The Literary Khan: fiction, wisdom, and writings of The Khan

      What happens when you have incredibly limited time, a drive to write, and an opportunity to enter a story writing competition with a new outlet? Simple you get a frazzled Khan who slams out a one thousand word piece in a half hour lunch break. A one thousand word piece based on the theme 'there is only today'.      The competition was hosted by the youtuber Del Pera, and required people to adhere to a strict list of rules and the theme 'there is only today'. I wanted to get back on the horse after some set backs, and rejections so I decided I wanted to put my hat in the ring. This competition came at the right time, and I had wanted to branch out from where I had been previously sending my works. So It was a perfect opportunity. That said, I had also become a father, and between that and work I had very little free time. As I would later go on to joke 'pressure makes diamond and irritation creates pearls'. I was also working on the Open Window submiss...

      So once again we have passed through the open window period of Black Library's open submission. This time they asked authors to flex their skills at writing a horror piece. They had different categories to choose from, but beyond that they allowed authors to choose any Warhammer setting. As luck would have it I had completed a short horror work for a story comp. I decided to take that work and retool it. For comparison I will post the original work as submitted to the first story competition now.  CURIOUS SCRIPTURE – (1000 words)   “Oh they know my dear, they can see everything” the singsong voice tittered in Johaanus’s ear. Just remain calm, they know nothing Johaanus thought to himself as the skin across his chest seemed to writhe. The table before him was a collection of the highest authorities of the scriptorium. The rotund prefect archivist brother Hingel sat opposite, his multiple chins quivered when he coughed. Curator Aurelius, a wizened mixtu...

    "The Jury may leave the courtroom" the judge said, and just like that we were escorted out of the courtroom. Then the building, and back into the general public. We exchanged no pleasantries, we did not speak as we left. All of us accepted the gravity of the situation. After a week of testimonies, evidence, and expert opinion we had given a guilty verdict on all charges. I had done the math in my head. Given the age of the accused the combined sentences would be the equivalent to a life sentence. This is the one and only time I have ever been on a jury, and I still think about it. I remember the intense and crystal clear talk we were given that drove home our responsibilities, and accountability to case, and the law. It is a stark difference to the trials of public opinion that play out in the social media landscape. Up front I will say I have made a promise, and conscious effort to not be a part of a dogpile. I will watch them unfold and try to comprehend what I am seein...