"TOOTHPICK FOR TWO" Humor Gone Rampant, Love Gone Awry A simple and silly little short story about two simple and silly little people; Grace and Benny Bevermeyer. “Toothpick for Two” was originally written for audio in a light-hearted, Tom Bodett-style narration.
On a stormy night coming home from a family reunion, a long married couple is reminded why they love each other. A simple, thoughtful act warms even the coldest of hearts and can cure what ails those who have been together for years but have forgotten how much they really love each other. True love isn't all fun, but it can be funny, especially when you find it all over again. Chuckle-back guarantee. Caution: seat belts and a sense of humor are required!
I am a fulltime thriller novelist, living in the Kansas City metro area with my golden retriever, Jazzy Brass. I’ve taught novel-writing for several community colleges, worked over twenty years for the BNSF Railway, and I am a former US Marine Recon Scout, Super Squad team leader, parachutist, marksmanship coach and troop handler. I enjoys SCUBA, sailing, snow skiing and being with my kids and grandkids.
My first novel, Jezebel, landed a contract with a large publisher back in 1992. But nearly three years later, on the week they were supposed to make a 10,000-book print run, the publisher went bankrupt.
Since then, I’ve contracted with a couple of big name New York agents, have turned down a small publishing contract, had a verbal deal fall through before the written contract was made, and have had numerous manuscripts passed around the tables at the big NYC publishing houses. A senior editor from one of the largest publishers in the world has even emailed me asking “what are you working on, now?”
With the connections I’ve made, you’d think I’d stick with traditional publishing, wouldn’t you? I’m not that smart! Besides, I’m having a blast writing eBook thrillers—more fun than I’ve ever had in my life.
I currently have three thriller novels in both paper and eBook: Jezebel, Dead Reckoning and Brainstorm. All three of these are between 110,000 and 125,000 words long–typical, big thriller books.
My latest men’s action adventure novels are a part of ”The E Z Knight Reports” series. These books are a departure from the big thriller books I’ve focused on in the past. They consist of episodic yet standalone stories in the 50,000 word range with a number of recurring characters. They’re fast, fun reads; gritty, sexy, irreverent and sometimes humorous–with a modern-day, ramped up “The Rockford Files”/”Magnum PI” feel. But they’re also poignant looks at the darker side of life, crime and the human condition.
I’ve also published two short story eBooks: a humorous piece called “Toothpick for Two” and a nostalgic romance called “Jack Knight” (unrelated to the E Z Knight series). Please check them out.
Aside from my fiction, I’ve written a book specifically for novelists, Novel Writing Made Simple. It’s a great primer for beginners and an excellent refresher for the experienced wordsmith.
I am a founder and current president of the Kansas Writers Association, a sixteen-year-old organization of some very special people. Last year, I started a group to help support independent authors called the Indie Writers Alliance—another group of great people.
I'm still laughing! This was so cute and funny I wish I could find something just like this to read everyday so I can laugh and smile. I'll be checking out Gordon Kessler's other books for sure. Thanks for a great little read and a big laugh.
This short story reflects on the lives of a couple that have been married for a long time. On the way home from a family reunion in a storm, most of the conversation takes place in a car. The couple banter back and forth. Each spends a lot of time be critical of each other, but in the end, a simple act makes them realize how ridiculous complacency has become. Lots of humor intertwined between the clever lines.
A book by any other name might not be as sweet … lol fun reminder what life and love should be. When a wife and husband return home from a holiday gathering at first the road seems full of monkeys from the Wizard of Oz, with the witch leading the way, but soon we find a heart and laughing and love is all we need.