My Uncle Ted died more than three years ago, but I only recently started grieving.
At first, my brother and I had to manage the estate, and it was terrible to see family members lured by monetary gain as we sorted assets.
While the estate was being managed, we worked with three different detectives who looked into Uncle Ted’s death. The medical examiner signed the death certificate as undetermined, and Mark, the most recent detective, abruptly dropped the case, noting that undetermined did not mean suspicious. We even hired a private investigator who also advised us to let the case close.
At times, I thought there was gaslighting going on, but my husband reassured me that these professionals seemed trustworthy.
Maybe I was looking for something that was not there. Early on, I found a note Uncle Ted wrote, which said, “If anything happens to me, check cousin Eddie.” It turned out that the note was more than a decade old, and Aunt Gayle helped Eddie pay off the money he had stolen. Cousin Eddy said he was furious with Ted and made threats, but they worked it out after Eddie got sober and paid restitution. That was a dead end.
I even spoke with the medical examiner twice, on the phone. She had an accent that made it difficult to understand her, but I did grasp that the autopsy revealed four major injuries, and any one of them could have caused Ted’s death. She encouraged me to accept that there was likely no foul play here.
It was hard to accept, but I finally agreed to let the case formally close. Leaving the detective’s office, after signing documents, I wondered if all that investigating was my way of resisting Ted’s departure.
We all respond to grief in different ways, and when the loss is unexpected, there is also the shock to deal with.
Uncle Ted was only 63 and in pretty good health. He was like a second father to me. Even though he was often traveling for work, we still got to know each other over the years. His work schedule, as a business lawyer for global franchises, required irregular travel with many last-minute trips. “Business deals do not know a timezone,” he once quipped.
He even missed my wedding, after making it to the dress rehearsal and the brunch the morning of the wedding. He suddenly had to go for a last-minute appointment.
***
Now that the case was closed, I felt a myriad of emotions. I did not cry too much, but at times I felt a deep, mad kind of sadness. Other times, I was chatty and vented to my husband, going over Ted stories, reflecting on the different detectives, or complaining about the Mondrian that was snatched up before I got to his house right after he died. I nipped those talks in the bud because sometimes venting too much hinders healing. Sometimes the faucet of affect starts as a drip and then gushes out with a flow that doesn’t help. Sometimes silence is needed.
Did you know grief feels like fear at times? It does. I realized that yoga classes helped combat the fear and calmed a jittery stomach. I also learned that irritability and negativity try to join you each day. They want to sit on your shoulders, right next to the steel beams that rest there, bringing all this heaviness.
That heaviness sometimes dissipates. For example, seeing a child laugh, watching the dog play with a cat, or spotting a small flower in the brush of pine needles can bring a distraction that lifts the mood. And after a really long night of sound sleep, it feels like the world has color again. C.S. Lewis talked about how grief is not something you get over; instead, he described grief as a process rather than a state, noting that it changes over time, much like a winding pathway with new landscapes at each bend.
I felt that my journey had so many ups and downs on the pathway, and the investigative work had taken its toll. My husband had been encouraging me to get away. He offered to book me a spa week or a trip to Miami, but my focus was always on Ted’s case.
Now that the case was closed, I was ready to get away.
While having my morning coffee, I looked at Uncle Ted’s bridge photo, hanging neatly on the wall in the hall, and I felt led to spend a few weeks at the lake house he left us in his will. We recently sent a cleaning crew and landscape team to the location to do some work, but it was also time for someone to check in on the place, so I left the next morning.
Driving to the lake house put a pep to my step. The change of scenery on the highway, the music, and Dr. Hubbard’s podcasts fortified me. The smooth road and easy curves made the drive even more pleasant. I brought notebooks, reading material, food, and other supplies. Pulling into the driveway brought a soft smile, as the place held so many cherished memories.
After pressing in the key code, the front door opened, with a slight squeak, and I looked around at the old wood furniture, fish art, and updated blinds.
After placing my bags in the side room, I meandered through the dining area and recalled having a big family Thanksgiving meal here, about 30 of us, many years ago, and Uncle Ted left in the middle of dinner. His beeper kept going off. “It’s not Thanksgiving in Germany,” he noted, as he got up from the table to get his jacket.
