My little blog has lost the horrid name it has been saddled with since it’s inception. Welcome to mennenbach.com, same manic words, new shiny label. My best friend in the world has been coaching me and helping me to try and extend my reach as a real poet/writer. I don’t have the words to show […]
It isn’t often I get the chance to sit down with a real author and just chat. The author of Notches stopped by this morning and talked to me about writing and poetry. I hope you enjoy. This may become a recurring event here if I can convince other authors to sit down for a […]
BOOK REVIEW: Notches by M. Ennenbach “Once in a great while, we stumble across a work of literature that transcends not only our expectations but genre and definability itself. NOTCHES by M. Ennenbach is one of those works, and it cannot be stressed enough that reading this collection will not only entertain you, but it will […]
https://wp.me/p9l0v1-l1 I don’t know how much crossover I have with the millions and millions of followers River has, but duder is amazeballs. He has a book coming out and it is fantastic. Follow the link and give him some love please. He deserves it.
I have gained some new followers since my initial collection released on March 2nd. This was a dream come true for me to have my name on the spine of a book. It gave me the confidence to write my full novel I mentioned earlier today. These shorts cover the gamut of my story telling. […]
If you have listened to me on podcasts, or read my rambling news updates, you know I finished my first novel late last year. Now it has been officially edited and we have a cover that I love! So excited to see what could happen. It is no exaggeration to say it is my best […]
“Good Morning.” “And a good morning to you as well Ms. Mona.” “Ms. Mona?” “It’s cone to my attention that perhaps I need to be more respectful in the workplace.” “HR again?” “Did you know they call it Mike’s Time Out now?” “It seems fitting.” “I mean yeah, but still. According to the employee handbook […]
“Good morning.” “Hey Mona.” “Hey? Have we gone past the proper etiquette of good mornings?” “Huh?” “What’s wrong Mikey?” “Ummm. Nothing.” “Mikey.” “It’s just…” “Oh fuck me. Did someone touch your no no spot?” “If only.” “You seem really shaken.” “Ever have an orgasm that made you question if you’re living your best possible life?” […]
Do to a scheduling change (which works out perfectly for me) I’m on at 11CST/12EST this evening on Deadmans Tome. Be there or bees squared will sting you. I didn’t think that through.. It’s early. I’m sleepy and have a headache. Insert your own clever whatever. Hugs and sloppy wet kisses to all of you. […]
Tomorrow night, Deadmans Tome is doing the 24 hour broadcast and kicking it off is yours truly. We are playing the Did You Ever game. My only issue is that I most likely have. Get to know the Fool in ways you most likely never wanted to. Luckily you cannot see me as I blush […]
“Good morning.” “Thank God you’re here.” “Who?” “You.” “No.” “No what?” “We cannot start the day on desperation. What’s wrong?” “Nothing. I’m just glad to see you.” “No you most certainly are not.” “I am.” “What’s the angle?” “The angle?” “Hidden camera? Spider in my coffee mug? Itching powder in my boxers?” “I’m lost.” “Uh […]
“Good morning.” “Good morning, Mike.” “Last day before the big weekend. Got plans?” “Not anymore.” “What happened?” “We were going to pack a lunch and head to the lake.” “Sounds lovely.” “It did.” “Did?” “Yes. Trudy got called out for work early this morning.” “At the long weekend. Bullshit.” “It is.” “You can hang out […]
It’s starts with… “I think I finally did it Mona!” “Good Morning.” “I am serious. I think I finally did it. I am so fucked.” “Nothing much really. We just sat and watched a movie.” “Mona. I have no time for pleasantries. I’m going to Hell!” “Clearly.” “What?” “Clearly, you are going to hell.” “You […]
Official link below if you want to tune in. Chris Miller is a friend with immense talent as well. He’ll be leading off and I’ll be on around 1030CST. I like doing these things. I even did a test read of the section. I’ll probably stumble a bit, live reading and adrenaline get me. Panic […]
Thursday night yours truly is going to premiere the prologue to my first novel, Hardly Fair from the fool’s own mouth. It is going to be fun. Hopefully. I still can’t stand to hear myself but the words are solid so tune in! Might even do a poem or two. Who knows what will happen […]
Tonight at 930CST. Gonna chat about the book. And probably other stuff. Maybe how many live goldfish I can fit in my mouth. But probably not. Anyhoo, thought I’d share. I’ve got a headache and miss your face. Hugs and kisses love me
I don’t want to be pinched. I want five more minutes to live this dream. It’s real and it’s here and I am sitting with tears streaming down my cheeks staring at it. The only thing missing is my dad getting to make fun of me for it.
