A. L. Kaplan

Tag: lake

  • WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Karen Janowsky

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    Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

    Karen BookFestKaren Janowsky has loved superheroes and ancient mythology since the first time she saw the Super Friends on television in 1970’s. Because flying an invisible jet was never a viable career option, and because running around in a cape, swimsuit, and bright red boots is not socially acceptable for adults, she teaches yoga and writing at the College of Southern Maryland. Her stories and poems have been featured in several anthologies and literary magazines since 1991. She received her master’s degree in English from Florida State University.

    Wolf: If you could be any animal in the universe, what would it be and why?

    Karen: I’ll probably stick to human for the sake of self-preservation. I don’t especially want to be on an endangered list, or anywhere on the food chain.

    Wolf: Good idea. What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

    Karen: Turkish delight. I was curious because of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Imagine eating one of those fancy soaps that are pink and molded into roses—the kind you see in Grandma’s bathroom on the top of the toilet.

    Wolf: Eating soap is no fun. They make Turkish delight in other flavors. They taste much better. If you had to pick a weapon, what would it be and why?

    Karen: Words. I will cut my foes down with insults and sarcasm.

    Wolf: Ouch. You’ve just been turned into a plant. Describe yourself.

    Karen: I’m probably one of those short, squat plants with long, fibrous leaves that look like frizzy, unkempt hair.

    Wolf: That sounds very familiar. If you could have a super-power, what would it be?

    Karen: Definitely teleportation, because I’m not a fantastic traveler and that would save me some stress. The only power better than that would be shape shifting, because I could make myself a little taller and thinner.

    Wolf: I wouldn’t change a thing. You look great. There is a door at the end of a dark, damp corridor. You hear rumbling. What do you do?

    Karen: If the rumbling is because of a loud nebulizer, I’d go on in. Damp corridors usually mean mold, which I’m allergic to!

    Wolf: Which of your characters is your favorite?

    PersistenceofMemory1DejaVu.KarenJanowskyKaren: Daniel is my favorite. I think I identify with him most in terms of the journey toward confidently finding one’s place in the world.

    Wolf: What is your favorite body of water and why? (river, ocean, waterfall, puddle, bottle…)

    Karen: I think my favorite is a clean, clear lake. Lakes can be vast but have boundaries. I like that surety. Of course, any body of water would have to be 100% devoid of snakes.

    Wolf: I take it you are not a serpent fan. What story are you working on now?

    Karen: I am working on a sequel to my superhero romance trilogy, The Persistence of Memory. It features a popular side character, Miriam.

    Wolf: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

    Karen: I also teach yoga, and the yoga classroom is very much my happy place.

    Wolf: Very relaxing. Thanks for visiting. You can learn more about Karen at these sites:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Janowsky-391334061451858/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkarenjanowsky/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/Karen_Janowsky
    Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Karen-Janowsky/e/B07QTB7FHS
    Website: www.KarenJanowsky.com

     

    Star Touched

    Wolf Dawn

     

     

  • FOAM

    foam-2

    “Let him have it,” said Alice. “He’s almost got it contained.”

    “One more minute,” said Jim as he and Alice watched Mr. Turner corral the foam into a neat circle.

    There was always a little scum floating at the water’s edge this time of year, but this morning the entire lake had been coated with a mysterious layer of fluffy white cream. Mr. Turner was sent out to clean the mess before his coffee and had been grumbling the entire time.

    Just as Turner finished, Jim pointed his finger. “Tempest.”

    A whirling gust ripped across the lake, sending the foam flying. Turner threw his ball cap into the boat and shouted curses. His stomping rocked the craft, nearly tossing him into the water.

    “I bet he never hassles another barista about low foam on his latte again,” said Alice, between bouts of laughter.

    Jim felt heat flush his face just thinking about yesterday’s fiasco. Turner had called him a lazy inept kid who wouldn’t amount to anything. Being dressed down in front of the entire coffee shop and then fired wasn’t half as bad as the way everyone laughed.

    Only Alice had stood by him. She always did. More than a best friend, she was the only one who knew about his magic.

    “I still think you should have zapped some cinnamon on top,” said Alice. “You know that’s how he always takes his coffee.”

    “It wouldn’t change anything,” Jim said, shaking his head.

    “But it sure would feel good.”

     

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  • Early Start

    George shifted the throttle on the old motorboat and disappeared into the mist forming over the cold water of the lake. The first rays of morning sun tried to penetrate the vapor, but were repulsed, leaving only a sickly glow. Chills ran down George’s back as he glanced at the bundle on the boat’s floor. Chains and weights crisscrossed the pink floral sheet. No one could know what he was doing, no one. Traveling by instinct, he reached the deepest part of the lake where the shoreline was hidden from view. First his little boy, then his wife, all dead.

    “I wish I’d never found you.” George said as he grasped the bundle.

    The package twisted and wriggled in his hands, knocking the industrial ear muff he wore from his head. George released the package and clamped his hands over his ears as a voice, taunting, singing, filled the air. It would be so easy for him to sink into the soothing waters, silent and dark. That’s what he wanted, wasn’t it?

    George froze, one leg already poise to jump into the icy water. The sleek trout gleamed at him from its mounted plaque as it lay unwrapped on the floor of the boat. George jammed his ear muff back on and rewrapped the wriggling singing fish, making sure the weights were well clamped. His hands shook as he threw it overboard and he prayed no one would ever find the thing again.