The last 100 posts
I put his here for myself, as a handy reminder.
- Nobody Knows [to] Say His Name
Inserting the lines as a bridge into “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen” was a brilliant idea, Heaven-sent, Hallelujah, in response to the core line, “Nobody knows but Jesus.” - The Star-Spangled Sky, or Happy Birthday USA!
Zoe believes alien visitors may be watching Earth’s noisy holiday from the sky. The Star-Spangled Sky is sure to surprise. - The First Spark of a Story
Some stories arrive fully formed, others start with just a name. - 🎶 Rap of the Spirit Hat
This song is a ode to the cowboy hat, hand-made on a Cherokee reservation in the late 1990s. I had the pleasure of meeting the Native American who tanned and hand-formed the hat from raw material. - Does AI Hallucinate?
The Danger of Polished Nonsense - Eating Worms
Those words stung a little bit. I didn’t know if it was a joke, because it was kind of funny eating worms and all, but it came off as pushing away. - 🎶 Be True, Be You
Alright now, dinos and kids, gather ‘round! This one’s for anyone who ever felt down. Ready, band? Let’s roll! - Whisker’s Instagram Story ARC
This is a live feed from my Instagram account. It is supposed to show how a story can unfold through pictures. - 🎶 Vim & Vigor On Open Mic Night
Grab a bottle of ice cold FIREBALL. Pour me a nice long JIGGER. That’s what I’ve come to call pure VIM AND VIGOR. - 📚The Night Lift
When Billy and Mia follow a late-night delivery at a dam site, they stumble into something already in motion—and already being hidden - How to Use Social Media Arcs
Learn how to use story arcs on social media to grow your audience. - 📚Cedar Creek Secrets
Billy and Mia discover a burned boathouse containing stolen property by Cedar Creek. This unexpected find forces them to make a difficult choice that could jeopardize someone they know. The challenge of doing the right thing is compounded by the allure of keeping silent for safety. - 🎶 The Porcelain Bar
The barkeeps are happy, there’s a line out the door. The dance floor is jumpin’; they come back for more. - AI, Reality, and Critical Thinking – A Clearer Look
AI: A practical look at reality, reflection, and staying grounded in a digital world. - What is Substack?
Substack is an email newsletter service I use to send occasional essays, updates, and behind-the-scenes notes directly to readers. - Our Life With 3 Kids, 3 Dogs, & Lissencephaly
Selected stories to show how a child with a disability, Lissencephaly, did not slow us down. - Site Index
An index of everything posted. - Late One Summer
My Summer in a Gospel Group We were a small Southern gospel group — more garage band than anything polished. A keyboardist who carried the lead, a guitarist, a drummer, two other singers, and me. There was an older gentleman who’d sing a featured solo. Very moving. We weren’t great. But we had something. We… - Erica Michelle Bayliss — A Life Remembered
When Erica came into our lives, nothing unfolded the way we had imagined. The path was harder, more complicated, and often overwhelming. - Whiskers and the Missing Valentine
Whiskers the curious cat sets out on a heartfelt adventure that shows young readers how empathy and teamwork can solve even the sweetest of problems. - Whiskers Goes to School
Reader Review “A cute and enjoyable story with adorable, vivid illustrations…” — JulieAnn Crane, Amazon Reviewer - Whiskers’ Christmas Adventure: A Chapter Book for YA Readers
Holiday preparations take an unexpected turn when visitors arrive, and mischief follows. Whiskers steps in with patience and clever thinking. - Voyage of Providence
As the 250th anniversary of the nation approaches, Voyage of Providence offers a moving look at Pennsylvania’s history. - God of Life
Before I was born you knew me. You gazed on me with love and rocked me in the arms of hope. - Two Knives
A short work about two confrontations—one involving steel, the other exposure—and what remains after the doors close. - The Rainbow Egg
Something unusual appeared beneath the park hedges… and Whiskers heard it first. My latest manuscript, The Rainbow Egg, is finished and moving into illustration. - Death and Dying
Death: When I am gone and not alive, my exploits never told, I hope you remember me as I was, before I grew this old. - 🎶 She Can Be A Little Wild
To the tune of “Okie from Muskogee” written by Merle Haggard and Roy Edward Burris Words by Doug BaylissFebruary 19, 2026 1. I’m happy to be married to MichelleThe prettiest little girl I ever sawWhen I walked through the door and first met her,Right before my eyes -I Saw Stars 2. Well, I’m happy to… - Winter, 1980
An essay about work, authority, and the systems that continue operating regardless of consequence. Set during the winter of 1980, - A First Day I Won’t Forget
Shortly after I arrived, the placement agency that had sent me there called. They were apologetic. They told me they could reassign me immediately if I wanted out. I told them no. I would stay and complete the job. - 📚The Orchard on Briar Lane
As night descends, the orchard’s dangers emerge for Billy and Mia, including deceptive paths and hidden threats that challenge their focus. To navigate safely, they must remain calm, stay aware of their environment, and depend on each other amidst rising panic. Teamwork and vigilance are key to their survival. - Website Setup & Hosting (Limited Availability)
I offer simple WordPress website setup and hosting for individuals who need a clean, functional site without the complexity of agency or DIY. - Connections
The web was still new then—not vastly public, not casual. Database-driven website connections were custom-built, expensive, and rare. - 📚Across the Street
Billy and Mia sneak out and witness a serious argument outside a tavern, leading to life-altering choices as rumors spread. They must confront the dilemma of truth-telling, understanding that doing the right thing often carries significant consequences. Their friendship is tested as they navigate the complexities of their decision. - The Pilot Plant
Most days, it was just the two of us. He was older than I was and knew the procedures by heart, the kind of person who respected every step because he understood what depended on it. - The Rain
The expressway wraps the city in monotony, passing warehouses and exits that no longer bother to announce themselves. That night, the rain drenched everything. - Year in Review: 20252025 was about consistency. Showing up, making small improvements, and staying focused. It made all the difference.
