No Extra Words one person's search for story

Reinvention is an artistic endeavor in "Robots With a Vengeance." By Bill McStowe, copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Bill's website.

"Reinvention" is a family endeavor. By Tina Tocco, copyr…

Gabriela gets a call she has been waiting for, but her broken heart has power in "The Greater Pain." By Jaclyn Adomeit, copyright 2014, used with permission. Visit Jaclyn's website.

Kuki's artist ret…

A Symphony of Everyday Life, in short story.

Starting with the trio of short stories "Sights," "Sounds," and "Pitches," by Ben Berman. Copyright 2016, used with permission. Visit Ben's website.

Does …

How well do we really know our oldest friends?

Sometimes it takes someone who has really been there when you are "Low." By Harold Klae, copyright 2016, used with permission. Contact Harold.

I've know…

Those quiet moments in a relationship when it's just you and your partner.

"Cowboy Nocturne" is a falling in love story by Evan Guilford-Blake. Copyright 2008. An expanded version of "Cowboy Nocturne…

Senior in high school Molly has trouble learning from her elders in "A Nun's Arse." By James Mulhern, copyright 2015, used with permission. Visit his website.

The real Joan Galt is here to tell her s…

It's been almost 50 years now. You know what happened. You've seen her picture. But you haven't heard her side of the story...until now. "The Attractive Brunette - Her Looks Now Ruined - Speaks" give…

Sometimes it's not about what's going on but about who shows up to go through it with you in "Cost of Living." By C.S. O'Cinneide, copyright 2014, used with permission. Read her bio here.

Security gu…

We're wrapping up a three day weekend here in the U.S. Maybe you spent it on an artist's retreat. Hopefully, not this kind...

"Inspiration" is to be found on the retreat Joan McIntosh's character is …

What lives in your family history?

One family searches for the real home of "Opa and Oma." By Robert Wexelblatt, copyright 2016, used with permission. Read Robert's bio.

Second-time No Extra Words co…

Be wary of those who prepare the food.

In "Pencils at the Ready," the school is ready to meet the new headmaster, although perhaps not in the way he expected. By Sarah Bigham, copyright 2015, used wi…

"Shingle Spit Road" is where what you think you know and what you actually know collide. By Meaghan Hackinen, copyright 2015, used with permission. Read Meaghan's bio.

Sometimes life doesn't crack op…

Being yourself is a constant struggle in "What Does Anyone Remember About High School, Anyway?" By Arden Wren Sawyer, copyright 2015, used with permission. Read Arden's bio.

Annabelle is about to hav…

"Ben Ailing" isn't sure how he ended up where he did, but there was a reason he was supposed to be there. By Dave Barrett, from his collection Republic, USA. Copyright 2014, used with permission. Rea…

Those who won't change and the rest of us who get to deal.

Witness the creative destruction of "A New Heart." By Mitchell Krockmalnik Grabois, copyright 2015, used with permission. Read his bio.

Groc…

It's our special anniversary episode!

"Wrong Number" is a voice mail message from an old friend. Does her friend really want to hear from her right now? Written and read by Sally Stevens. Copyright 2…

Today's episode is super-sized because it contains some special bonus holiday content at the end.

"Memorial Day" looks closely at an important holiday. By C.M. Gabbett, copyright 2015, used with perm…

"Saving Andie" is the story of a board room meeting in which the experts must decide whether to launch a rescue mission. By Lars H. Hoffmann, copyright 2015, used with permission. Visit Lars' website…

Back in January we had a Contributor Appreciation promotion, where we randomly drew four winners from our list of contributors. They received a prize from our sponsor, Channillo.com and the chance to…

Four stories, four moments, about mothering, motherhood, and this thing called family.

"Chicago, 1965" is one of those wonderful stories that pull you immediately into the writer's experience. By Rho…