Story Institute

Short Story – The Sudden Makeover – Mehreen Ahmed

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:05:05 +0000

The Sudden Makeover By: Mehreen Ahmed Once, there lived three friends, Una, Ulle and Ursula. While they were all outgoing, Una was a bit shy, Usha was not and Ursula, the happy medium, perfectly poised between the two. Ulle’s vivacity sometimes angered Una to the hilt. One day, they went out to have coffee and as they were looking for a place to sit down, Una said haltingly as always that she wanted to sit at the far end of the room. This enraged Ulle. “You’re really awkward, you know!” She said. “And why can’t we sit in the middle?” “Because, I’m embarrassed.” “Who do you think would look at you?” “May be no-one!” “Still you’re, the way you are! You will not change.” “I can’t change; you should know that by now.” “Now, now let’s not waste time arguing over seats,” Ursula chimed in. “Why can’t we all sit in that corner next to the wall, best of both worlds?”

In Between Epiphanies – By Mark Sengenberger http:…

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:42:35 +0000

In Between Epiphanies – By Mark Sengenberger http://t.co/QxoFn7V

Rebecca Laskowitz Releases Class Of…on Amazon

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:23:18 +0000

Rebecca Laskowitz releases Class Of… Rebecca first appeared on Story Institute as the winner of our short story contest. Last year, we published her first novel, The Manuscript. This year, Rebecca adds another thriller to the craft of writing, Class of… published through CreateSpace. Check out, Class of…, a great second novel from the up-and-coming author, Rebecca Laskowitz.

Navigation and Structuring Changes at Story Institute

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:53:31 +0000

Well, it has been a little while since we employed some navigation changes at Story Institute. However, after the recent low participation in our writing contests, we’ve decided to take a look at how we structure things. The links you will see along the top and the side are really an expression of where most [...]

“Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. K…

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 03:58:53 +0000

“Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.” Jim Henson http://t.co/gtCefwX

New Story Ideas coming soon…www.storyinstitute.com

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 03:25:59 +0000

New Story Ideas coming soon…www.storyinstitute.com http://t.co/LsvXjwD

Stop by Story Institute for ideas, resources, …

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 01:42:13 +0000

Stop by http://www.storyinstitute.com for ideas, resources, and discussions…

Poetry Topic – Remembering the Old House

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:00:15 +0000

It may be old, but it is still fresh with the memories of the years you have spent there. That childhood house still stands. It makes its way into dreams and into stories. Think of where you grew up and connect with the good times. Remember an event that was special. Remember a time that [...]

Short Story Topic – Moving Day

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:00:15 +0000

This day is is dreaded by children and parents everywhere. While they are looking forward to the newness of different house and change of scenery, each will miss a part of the space they are leaving behind. Each will bring with them a memory to recreate in the new location. Today’s move with our family [...]

Book Industry News – Borders to liquidate

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:46:48 +0000

While the news in the link below doesn’t effect the business here at Story Institute, it is an interesting sign into where the book industry is heading. With the many options for publishing and reading these days, paper book sales seem to be moving beyond the store and into the online arena. Traditional books also [...]

Story Institute Updating

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:05:09 +0000

Over the next few weeks, Story Institute will be undergoing some minor updates. Most of the improvements will occur behind the scenes. However, if you notice anything odd, or you can not find your poem or short story, please let us know. We have a daily and weekly backup to hopefully resurrect any missing items. One of [...]

The Greatest Artist in the World

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 02:29:15 +0000

I am not a writer, and this will probably be my only post ever on this site. I hope someone can make some use of this idea, for I certainly can’t. For background, I have recently had occasion to research the topic of color blindness, and I came across a curious and very rare [...]

Author Links and Suggestions

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:29:30 +0000

The web is a wonderful place to find resources and ideas. As an author, we never know when inspiration may hit, nor do we always get to choose the form. Below are some resources shared with us by Chadd Corrie, chadcorrie.com. These resources talk about another community from a large publisher (Penguin) for Genre Fiction, [...]

Story Institute Themed Writing Contest

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 19:12:27 +0000

Story Institute is proud to announce our newest short story and poetry contest. From now until August 19th, we are honored to accept entries for this year’s themed poetry and short story contests. Prizes and surprises will be announced along the way. This year, we will sponsor a themed writing contest. The topic will be: Winter [...]

