Janna Hill

We never knew exactly when Bubba came into this world. He came to us already grown, carrying with him years we knew nothing about and stories he could never tell. We didn’t know the day he was born or all the roads his paws had traveled before they finally led him home to us. But maybe none of that matters. Because we knew the part of his life that mattered most to us. His name was James…

I’m okay now. At least more okay than I was. I don’t cry every day anymore, so that must be progress. There was a time when your name could undo me before the sun had fully risen.  A time when every phone notification made my heart stumble, when every unfamiliar vehicle turning into the driveway made me look twice. That doesn’t happen as often now. Not because I miss you less. But because…

This piece for National Short Story Month was written with beginning writers in mind, but readers are welcomed. We’re all one great big happy family here. After all writers are readers too. A lot of people don’t know that May is National Short Story Month. Yep, you can thank Dan Wickett for that. Don’t you just love bite-size fiction? I did a live presentation some years back titled The Art…

I’m busy in the flower bed,but I watch them in my peripheral vision. Two men on the porch,each with a beer in his right hand. A few thoughts exchanged —a few laughs, a sip —then they fade into silence. I turn just a little —a tad, you might say —to get a better lookwithout being conspicuous. And they’re just sitting there. Each rocking his chairin rhythm with the other. The porch creaks…

The thought of losing a child cripples me [emotionally]. Although I have thankfully not lost a child to war my mama heart hurts so deeply for those who have that is how this poem was born so many years ago. That is why I share it here today. But let me not forget – let none of us forget. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend, a parade, or a flag waving in the warm breeze.For many families,…

“Mama, where do your toes go when you go outdoors?” “Why child, they are with me wherever I go, so if I go out, so do my toes.” “But I thought I heard them talkin’ when you were outside.” “Oh yeah? And what did they say?” “They said— My, my… your mama done left her toes inside.” The Case of the Talking Toes I remember… She sat at my feet like time had not yet learned how to…

Part II (This is Me) I’m not sure who I’m speaking to in the audience; whether they are a curious reader or an independent author, I will try to address the topic in a way that all can understand. In the first portion of my annual Indie report I shared a few things I have learned regarding support, reviews and social media. If you’re interested I’ll share more. I believe I left off at #3 in…

A blast from the past. March of 2013 Part I Can you believe I have a solid year behind me in this adventure as an independent author/publisher? My how time flies when you’re having fun. So what have I learned other than how to type while holding fried chicken in one hand and a biscuit in the other? Who doesn’t love fried chicken and a biscuit? A lot! Do I have any advice for beginners? Oh…

The poem is circa 2017 written while under the influence of cannabis, the photo is current. (Stoned & Poetic) He lives in a shack with a dog and a cat The shack is out back by his mama’s house In the house there’s a couch, I think he has a wife and a mouse And they are all full of crack, except the dog and the cat. Do these crackers make me look fat? … *THIS IS WHY SOME PEOPLE should…

Welp, it’s another year therefore another speech and another prayer. Actually, the only thing new is the year and boy did that one fly by. I’ve been sharing variations of the Pilgrim’sPrayer and a similar speech since … I reckon since the pilgrims sat down with the Indians… or last year. Ha! I crack me up. Anywho I’m sure it’s been a couple of decades, maybe more. So today while my herbs and…