FACTORFICTION is a compilation of eleven short stories. Four of these stories were originally published in separate issues of The Knight Stick, the New Hampshire Police Association's quarterly magazine, in the early 1980's. These On The Lighter Side humorous stories are about automobiles of that period. Most of the remaining stories are based upon factual happenings entwined with imaginative fiction. I included 50th ANNIVERSARY in this book in spite of my editor's comment that it didn't belong in the same volume with the other stories due to its absence of humor.

Retells the classic fairy tale about a princess who takes refuge from her wicked stepmother in the cottage of seven dwarfs.

IT'S THE BUSYBUGZ PARADE AND SARGE IS ANXIOUSLY OVERSEEING THE PREPARATIONS.

My mother told me, on more than one occasion, that I was almost born in an elevator. I do not doubt that statement one iota for my life has been nothing but a series of ups and downs ever since. I really cant sit still. Even my lovely bride of almost four decades hollers at me because I twitch, sometimes violently, when I sleep. Hence the title of this latest work: Owen in Motion. Owen in Motion is Dougs fifth volume of poetry and writings. In this book the reader will be enriched, inspired, encouraged and entertained. At times, the reader will be treated to a poem or tale of spiritual content, only to be followed by a simple poem with a twist of both tongue and mind. Throughout the book are poems and writings about love and loss, marriage and family life, spiritual journeys and living large, which will cause the reader to pause and reflect on both the simple and deep things in life. As was true for his first four books, once you pick it up you will have trouble putting it down.

The dreams is a dishwasher is a fantasy best kept to himself. The words of a wise man said. “It is what it is.” Someday it maybe more than what it is, that is the dream!

Luther T. Farrell has got to get out of Flint, Michigan. As his best friend Sparky says, “Flint’s nothing but the Titanic.” And his mother, a.k.a. the Sarge, says, “Take my advice and stay off the sucker path.” The Sarge milked the system to build an empire of slum housing and group homes. Luther’s just one of the many people trapped in the Sarge’s Evil Empire—but he’s about to bust out. If Luther wins the science fair this year, he’ll be on track for college and a future as America’s best-known and best-loved philosopher. All he’s got to do is beat his arch rival Shayla Patrick, the beautiful daughter of Flint’s finest undertaker—and the love of Luther’s life. Sparky’s escape plans involve a pit bull named Poofy and the world’s scariest rat. Oh, and Luther. Add to the mix Chester X., Luther’s mysterious roommate; Dontay Gaddy, a lawyer whose phone number is 1-800-SUE’M ALL; and Darnell Dixon, the Sarge’s go-to guy who knows how to break all the rules. Bucking the Sarge is a story that only Christopher Paul Curtis could tell. Once again the Newbery Award–winning author of Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 gives us a whole new angle on life and a world full of unforgettable and hilarious characters. Readers will root for Luther and Sparky every step of the way. Praise for The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963: “An exceptional first novel.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred “Ribald humor . . . and a totally believable child’s view of the world will make this book an instant hit.”—School Library Journal, Starred Praise for Bud, Not Buddy: “Curtis has given a fresh, new look to a traditional orphan-finds-a-home story that would be a crackerjack read-aloud.” —School Library Journal, Starred