I remember everyone saying goodbye to him. Gossip flowed as we finished dinner and had desserts. Someone said Ted did not have healthy work boundaries, another said he was chasing the silver, and then someone mentioned Ted was an overstimulated introvert. I did not totally understand what they meant, but later I understood about social drain, which extroverts can feel too. I also learned that not everyone has a job that can be ignored on weekends and holidays.
Walking out to the patio, which was a large covered porch that wrapped around the back of the house, I saw two feet in brown boots resting on the outdoor ottoman. Instinctively, I moved closer to see who was sitting there.
I screamed.
I had a mix of fear and disbelief. My eyes widened as I struggled to process the unexpected sight.
It was Uncle Ted!
Well, he looked different because he had long brown hair, a mustache, and glasses.
I found it difficult to speak as my breathing was rapid and my knees felt wobbly. Gently landing on my knees, I kept repeating, “Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God.”
Uncle Ted, who was shaken up from my scream, repeated, “Shhh,” and then calmly whispered, “We need to be quiet. I will explain everything.”
Time stood still as I sat down and rested my back against the porch wall. Placing my hands across my face, I worked at taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly. My heart was calming down as Ted said, “Let’s go inside.”
“Unc – um, uncle, what are you doing here?” I asked with shallow breathing.
“Come on, I’ll tell you everything inside.”
I struggled to stand up and walk, and Ted guided me into the house.
***
An hour and a half later, Uncle Ted cracked open his third bottle of water, and I finished my fourth cup of tea.
“Okay, so I get it now.” I said, “All this time you’ve worked for the government, and when a contract was put out on your life, they faked your death?”
“Exactly, and because the hit is still active, and there are many layers involved, I was not even supposed to be back in the states, let alone make contact with anyone.”
Looking down with a serious tone, I asked, “Then why’d you come back? What are ya doin’ here?”
“Lisa, I came for you. You had to know because you would not let up. All of your investigating was admirable, and trust me, I appreciate it. But I also could not see you suffer anymore. I know the toll this has taken on you, and I was hoping you would come to the lake house. If you didn’t get here this week, I was going to have to come to your house in the city.”
“Well, that would’ve been even more dangerous.”
“Yes, so I am glad you finally made it here. However, I do need to leave. Tonight.”
“What? You cannot even stay one night? A few more hours?”
“No, I need to go back to the safe house and leave the country. I am in hiding for at least a few more years.”
“Uncle Ted, is that your ride pulling in the driveway?”
“What? Nobody knows I’m here. My car’s out back.”
They both quietly moved away from the window and peeked through the blinds at the dark SUV that was coming towards the house.
Biography: Yvette Prior
Yvette Prior is a work psychologist, educator, researcher, and the author of numerous books and anthologies. After earning a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, she poured into waiting book projects and has not stopped writing since. Yvette finds refreshment from doing outreach, blogging, teaching yoga, researching, and spending time with family.
Attendance with Links
Thank you to everyone who attended this Story Chat Digest session. Without your input, Story Chat is an average writing challenge. Your helpful, honest comments make this like a book club. If you get a chance, check out our attendees’ blogs. It’s well worth your time.
- Derrick J. Knight
- Doug Jacquier
- Ephemeral Encounters
- Hugh’s Views and News
- Keep It Alive
- Lauren Scott, Author
- No Facilities
- Priorhouse Blog (author)
- Retirementally Challenged
- Roberta Writes
- Something to Ponder About
- Times and Tides of a Beach Writer
- Walking, Writin’, Wit & Whimsy
- Writing Wrinkles
- Raj
- Darlene Foster
- Esther Chilton’s Blog
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Story Chat Volume II Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Colleen Chesebro – November 24, 2024 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Gloria – November 29 (UK)
- Robbie & Michael – November 30 (SA)
- Diana – December 1 (US)
- Doug – December 2 (AU) December 1 (US, UK, SA) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Cathy – December 4 (UK) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Amanda – December 9 (AU) December 8 (US, UK, SA)
- Dan– December 11 (US)
- Philip – December 14 (UK)
- Cindy Georgekas – December 16 (US)
- Esther Chilton – January 30 (UK ) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- D. L. Finn – February 4 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Yvette – February 5 (US) Thanks for reviewing on Amazon.
