A. J. Schoenfeld
Bio
I only write about the real world. But if you look close enough, you'll see there's magic hiding in plain sight everywhere.
Achievements (9)
Stories (96)
Filter by community
Second Chance At First Love
Life simply did not go according to plan for Marilyn. She watched jealousy as others passed by, seeming to have it all. It was easier when her children were still at home, small and completely reliant on her to care for them. She was too busy to notice the emptiness that lurked deep down inside. But they had grown up and moved on, now busy chasing their own children, living their own lives hundreds of miles away. Now Marilyn’s life had devolved into the mindless monotony of scanning other people's purchases for eight hours before diving into take out while watching reruns of old sitcoms on TV. Both in the store and on the screen, Marilym watched others live the life she never had. She often felt it was fitting how the yellow fluorescent lights overhead washed out her features, making her look ordinary and plain, just another forgettable face.
By A. J. Schoenfeld6 months ago in Fiction
Boxed In: Trapped in the Dark
I was drifting through a dream of peaceful nothingness. The kind of comfortable sleep reserved for vacations and lazy Sunday mornings. A cool breeze ruffled over my shoulders and beckoned to me. I rolled over to snuggle in closer to Ryan to soak in his body heat but he no longer was there. I sat up to look for him, but my eyes wouldn't open. As though sewn shut, the lids refused to budge. I tried to call for him, but my mouth wouldn't open, my lips stuck together. I have had this nightmare before, in the in-between moments when sleep refuses to loosen its grip on me. That's all this is….
By A. J. Schoenfeld6 months ago in Chapters
My Only Daughter
I dreamt of you again last night, your curls bouncing as you ran through a field of purple flowers. Your big brown eyes, full of wonder, watched as butterflies darted from bud to bud. The sun fell on your tiny face, bathing you in a glowing halo of light. I could hear the echo of your giggle as you drew near, calling out for me to hold you. I crouched down, arms outstretched, ready to sweep you up in a giant hug, twirl you about, and never let you go.
By A. J. Schoenfeld6 months ago in Fiction
Come Crawl Inside My Broken Brain
Imagine curling up with a brand new novel, the spine still crisp and the pages still smell of untold adventure. The light of the window falls softly over the armchair where you've snuggled up in the fuzzy soft blanket reserved for lazy Sunday afternoons. There's nothing planned for hours while dinner slowly roasts in the oven and you get to dive into the colorful new world waiting within the black and white print.
By A. J. Schoenfeld7 months ago in Writers
Where the Sun Meets the Earth. Runner-Up in History Would’ve Burned This Page Challenge. Top Story - July 2025.
The red Nebraska sun had dipped down to kiss the tops of the corn stalk sentinels, silhouetting them against the burnt orange sky as they marched off to the horizon. Howard slowly meandered back to the farm house, a rivulet of sweat slipped down his neck under the collar of his work shirt and his muscles ached from a long day of working the fields with his brother. As he neared the rickety old porch he spotted his sister bent over a bucket shucking fresh picked ears of corn. A soft breeze floated past, carrying the sound of Lorna Belle’s gentle voice.
By A. J. Schoenfeld7 months ago in History
The Last Load
Dear Laundry- We've had a good run, but I'm afraid it's time we part ways. The truth is, this job has become a nearly impossible, endless task and, while I appreciate the job security, I need to find more balance in life. I can't continue to plan weekend events around swapping loads. You've over taken everything and I just need to do something else with my precious time.
By A. J. Schoenfeld7 months ago in Journal
The Year I Grew Up. Runner-Up in The Metamorphosis of the Mind Challenge.
As my twelfth year commenced my biggest worry in life was the latest pimple that erupted from the middle of my forehead the morning of picture day at school. My most closely guarded secret was the name of the boy I had a crush on. There was nothing more terrifying than the monsters in the dark that I knew I was too old to still fear. The purest form of joy in my life was eating a bowl of ice cream on the back porch with my best friend and sharing a private joke that only we understood. Life was simple. Life was good. Life was about to change, completely.
By A. J. Schoenfeld9 months ago in Psyche
Secret Mystery Friends
Hi, my name is Ellie. I found your secret hiding place in the beech tree by the river. I promise, I didn't take nothin. But I looked at your collection and thought you had some tops stuff. I think we could be friends, if you want. I walk through here twice a week on my way to the market. I’ll check back for a reply when I come past next.
By A. J. Schoenfeld11 months ago in History
