shane settles into the “normal” life he’s always craved, unaware his reality is about to turn messy and complicated, split between his own budding romance while being supportive of a co-worker’s gay teen son, Dexter. Homophobic hate lies and misunderstandings lead Dexter into a dark place, a dimension Shane may be powerless to save the teen. All the while, Shane has his hands full with his new beau, Michael. A relationship that, on the surface, seems to be going swimmingly, but underneath the sunny veneer lurks chilling secrets.
The fourth book of the series, entitled FINAL CHAPTERS at 268 pages, started with this quote:
“Writing a book eventually leads to
having to write the final chapter.”
Dale Thele
This novel is presented in three parts:
Part One:
CAROUSEL PONIES
Friends with good intentions encourage Shane to jump into the dating pool. However, getting his feet wet becomes one disaster after another.
Part Two:
WEDDING WOES
Shane and his boyfriend plan a gay commitment ceremony, but on their big day, fate has other plans.
Part Three:
SO LONG
Shane has just about everything a happy gay man could have; however, something is brewing that can permanently alter Shane’s happy existence.
There are 1794 pages in the Shane Davison Chronicles Series; there’s something for everyone. Although the series is now completed, and there won’t be any new Shane stories, you can still visit Shane and his crazy life at any time by re-reading any of the 4 books.
I’ll miss Shane; he and I’ve been close for the past 4 years. Writing “his” story has been therapeutic for me. I owe Shane a lot for keeping me sane as I wrote this series. So long, Shane, I’ll miss you, buddy!
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
LOST HOME
by Dale Thele
Once upon a time, in a lush green forest, two birds named Oliver and Penelope built a cozy nest atop a tall oak tree. Their nest was a masterpiece, carefully woven with twigs, leaves, and feathers. It was their sanctuary, where they shared countless stories and dreams. However, one stormy night, a fierce gust of wind swept through the forest, causing their beloved nest to come crashing down.
Devastated, Oliver and Penelope fluttered around, desperately searching for their lost home. They hopped from branch to branch, peering into every nook and cranny, but their nest was nowhere to be found. Determined not to give up, they sought the help of their forest friends. The wise old owl suggested they search near the river, while the mischievous squirrel insisted they check the meadow.
With renewed hope, the two birds embarked on a journey, exploring every corner of the forest. Along the way, they encountered various challenges and met new friends who offered their support. Despite their tireless efforts, the nest remained elusive. As the sun began to set, Oliver and Penelope perched on a branch, feeling disheartened.
Just as they were about to give up, a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying a familiar scent. Following their instincts, the birds flew towards the fragrance and discovered their nest nestled safely in a bed of soft moss. Overjoyed, Oliver and Penelope chirped with delight, grateful for their perseverance and the kindness of their forest companions. From that day forward, their nest became a symbol of resilience and the power of friendship, reminding them that even in the face of adversity, they could always find their way back home.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.
GHOSTS of LOST CREEK JUNCTION
by Dale Thele
As one novel comes to a close (FINAL CHAPTERS), I begin another. This next novel will shake things up from my previous novels:
(1) it's not a series
(2) it has all new characters
(3) it has a whole new story
(4) it's not based on real life (let's say I'm not aware of any similarities)
(4) it has Ghosts! Don't worry, these ghosts aren't scary, matter of fact they're not very good at being ghosts.
Lost Creek Junction is a teeny-weeny-tiny town with more ghosts than actual living residents. It has always been a small place. For decades, the official population count has been questioned because the town folks have never agreed if they should include the ghosts in the count. All the town's folk were born and raised in or around Lost Creek Junction. They know everyone, all the local legends, and the town's folklore like the back of their hand.
Picture this: one beautiful May morning (not long ago), a stranger named Taylor Elliott rolls into town on the morning train. And let me tell you, that train is the only one that comes in or out of Lost Creek Junction for the next week. Fresh out of college, Taylor drags his bags down the dusty street and goes straight to the house of the late widow Blackburn. He walks into the house like he owns the place, and guess what? Turns out he actually inherited it. Now, the ownership history of that house is a real head-scratcher. It changed hands thrice in poker games, and was twice confiscated by the county for unpaid taxes, and once the house was a prize in a checkers game. But somehow, in all the ownership swaps, Mr. Elliott ended up owning it lock, stock, and barrel. Nobody around these parts knows how he's related to old widow Blackburn (may she rest in peace). Still, he must be connected to her somehow to inherit such a fancy old house.
Now, here's where things get interesting. Enter Ezekiel and Abrahim, two bitter rivals from way back when. They were enemies even before the afterlife. And after a whole century, their rivalry is reignited when the precious land they fought over is awarded to Mister Elliott. The residents of Lost Creek Junction, both alive and dead, end up banding together in a ghostly Hatfield and McCoy-type showdown to keep ghosts Ezekiel and Abrahim from destroying Lost Creek Junction from their shady shenanigans.
So, there you have it. Lost Creek Junction, a town full of ghosts, the arrival of a stranger awakens two ornery ghosts, which sparks a ghostly feud that is about to shake things up in this small Texas town.
Copyright © 2024 Dale Thele. All Rights Reserved
Not to be copied or reproduced electronically or otherwise is expressly prohibited without prior written permission of the author.