Short Story – Macchiato – Mehreen Ahmed

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:03:16 +0000

Macchiato By: Mehreen Ahmed Meaka woke up with a cold sweat. By the clock sitting next to her on the bedside table, it was three in the morning. She lay there in the dark, cold and sleepless thinking of getting out of bed. But somehow she could not. Her limbs would not give an inch and yet her brain kept saying otherwise. It felt as though it was racing — and racing it was like crazy. In the semi-darkness she looked across the room — an empty chair. Her gaze fixed on it almost asking it for a solution but this overwhelming inertia was hard to knock off. Restlessness seized her when she finally got out of bed. It was four`0’ clock. Just a few hours from now, she was meeting a friend for coffee. Quietly slipping into her sandals she grabbed her dressing gown, opened the door softly and went into the living room closing the door behind her. She turned one of the blinds poles to look through the narrow blade slits. The dark sky over the horizon had only just started to glow. Meaka waited for the sun. It steadily came up spreading some of that hue across the sky. She was going to have breakfast with Riana soon. A strange sort of pleasure possessed her at the thought. Last week’s coffee meeting was such an eye-opener; none of Riana’s stories moved her so much, as did this one. Riana was 35. An accident left her disabled, when she was 5 years old. She had a rough childhood ever since. No one played with her at school. Friendless, she grew up feeling rejected, frustrated, and empty until she met Rick — her knight in shining armour who took all her worries away and filled her with new sensation. Now, married with two lovely boys, she lives with Rick in the next suburb —Campsie. Meaka and Riana had been friends for over two years. For Riana,Meaka is her best friend, her shoulder to cry on. And for Meaka, well! the relationship is just getting warmed up. Waiting for Riana at the Coffee Club, Meaka flicked through the menu thinking what was holding her up. She was generally not this late. Her mobile rang out as she tried to call her. Meaka waited for ten more minutes — and then there she was, getting out of her car. She wore a tweed short skirt and a red topwith a deep neckline. Her cascading black hair shone in the golden sun as she crossed the road. At a slow pace she came on to the other side, holding her little boy’s hand securely, limping as usual.

To Podcast or Not to Podcast

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:39:47 +0000

We thought we could just let the RamblingVerser podcast series go gently into that good night. However, based on some feedback, we maybe reconsider brining it back for next year. To help make that decision, we are asking for your feedback. Please share your thoughts with us in the poll below. Thank you for your [...]

Poem – Real Love – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:31:07 +0000

Real Love By: Lamar Cole Love that soars above the clouds. Love that knows no bounds. Love that always brings a smile. Love that never goes out of style. Love that stays around for a while. Love that brings a beautiful child. Love that lasts for life. Love that binds a husband and [...]

Poem – Moon Shy – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 06:36:03 +0000

Moon Shy By: Lamar Cole Dark clouds racing across the sky. True love began to fly. In a love nest so dry. The sky has gone from blue to gray. The sun tried to peek through. But the only sunshine in the room today, Was my darling you. The day turned into [...]

Poem – Heavenly Body – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 01:41:20 +0000

Heavenly Body By: Lamar Cole Ducks swimming in the pond. I held a star in my arms. That star darling was you. On a summer night so new. Frogs croaking, Crickets chirping songs of love. Heavenly body in my arms. Slowly brewing summer storm.

Poem – Loudest Roar – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 06:33:06 +0000

Loudest Roar By: Lamar Cole When I’m with you darling, I feel like an eagle that forever soars. I feel like a lion with the loudest roar. I feel like a King with a throne of gold. I feel like a stallion that never grows old. When I touch you, I feel like [...]

Poem – Love Dance – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 03:23:54 +0000

Love Dance By: Lamar Cole The moon danced with the stars. The clouds tangoed with the sky. My sweetheart and I love danced in the grass. Passion was sweet and fast. The wind waltzed with the night. The mood was just right. My heart swung with her soul. Until early light.

Poem – Color of Love – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:49:42 +0000

Color of Love By: Lamar Cole God colored the sky blue. God colored love true. God colored the grass green. Darling, God colored true love me and you.

Poem – Autumn Chill – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:27:20 +0000

Autumn Chill By: Lamar Cole It’s twilight. The sun escorts the moon to the night. The sun sleeps, the wind howls. My sweetheart smiles. Autumn chill, Sweetheart’s warm feel, Sultry looks, Heart be still.

Poem – Dark Holes – Kenja

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:38:17 +0000

the earth opens and sucks in all that loves ,giving back unexplained terror letting us wonder like lost puppies, it hits the one that loves with not only his mind and body but mainly soul letting us have glory, when we lose it it feels as if a million knifs going through our hearts, hearing [...]

