Short Stories

My Book Writing Journey - Now that the days are shorter and we’re all slowing down, I would like to share a personal story. It has been my dream to publish a book since I was 12. It has always been in the back of my mind, and finally, years ago, I wrote one. A cozy mystery that I felt... Continue Reading →
Joy Ride - By R.J. Byrd The second I settled into Dean’s ’22 Ford Mustang, I shed my jean jacket and yanked off my hair tie. “Damn,” said Dean. His eyes were on all my exposed skin. I had on my bikini top and a pair of shorts. I rolled my eyes. I had no real interest in... Continue Reading →
Hunted - by R.J. Byrd I hid behind a tree to catch my breath. My lungs were burning, my whole body felt like it was on fire. My legs gave out, and I hit the cold ground. I knew I couldn’t stay here long. He wasn’t far behind. I’d rather die than let that bastard catch me... Continue Reading →
Girls’ Night - By R.J. Byrd “So, maybe we could get out of here…” I bit my lip and smiled shyly at the man sitting next to me. He gave me a lusty grin, but before he could say anything, my best friend threw an arm around him and totally stole his attention away. We had both been... Continue Reading →
Summer Mountain - By R.J. Byrd *15 minute writing challenge* Imagine you’re hiking on a mountain trail on a hot summer day. While it’s cooler on the mountain than anywhere else, you’re still dripping with sweat. The sun is particularly relentless. You’re glad you wore your wide-brim hat and brought along your extra large water bottle. You take... Continue Reading →
Spring Morning - By R.J. Byrd *15 minute writing challenge* A spring morning can be crisp, like a fall morning, but with spring, there are warm undertones. The sun plays peek-a-boo with the clouds. The gentle light warms your shoulders and face, contrasting the cool breezes that keep us in sweaters. Each season has a distinct feel and... Continue Reading →
Black Sequin - By R.J. Byrd *15 Minute Writing Challenge* I found a little black sequin on my bed. I’m not altogether sure where it came from, and I’m not sure why I’m taking such good care of it. I guess because it appeared as if by magic. So out of place on my bed. A single black... Continue Reading →
Starry Night - By R.J. Byrd *15 minute writing challenge* When I was younger, I used to look up at the stars with a friend. It was her idea and I thought it was cool, so that’s what we did. It became something of a tradition. In the summer, sometimes we would just lay out on my driveway... Continue Reading →
Clouds - By R.J. Byrd *15 minute writing challenge* When I was a kid, I was fascinated with clouds. I would gaze up at them for a long time, letting my imagination run wild. I would wonder what they felt like, tasted like, smelled like. In my mind, they were tantalizingly close pieces of fantasy. I would... Continue Reading →
The Dream - By R.J. Byrd I wake up hot. I’m sweating. I’ve never been this hot, even when I lived at home in the valley, which is basically a desert, and my room was always the hottest. I open my eyes and look up at a metal ceiling. What the hell? I quickly sit up and take... Continue Reading →
Ode to an Overcast Day - By R.J. Byrd *15 minute writing challenge* I love overcast days. Even better if its misty or rainy. I love it because its quiet. The world around me seems to slow down. I love the chill in the air. It feels revitalizing. The chill wakes you up while also making you crave warm, soft blankets... Continue Reading →
The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t - By R.J. Byrd It was 9 a.m. sharp when Becca Townsend ascended the stairs to ensure her sisters were awake. It was Thanksgiving, and they were going to cook dinner together this year. Becca had told her parents she would take care of dinner. At first, she considered ordering everything, but she then had the... Continue Reading →
Night Creatures - By R.J. Byrd Three college students were standing in a circle near the library at the CSU campus. They were in a wooded area perfect for this late-night activity. Since none of them had plans, they decided to meet here on Halloween. It was a great place to meet because students often came here at... Continue Reading →
The Seance - By R.J. Byrd “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this,” mused Kevin as he climbed through an old, broken window into what was once an army barrack. He looked around critically and dusted off his James Bond suit with an air of importance. “Yeah, I know. I can’t believe you’re actually going to have fun... Continue Reading →
The Sale - By R.J. Byrd It was a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon. The streets of New York were bustling with people all in a hurry to get to their destinations. The sky scrappers were gleaming in the mid-afternoon sun, and a pretty young redhead, dressed head to toe in designer clothes, was walking down the crowded sidewalk... Continue Reading →
How to Make Hot Bread - By R.J. Byrd You have to wake up craving it. Palpable desire that almost makes you drool. You need the warm, sweet taste right away. You have to slip out of bed to get it. Don’t bother getting dressed or taking a shower, just walk straight to the kitchen. Once there raid the fridge for... Continue Reading →
Ink - By R.J. Byrd He knew she’d been to prison. She had prison tattoos all over her body. She had dragons, gang symbols, the name of an ex-boyfriend, and even one that said ‘Mom.’ She didn’t like to talk about that time in her life, her prison time. He knew she struggled with it, even though... Continue Reading →
Bad Days - By R.J Byrd “Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Mark. “I didn’t see a point,” said Carrie. “How could you not?” “You never want to know about these things.” “Of course I do.” “What would it change?” she asked, turning her tear-filled eyes to him. “Everything,” he said, leaning closer to her, “I care about... Continue Reading →
Sugar - By R.J. Byrd I am a tiny grain of sugar. My polished exterior does not belie my sweetness. I am a luscious, sugary speck. But you did not know this; you never saw me. I do not blame you; I was dull and uncaring of my appearance. You stepped on me. I was at the... Continue Reading →
The Cheetah and the Butterfly - By R. J. Byrd The young cheetah loped through the plains at twilight. She was hungry. She hadn’t caught anything in over a week. The temperature was dropping, bringing relief to the arid savannah. She surveyed the flat land hoping a stray gazelle might be wandering around. No such luck. She trekked over to the... Continue Reading →
Dirty Talk - By R.J. Byrd “You’re going out like that?” asks my husband, Steve. I stare into my compact and finish applying my lipstick, making sure my hair is perfect.“Yes, is that a problem?” I ask defensively. He shakes his head no, looking me up and down from his place on the couch.“No, but you’re just taking... Continue Reading →