Location: United States
Member Since: Oct. 03, 2011

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D. D. Riessen

Biography

Dave's work revels with the fanciful, ponders the inscrutable and enigmatic, and examines the human character.

Smashwords Interview

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Joy? It's a love-hate relationship. If I had a dollar for every time I asked myself, "And you call yourself a writer?" I could buy a new car. But I also keep a Kleenex nearby for those times when the story flows, the characters are all saying the right things, finally, the episodes of bad fortune that get me to laughing so hard I can't see to type and the sad moments when I lose a character that I've come to love. In the end, I guess I could call it joy-ish.
What is the first story that you remember reading and how has it impacted your writing?
Many years ago, my Aunt Mim gave me a book titled, The Last Unicorn. I was infatuated with the story and quickly moved on to read, Watership Down. I loved the idea of talking animals and saw it as a way to address their concerns and the interaction between humans and animals. I started writing fantasy stories and have been intrigued with the venue ever since. This led to my writing the novel, The Other World. Since, I've just completed the sequel to it, Borrowing Time.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find D. D. Riessen online

Website: http://www.ddriessen.com

Books

Let's be Frank by
Price: $4.95 USD. Words: 90,560. Language: American English. Published: August 4, 2021. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
(5.00 from 1 review)
This is a story of a man attempting to overcome the stigma of being conscious, but not alive in the human sense, unable to eat, drink and be merry. Frank soon discovers that he has other talents that carry him beyond the human experience. This is the sequel to Sometime Tomorrow.
Almost the Fifth by
Price: Free! Words: 25,500. Language: American English. Published: March 31, 2019. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General
What is real? And what is not? Who to believe if both sides have a legitimate presence? Ben has a broken nose and the doctors suspect that he has a concussion. Ben has no idea how that happened, but has proof that the subsequent hallucinations are real. A gift from Coyote puts his life in grave danger, but fortunately, he has Vargo and Pretty to help him along.
East Side by
Price: $4.95 USD. Words: 80,230. Language: English. Published: March 29, 2018. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Historical » USA
(5.00 from 1 review)
Two teenagers, growing up San Diego in the 1960's, begin the long journey to adulthood. Between here and there, cars, drugs, sex, rock and roll, the Viet Nam War, the draft and competition for the same girl. Will best friends betray each other? They're teenagers. What do you expect?
Reflections by
Price: Free! Words: 610. Language: English. Published: March 28, 2018. Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Social Issues / Emotions & Feelings
(5.00 from 1 review)
How do we appear to others? Are we judged by what they see? And if everyone has a different opinion, who are we really? This is a story about being happy with who you are.
Light Years Away Pt. 4 by
Price: Free! Words: 1,380. Language: English. Published: March 24, 2018. Categories: Fiction » Educational
Hank is losing the battle to save Earth and its inhabitants. It seems that fake news has more power to sway than the facts. Fortunately, Hank has the Big Guy on his side. Will that help? Not according to the Rules of Creation. Not only can He not interfere, He will celebrate our demise. Really? How can this be?
Borrowing Time by
Price: $4.95 USD. Words: 81,810. Language: American English. Published: May 8, 2017. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action
Sam thought that the saga of the fire stone was behind him. But a letter from Sasi, a distant relative living in Lampung, Indonesia, suggests otherwise, Going back in time, they speak with Kashif and learn another well-kept secret that takes them on a new adventure, This is the sequel to The Other World.
The Other World by
Price: $4.95 USD. Words: 101,440. Language: English. Published: March 1, 2016. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Sea adventures, Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
Two worlds more than a century apart come together under the magic of a fire stone and a blue moon. Oskar cautioned us about such a possibility, but the warning was so incredible that no one believed him. Is reality what we see? Or, is there more to it than that? Fantasy? Science fiction? Time Travel? Sure. Why not? If you're looking for mystery, adventure and a lot of WTF, this is the one.
The Magic Rock by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 1,030. Language: English. Published: February 16, 2016. Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Imagination & Play
Every child wants to believe that something is magical. Everyone hopes that their dreams will come true…, if only. Finding an odd rock at the end of a rainbow? What could be more magical than that? Unfortunately, if anything has value, someone else always wants it. Once again, Kyo Takahashi has brought my words to life with his remarkable watercolor illustrations.
Inside - Outside by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 910. Language: English. Published: February 15, 2016. Categories: Fiction » Historical » General
What goes through the mind of someone who knows that their assignment means certain death? What face do they show to their peers and how does that compare to what they feel inside? This story was inspired by someone who lived through such an ordeal. This is a simple telling of the events that unfolded, illustrated magnificently by Masaaki Kimura.
Kibo by
Price: Free! Words: 1,930. Language: English. Published: June 11, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Sea adventures
Marsi didn't know how to sail, but figured her life would be better than pushing a shopping cart around collecting cans and bottles in the never ending hunt for enough money for her next meal. Madame Nuage advised that a BIG adventure was coming, something Marsi wanted no part of. But, destiny is what it is, and none of us have any choice as to whether, or not, we want to participate.
Light Years Away Pt. 3 by
Price: Free! Words: 1,350. Language: English. Published: February 15, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Humor & comedy » Satire
Hank was having trouble holding up his end of the bet. Saving the planet from roasting in the oven like a hot potato and finding a way for humans to come to their senses was proving to be a bit more of a challenge than he anticipated. It was time for a meeting of the minds.
The Bad Fortune Teller - Harry, Ted..., and Gary by
Price: Free! Words: 1,280. Language: American English. Published: May 26, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Humor & comedy » General
Madame Nuage sees a dark future for Harry. When he asks her how to prepare for such a thing, he is told to do what he has always done, see it through. Her prediction is either dire trouble..., or worse. What does one do with that? Harry has his doubts (along with a beer).