So today is the day I became an official author. I’m excited and slightly frightened beyond words. But the first review is up on Amazon. Notches: A Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950259102/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_n6WECbT3DEB1P
Notches: A Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950259102/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RjmECbBJYCHS2 Prefer the feel of a book in your hand? Now you can have Notches in physical form! Tell your friends. Ask your library to stock it. And remember to leave a review. They are super important and increase the range a first time author can reach.
Notches: A Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NYVQPG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FgdECb6XTHBNQ This guy has a book for preorder. Can you say no to such an innocent face? Notches, it’s for the kids.* *Most definitely not.
https://www.theboldmom.com/notches-by-m-ennenbach/ The wonderful TheBoldMom just posted about Notches being up for digital copy pre-orders. She runs an awesome site and cares about pushing literature. https://roadienotes.com/2019/02/21/getting-personal-with-mike-ennenbach/ This is an interview I did with Becky, the co-host of Deadmans Tome podcast. I will also be on the podcast again March 6th. This time more relaxed I hope. […]
pre-orders go live on Friday! Tales of love, depression, blackest of black humor and even a gigantic poem. I’m proud of this collection. There is something in it for nearly everyone. And this is just the beginning. I hope. love me
Hello my dear friends and readers. It’s late and even though it has been days since I have slept I am wired as can be. Blame it on mania or just old fashioned excitement. I did the podcast this evening. It was a blast. Very inappropriate. Not family friendly in the slightest but we all […]
Wednesday the 6th at 930pm CST I will be on the Deadman’s Tome podcast to promote my upcoming book, Notches. I’m excited and maybe a touch apprehensive. Self promotion is not really my thing. I think the stories in Notches stand well enough on their own I just have to get them into the hands […]
Rain, a love story Rain II I’ve lost track of time. I couldn’t say for sure if it has meaning in a place like this. If it ever had meaning at all really. There are no clocks on the plain wood paneled walls. Just the red display that steadily clicks upwards. The plain voice that […]
Rain, a love story Do you remember how it started? I need you to remember how it began. It is raining. It always starts with the raining. Always. I run to the car as the first cold wet drops splat on my bald head. I press the button, hear the door unlock, jump in and […]
This is the prologue to my first novel. I have been hard (hardly) at work on the sequel. Thought it would be fun to share a little. Prologue – The Demon’s Stone Somewhere in the Iranian Desert “Are you in or not Gambler? Make a choice or forfeit the pot,” the strained voice across the […]
Issue One, The Beginning Begins at the End but the End is just the Beginning! “The city is in chaos and the question upon everyone’s mind is this, Where is The Flying Squirrel? The masked hero has been the unsung protector of Cerulean City for the past ten years. His exploits and his tireless pursuit […]
It is raining. It always starts with the raining. Always. I run to the car as the first cold wet drops splat on my bald head. I press the button, hear the door unlock, jump in and press the ignition. The car starts as the drops fall faster. They are loud and only grow louder […]
So here is the official cover art for my collection of short stories! Coming soon, Notches.