- Hugh – January 27 (UK)
Story Chat: Online Literary Conversations
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Thanks again for being a great part of Always Write’s Story Chat Digest. Until next time, keep reading, writing and chatting.
Marsha Ingrao Always Write 
156 responses to “Story Chat Digest: “Uncle Ted: Case Closed” by Yvette Prior”
[…] August 5, 2025, Yvette Prior’s story, Uncle Ted: Case Closed […]
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Your storytelling ability is remarkable, Yvette. I love the way you casually weave the mental and emotional aspects of human behavior into the story. You struck a wonderful balance in informing us but never slowing the pace of the story. I felt the emotions Lisa felt, and the explanations seemed to help draw me closer to her. Having been in jobs that often interrupted family time and holidays, I felt a kinship with Uncle Ted. As others have said, I’d love to know what happens next.
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Thanks for stopping by to check in on Uncle Ted, Dan. I agree with your entire analysis. I’m just glad that Uncle Ted is still alive. 🙂
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Hi Dan – first of all, thank you so much for coming on over. I was hoping you would check it out because one of the Uncle Ted installments was for Thursday Doors writing challenge back in May. Also, glad you could relate to Uncle Ted’s work interruptions and felt a kinship with it – that means a lot – (and wow – so many jobs do get easily turned off – but not other ones)
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Yvette’s storytelling is fantastic. The way she tells the story keeps you hooked. At the end of every sentence, you want to know more. And the more you find out, the more you want to know. Credit to Yvette for the way she tells stories in her writing.
Ted is brand new to me, and the puzzles and mysteries that accompany his life are so addictive. I love stories with an open ending, but the ending in this story was a little too open for me, unless, of course, this is part of a bigger story? If so, then it’s perfect, but as a one-off short story, I’d have preferred the open ending to have been tightened up a little. There are numerous possibilities for who was in the dark SUV, such as Lisa’s husband coming to join her, or even one of the cleaning crew or landscape team members arriving to check on the house or collect something left behind. Of course, it could also have been the hitman/woman.
‘Uncle Ted: Case Closed’ is the perfect title, but does that mean it could also be ‘Uncle Ted: Story Closed’? I’m not sure Yvette has made up her mind, which is good news for all those who want more from this story, from the way it has been presented here on Story Chat. Some food for thought.
I enjoyed the read, and it certainly made me want to discuss the story extensively. In my view, that proves not only that the story will stay with me but also that I’m being honest when I say I did enjoy it. in more detail
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Hugh, your analysis always hits the mark. I can’t answer for Yvette, but I don’t think that case closed is anywhere closed to being story closed. 🙂 She started her Uncle Ted story on Story Chat last year. He had died and she and her brother had an appointment to go through his things. The brother missed the appointment. I can’t link it because it’s in the book. Then she developed the story in a few other writing challenges on her own blog. She can provide you with the links. I think that SC is the next stepping stone in a series.
I have to disagree about tightening up the open ending just on a basis of personal preference. I love what you have conjured, and other readers probably played more options in their minds. It gives the story plenty of wiggle room. I could only imagine doom. I never even thought of the landscapers or cleaning crew. Shows how my mind runs. She built up such suspense about him having to get out of there right away, that my mind went straight to hitman.
Thanks again for always giving us the best of yourself in every response.
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Hey Masha, now you told me about Uncle Ted appearing in Story Chat before, it rang a bell. I think the story had Lisa walking through a graveyard where she was going to meet her brother, but he never showed up?
The more I thought about the ending in this story, after leaving my last comment, the more it seemed to me more like the end of a chapter in a book where the author dangles you from a cliff edge with their ending, meaning many readers would have to read the next chapter, even if it’s the middle of the night and way past their sleep time. For me, that’s a sign of great writing, making the reader want to read the next chapter, regardless of how late it is or if they need to be somewhere.
If the story still has legs, then i’m happy with that ending. But if it has no legs, I feel more short-changed about it.