Poem – Barbara (Angel in Disguise) – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:10:52 +0000

Barbara (Angel in Disguise) By: Lamar Cole As long as I live, I will always be a fan. Of the lovely, wonderful Barbra Streisand. Voice so pure and enchanting when she sings. You can hear romantic bells ring. Whether singing high or low. Her words always have a beautiful flow. Soft melodies that [...]

Poem – Sweet Love Wins – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:03:34 +0000

Sweet Love Wins By: Lamar Cole Bonfire burns. Firelight flickering softly upon your skin. Flames rising high. Passion reaching the sky. Lips touching, Hands searching, Hearts blend. Sweet love wins.

Poem – Passion Cry – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:50:18 +0000

Passion Cry By: Lamar Cole My sweetheart and I cuddling in the field. The cornstalks standing tall. The magic of love everywhere. Exciting like the county fair. Breathing becomes shallow. Heads become light. The stars hugged the sky. Through the night was heard. A sweet sound of passion cry.

Poem – So Serene – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:40:03 +0000

So Serene By: Lamar Cole The wind felt cool upon my back. Her eyes looked like shimmering pools of pearls. The moon kissed the stars goodnight. I held my sweetheart so very tight. The sand felt good between my toes. Her scent sweet as a rose. The water looked so blue green. Love [...]

Poem – Good Loving Man – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 21:24:30 +0000

Good Loving Man By: Lamar Cole My sweetheart is as sweet as raindrops dripping off a rose petal. As lovely as the beams reflected from the moon. As brilliant as the brightest star. As romantic as a Paul Anka tune. She’s as lively as Glenn Miller’s Big Band. As fresh as a winter [...]

Poem – Passion in the Waves – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 04:02:46 +0000

Passion in the Waves By: Lamar Cole Remember darling, the end of the day. The sun setting in Montego Bay. You and I frolicking in the Caribbean Sea. Happy as can be. The water was so blue. The sunset beautiful like you. Love was so fresh and smooth. Passion in the waves made [...]

Poem – Jazz Man Louis – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 03:33:30 +0000

Jazz Man Louis By: Lamar Cole Notes of gold from his horn he did blow. The great Satchmo, He could really belt out a good song. Listening to Louis Armstrong, You couldn’t go wrong. Gravelly voice, A big smile, Jazz Man Louis had a lot of style. Listening to Louis brought a smile to [...]

Short Story – The Black Coat – Mehreen Ahmed

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 00:59:53 +0000

The Black Coat Mehreen Ahmed One black wintry night, Piccolo -Xavier bumped into someone while crossing the road. Once he was across, the person on the receiving end was not visible anymore. It seemed that in the Parisian dark alley, it had just melted into darkness. When he peered further, he saw a black coat [...]

Poem – Juices of Love – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:31:52 +0000

Juices of Love By: Lamar Cole The stars shone brightly. The moon sprinkled magic from heaven above. The night is calm. In the valley of love. An owl hoots. The deer are like statues. My sweetheart is sweet like an apple. The juices of love flow freely.

Poem – Passion Steps – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:47:11 +0000

Passion Steps By: Lamar Cole Winter storm, Safe and secure in my sweetheart’s arms. Pretty face, Scented body in satin and lace. Snow is deep. Through the window a chill creeps. Passion seeps. Happy tears weep.

Poem – October Love – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:01:07 +0000

October Love By: Lamar Cole The moon just peeked from behind the trees. At you and I darling on our carpet of leaves. Your love is sweet like ripe fruit. As our passion takes root. The wind blew just right tonight. The stars shone from heaven above. Lovely as a dove. October love.

Poem – Frank Sinatra (King of Croon) – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 22:18:17 +0000

Frank Sinatra (King of Croon) By: Lamar Cole Frank was suave and smooth. In his Fedora hat, he looked so cool. Man, Frank could sing. Voice that tugged at the ladies’ heartstrings. The world lost a great crooner. When the Chairman Of The Board passed. His music legacy will always last. Pure [...]

Poem – Flame of Love – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 13:50:05 +0000

Flame of Love By: Lamar Cole Darling, the path of our love has been very smooth. Because in my heart you lit a fuse. My soul never sings the blues. A flame of love that always burns. A wheel of passion that always turns. A bird of romance that always flies. A garden of [...]

