Short Stories

The "73 Words in the 732" contest seeks original short stories that contain seventy-three words or fewer. Stories can be on any theme or topic, and a panel of library staff will select the best short stories, which will appear on the library's website.

The contest is open through the month of May every year. All ages are welcome to participate and East Brunswick residency is not required.

Indie Love

Bobby wrestled independently in New Jersey. He loved performing for fans. This hobby cost him money , after travel costs. Bobby worked the midnight shift at CVS . Three mornings a week he trained...

Phil Luchun

Friday, May 27, 2022

Untitled

The universe desired to know what became of the world it had given to humanity, so it took the shape of a mortal and walked upon the earth.
A rose, vivid as a nebula, caught the universe’s...

Natania Birnbaum

Friday, May 27, 2022

Untitled

There was no fuss that Saturday morning, Alex had just come downstairs. Lawrence was standing  at the front door with his friend Liam. My Father was in the scullery washing his breakfast dishes...

Eileen M. Regen

Friday, May 27, 2022

A Woman

She is amazing with many feathers in her cap. Everyone wonders how she does it all and still smile. Its ok if she falters from time to time or needs a break for herself. Because she is beautiful...

Priti Kandlur

Friday, May 27, 2022

Moan Alone

You like lines, I prefer designs, like a spiral in a spiral, or a box within a box, over hills and over clover, over sticks and over rocks and over and over and over and over all over the summer...

Dj

Friday, May 27, 2022

World of My Dreams

Mom, did you hear the news about the school shooting?
My heart skipped a beat & I hugged my young, scared child. I prayed for all those who lost their loved one. I prayed for the world...

Priti Kandlur

Friday, May 27, 2022

Second Generation

Second Generation

Decades ago I attended a Second Generation group for the children of Holocaust survivors. Our gruesome legacy, woven into the fabric of each family, bonded us.

At...

Sara Ullman

Friday, May 27, 2022

The Conversation

""I was sorry to hear about your wife's passing.""
""It's still hard for me to realize she's gone.""
""I was lost when my husband died.""
""How long ago did he die?""
""A...

Lily Frances

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Dreaming in Deli

I dreamed that I was in an intensive care unit.  I heard the doctor say “We are running out of treatments”. “Although this is still an experimental therapy, perhaps an egg cream infusion using an...

M'EL

Thursday, May 26, 2022

4,378

I always believed time travel existed and I was on a mission to prove it. I was finally ready to test my invention and stay in my youth forever. I fired it up, loud noises and explosions of light...

Christina Shaker

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Beat the Odds

Emily was walking briskly, enjoying the rare morning sun on her face. The smile on her face was genuine. Her little shop with books from all around the world was finally doing well. The quaint...

Priti Kandlur

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Rewrite the Darling

Little Bear cornered her forever nemesis on the slick of a clean page. She was tired of their humdrum ending. Her violated bed, stolen porridge, and busted up chair never led to a fairy tale...

T Gilbert

Thursday, May 26, 2022