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I agree. I think with Yvette’s story, she will probably write another episode, so in a way, it has long legs. There have been several suggested endings here.
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Marsha (and Hugh) I definitely will not leave the story like this – and so there are some legs here. Thanks again to you both!
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We wait with baited breath, Yvette.
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That’s great to hear, Yvette. I’m sure many of those who wanted it, will be delighted to find out what happened next.
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Thank you!
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That’s what I love most of all about opening endings. All the suggestive ideas of what happened next. It provides a story with mystery, as well as an ending that every reader had in mind.
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I think you’ve got us all striving to write open endings, now. You’ve made a big impact on Story Chat authors.
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I’m glad to hear it, Marsha.
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Hugh = thanks so much for your reply. It is so vulnerable being on story chat and it is also exciting. I especially liked the feedback for options about the ending and who could be in the SUV. In a comment to someone else, I quickly mentioned that it could just be someone truning around (a family had a rental house at the like and missed their driveway) – however, your mini list of ideas was good because it could have been the cleaner, landscape crew, husband, or those that are after Uncle Ted.
I really appreciate the feedback too because I was not sure how much I should connect to past installments. I cut out at least 500 words that were explaining too much about the bridge photo. Also, your recollections of the first story were spot on – the cemetery was an important part of that installment – and the brother did show up = but was almost a no show.
Anyhow, I do have a few more ideas for Uncle Ted and thanks again for taking the time to read and comment.
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Sorry, I got the first story slightly wrong, but it shows that it was all along at the back of my mind, Yvette. That’s a sign that the story did stay with me, rather than many stories that leave my mind for good a few hours after reading them.
I’m glad my ideas about who was in the SUV were helpful. I saw several possibilities, and I like the one you mentioned in your comment. That one would indeed have closed off the story nicely.
Feedback is vital for all storytellers, as otherwise, how can we improve? If I don’t have any valuable input for the author, then I refrain from commenting. But, as you can see, I had a lot of input for you. I hope it helps, and also helps in your future storytelling.
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Hugh, it was also quite a while ago and so it was pretty awesome that you remembered as much as you did from the story – and I know you read a lot of stories – and hey, even really good ones can leave us quickly – sometimes staying power has no rhyme or reason (so to speak).
And thanks again fore the input and comment replies. wishing you a nice week ahead….
🙂
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Story Chat stories have staying power because we chat about them.
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Sorry to be so late to Uncle Ted’s farewell party… or not! I’ve never been a fiction writer and find it fascinating how people can weave a story together using their experience of life. Yvette does this well and, like everyone else, I was alarmed when that car turned up. Good to know that there might be a reprieve for him. And Lisa, of course xx
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I agree, it is amazing how writers do that. I still do better with the facts and nothing but the facts, but fiction is a challenge I enjoy trying. Thanks for chatting. Your comments are always so encouraging – something we all need! 🙂 xxx
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Thank you Restless Jo – and I was going for a bit of alarm with the SUV showing up – and I do have a few more sgort stories coming about Uncle ted. Just not sure when the muse will show up with NEW ideas – because she has been quiet – and I think my muse might be off walking in the Algarve (looking for restless Jo and her gang – haHAHA)
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haha, better snag her back, or you will lose her forever when she gets settled in there! 🙂 xxx
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What a compelling story! I was on edge until the end that I did not see coming! I love how Yvette included Lisa’s grief and how grieving is different for everyone – there is no rules sheet with bullet points. She had a feeling and she followed her gut, and I liked that in her character. But what an ending to keep us wanting more. Great writing, Yvette, and thanks for sharing, Marsha! 💞
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Great analysis, Lauren. Yes, we are waiting on baited breath for the next edition. And Yvette, no neighbors backing out of the wrong driveway. You’ve got our appetites set for a grand mystery.
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Marsha, I think you are right – maybe the SUV having the wrong driveway (and looking for their rental home) might not be the best idea for the next installment – hmmmmm
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too bland for Uncle Ted. He demands something mysterious. 🙂 xxx
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🙂 xxx
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Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us for Uncle Ted’s tale on Story Chat…. and I wish grief (and other healing) came with rules and bullet points – but so often we have to navigate one day at a time – And what makes it also tough (with healing) is that the “length” of healing time varies – and the “depth” of the suffering can vary – hmmm
Also, glad I left you wanting a bit more with the ending. I will be sure tyo let you know when the Uncle Ted story has another installment.
