In the Company of Writers: Recent Episodes

Janet Barker

Pull up a comfy chair and get yourself a mug of hot cocoa or warm tea, for this is a refuge for you to celebrate creativity with other like-minded souls. The stories included in this podcast anthology were crafted by Parras Middle School eighth-graders during the historic 2020 Covid19 pandemic.

The stories included in this anthology were written by Parras Middle School’s Eighth Grade English Language Arts students during the fragile first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Away from the classroom and the watchful eye of their ELA teacher, students were challenged to create flash fiction stories between 300 to 1,000 words as a way of channeling their creativity during uncertain times. Writing, they explained, was especially important because it gave them something positive to focus on and gave them a sense of control.

Breaking is based on true events from the spring of 2020.

Written during the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

This powerful story describes one unique day among hundreds of others for a man stranded on an alien world.

A story sure to bring you to the edge of your seat.

Inspired by the calamity of these uncertain times.

It is all about the struggle.

Based on a true story.

A futuristic inspiring tale.

A futuristic tale with a surprising twist.

A boy named Jack, explores the woods and finds a mysterious hut.

A story of a young girl and the secrets she discovers.

A story about the impact of anxiety on teens--with an unexpected twist.

A compelling story about the nature of destruction and the beauty within it.

The possibilities of an anti-technology society.

A heart-felt story sure to give readers pause.

A fantasy inspired by Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451"/

An astonishing tale that showcases the effect wealth has on people.

An action-packed, futuristic tale that will leave you at the edge of your seat.

A young boy finally has the chance to escape his imprisonment, but finds that the reach for freedom is farther than he expected.

This is a story where it's never been more true that all you really have to fear is fear itself... especially when it comes to matters of the heart.