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 (465)
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What We Once Were
Was it the sprawling maple tree she sat under, her captivating physique, or those mesmerizing eyes that drew me into my oblivion. I may never know the answer to that question. What I do know is that by closing my eyes for what I had hoped would be the kiss of a lifetime unexpectedly transformed me into the monster I am today.
By Mark Gagnon6 months ago in Horror
It Only Took One
Was it the sprawling maple tree, her captivating physique, or those mesmerizing eyes that drew me into my oblivion. I may never know the answer to that question. What I do know is that as I closed my eyes for what I had hoped to be the kiss of a lifetime unexpectedly transformed me into the monster I am today.
By Mark Gagnon6 months ago in Fiction
Bogus Sayings
When I was young I would hear the older kids and even some adults quote these bizarre sayings, and I would think they were true. Step on a crack and break your mother’s back. Break a mirror and it’s seven years bad luck. Don’t walk under a ladder or it will bring bad luck. Then of course there is the saying, lightning never strikes the same place twice.
By Mark Gagnon6 months ago in Journal
Compassion for Who
Orson worked as a contract coder for multiple medical software companies. Freelancing let him make his own hours, live where he wanted, and be his own boss. He avoided petty office politics and usually made more than the 9-5ers. The downside was there were no benefits. Medical and life insurance, along with retirement plans, were his responsibility. It seemed a fair trade for his freedom.
By Mark Gagnon6 months ago in Psyche
Just Let It Go
The stress has driven me to my breaking point. I’ve done my best to maintain my inner strength throughout the years, but enough is enough. Even the strongest of us max out eventually and I’m no exception. Of course I didn’t start out thinking like this.
By Mark Gagnon6 months ago in Fiction
You're Not Getting It
The official-looking sign posted on the door read, “Safe Driving for Seniors.” In many states, the term seniors could apply to high school seniors, but not in Florida. The attendees in this room were all past retirement age and had one thing in common besides age — they had all received a ticket for unsafe driving. The instructor was in his early twenties and displayed the confidence of youth. He was given this assignment because no one more senior than him wanted to do it.
By Mark Gagnon6 months ago in Longevity
The Gemstone Search
It wasn’t a lie, or then again, maybe it was. Could I actually be so gullible as to believe such a thing really existed when my common sense told me it was totally illogical. Perhaps if I hadn’t listened to all those stories about pirate treasures and quests for lost cities or the holy grail, I would have dismissed this story as one more bogus pipe dream. Unfortunately, that wasn’t what happened.
By Mark Gagnon6 months ago in Fiction
Waltzing Matilda
When I first moved to the middle of Nowhere Ville, USA, I was suspicious of everyone and every place. It didn’t matter if I were buying gas or wandering around the grocery store, all it would take was a sideways glance by a passerby, a barking dog, or a car backfiring and my guard was up. I know, I sound paranoid, but for me the term stranger danger has a personal meaning. You’d feel the same if you were enrolled in the Federal Witness Protection Program commonly known as WHITSEC.
By Mark Gagnon7 months ago in Criminal
Green Eggs
The USS Hawaii, a fast attack nuclear submarine, finished replenishing supplies at the naval base in Yokosuka, Japan. Once underway, they would prowl the Pacific in search of threats to the US and its allies for the next three months. All 15 officers and 113 enlisted personnel reported for duty; the order was given to cast off, and the ship was soon underway.
By Mark Gagnon7 months ago in Fiction
Sword of Destiny
I enjoy perusing the classified ads. People will post everything from attempting to reconnect with a long-lost love to selling a pair of slightly used shoes. There really is something for everyone. Since I’m new to town, checking out the classifieds gives me some insight into the people who live here.
By Mark Gagnon7 months ago in Horror
Get Out of My Head. Top Story - August 2025.
When I first heard it I was mesmerized. Maybe it was the backbeat that captured my brain or possibly the syncopated rhythm that snaked its way into my every thought. The melody was definitely captivating. Whatever the reason, I was ensnared in its clutches, and the song had no intentions of letting me go.
By Mark Gagnon7 months ago in Fiction
