Seeing Red and Jade (2010.12.25)
Xen decides that maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store...

The Bliss in Another (2010.12.07)
Xen is startled by a maternally jubilant Kei and a family-minded Hannah.

Of Purgatory and Blessings (2010.11.25)
Xen likes himself and sees a future, but won't freak out about it.

Hey Jealousy (2010.11.19)
Xen does not care much for jealousy and won't let it into his relationships.

Boy, Uninterrupted (2010.11.09)
Xen tries therapy again, decides he doesn't like it better than writing.

The Tomorrow After That (2010.11.05)
You need to try harder.

The Gospel According to St. John (2010.11.03)
Xen gets off smack. And by "smack," he means "St. John's wort."

In the Cards (2010.10.29)
Xen has more faith in hardwork than magical cardboard. Gods, he got old.

Here There Be Demons (2010.10.25)
Xen makes an awfully big deal about taking an herbal supplement.

Feels like Home (2010.10.05)
Xen contemplates what makes a home and decides it is Melanie.

To Prepare a Face (2010.09.15)
Xen muses identity in respect to Melanie and him.

Wingman and Cloistered Lad (2010.09.14)
Xen commits to acting as Bryan's wingman, whether he wants it or not.

Harm None (2010.09.04)
One the first Pagans Xen came to trust is going to jail from twenty-three years for being a child rapist.

Paperback Writer (2010.08.26)
Xen's book is going to be published.

Beside Still Water (2010.08.20)
Despite apparently angering the God of Vehicles, Xen and his family survive vacation again.

The Center of Madness (2010.08.15)
Melanie and Clio are reunited!

When the Masks Are Off (2010.08.10)
Hannah has a leave and eats sushi.

Jenna (2010.08.01)
Xen has a sleepover with Melanie and Jenna.

The Perimeter of the Fire (2010.07.25)
Xen goes to a bonfire alone.

Casting Understudies (2010.07.23)
A friend drunkenly comes onto Xen and he discusses jealousy.

21 (2010.07.18)
Melanie can finally drink legally in this country.

Soulmates or Bedmates (2010.07.15)
Xen muses people who hook up or settle. He does neither, but you are welcome to.

All Rise (2010.07.08)
Jamie gets help. Melanie's associate does not.

Flirting: a Retraction (2010.06.15)
Xen is sorry he was such a flirt. He won't do it anymore.

Should Not Mean But Be (2010.06.05)
Xen vents about poetry.

Not Garth (2010.05.30)
Xen struggles with his assumptions for who other's believe him to be. He is aware that is convoluted.

Moments and Communities (2010.05.29)
Jacki throws a party and Xen decides they are a one night community.

Minimal Involvement (2010.05.19)
Xen gets to know Cristin and her friends a bit better.

Every Silver Lining (2010.05.15)
Xen has a great day and reconnects with Cristin, but would trade it all for Melanie's happiness.

Adolescents in the Mist (2010.05.09)
Xen has his Reader stolen by the subspecies of homosapien called adolescent annoyi.

Hubble's Flaw (2010.04.21)
Edwin Hubble lied a lot, but he also made us realize how large the neighborhood truly is.

Flowers Through Concrete (2010.04.20)
Xen gets an afterschool job working with inner-city kids.

Carpe Noctem (2010.04.07)
Xen likes the night, but lives in the day.

Transcending Stereotypes (2010.04.01)
Xen does not like that the AP classes are full of Caucasian children.

Five Years In Ten Minutes (2010.03.21)
Xen does not like job interviews.

A Legitimate Writer (2010.03.20)
These entries actually prove useful for once.

You Can't Go Home Again (2010.03.19)
Zack returns, briefly, for Thanksmas.

Bloom Where You Are (2010.03.04)
Xen feels poked to death, or at least distraction.

Are You Mark? (2010.02.28)
Xen refuses to comply, especially in the snow.

Sick Bed (2010.02.20)
Xen gets strep and tonsillitis.

Perfect Couples (2010.02.10)
Xen muses the destructive power of believing others are perfect together.

How to Jive and Wail (2010.02.03)
Xen tries to cope with being inexperienced.

Tomorrow of Its Strength (2010.01.28)
Xen frets over bureaucratic dickering until he sees a glimpse of his goals in the guise of Clio's family.

Swing Vote (2010.01.26)
Xen and Jacki swing dance.

The Struggle to Write (2010.01.22)
Xen is visited by three ghosts.

On the Dance Floor (2010.01.18)
Xen and Jacki dance!

Preemptive Homesickness (2010.01.14)
Melanie stays with her parents for a few more days.

Recycling Party (2010.01.11)
Xen talks about clothing and attachment.

Across the Universe (2010.01.07)
Xen is making new friends. (Not into sandwiches.)

Thomm Quackenbush is an author and teacher in the Hudson Valley. He has published four novels in his Night's Dream series (We Shadows, Danse Macabre, Artificial Gods, and Flies to Wanton Boys). He has sold jewelry in Victorian England, confused children as a mad scientist, filed away more books than anyone has ever read, and tried to inspire the learning disabled and gifted. He is capable of crossing one eye, raising one eyebrow, and once accidentally groped a ghost. When not writing, he can be found biking, hiking the Adirondacks, grazing on snacks at art openings, and keeping a straight face when listening to people tell him they are in touch with 164 species of interstellar beings. He likes when you comment.