- Published Books Available on AmazonThese are all of my published books. I do really appreciate all of the support I’ve received, positive and constructive, and I can’t wait to see what Adventures are next.
- 📚When the Ferry Didn’t Run
Billy and Mia find themselves in peril when their ferry crossing is canceled, leading them onto a narrow river road amid an approaching storm. As rising water and lost signals create chaos, they become separated and must navigate the treacherous riverbank alone, transforming a routine delay into a life-threatening situation. - 🎶 The Stalker
It’s 4 o’clock in the morning I haven’t slept a wink When I saw you there had to stare I couldn’t even blink. - In Memory of My Father Ron Bayliss
Ronald Walter Bayliss December 14, 1933 – January 15, 2018 “Run, you rascal!”— My dad, at every Penn State game Today would have been Dad’s 92nd birthday This is a day to honor both celebration and quiet remembrance. Some of my fondest memories are the simple, joyful ones. I think of weekends at Penn State… - Criss-Cross, Word Search, & More for Clever KidsPuzzles and activities based on Whiskers’ adventures. Solve criss-cross and word search puzzles. Help Whiskers through a maze!
- The Crossing
Footsteps pass through the room. Voices spill and fade. Someone weeps. Someone prays. All of them kind, and all of them far away. - Fractured Light
Up before your partner, out the door before he wakes. Tending to the daily grind, not seeing our love at stake. - 📚Mystery of Kraken Bay – Wreck of the Sea Hawk
Billy and Mia explore Kraken Bay, where a mysterious medallion triggers their investigation into the ghostly history of the Sea Hawk, a ship lost due to betrayal and greed. They soon discover that its legendary treasure is fiercely protected by the terrifying creature known as the Kraken. - How to Connect
Contact Me via Email Other Connections Booksprout Booksprout is a platform designed to connect authors with readers to generate honest reviews, specifically for Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) Facebook Currently posting a story ARC about Billy & Mia on Facebook. Message me for tips on using social media for ARCs. Social Media How to Guide LinkedIn… - The Shadow Train
Smoke on the horizon, moon ridin’ low, Steel rails hummin’ where cold winds blow. A train and its shadow, side by side. Ridin’ the rails with nothing to hide. - Sexomnia: A Rare Parasomnia
A quiet, intimate short story exploring unconscious desire, marriage, and the subtle distance between two people sharing the same room. - 📚Secrets of The Spanish Wind
This is a standalone legend story set outside the main Billy & Mia Mysteries series. - Stories of Pennsylvania: Lessons for School Children
From the bravery of Quaker settlers standing firm against persecution to the heartwarming stories of families building a new life in a land of promise. - The Brontos – Time-traveling Dinosaurs
A real dinosaur species inspires each band member, but with a musical twist. For example, Axe Raptor rocks the electric guitar, and T-Rhythm brings soulful tunes with his acoustic strings. - Early Reader Chapter Books for Kids
You’ve stumbled into the Whiskers Adventure Series: a world where cats solve puzzles, books lead to treasure maps, and games might teach you something (gasp). - Songs Unfinished
At its heart, this is a story about resilience that does not announce itself. It is found in small acts of endurance, in creativity that persists despite limitation - 📚Pinewood Ravine – Curse of the Lost Treasure
Perfect for readers who love action, mystery, and heartfelt moments, Pinewood Ravine: Curse of the Lost Treasure -Color This is the Second Edition, re-released in color! Pinewood Ravine: Curse of the Lost Treasure – Noir When two adventurous kids, Billy and Mia, stumble upon an old treasure map hidden in an abandoned railcar, they embark… - Editorial Services
I work well independently in a remote environment and have a long record of producing clean, thoughtful editorial work. - 📚Little Wings, Big Dreams – A Prequel
This is my first book. Started out loosely as a memoire. Who knew that Billy and Mia would turn into an adventure series! As the plane lifted off, the earth shrank away, and Billy’s imagination soared. The patchwork of fields, rivers, and tiny houses stretched out beneath them like a quilt, stitched together by winding… - 🎶 The North Mountain Inn Song
Inspired by antics at the North Mountain Inn, and by a beloved, dearly departed character, Chubediah
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Selected Books
Category: Wordsmithing