No Friction Fiction
A digest of the fiction published on Salted Wetzel with a side of Mustard
Next week, The Salted Wetzel will release the next installment of Capitol Rookie, the 11-part crime fiction serial focusing on cub reporter Alex Shelby and his stumbling into a breaking news story. Set in 2004, this is a prequel to an upcoming novel I’m writing and re-writing—more info on the background here.
As I approached this week, I realized that many new subscribers may not have viewed some of my back issues and might not know all the stories available.
The first thing to know is that my monthly fiction takes place in the same universe as my novels Friends In Low Places (2021) and Lose Yourself (2024). Therefore, the monthly fiction is canon in these worlds. While it may focus on a minor character from the novels, the main characters may slip in for a cameo or a supporting role.
Serials
Capitol Rookie is the third serial I’ve written in the Salted Wetzel Substack. You can also read Wedding Bells, which revisits several characters in Friends In Low Places. The Intern follows Javier as he navigates a season working for a major league club, leading up to the events in the novel Lose Yourself.
Stand Alone Stories
These have appeared on the first Friday of the month since the Salted Wetzel debuted in 2023. Here is a sampling of these pieces of Short Fiction.
Stranded - December 2024. Stuck in traffic yields harrowing results.
The Setup - November 2024. A blind date ends with a revealing back story.
Confronting the Shadows - June 2024. Unearthing the Haunting Consequences of Past Unkindness.
Impostor Syndrome - May 2024. Technically prompt fiction but canon revolving impersonation of celebrity.
Rock Star Treatment - May 2024. The dogma of celebrity.
The Bright Lights of Cornhole - October 2023. Rob and Monty take their backyard hobby to the big show.
An Empty Nest Night Out - September 2023. An attempt at reconnection takes an unexpected turn.
Touch Choices - August 2023. A final decision on a doomed relationship.
The Dinner - July 2023. Unexpected news upsets a dinner with old friends
The Donut Shop - June 2023. Fred sees conflict with young Derek at his local donut shop.
The Hot Shot - May 2023. Jesse, MIHO, Rob, and Paul return to the Saloon
Bonus Fiction
I enjoy participating in online prompt parties. Typically, a group gets together, and the leader provides a prompt for all of the participants to write. The stories are varied and unique. Talk about a kickstart to creative flow! Here are the prompt stories I’ve written. These are not part of the FILP canon.
The Extra-Curricular Course Catalog - January 2025. Prompt Source: Story Cards
The Car Wash and The Bubble - November 2024. Prompt Source: Prompt Book and Crowdsourcing
The Commandant’s Last Stand - October 2024. Prompt Source: Murder Mystery Game
A Surprising Welcome - September 2024. Prompt Source: Story Cards
A Tale of Interrupted Passion - June 2024. Prompt Source: Prompt book
Firefight on the red eye - April 2024. Prompt Source: Story Cubes
The Loop - February 2024. Prompt Source: Moderator
Old Ladies, Cats and Space - January 2024. Prompt Source: Story Cards.
Benefits of Subscribing
The best part about subscribing is getting all these stories for free. You also receive Fridge Philosophies, Updates on the writing journey, and Extra Mustard!
As a paid subscriber, you receive a personalized signed copy of one of my novels. What a deal!
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