“Friedrich!” She stood in front of an iron wrought throne with crimson cushions. She was as pale as moonlight but had a deadly grace to her. An air of menace radiated from her and had been known to cause her enemies to clench up in fear. Scars marked her face where her hair didn’t hide […]
“Well good morning Mona.” “Ugh.” “Not often I beat you to work. Late night last night? Seems rather uncharacteristic for you on a Sunday.” “Long weekend.” “Really? You didn’t mention any plans this weekend.” “I don’t have to tell you about everything I do Mike.” “I’m not saying you do. Just seems suspicious is all.” […]
Normally I just post poetry and the occasional story here. But this is beyond exciting news for me. I’m going to put out my first collection of tales through the wonderful people at Death’s Head Press! I can barely contain my joy at this news. This has been my dream since I realized I would […]
“Good mor… what the fuck are you wearing?” “Excuse me?” “Is that a bowtie?” “Yes.” “And a vest.” “Astute this morning Mona.” “Who died?” “Whatever do you mean?” “I mean, who died? You wear the same five ugly ass shirts that barely qualify as business casual every week.” “No one died.” “Are you up for […]
“Hello Lurch, is the Lady in tonight?” Of course she was. We both knew it. But protocol dictated a certain decorum when stepping into the darkness of this world of business and demonology. But Lurch, well, he doesn’t care for me. “Ashtray. You look like shit.” My name is not Ashtray. He knows this. It […]
“Good Morning.” “Uh huh.” “How many days has it been?” “Since what?” “You’ve slept.” “Three.” “At this point the debilitating effects of sleep deprivation start.” “Yay?” “Not yay. Are you still sick?” “Sort of.” “Sort of?” “Nah. I’m good.” “Which is it?” “Which is what?” “Are you sick or better.” “Yes.” “Asshole. I care. Lord […]
“Hello?” “Hey Mona.” “What?” “What what?” “Why are you calling me at this hour?” “What hour is it?” “Three in the morning.” “Oh shit. How the hell did it get so late?” “Are you drunk?” “Are you drunk?” “I was asleep.” “Well that just seems like an acceptable act at three in the morning.” “What […]
“Good morning. Oh. What the fuck happened to your face?” “Is it noticeable?” “You have a black eye and your lips is swollen. It is slightly noticeable.” “There was an altercation.” “Tell me the other guy looks worse than you.” “No.” “No? You didn’t fight back?” “No.” “What happened?” “Do you remember the girl from […]
“—” “Um. Mona.” “What.” “Good morning.” “I’m mad at you.” “For what?” “What was the rule?” “Don’t sleep with Mona’s friends.” “Why was that a rule?” “They are vampires and will suck the life out of me.” “And what did you do?” “Not slept with Mona’s friends.” “No. You did worse.” “I didn’t do anything.” […]
“Good morning.” “Seven.” “Seven what?” “Assholes cut me off this morning.” “And you lost all trace of common courtesy?” “I don’t know if I had the slightest trace to begin with. Is that like con science?” “Con science? What the fuck it that?” “Hell if I know. That thing that makes you feel bad for […]
“Good morning.” “Morning Mona.” “You seem chipper.” “My work bestie met my outside work besties. It was a momentous occasion.” “It was?” “It wasn’t?” “They were nice.” “Uh oh.” “Well. They were different.” “Oh yeah. For sure.” “What did you tell them about me?” “Your name and we work together.” “That’s all?” “Yep. Why?” “Well. […]
“Good morning.” “But is it?” “A good morning? Sure.” “Hmmm.” “What happened?” “I don’t even know how to describe it.” “You don’t know how to describe something? Hold on, I need to jot this down on my calendar.” “For what?” “Do you know how rare it is when you are at a loss?” “Somewhat often?” […]
I saw her as I was waiting in line at Target. I don’t know what made me look up from my phone. Yes I was staring at my phone. I don’t do the self check out bullshit. The last time I was standing there screaming at the machine that the fucking bread was in the […]
Three years and fifty one weeks ago “Good morning.” “I’ve made a huge mistake.” “Is this how we start our morning?” “With you being pleasant and me running from crisis to crisis? God, I hope not.” “What crisis?” “I’m an idiot.” “It’s only been a week but I think I can agree to that statement.” […]
