Author Archives: Norm Benson

Harry Splutter and the Lure of Hollyweird

Episode 3 (continued from previous posts) … personal injury lawyer. Harry grabbed Hermione’s hand and yanked her away from the knackwurst that people were beginning to scoop up and make into sandwiches. “Mustard only, hold the mayo” yelled the grumpy wizard who had already fashioned a neck brace out of thin air and was passingContinue reading “Harry Splutter and the Lure of Hollyweird”

Willamette Writers Conference

This last weekend I attended the 38th Annual Willamette (rhymes with damn it) Writers Conference held at the Sheraton near Portland International Airport (Is Idaho another country?). I went to the 37th conference last year. The WWC (Willamette Writers Conference not the World Wrestling Commission) runs as if it were a Swiss watch. I haveContinue reading “Willamette Writers Conference”

Harry Splutter and the Lure of Hollyweird

Episode 2 The hexatometer that Harry had to pass under is a monstrous thing and monstrous is the right word. It’s a green-scaled dragon that’s been taught to sniff out wands, potions, and Old Spice deodorant. Harry took a deep breath as the TSA witch waved for him move through. “Here goes nothing,” muttered HarryContinue reading “Harry Splutter and the Lure of Hollyweird”

Harry Splutter and the Lure of Hollyweird

In the vein of the Cookenflagen’s on Alan’s website. I would love to continue this story, so email me and I’ll post the continuation. Episode 1… Harry stuffed his wand in the back pocket of his jeans and placed the locket with the horcrux in the plastic bin on the metallic table. A tall wizardContinue reading “Harry Splutter and the Lure of Hollyweird”

Take Off Your Shoes and Say Aack

“Make sure your seat backs are in the upright position and that your tray tables are locked.” Mary and I fly Southwest Airlines. The attendants are friendly (if just a little loud), it’s efficient, and it’s cheap. We are not frequent travelers but we just got back from a family reunion in Corolla on NorthContinue reading “Take Off Your Shoes and Say Aack”

Forestacean

I don’t know what these crabs represent—other than the Chesapeake—or why they’re around what are called the inner banks of North Carolina (abbreviated IBX—Outer Banks is OBX). I do know that Santa Rosa (northern California) did something similar with Charlie Brown figures—Charles Schultz lived in Santa Rosa until his death. People, shops, and companies decoratedContinue reading “Forestacean”