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A very entertaining story, Yvette. I hope Uncle Ted has a gun.
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hahaha bang bang!
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😜
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oh – Robbie – yes he does – and Lisa has a little pink handled one that she keeps in her car…..
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That sounds like a good back up plan 😀
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;o)
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I was soon wrapped up in this story.
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Do t you love the ending?
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Yes and it could well be that the author does not know what happens next, which is part of the fun of writing.
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That’s so true. It’s like the characters are alive and thinking on their own.
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Hello Tidalscribe – you are correct – I do not know what happens next. In fact, before I had Ted still alive, I was thinking about going back in time and showing earlier days when Ted was alive. Thank you so much for reading and for your comment.
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This story has a life of its own.
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Both a mystery and reflections on grief and loss – with a stunning finale.
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Almost bright, and then blip, the bright light burn out. I wonder what’s next! 🙂
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Marsha, I like how you said ” bright, and then blip” – hahah – and I wonder what happens next too.
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You have lots of ways to go. Hugh’s comments went an entirely different direction than mine. 🙂
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Derrick, thank you so much for coming over to read this – and glad you liked the ending…
xxx
Yvette
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Wow, what a twist at the end – Lisa might have had a heart attack, seeing Uncle Ted. No wonder she let out a scream. I enjoyed your tale Yvette, but you must do a sequel now about the mysterious dark SUV – if no sequel, do divulge and tell us more!
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Do authors really know? I don’t know which kind of an author Yvette is a pantser or plotter. Do you think she knows, or is the story telling the story as it goes?
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Well, in my opinion Marsha, I think the story is telling the story as it goes along. I like a story with a twist ending and no one would have suspected this. Now, whether this ending leaves the door open for a sequel might be Yvette’s planning – her prior installments were interesting, so maybe she is reluctant to leave us hanging and truly finish off Uncle Ted, so she might regale us with a follow-up tale. 🙂
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If she does him in now, the heroine is at risk. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, but it could get hair raising!
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This is true – lots of possibilities could have happened, all while Lisa was still reeling with the news that Uncle Ted was alive and kickin’! 🙂
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Marsha, if there was a continuum for plotter and pantser – I think I would be on the panster side – but I would be close to the middle (if that makes sense).
Because I am still growing as a fiction writer (and feel greateful to be here at Always Write with so many excellent authors featured!!)
So, I typically start with plotting mode – and make starting outlines. For example, with Uncle ted’s Puzzles, I plotted with a diagram – and knew where I wanted it to go with the story – I had Lisa checking on the suspicious death – and a main focus for me was to let readers feel what it was like to do puzzles. Then, because it was for Thursday Doors, part of my plotting was to use bushboy’s door for a hidden message. Once that was set, I guess I moved into panster mode and wrote 3,000 words. I had someone read it – then waited a few days and edited that baby down to 1,000 words.
With this story for Uncle Ted: Case Closed, I knew I wanted to let readers feel Lisa’s pain – and how frustrating it was for her leading up to letting the case close – that was in my plot ahead of time – and so was the fact that Ted was going to be alive. However, it was panster kind of writing that included the drive and the meeting at the lakehouse. That only unfolded while writing –
All that to say that I think I am 40% plotter and 60% panster – what about you?
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I love your explanation. That’s a good question because I can’t write unless I have some basis in an event, and I know what happened. So in that respect, the outline is sort of set. In the story about Chips, since it really happened that a young man died days before his wedding, I knew that would be the ending. The rest of it was fiction. I knew nothing about the person or even where it happened. I do a lot more writing than I would need to if I were less of a pantser. Bottom line, I think I’m about 30% plotter and 70% pantser, and that 30% comes from the actual event.
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That was a great example from your Chips story – and oh how sad to die a few days before the wedding. I have not read that story of yours – do you have a link? Would love to check it out.