The Bad Fortune Teller - Melvin and the Mud Daubers by
Price: Free! Words: 2,220. Language: English. Published: March 17, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Humor & comedy » General
Melvin didn’t believe in fortune-tellers and those kinds of things but he was desperate. Ever since he fell out of a tree his back had not been the same and it was getting worse no matter what the doctors ordered. Bad back and Destiny? Is there a link? Ask Madame Nuage.
Monsters Lurking by
Price: Free! Words: 1,310. Language: English. Published: February 3, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Monsters
OK. You're upstairs next to the window during a horrendous lightning storm and trying to get to sleep. You're five and wondering if you are safe. Can you trust your older brother's not so comforting words? Or do you head for the stairs to go sleep downstairs?
Kuchan by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 810. Language: English. Published: January 21, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Social Issues / Peer Pressure
Kuchan, a little cloud, is tired of raining and wants to try something new. But she is quickly reminded that, as a cloud, it is her duty to rain. Does that stop her? Would it stop you? Read on.
A Night in the City by
Price: Free! Words: 800. Language: English. Published: December 4, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Holiday » Family
What is revealed between brother and sister separated by illness and distance in their short conversation on the phone? What does one learn when lingering on the edge of death? And what kind of message do they pass on? Alone in a crowd? Or, just all alone. Either way, you've got to have a window.
Sometimes by
Price: Free! Words: 3,280. Language: English. Published: November 9, 2012. Categories: Poetry » Contemporary Poetry
Memories of the past. This piece is divided into three parts: Early Times - a look at life in the Fifties. Middle Times - Life in the Sixties and Seventies. Sometimes - whatever happened after that. I'll be adding to the last one from time to time.
The Curse of Ann Lanar by
Price: Free! Words: 1,570. Language: English. Published: September 14, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Horror » Occult
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Are some secrets best left untold? What if it's retrievable, but buried with the deceased? You might not want to know the answer. Happy Halloween!
Sometime Tomorrow by
Price: $4.95 USD. Words: 61,280. Language: English. Published: August 1, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
(5.00 from 1 review)
The manufacture of parts for orbiting condos is the main function inside Cond-Orbit's massive dome, located several miles east of L. A. But, two stories underground, a far more secretive project is taking place, Project Eclipse, the building and testing of a probe designed to explore an alternate reality. What can go wrong? Everything.
The Bad Fortune Teller - Bill's Bricks by
Price: Free! Words: 1,040. Language: English. Published: July 24, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Entertainment
(5.00 from 1 review)
Bill thought he had it all figured out. Life was just a big bowl of cherries and he would take his pick. But if the cherries turn out to be bricks, that's another matter. Once again, Madam Nuage has her say.
The Storm by
Price: Free! Words: 950. Language: American English. Published: July 7, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Literature » Literary, Fiction » Adventure
(4.00 from 1 review)
Lost a loved one recently? Does it seem like they're still around? If not, does it seem like they should be? You are not alone.
Just Passing Through by
Price: Free! Words: 3,860. Language: English. Published: May 3, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General
We heard the distant thunder before we were even aware of the approaching storm. Seeing the big, black clouds rolling toward us, and seeing the slanted shafts of gray beneath them, still miles away, we hurried to get home before we got drenched. I thought I was safe. I had no idea that I was about to get a first hand lesson about the power of lightning.
Beds of Kelp by
Price: Free! Words: 810. Language: English. Published: April 25, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Sea adventures
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Our relationship started out well. We both hoped it would work. But some things are just not meant to be. And sometimes, while trying to make things right, it just goes from bad to worse.
Light Years Away Pt. 2 by
Price: Free! Words: 740. Language: English. Published: February 26, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Humor & comedy » Satire
Unite scientists, politicians, religious beliefs in one fell swoop? Save Earth over a game of chess? Take us to new levels as a species? It will take some pretty fancy maneuvering to make that happen. We stand on the shoulders of Hank, God forbid.
Not Thirsty for This by
Price: Free! Words: 720. Language: American English. Published: February 14, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action, Fiction » Adventure » General
This was just a dream, more like a nightmare. And it was laughable until it started to unfold. Would you cross the street?
Light Years Away by
Price: Free! Words: 670. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2012. Categories: Fiction » Humor & comedy » Satire
(5.00 from 1 review)
The battle between religion and science has never been more convoluted, a culture clash between humans and their institutions. Read on to find out why Schnapps rule!
The Bad Fortune Teller - Ernie's Great Adventure by
Price: Free! Words: 1,310. Language: English. Published: November 14, 2011. Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Entertainment
(5.00 from 1 review)
Ernie wants to know his destiny. He decides to get the advice of Madam Nuage, a fortune teller and, even though he takes all of the proper precautions, he cannot avoid her warnings. Destiny is what it is.
On Standby by
Price: $4.95 USD. Words: 73,000. Language: American English. Published: October 26, 2011. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action, Fiction » Adventure
“It’s like herding cats,” Martin was thinking, referring to the group of individuals he had to manage. “They don’t pay me enough.” Can it blow up? Of course. Can you get hurt? You bet. Will you get enough training to make sure you don’t get hurt? Probably not. They all have stories to tell. This is for the working class. Read on.
You Gotta Have Wings by
Price: $4.95 USD. Words: 67,330. Language: English. Published: October 15, 2011. Categories: Fiction » Adventure » General
(4.00 from 1 review)
What does one learn at age seven that is powerful enough to change their whole view of life? 1954, simple times, at least that’s how it looks on the surface. Going into the mind of a seven year old, life is far more complicated. Living in a small town in Nebraska while his family breaks apart, he finds a friend but, with lots of freedom and time to kill, anything can happen.

