My primary interest is writing, and I have extensive experience in research and creative writing. This page shows some examples of my work.
Non-Fiction
“Key Words” Vocabulary Project for Teacher’s Discovery Here are a set of high-school vocabulary exercises that I wrote for Teacher’s Discovery. The complete project spans words suitable for ninth to twelfth graders. The sample provided is a small section of the 9th grade exercises. All material is Copyright 2006 Teacher’s Discovery. A short sample of this project is provided here: [Download PDF].
“World War I” Introductory Course for Universal Class, Inc.Here is a basic introductory course about World War I that I wrote for Universal Class. The class discusses terminology, the reasons for the war, the main technological advancements during the period, the major set-piece battles, famous personalities, and outcomes for the war. Copyright Universal Class. A short sample of this project is provided here: [Download PDF].
“Etiquette” Mini-Course for Universal Class A research project I completed and wrote for Universal Class dealing with proper manners and etiquette. This was one of a series of short instructional lessons that I created for them. Copyright Universal Class. A short sample of this project is provided here: [Download PDF].
“Viet Nam War” Course for Universal Class Another in a series of introductory courses on the major wars of the 20th century. Written for Universal Class, this course details the precursory events to the Viet Nam war, the major personalities involved, the relevant advances in military technology, the set-piece battles of the war, and the controversial political climate of the time. Copyright Universal Class. A short sample of this project is provided here: [Download PDF].
Fiction
Flynn’s Flight An excerpt from a fantasy short story I’m writing set in my own fantasy realm. It features a roguish character that is leaving a small village in a hurry. Download [PDF].
Mr. McQuimby Takes His Tea Here is a bit of flash fiction I wrote revolving around a character named Sanders McQuimby–an eccentric private investigator with just a touch of OCD. Copyright Ian S. Johnston. [Download PDF].
A Momentary Distraction Another very short vignette from the life and times of Mr. Sanders McQuimby. Copyright Ian S. Johnston. [Download PDF].
Plays
The Man Cave Here are the first pages from this script. This is my first effort at writing a full-length (hour and a half long) play. It’s loosely based on an old parable I found, written some years ago by a seminal Greek thinker. Download [PDF].
Jimmy’s Adventures in Zippy Quick Dating Land Here are the first five pages from this script. The play was performed in Spring 2012 at Missouri Western State University and there are rumors that a video of the performance exists somewhere, along with a cast list. It’s face-paced and features a very large cast for a ten minute play. Download [PDF].
A Twist of Fate All the paranoia that comes with the prestige of being in show business. This play takes superstition, ties it into a pretzel and then stands it on its head. This play was also performed at Missouri Western State University in Spring 2012. Three-person cast, lots and lots of verbosity. Download [PDF].
Gaming The following writing samples are products I wrote for Silverthorne Games. Each of these were published in digital (PDF) format for the Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition game system. In most cases, I also commissioned the art, created the layout, and prepared the final products for market. All Silverthorne products are still available for purchase here.
Fjurnian Gnome Fantasy Race Published for the Races of Evernor I product. A barbarian-style gnome for the wild wastelands of Fjurn. Artwork by Chris Pepper. Copyright Silverthorne Games. All rights reserved. Download the Fjurnian gnome race description here.
Zweibold Fantasy Race Bonus race for the Races of Evernor series of products. A large, two-headed kobold concept. Copyright Silverthorne Games. All rights reserved. Artwork is by Jeremy D. Mohler. Download the Zweibold race description here.
Blind Oracle Template A fantasy creature template for D&D 3.5 edition. This was from Silverthorne Games’ best-selling Book of Templates: Deluxe Edition source book, which was also published in hardback by Goodman Games. Copyright Silverthorne Games. All rights reserved. Download the Blind Oracle template here.