Author: VCLS
2026 Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament
Welcome to the 2026 Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament! Begun in 2013, this cherished challenge has resulted in numerous stories being added to the library that have made fans laugh, cry, or tremble in fear at a villian’s evil exploits. A deck of 52 cards is used per table (up to…
The Ones Who Left (by VCLS)
Summary: After two years away from the Ponderosa, Candy finds work at a traveling carnival, only to encounter the familiar face of a man he’s never met. Set between Seasons 13 and 14.
Rating: G Word Count: 8,785
The Thousandth-and-First Time (by VCLS)
Summary: Joe, poker, and Adam’s guitar. What could go wrong?
Rating: G Word count: 2,731
Crosses to Bear (by VCLS)
Summary: Candy encounters an old friend from his army days, who turns out to be a wanted man on the run. Written for the 2026 Ponderosa Paddlewheel Poker Tournament.
Rating: T Word Count: 9,149
A Horse Called Howdy (by VCLS)
Summary: In the season 14 episode “Riot!”, Griff King, a young man imprisoned for attacking his abusive stepfather, protected both Ben and Candy during a hostage situation, and helped prevent a prison break. Afterward, he was paroled into Ben’s custody. In this prequel, Griff remembers life with his stepfather. Dialogue in the beginning is taken from the episode “New Man.”
Rating: T Word Count: 4,306
Custard-Filled Doughnuts (by VCLS)
Summary: Hop Sing’s custard-filled doughnuts were prized by all whenever he made them. Ben Cartwright’s sons did not feel the need to play fair when it came to obtaining such culinary delights, and the thief simply stole them.
Rating: T Word Count: 7,023
Mother’s Day 2024 (VCLS)
Summary: In honor of all mothers who are still with us in person or in spirit, Bonanza Brand presents this Mother Day’s compilation containing the work Inca, MonicaSJ, faust, Southplains, Krystyna, Patina, DJK, and Sibylle–authors who responded to the 2012 Pinecone Challenge prompt: “Mama died today…” from The Stranger by Albert Camus. These wonderfully creative writers had to limit their entries to under 500 words. The stories are presented in the order of posting.
Rating: T Word Count: 3,880
Regret (by VCLS)
Summary: A newcomer to Virginia City talks the Cartwrights into a decision they wish they’d never made.
Rated: K+
Word count: 13,184
Shadows and Fears (by VCLS)
Summary: As the Cartwright brothers and Candy travel home from Sacramento in the summer of 1862, the journey takes an unexpected, and possibly deadly, twist, leaving Ben worried, with no idea what kind of mess they’re tangled in, who the enemy is, or what is wanted.
Rated: K+
Word Count: 14,800
Stagecoach (by VCLS)
Summary: A call for help and a stagecoach ride into trouble, brings danger for the Cartwright brothers.
Rated: T WC 17,185
The Real Hero (by purplewriter333)
The story was written for the 2017 Advent Calendar – Day 11
Summary: An unfortunate rite of passage.
Rating: G (1,790 words)
Christmas in July (by Truthwriter)
This story was written for the 2017 Advent Calendar – Day 7
Summary: This piece is based on a reference from the Season One episode, “The Avenger”.
Rating: T (555 words)
A Christmas Meeting (by Sunrider)
Summary: A Christmas Greeting in Pictures
I’ve Been Waiting for Christmas by Tsti
Summary: A Christmas Greeting in Pictures