D. D. Riessen's tag cloud

1950s    1960s lifestyle    adventure 1880s    adventure and danger    adventure fun    alien encounter    alternate realities    anxiety    artist pacifist    bad luck    bad luck marriage differences    beer    beliefs    best friends    boyhood adventure    boyhood friends    bullying    buried secrets curiosity revenge    challenge from the unknown    change of life    changes    chess    childrens conversation    climate change    compassion    culture clash    depression    destiny    discovery    divorce    dreams    drinking with friends    drug addiction    drugs    enlightenment    fake news    family    feeling alone    fiction drama    fond memories    fortuneteller    fortunetelling    friendship    games    ghosts of the past    growing up    hallucinations    humor    humor about human behavior    humor destiny    humor destiny fortunetellerconflict with nature    illness    lasting friendship    life after death    life in space    lightning thunder monsters humor sibling trust    lightning thunder storms electricity small town gossip    loneliness    lost loved one    love    love of life    magic    magic action    magic adventure stories for teens and adults    midnight callouts    midwest    misbehaving    misfortune    missing a friend    murphys law    nature hiking    near death experience    peer pressure    perception    photography lifestyle    polio    politics    possibilities    precognition    progress    random events    reality check    relationships    relationships weight and gravity    religion    robots    sailing failed relationship life journey love gone bad    satire    science    scifi    secret magic    secret worlds    self confidence    self image    selfindulgence getting away escape    sex and drugs    small town    spying    status quo    technology    terrorism plot    the big bang    time travel    tolerance    unexpected consequences    viet nam war    war and conflict    war and peace    warnings from beyond    work crew   

Smashwords book reviews by D. D. Riessen

  • Spring of Happiness on Feb. 15, 2012

    What a delightful book of poems. Masaaki's treatment of life is playfulful, sometimes painful, and always thought provoking. His word structure will not let you hurry through the poems. Rather, they make you stop and think about life, and maybe even your current attitude. And if you still miss the point, stop and gaze at his wonderful drawings. You might just walk away happy. And what better statement is there, than that?