Author: William Spear

William E. Spear has written for audio since 1994. His book, "Lit Between the Ears, Volume One: Chekhov, O. Henry, Spear and Tarkington On the Air," was released on July 31, 2006. He founded Two Plus Plus Productions LLC in 2006 and is President. He founded Hunterdon Radio Theatre in 1999 and has written over 15 plays since. Spear's work has been broadcast in New York and New Jersey and his plays have been published on web sites across the country.

A First Job for the Unnamed Eighth Grader in “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner”

Hunterdon County, New Jersey (3 April 2025) – A first job means many things. New responsibilities, emerging maturity, or being away from home on a regular basis.

A junior high schooler’s first job likely means all of those. And more.

For the Unnamed Eighth Grader in William E. Spear, Jr.’s short story “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner” it’s all about money for Christmas gifts.

Quoting the student, “In previous years, my aunt and uncle loaned me the money and I repaid them by doing chores around the house. Raked leaves. Washed, dried, and put away dishes.”

But a new school year will start in a couple of months and the Eighth Grader wants to earn “mature money.” Wants “‘I’ll-be-a-high-school-freshman-in-the-fall’ money.”

With the aunt and uncle’s help, the student gets a job washing dishes at the Stack’em Up. Free uniforms, free meals during each shift, and close to home make it sound terrific. Except for one thing.

Which will be included in the next post.

By the way, what was less than perfect at your first job?

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“Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner” is one of eight short stories being written and developed for publication in “Unexpected Moments” later this year. Other titles in the collection include:

-“Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms,

-“Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed, and

-“Plastered”: A husband and wife argue over her fatal automobile accident from seven years ago.

If the above interests you, please consider Liking, Sharing, Leaving a Comment, or Following.

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About the author:

William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.

It’s No Joke; “Unexpected Moments” Will Be Published Later in the Year

Hunterdon County, New Jersey (1 April 2025) — Eight short stories from William E. Spear, Jr. will take readers on journeys ranging from a ghost skeptic whose disbelief in spirits is challenged to fitting in—or not fitting in—as a grandparent to an eighth grader’s first job at a New Jersey diner.

According to Mr. Spear, “The characters could be encountered any day of the week—a person at work, a teenager, a photographer, or a spouse. Also, their starting points are familiar, especially here in New Jersey—a diner, a snow storm, a train station, or a county highway.”

However, he says that they are altered in ways that are neither cataclysmic, horrific, nor tragic. Rather, the changes are quietly unexpected and could happen everywhere.

Other stories in the collection include the following:

  • “Beyond Reach”: Two sixty-five-year-old strangers recite improvised poetry to each other and develop a relationship.
  • “Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms,
  • “Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed, and
  • “Plastered”: A husband and wife argue over her fatal automobile accident from seven years ago.

Spear adds, “Additional details such the release date, format, and where “Unexpected Moments” my be purchased are forthcoming. For now, story excerpts and book updates will be shared here.”

By the way, this is not an April Fools’ joke. “Unexpected Moments” is in the works.

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If this interests you, please consider Liking, Sharing, Leaving a Comment, or Following.

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About the author:

William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Introducing the Diner in “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner”

Hunterdon County, New Jersey (29 March 2025) – New Jersey diners are as plentiful as steak fries in a side order to a Taylor ham and cheese sandwich and specially suited for various occasions.

How could these diner moments be forgotten:

  • Stepping away, often, from high school for breakfast or lunch,
  • Extending days down the Jersey shore for celebrations with friends, or,
  • Stopping for midnight dinners at the Scotchwood in Scotch Plains after an evening of listening to R Band at the Arrow Lounge in Plainfield.

The last point echoes from the late seventies. For those mathematically-inclined, that is nearly a half century ago.

The diner in William E. Spear, Jr.’s short story “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner” serves an equally memorable purpose—it is the first job for an eighth grader during the summer before high school.

The student wants to start saving for Christmas gifts and the Stack’em Up’s nearby location is convenient. However, there are a lot of people at the diner and the student doesn’t speak. To anyone.

Quoting, “Words are like swarms of bees. Painful and best to be avoided at all costs.”

How does the student overcome the intimidation of walking into the Stack’em Up and what does the diner do to ease the transition? That’s the story.

By the way, your order is ready.

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“Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner” is one of eight short stories being written and developed for release in 2025. Other titles include:

  • “Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms,
  • “Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed, and
  • “Plastered”: A husband and wife argue over her fatal automobile accident from seven years ago.

If the above interests you, please consider Liking, Sharing, Leaving a Comment, or Following.

~~

About the author:

William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The Railroad Station of Fading Ghosts in “Davidson House Spirits”

Hunterdon County, New Jersey (27 March 2025) – One of two locations in the short story titled “Davidson House Spirits” is a train station of ghosts at various stages of fading away. They arrive when forgotten by family and friends and must wait for a train to carry them elsewhere.

This contrasts with the story’s original location, headquarters of the Tri-county Investigative Association for Research on Beings of Otherworldly Origins, a ghost debunking society whose human members travel about freely.