“Good morning.” “Hi! How are you?” “I’m doing well.” “Awesome. I’m Mike. Looks like we are going to be sharing this room together.” “It does. I’m Mona.” “Is your middle name Lisa?” “What? Oh. No.” “Get that a lot?” “No.” “Oh. Seems like an obvious question.” “I guess it does.” “I’m sorry. I’m rambling. I […]
“Good morning!” “Sure.” “What’s wrong?” “The hospital sucked.” “They do.” “But…” “Oh no. What did you do?” “Did I ever tell you how much I like scrubs?” “The clothes or the TLC song?” “Both.” “No. You never mentioned that. Either.” “And you know what the nurses all wear?” “Please tell me you didn’t…” “So this […]
“Hello?” “—” “Mona?” “—” “What in the hell? Hello!” “Hello Michael.” “Hello? Who’s there?” “I’m hurt. You don’t know who I am?” “There’s no one there.” “Isn’t that how you always described me? An absentee father?” “I doubt it. The only one I ever describe like that is…” “Go on…” “No.” “Come on.” “No way.” […]
“Good morning.” “No.” “Excuse me.” “I said no.” “I heard that.” “Okay.” “I’m meant what do you mean?” “Not today Mona.” “Not today what?” “I’m not feeling up to our normal routine.” “What happened?” “Nothing. You want coffee?” “Tea. And an explanation.” “Tea it is.” Some days things go from bad to worse. Some weeks […]
“How did it go?” “Good morning to you too.” “Damn it Mike. How did it go?” “I got so shitty drunk. And remember that waitress with the brown eyes? Let’s just say she has a third. And I saw it. And it was just as pretty.” “Look here mother fucker. You know what I’m asking […]
“Feeling better?” “Sure.” “It’s been three days. What happened?” “Not sure. Bug, I guess.” “It wasn’t a bug. It was what we asked.” “Kind of.” “Definitely. What happened?” “It’s a big deal.” “It is.” “And I know what it means to you two.” “Okay.” “But. Why me?” “Oh fuck Mikey, why not you?” “Obviously one […]
“Good morning.” “Hey Mona.” “Hey?” “Hello madam, how is thou this fine summer morn?” “Better. And I am more a fair maiden. Madam seems stuffy and old.” “I stick with my prior descriptor.” “Ass.” “Barely.” “It is awfully flat back there. Is that genetic?” “No. Well maybe. I didn’t check out a lot of my […]
“Did you see that shit out there?” “Good morning.” “Yeah. Whatever. Seriously. Did you see that shit?” “I’m fine Mike. No, we just stayed in and watched television. Thanks for asking.” “Mona. I’m glad your life has become a routine of television and vanilla sex. I’m happy to see domestic bliss is upon you. Did […]
“Good morning.” “It is now.” “Aww. Did you miss me?” “Not really. There is a spider in the corner and I think it is plotting to lay eggs in my brain. I need you to smash it good.” “I’m gone two weeks and all you missed me for was killing bugs?” “Arachnid.” “Whatever.” “I missed […]
“Good morning Mona!” “—” “Oh yeah. Another week until you’re back from vacation.” “—” “This sucks.” “—” “Sometimes I question everything. Like why do I even bother. My only healthy relationship is here with you. And it is antagonistic. My life is empty. Devoid of any meaning except regaling you with stories from a better […]
“Two weeks?” “It’s called a vacation Mike. I’m entitled.” “But what about me?” “What about you?” “What am I supposed to do for two weeks?” “Listen to music. Find your center. Fuck yourself. Honestly it is all whatevs.” “Hurtful. And whatevs?” “Honest. We have been in this shitty little room for an entire year together. […]
“Good morning sunshine.” “It is definitely fucking morning.” “Get up on the wrong side of the bed?” “Got up period.” “Uh oh. Someone’s a mister grumpy puss today.” “Is this what we are doing today?” “Seems like it.” “I say no.” “You’re out voted.” “How? There are two of us. If anything it is a […]
“How are you holding up Mikey?” “I’m good. Why, what did you hear? Did a doctor call and say something?” “A doctor? No. Wait. Why would you ask that?” “Why would you ask how I am holding up?” “What about a doctor?” “How am I holding up?” “What the fuck is happening?” “Gut instinct to […]
