It Was Just One Second (by AC1830)
Summary: How long does it take to change a life forever? Joe Cartwright finds out it only takes a second. Written for the 2025 Michael Landon’s Birthday Challenge – pick a period of time, from a second up to a year, that changed Joe Cartwright’s life forever.
Rating: T, Word Count: 1101
If I Could Turn Back Time (by Annie K Cowgirl)
Summary: Foolishly, I had thought I’d have more time; there were places I wanted to see, things I wanted to do. Now, due to my stupidity, I’d never get to. A WHN for the episode The First Born.
Rated: T (only for mentions of death)
Word Count: 1,167
Ghostly Miracle (by BettyHT)
Summary: It started as an October pinecone but I couldn’t stop. A little bit spooky but nothing to keep you up at night — probably.
Rating: PG Word count: 1430
Thirst (by bonanzagirl)
Summary: A Halloween story, told by Joe and Hoss. Joe gets into trouble while Hoss does everything to fix things again.
Rating: PG Word count: 9000
When October Goes (by Wrangler)
Summary: Ben disowns Little Joe; Adam fights him in town and Hoss ignores him. Now everyone wants to know why. The reason lies in October.
Rating T, WC 41,844
The Declaration (by Pat D in PA)
SUMMARY: An older brother mourns his believed failure in keeping a promise. Written for the 3rd Quarter 2025 Chaps and Spurs Writing Challenge.
RATING: K/G WORD COUNT: 1,335
Lessons in Trust (by AC1830)
Summary: Based on the episode The Grand Swing, young Jamie’s thoughts are explored as he faces the shock and responsibility of crashing a wagon and killing a horse. Written for the 2025 Chaps and Spurs Challenge.
Rated: G, Word Count: 2778
Saucy Sally Picks a Pocket (by CareBear)
Summary: Saucy Sally has a birthday wish that will take a fortune to fulfill. How does she solve this problem? By picking some pockets of course! Written in answer to the 2025 Brandaversary R-Rated Story challenge.
Rating: MA/R (language, sexual situations & descriptions)
Word Count: 13,039
Greta (by BettyHT)
Summary: The sequel to Maude; it’s short, but it’s Hoss’ turn for romance. If you read Maude and wondered about Greta, the answers should be here. If you haven’t read Maude, it’s probably not necessary to enjoy this short story.
Rating: PG Word count: 2624
Saucy Sally’s Nineteenth Year (by LillianMontane)
Summary: The Cartwright brothers and their times at Saucy Sally’s.
Rating: R Word Count: 2475
Fireworks, Friends, and Innocent Prayers (by DJK)
Summary: Little Joe and friends managed to arrange “the grandest sight the town has ever seen”, and it only required a little deceit and disobeying. This prequel was written for the 3rd Quarter 2025 Chaps & Spurs Challenge.
Rating: Teen Word Count: 5822
If Your Heart Cries Out Tonight (by Wrangler)
Summary: Little Joe reflects back to when he challenged an important decision that his father made. Now, at seventeen, he discovers why Pa was right.
Rating T WC 10,225,
The Weaker Sex (by Pat D in PA)
Summary: Marie Cartwright comes home from assisting a neighboring woman to find … Written for the 3rd Quarter Chaps and Spurs Challenge.
Rating: K/G
Word Count: 2,067
Face Down in the Dust — A Ballad for the Broken (by JC)
Adam’s friend Ed Payson learns too late that you can hang up your gun, but it won’t let you go. (A “Broken Ballad” recap in rhyme)
Rating T Word Count 250
Maude (by BettyHT)
Summary: Hoss wants Maude, but she and Adam develop an unlikely relationship. Eventually Hoss benefits from the couple’s relationship in a way no one could ever have predicted but only after they experience a series of adventures.
Rating: PG Word count: 24,152