Beyond the above differences, what would the railroad station look, or feel, like? It is inspired by the rural setting of Hunterdon County in New Jersey; there would be farms and fields of produce, as well as, highways for transporting to local markets. It would have traces of a country vibe.

Also, the lighting would be uneven—some fixtures burned out and others flickering—with a scratchy overhead speaker announcing updates on arrivals and departures. And the train everyone is waiting for is sitting in front of them but hasn’t moved in decades.

Anything else? Only the final version knows.

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“Davidson House Spirits” is one of eight short stories being written and developed for release in 2025. Other titles include:

  • “Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms.
  • “Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed.
  • “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner”: An eighth grader gets a job to buy Christmas gifts but receives more than a paycheck.

If the above interests you, please consider Liking, Sharing, Leaving a Comment, or Following.

~~

About the author:

William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Imagining BOO Headquarters in “Davidson House Spirits”

Hunterdon County, New Jersey (24 March 2025) – In “Davidson House Spirits,” JK Steffens hunts alleged ghosts with other members of the Tri-county Investigative Association for Research on Beings of Otherworldly Origins.

Nicknamed the BOOs, they also function as an overnight social club for paranormalists: comparing gear, swapping stories, and bragging about the ones they couldn’t capture on film or audio.

But, what would the headquarters of such an accomplished group look like?

From previous descriptions, it was described as more than one hundred years old, wood paneled, and having a kitchen and bar. Members are comfortable but only just.

However, is that all the supernatural spirit hunters need? Four walls to keep out the weather, a bit of heat, and a few meals? Agreeing that no one does this for the money, a few comforts beyond the bare minimum might make the spectral battles more tolerable.

Or, should the headquarters be a high tech palace? With dazzling displays of computers and gadgetry required for the field. Might such an environment produce more successes?

What to do for the BOOs?

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“Davidson House Spirits” is one of eight short stories being written and developed for release in 2025. Other titles include:

  • “Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms.
  • “Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed.
  • “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner”: An eighth grader gets a job to buy Christmas gifts but receives more than a paycheck.

If the above interests you, please consider Liking, Sharing, Leaving a Comment, or Following.

~~

About the author:

William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Building a Human, Rather than Scary, Ghost Story in “Davidson House Spirits”

Hunterdon County, New Jersey (23 March 2025) – In “Davidson House Spirits,” JK Steffens chases ghosts on a nightly basis.

According to William E. Spear, Jr., author of the story, “Steffens is a member of the Tri-county Investigative Association for Research on Beings of Otherworldly Origins. Nicknamed the BOOs, they view ghosts matter-of-factly rather than fearfully.”

The Association is headquartered in a refurbished social club built more than a hundred years ago. It is wood paneled with a kitchen and bar area. Members comfortably congregate to rationally discuss supernatural activities.

Spear continues, “Conversations revolve around separating myths and legends from verifiable paranormal beings. If their gear and technology cannot capture and measure an alleged ghost, spirit, or apparition, they conclude it doesn’t exist.”

How would a BOO react when confronted with actual ghosts?

“That’s what happens. Steffens is proclaiming victory in the Association’s annual competition to prove nothing is haunting Davidson House and two ghosts appear,” says Spear.

“They offer proof of spirits in exchange for assistance in finding a ghost train that runs through the county. Steffens accepts the challenge and is transported to an abandoned railroad station of slowly fading ghosts.”

From there, rationality collides with reality.

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“Davidson House Spirits” is one of eight short stories being written and developed for release in 2025. Other titles include:

  • “Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms.
  • “Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed.
  • “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner”: An eighth grader gets a job to buy Christmas gifts but receives more than a paycheck.

If the above interests you, please consider Liking, Sharing, Leaving a Comment, or Following.

~~

About the author:

William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.

JK Steffens, Ghost Debunker, has a Supernatural Meeting in Short Story “Davidson House Spirits”

Hunterdon County, New Jersey (16 March 2025) – JK Steffens, spirit breaker and self-declared champion of the annual paranormal claims debunking contest of the Tri-county Investigative Association for Research on Beings of Otherworldly Origins in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, has been joined by two ghosts.

They challenge Steffens’ announcement that the “Davidson House spirits are a fraud” and offer a deal to prove the spirits are real in exchange for help finding the Stationmaster. Steffens repeats the spirits are fake and is thrown against the wall by an unseen force.

The ghosts offer again, Steffens accepts, and all three are transported to a deserted railroad track.

Excerpts from “Davidson House Spirits” will be continued . . .

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If the above interests you, please consider Liking, Sharing, Leaving a Comment, or Following.

Written by William E. Spear, Jr., “Davidson House Spirits” is one of eight stories being developed for publication in 2025. Other titles include:

  • “Freaks from Another Planet”: Two friends reflect on parenting and grandparenting as if they were discussing alien life forms.
  • “Just One More”: Stranded in a blizzard, an individual learns the most wanted is not always the most needed.
  • “Paper Placemats at the Stack’em Up Diner”: An eighth grader gets a job to buy Christmas gifts but receives more than a paycheck.

~~

About the author:

William E. Spear, Jr., born in the Midwest and raised on the East Coast, is influenced by classical music, the Temptations, and Bob Seger. He writes quiet stories; the ones that might otherwise go unnoticed.