Writer of Humor and Satire
"A modern-day literary genius of unequaled talent."
AI prompt response. Really.
"A modern-day literary genius of unequaled talent."
AI prompt response. Really.
Welcome to the tiny East Texas town of Trails End. A quaint, folksy place where new arrivals are warmly welcomed – provided they look like everyone else. And were born here.
When four new high school boys descend like a horde of locusts upon the football-loving folk of this quiet hamlet, they carve a grim path of destruction and devastation. No sacred institute or beloved tradition is left unmolested by these sport-adverse foreigners. At least according to the good people of Trails End. But then again, they strongly suspect the South won the war.
Fortunately, they have Paul Matthew on their side. Mentor, guide, confidant, and high school history teacher. Although only the last is true. And barely that. Paul approaches each day as an opportunity to express his disdain for teaching, students, football, Trails End, and Texas. So they’ll always have that.
And what to do if the entire school and town are against you? Start a garage rock band, of course. Born is The OutlawX, driven to cover the biggest hits of one of the greatest rock bands to spring forth from Texas, ZZ-Top. First order of business: find out who ZZ-Top is, second, learn to play. Everything else is cake.
High school teacher and vocal critic of all things Trails End. His passions include fine wine, rich espresso, classical music, tennis, and antagonizing the brutish assistant football coach while pursuing the affections of the voluptuous Mrs. Gina Zoller. What little time left is consumed avoiding any semblance of teaching, ignoring the numerous threatening letters dispatched by the school board, ducking out of mandated student mentoring, and remaining dangerously ignorant of the vengeful wrath of town strongman and husband of the lovely Gina, Mr. Sieg Zoller. A Texas transplant that never took.
Lead guitar and vocals. Against a background of fires, alligators, and rancid hot dogs, the cool, dispassionate Smoke dutifully (reluctantly) stepped forward to take the reins as the unspoken, unelected leader of The OutlawX. A role not to be taken lightly, knowing full well if it wasn't him, it'd be someone else. Anyone. Except Dusty.
Rhythm guitar and vocals. Cool, calm, level-headed, and astute. All things he desperately wants, yet qualities he finds in short supply during actual disasters. And there's been plenty. His camaraderie with Smoke comes with the somewhat distressing understanding that they're the two most dependable of the group. And that ain't saying much.
Drums, and most importantly, the owner of the practice garage. Has never owned a pair of cowboy boots, wouldn't know which end of a horse to put the saddle on, hates Western music, prefers curry over corn dogs, never heard of the Dallas Cowboys, and as such, is aptly named. Befriends Dusty out of sympathy for the poor, ignorant kid. Has one sister who hates The OutlawX. Especially Dusty.
Bass guitar. Vocals, if they forget to cut his mic. His beatnik vibe and rock-god persona do cause a bit of jealousy among his bandmates, but it's for the good of the band. Not that the backwater simpletons of Trails End recognize his talents. Allows Cowboy to hang with him so the poor kid can bathe in his karma. Plus, Cowboy's sister is super hot.