“Why do you have that look on your face?” “What look?” “The cat that stole the canary look.” “I do not.” “You most certainly do.” “Chainsaw called me on the way in.” “That is never good.” “It most certainly is not.” “So why the satisfied smirk?” “I have never once in my life smirked.” “You […]
“If he comes closer.” “Into the pot he goes.” “A tasty morsel.” “Sorrow like garlic.” “Eats him.” They think I cannot hear them mutter as I pass. Stupid things in the trees and shadows. I just shrug them off. “Closer. Come closer little human.” “Find a different snack,” I call to them. “He speaks. Does […]
“—” “Good morning to you too.” “—” “It has been a week. You can’t still possibly be mad at me.” “—” “I said I was sorry. I made a mistake.” “You had sex with Judy.” “She speaks.” “You are an asshole.” “I am.” “Why did you have to have sex with Judy?” “It is complicated.” […]
“Good morning sleepy head.” “Argh.” “Bad night?” “Rargh.” “Too much drinky drinky?” “Meh.” “I love our morning chats.” “Bleh.” “Go get coffee. Leave the caveman in the break room.” “Sazzafrazz. Rogga.” “Yes please. Hazelnut creamer if there is any left.” “Rah.” “No. I already ate. Thanks though.” “Bleh.” I’m not quite the morning person I […]
“I’ve decided something Mona.” “What?” “I don’t believe in love.” “What do you mean?” “I think it is fake. A sham. Created by man to control the populace. Like the Bible.” “Whoa. Like the Bible.” “Yeah. It is all mind control.” “So love and the Bible are fake.” “Exactly.” “What brought this on?” “Which one?” […]
“Weekend work? Are you fucking serious?” “Don’t get me started. I had to cancel brunch with Trudy to be here.” “Brunch?” “Yes. What?” “Well. Just make up your mind. Sleep in and have a leisurely lunch or be a grown up and get up too damned early on a day off and make pancakes.” “You […]
“My head is killing me today.” “Another headache?” “That or there are some pissed off dwarves mining for gray matter.” “Dwarves?” “It is possible.” “Your dungeons and dragons is leaking out again Mike.” “Can I throw a saving roll against headaches?” “I don’t know what that means.” “See you figure out based on my dexterity […]
I held a wake for Mona at work today. Informed everyone she had died in her sleep the night before. The boss brought in donuts and we sat together in the break room. Marie was inconsolable. “We gather to mourn the loss of my best friend. My partner in crime. Mona. She was the best. […]
“Guess who got laid last night?” “Oh God.” “That’s right.” “That poor girl.” “Now that is just hurtful.” “That isn’t what she said.” “Ouch.” “And again” “Okay. No need to be mean.” “That’s what you said when you pulled it out.” “God damn it Mona. You’re killing my buzz here.” “Sorry. It’s been so long […]
“I’ve got a date tonight.” “A real date, or one of those sort of dates that is really an excuse for sex?” “A real date.” “With whom?” “With whom? Hoighty toighty. With whooooom.” “This is reaching my limits of interest, Mona.” “Marie in accounting.” “Lazy eye Marie?” “I like to think she is multitasking Marie.” […]
i wrote a series of dialogues with a fictional co-worker named Mona. just little things to entertain myself. this is the first. they are real stories of me and other co-workers, but with her instead. i’m touching them up because i like them. not all names were changed, screw the innocent “I quit.” “Quit what […]
The water in the tub was warm, just shy of hot. It offset the numbing cold of the blood rushing down my arms. I tried to shut the water off but apparently had gone too deep and severed a couple tendons. It didn’t really matter. Wouldn’t be my mess to clean up. Probably for the […]
The sounds of dice rolling across the table travelled up the stairs. The intrepid heroes journeyed through dank caverns and evil forests. The somber tones of the dungeon master rose over the sounds of the skirmish. “You enter the large cavern. Mushrooms on the walls glow with a faint light.” “Aye lads, my nose is […]
Chapter Five – Adrift My eyes snapped open and tried to take a giant heaving breath. Pain shot through my entire body in lightning arcs from head to toe. I could not pinpoint one area that hurt worse than any other as every synapse sent pulses of wicked fire through me. A red tinge overlaid […]
