One Stone

Our Civil War was fought to end slavery. Hundreds of thousands died to bring reality more closely in line with the ideals expressed in our Declaration of Independence. The War ended, but the struggle to live up to our ideals continues. Cavalry skirmishes near Atlanta in the summer of 1864 afforded me the idea for this story. It saddens me that the story’s message remains timely now. “One Stone” was just published on the Literally Stories site. Here’s the link: https://literallystories2014.com/2026/09/24/one-stone-by-robert-walton/

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick!

My story “Big Stick” is a small SF nod to Teddy Roosevelt and was just published in Strange Tales of Space and Time.  I thank Burial Books editor Steven Harris for including it in this fine new anthology! Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX34LW34?fbclid=IwY2xjawUNMstwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU5aYU9UUGdhTVdZeWNhOUpzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeWrjT5Z30eooeBbsaede3sX_LtiYA5OW3qajHbeH38dSkpdlpr3VMEHtey5U_aem_XoLfBqGLK3s0h60BGyTSxQ

A Thorny Child Returns

“Like a Thorny Child” won first place in the Central Coast Writers 2012 fiction contest. It was subsequently published in the contest journal and hasn’t been seen since. I thank editor Ivy Quigley for including this story in the August edition of Breath and Shadows! Here’s the link: https://www.abilitymaine.org/bs2026aug/%22like-a-thorny-child%22

Mrs. Turkolu’s Emerald Wins Prize!

I’m proud to share the news that the Saturday Writers just honored “Mrs. Turkolu’s Emerald” with an award in their 2026 Children’s Literture contest. This story became the opening chapter in The Emerald Owl’s Secret, my (as yet!) unpublished picaresque fantasy novella for young people. It will be included in the 2026 anthology. Thanks to the contest administrators and judges!

Blown Open — A Red Wolf Journal Anthology

Several of my poems are in this issue of Red Wolf Journal. I thank Editor Irene Toh for including them in such a fine collection. 

Try page 59 .https://redwolfjournal.wordpress.com

Boris the Tyrannosaurus!

Satire is not dead! Just how popular is that Qatari jet that used to be Air Force #1? Read Boris the Tyrannosaurus and find out. I thank editor Hansen Adcock for including it in Once Upon a Crocodile! Here’s the link: https://onceuponacrocodile.wordpress.com/current-issue/boris-the-tyrannosaurus/

Joan’s Glass Lion

My “Joan’s Glass Lion” was just published in a new anthology by Thalia Press. This story was a favorite of good friends Al Anderson and Barbara Morris. They offered encouragement and suggestions while I wrote it. Sadly, they both passed away before they could see it in print. I hope it will please and that you’ll enjoy the rest of Curious Cats. https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Cats-Original-Short-Mysteries/dp/1960556363/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0