I've never been very good at writing fictional stories.  I can't really imagine characters deeply enough to bring them to life.  My story lines are a bit boring and don't really go anywhere.  All my endings end up sounding like the old grade school book report finale - "...and if you want to know what happens, you should read the book!"... which really doesn't work when it's a book you're trying to write.  I've always been especially fascinated with short story writers, how they could take a small story line, develop it and complete it all within a single short story.  It requires self-discipline to limit the plot, careful word selection, and ability to keep it simple.

I think Martin may have a talent for the short story.  Today, he presented me with one he's been working on.  Here was our conversation:

Martin: Mom, I have a good story.
Me: Okay, what is it.
Martin: It's called "The Mystery of Who's Makin' that Boomin' Noise."
Me: Well, that sounds good.  Is there more?
Martin: Yes, it's Juan Swan and he's hittin' a drum.
Me: That's the answer to the mystery?
Martin: Yes.
Me: How did you find that it was Juan Swan?  Did you have any clues?
Martin: Yes, I saw him.  It was Juan Swan.  That's it.

So, there you have it.  His first short story.  It's simple, has a plot, a character and comes to a resolution at the end.  Granted, it's only a title and a single sentence, but it's an excellent first story.