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 (10)
Stories (103)
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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. Schoenfeld8 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. Schoenfeld8 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. Schoenfeld9 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. Schoenfeld9 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. Schoenfeld10 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. Schoenfeld12 months ago in History
Boxed In: Breaking Through. Top Story - February 2025.
We tumbled a short way into blackness before landing on a cold hard surface. Slowly the room grew lighter until we could see our surroundings clearly. As we looked around there was no longer any sign of the opening we'd come through. We were inside an eight foot cube and all the surfaces were mirrors. On all four walls, the ceiling, and the floor we saw our own reflections continuing on forever as the mirrors created an infinity loop. But slowly the trailing reflections began to change. They were still copies of the two of us, but now they were different scenes, memories of our lives together, and each wall seemed to have its own theme.
By A. J. Schoenfeldabout a year ago in Chapters
Fresh Baked Love. Runner-Up in A Taste of Home Challenge.
There was always something baking in Grandma's kitchen. It didn't matter that there was a giant chest freezer in the garage entirely dedicated to frozen cookies, apple dumplings, butterscotch brownies, and, most of all, bread. It would be full to the brim and still the smell of fresh baked cookies or bread would fill her home.
By A. J. Schoenfeldabout a year ago in Feast
Boxed In: Nothingness. Top Story - February 2025.
We both jumped to our feet. Instinctively, I reached for his hand. It had been so long since we had touched, I considered pulling away immediately. But he grasped it with fierce protectiveness and my heart skipped a beat at the memory his touch stirred. He once had been my safe place, long ago. I needed that now.
By A. J. Schoenfeldabout a year ago in Chapters
