Story of the Month - April, 2025
Her Favorite Game by DJ Neace
“Where’s Dada’s ear?”
My daughter squealed as she excitedly pointed at her father’s ear without hesitation. She’s almost two, and her curiosity is in full bloom. And that spongy brain absorbs the highlights of all the goings-on. Recently, her favorite game has been identifying specific parts of Dada.
“You’re so smart, baby girl!”
Most mothers think their babies are bright, but mine is. And brave, too, and she never shies when challenged. Locating Dada’s ear was effortless, and that infectious giggle showcased her pride. The next day, she found Dada’s nose on the first attempt and flaunted her achievement with a congratulatory self-clap. After that, his eye became the target. Now we’re on day four, and I’m planning a twist – we’re traveling away from the face and working our way elsewhere.
“Now, where are Dada’s toes?”
She folded her lips inward and pondered. A scattered-toothed grin indicated recognition as she reached for Dada’s toes. I embraced my little genius and set her down with The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
“Be right back, baby.”
I quickly stepped into the bathroom across the hall, leaving a narrow gap in the door so I could listen, just in case.
In the tub, my daughter’s bound and bloodied Dada groaned.
“She got them all, darling, but I think she’s outgrown the game. She needs a new challenge.”
A tear escaped from his remaining eye as I grabbed the chef’s knife from atop the cabinet.
DJ Neace is an instructional designer based in Midlothian, VA. He has published short stories through Free Spirit, NUMNUM, and Vine Leaves Press. In addition, he has written short films that received recognition at the White Vulture Film Festival, Best of Richmond 48, and Frights & Fears Horror Festival. Also, he served as the head writer for an audio drama that won an AudioVerse Award. His muses are his supportive spouse, Laura, his ever-entertaining son, Connor, and the ghost in his attic.
Story of the Month Winner DJ Neace Author Spotlight
DJ takes time out of his super busy day to answer
our silly little questions:
1. If you could be any horror creature for a day, which would you choose and why?
I’m gonna have to go with The Thing from John Carpenter’s The Thing. Think about it – you can assimilate into and become any living organism; you’re essentially invincible and a master of psychological maneuvering.
2. Tell us about the ghost in your attic.
When my family and I first moved into our house, we set up my office in the room with the pull-down attic ladder. As I worked, I would hear scratching sounds. Maintenance workers claim it’s the air ducts or a varmint, but I know better. Not today, ghost of Imogen Thorne – the notorious witch of the Midlothian Forest. I know it’s you!
3. What is your favorite horror/sci-fi/fantasy movie and why?
Jaws. First, the obvious: the raw yet focused direction of twenty-something Steven Spielberg and John Williams creating so much with a minor second interval.
However, at its core, I believe Jaws offers the perfect blend of horror and adventure, spiced with a touch of humor. Additionally, later in life, it taught me that less is more. Why reveal the entire monster when you can make people agonize over the unknown with just a fin?
4. What is your favorite story that you have written, and where can we find it?
I’m a captive of the moment. My current favorite is a short film I recently wrote titled “ Love Thy Neighbor,” which was nominated for several awards and won one at the Best of Richmond 48 Film Festival. You can find it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWpvuddQn-k
5. What made you decide to write short fiction?
I have a toddler, so writing short fiction seemed like an attainable goal amid racing matchbox cars and restarting Bluey. So, I began to dabble. Surprisingly, the amount of bandwidth required for short fiction was still significant. It demands a different kind of energy, and it’s been exciting to discover this form of storytelling as both a creator and a fan.
6. What is your favorite novel and why?
Such an unfair question. Okay – I’m gonna say Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. Ever wonder how you’d fare if you time-traveled back to 14th-century England during the bubonic plague? Mix in being uncertain if you can make it back, catching feelings for someone, and watching those you’ve come to care about drop one by one. It’s a book I’ve never revisited, but it’s always with me. One and done, but an absolute favorite.
7. What number are we thinking of?
It’s obviously 42, ya bunch of nerds!