Poem – Paris Groove – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:08:56 +0000

Paris Groove By: Lamar Cole Remember darling, sailing the River Seine. How good it felt to be in France. Under the Paris sky, we sailed. The morning mist we could smell. Remember dancing through the night. Me holding you so very tight. Remember strolling through the Louvre. Nothing beats the Paris groove.

Poem – A Lover’s Fling – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 17:02:37 +0000

A Lover’s Fling By: Lamar Cole Night comes to the meadow. Two lovers entwined in the shadows. A soft rain begins. Bringing tingles to the skin. The air is fresh. Lovers fest. A night bird sings. Bells in the heart ring. A lover’s fling. Sweet love is the cream.

Story Institute Presents: Ramblings & Verses Volume I: Let Me Not Begin Anew

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 02:12:35 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN – September 10, 2010 – Story Institute, your online and in-print source for imagining, enhancing, and growing stories, is proud to announce the publication of Story Institute Presents: Ramblings & Verses Volume I: Let Me Not Begin Anew, edited by John E Murray, III. Whether you share short stories, knit novels, or [...]

Poem – Golden Voice Nat – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:46:32 +0000

Golden Voice Nat By: Lamar Cole Always impeccably dressed. A song his smooth voice could caress. A smooth singer from days of old. The golden voiced Nat King Cole. When he sang, the ladies swooned. The stars seemed to shine brighter when he crooned. A voice so soothing. Lovers felt as if cloud [...]

Poem – Cool Love Calls – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:32:42 +0000

Cool Love Calls By: Lamar Cole Half moon, Brilliant stars, The air is brisk. Sweetheart’s warm kiss. A horse neighs. Two lovers in the hay. The coming of fall. Cool love calls.

Poem – Fred and Ginger – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:57:19 +0000

Fred and Ginger By: Lamar Cole Darling, remember how you kept tapping your feet. How you could hardly sit still in your seat. Looking at Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire sing and dance. Ah, the days of glamour and sweet romance. Watching Fred and Ginger glide across the stage. Turner Classic Movies will [...]

Poem – Camero Z28 – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:29:45 +0000

Camero Z28 By: Lamar Cole Remember darling, our exciting date. You and I cruising the highway. In my sky blue Camaro Z28. So in love without a care. The wind blowing through your lovely hair. Riding down the highway so wild and free. Your soft hand upon my knee. Feeling your body heat [...]

Poem – Graceland – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:57:39 +0000

Graceland By: Lamar Cole Remember darling, Walking hand in hand. Through the gates of Graceland. Remember when we sat in Elvis’ pink jeep. Your hug felt so sweet. Remember how sad you felt. When you saw Elvis’ grave. You seemed to feel his spirit. A heartfelt moment to keep and save. There was [...]

Poem – Jacuzzi Love – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:47:25 +0000

Jacuzzi Love By: Lamar Cole Moonlit night, Feelings right, Bubbling water, Jet streams. Bodies mesh, Warm flesh, Stars shining above, Jacuzzi love.

Story Institute Announces – The Manuscript by Rebecca Laskowitz

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:57:46 +0000

NASHVILLE, TN – August 12, 2010 – Story Institute, your online and in-print source for imagining, enhancing, and growing stories, is proud to announce the publication of The Manuscript, a novel, by Rebecca Laskowitz. The Manuscript features, Vincent Kraver, author of fifteen bestselling novels who found his niche in writing early in life. His [...]

Poem – Fireplace – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:43:23 +0000

Fireplace By: Lamar Cole Flames dancing, Wood popping, Satin and lace, Love by the fireplace. Soft rug, Tender hugs, Sweet kisses, Lovers’ wishes. Hot desire. Bodies on fire. Ecstasy and passion. Complete satisfaction.

Poem – One Star – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:49:57 +0000

One Star By: Lamar Cole The stars shone bright tonight. One star shone brighter than the rest. That star reminded me of you darling. The brightest star in my life. One star stood apart from the rest. One star made my heart pound like a jackhammer. One star excited my soul. Giving me [...]

Poem – Tasty – Lamar Cole

customerservice@storyinstitute.com (Story Institute - John E Murray III) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:27:16 +0000

Tasty By: Lamar Cole The moon just hid behind the trees. Looking tasty and sweet. Like an orange sherbet ice cream treat. Your love was tasty tonight. Like an orange slice cake. The kind that it takes time to bake. Passion was out of sight tonight. Love flying so high in the [...]