J.A.WILLOUGHBY
THIS SIDE OF CENTER - ENCORE
The Second Short Story Collection
All illustrations are original and created or chosen specifically for this publication.
A selection of the Author's art is available as prints at FineArtAmerica.com
MERCY
A newly evolved species instinctively protects itself and in the process infects the world's animal population - starting with humans.
AND THEN...
A young girl and her friends conjure up diabolical monsters that terrify them and threaten their lives, but only in their imaginations. Or are they?
THE KITCHEN KLATCH
An Oven, Coffee Maker, Clock and Teapot have fervid discussions, trying to cope with a recent move to a different location and with the introduction of new appliances into their small Klatch.
THERE YOU ARE!
The words on a writer's computer screen literally take on a life of their own when they suddenly question him about his time spent away from the keyboard.
WHAT OF MAN?
A dying species attacks the earth's human population in a desperate plan to save themselves from extinction.
THE LAST LAUGH
Comedy improvisation at its finest in a surgical suite when a man tries to allay his fears about being put under general anesthesia two minutes before his scheduled surgery. A true story.
THE UNSEEN
A man is extremely disturbed by sudden unexpected events at his house which he can't explain and seeks expert and “liquid counsel” from his bartender.
Book at www.jawillloughby.com
Illustration for the short story, MERCY.
J.A.Willoughby thematic THIS SIDE OF CENTER / ENCORE back cover portrait
Book at www.jawillloughby.com
TO ALL, A GOOD NIGHT
A man down on his luck gets "uniquely acquainted" with the spirit of giving during a long out of state drive back home on Christmas Eve - just like he does every year.
SEASON FINALE
“The award winning time travel reality show, Death Sentence !, brings you the best in public executions throughout recorded history. This week, we are in Jerusalem for the crucifixion of Christ. You won’t want to miss this season’s finale!” (Sequel to A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR AN EXECUTION)
WHERE THE BOYS ARE
Two boys try to solve the mystery of an old woman's obsession with a song that she plays daily, and in the process one of them discovers more than what he bargained for.
SYNCHRONICITY
A night on the road coming back from a gig yields a very unexpected and freaky surprise for a rock musician and his fellow band mates, one that they will never forget. (A true story)
SQUAWK
A man suddenly awakes alone at the controls of a small airplane flying at 2,000 feet, only to discover
that he can neither move nor speak.
BACK TO THE FIRST SHORT STORY COLLECTION
ENCORE
On a cold winter’s day a former musician recalls his life on the road while waiting outside for a concert to start, then reveals the worst secrets about himself as the band starts playing. READ FREE
THE KID & ME
On a walk through his hometown an older man's recollections of the place cause him to question
if he made the correct choices and provided the right opportunities for a kid he once knew. A very detailed nostalgic story.