Josh Bertetta's Blog

Here’s my latest from microcosmsfic 56. I spun Pool Hustler, Chicago, and Horror on the writing wheel. Going for a unique take on the first prompt, here’s the result… Ever since I watched “Jaws” when I’s a kid I been damn ‘fraid swimming in my pool. It’s a suburban pool, north of Chicago, nothing fancy … More Deep Suburban Blues

I can’t even remember when I last wrote a piece of flash. Nice to get into the groove again by participating in Microcosmsfic 53. Awarded runner-up, here’s what the judge had to say: “Memories of Douglas Adams’ anti-hero, the double-headed Xaphod Beeblebrox, are evoked in this tale of the struggle with substance abuse and a radical … More Heads or Tails (Runner-Up)

In watching the second Presidential debate, I witnessed what I expected to witness: time and time again Donald Trump blamed Hillary Clinton for x, y, and z. At one point, Clinton, in responding to Trump’s claim about her ability to make any changes, said something along the lines of “because the President has the power … More Blame and Fame: American Pornography

On and on and on I hear and read in the media various Conservatives harping upon “freedom” and “liberty.” They want to ensure we as Americans maintain our freedoms and our inalienable rights. According to the Declaration of Independence, those include Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Unfortunately, Conservatives (at least since Reagan) have… More The Conservative Theft of American Freedoms

Originally posted on George Lakoff:
Understanding Trump By George Lakoff There is a lot being written and spoken about Trump by intelligent and articulate commentators whose insights I respect. But as a longtime researcher in cognitive science and linguistics, I bring a perspective from these sciences to an understanding of the Trump phenomenon. This perspective…

I cannot remember a time during my 40 years of life in which racial hostilities in America have burned as hot as they do now. The title to this post says racism is incredibly stupid. I might also say racism is not only ignorant, but it is for the ignorant–people who, for a wide variety of reasons,… More Three Simple Reasons Why Racism is Incredibly Stupid

Glad to be getting back into the Flash Fiction swing of things again and this is probably my favorite of my most recent forays. Traffic Jam was the central theme for Microcosms 34. After spinning the writing wheel, I had to incorporate the following: Character: Driver                  … More Non-Traffiction

So I have this little problem with alcohol. Well, maybe not so little. Thankfully, no drop of alcohol has passed my lips for over four years. While I don’t often blog about such, I sat in a meeting a couple weeks ago that got me thinking. The topic concerned length of sobriety and as I… More Time, the Journey, and Sobriety

Here’s my latest from Microcosms, the theme of this week’s story summer vacation. In spinning the writer’s wheel, I had to incorporate a children, long distance walk, and fairy tale: “Are we there yet?” “No.” “Are we there yet?” “No.” So much for a nice quiet walk through the woods. Every few minutes, either the… More Are We There Yet?

Originally posted on Veninga's Smuler:
I’ve never written a blog post in my life. I’ve thought about it before, but it has always felt overwhelming and a little self-indulgent. But today on a rainy run in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, I decided that now is the time. There are those times, after all,…