Chapter Four – Setting Expectations Rachael Faust. Why would the group that kidnapped her need me to help find her? Her father said he spoke with a man with yellow eyes and the only two I know of that fit that bill and one of them just asked me to find her as well. Silence. […]
The man atop the mountain however did sense the figure slowly making its way to the summit where he stood, chained to his boulder for all eternity. And in this figure he could feel the warm buzzing of salvation creep through his bones. So filled with relief at the thought of freedom when the rays […]
Chapter Three – Long Drives and Vicious Beatings When I came to I was surrounded by black. I choked down bile as my head throbbed from the blow to the back of my head. I was sticky and felt a pang of remorse when I realized it was queso all over me and not blood. […]
Chapter Two – Out and About The City has a pulse of it’s own, a humming that seems to resonate throughout the people that live here. Brad’s bar is an anomaly, a piece of the past that has worked it’s way into the future. And that is exactly his intent. But if his place is […]
Chapter One – Serendipity The flickering neon light seemed to pulse in time with my headache. A near strobe of blue and red that seemed to crackle down my optic nerve and stab directly into my brain. I was trying to sip my whiskey in private in the back of the near empty bar and […]
“He’s got a gun.” The guy coming towards me most certainly did have a gun. A large one. Big barrel. I’m not a gun guy, but this was most definitely a prime example. Even to a layman. As I watched him draw near, a dirty nondescript middle aged white guy. But something was happening in […]
So I am minding my own business when I hear a frantic call. “Come on, she will be here soon.” I looked down to see a dish pulling desperately at a spoon. I blinked stupidly. Did that plate really just run away with a spoon? Did someone dose my coffee? Again? If it wasn’t so […]
I was sitting on the toilet, seat down, waiting for the wax to cool while bedazzling my leather thong when I had an epiphany. I said to myself, self it doesn’t get much better than this. Then I ripped the wax off and fought a scream. The price of being beautiful in this trying age […]
“The cancer has spread throughout her body. She waited too long to come in.” “How long?” “Weeks. Maybe less.” “Weeks? What can we do?” “Keep her comfortable. It is aggressively attacking her.” “Chemo?” “She is too weak. It would only speed up the process. Look, I’m sorry to say this but you have to be […]
Sitting on the bridge alone, watching the waters flow. The swooping birds delicately dive for a swimming morsel. Like poetry in motion, the mechanics of wings catching thermals and predatory instincts. It has been cold lately and the water looks so serene beneath me. A cool wind stirs the treetops into a happy dance. The […]
He stood staring into the sun, face set into a grin tinged with madness. That unblinking stare continued for what seemed to be hours. His black suit was covered in fine red dust blown out of the dry creek to his left. His shiny head glistened with sweat. The treeline to the right was sparse […]
“Berry, get me a coffee with two sugars and have those twits in accounting send me the latest spreadsheets yesterday.” I just nod. Already on my phone sending the twits a message as I head to the break room to grab the coffee. I can only imagine the scrabble as they try and put together […]
My life has been a series of misadventures and misunderstandings. If there is a way for things to become fucked up and wrong I witnessed it from the very first breath. I seemed to always find myself in the middle of a cyclone of unfortunate happenings. I was born different. From my first moments it […]
Then, a month ago “What if I told you I have the perfect heist? A chance to hit two banks at once and get out of town with no interference by the cops?” “I would say let’s do this.” “Here is what we need…” now “You two, hit the bank on the left, we have […]
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