Also, your comment reminded me that our plotter/panster percentages might change depending on the story and details that are inspiring it – hmmmm
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The percentage is hard to assess. My Chips story is in the last Story Chat book. It’s not online anymore. You can get it Kindle Unlimited, if you have that. Can I order a copy through KDP and have them ship it to you?
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I already have my copy and still need to read it all – (smile)! and speaking of book copies – I did want to chat with your privately about maybe getting a few copies of your book, “Embracing the Power to Live” – I know you ordered some for the festival and before I order them online, I wanted to check with you for copies.
Not to get long winded here in the comments – but did want to mention this part “here” because if someone has a similar need – they might want to check out your “Embracing the Power to Live” book!!
I know you say that the book is not a self-help book, but as a poetic kind of memoir, there are so many little tips (direct and indirect) and then modeling as you mention how a poem helped you reflect on life experiences.
One of my nieces is trying to journal more and we have talked a few times about ideas and I even mentioned for her to try poetry.
And your book not only offers the types of poems at the end – but it adeptly uses the many forms of poems to share your experiences and thoughts.
I will connect with you privately about the copies and will post my review of your book later this month.
xxx
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Thanks for the lovely shout out. Wow, that would be awesome. I need to find out about that. So we can talk soon.
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Linda, first of all, thanks so much for your comment – and the part about the way Lisa could have had a heart attack – that was exactly what I was trying to show – the huge shock and scream – and the kind of scream that scares others – hahah – so I am glad that came across.
And I did leave this where I could pick it up again for maybe a Friday Fictioneer post – but I do not think it has too much more.
Oh and thank you or reading the other entries about Uncle Ted – and a very quick ending to this installment.
“The dark SUV in the driveway just made a U-turn and parked at the house on down the road at the end of the lake, where a family quickly got out for their rental.
Then, Ted and Lisa discussed a way to send each other messages – through Tony’s pizza shop in the city. If he called her with a Pastrami Sub order, that meant an encrypted message was waiting for her at Tony’s place. Ted hugged Lisa goodbye – and slipped out back – started his car, and quietly drove away.”
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You’re welcome Yvette and I’m glad you left the door open for any installment on Uncle Ted, albeit even a short one. That makes sense. I’m glad despite the ominous thought of the dark SUV spelling trouble, it was harmless – whew. I like the idea of Lisa now understanding the whole situation and that they will reach out secretly down the road. I hope you will be doing more fiction pieces down the road.
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Linda, I am trying to join in on flash fiction challenges more this year – and had to give up photo challenges in order to do that. I feel bad (in a way) because I miss some of the connections with the photo challenges I used to do – but my heart is drawing me to write more fiction.
Oh and another shout out to our hostess Marsha, because my slot for story chat this year was supposed to be in April – and my mother had an emergency come up (she feel and had a hairline fracture with her pelvic bone) and so Marsha gave me this August date (thanks again, M) –
anyhow Linda, I know you are busy with your art, walking, and nature photography, but maybe in 2026 you can join us for a bit of fiction writing?
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Well, thank you for asking if I’d be interested Yvette, but to be honest, I’ve never done any fiction writing. Did you pick your own topic then or Marsha assigned you a topic? I am going to pass along a fellow blogger’s annual Christmas train post to you. Ari was still looking to fill some slots a few weeks ago. Last year when Ari was scrambling for writers for her annual Advent Train feature, I asked Hugh (Hugh’s News & Views) if he would be interested and forwarded the link, but he was not interested because he said she is also a podcaster. I will forward a link to Ari’s blog in a separate comment. Her last plea was on July 11th and she needed three writers for her “Advent Train” but every year she will have someone drop out at the last moment, so if you’re interested you could be “on the list” and/or do it next year. I’ve never participated before.
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The Story Chatter that might be interested in Christmas stories would be Cathy Cade. She writes fabulous Christmas stories. To answer your question about Story Chat, the topics are all the author’s choice. Anything besides erotica, gore and politics works for me. There’s a 1,500 word limit. That’s all the restrictions I have. Give it a try and email me the results. 🙂
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I wish I’d passed the link on to Yvette earlier as she might have told Cathy Cade about this. Ari Meglen has this Advent Train feature every year since I’ve followed her. I will keep that in mind. 🙂
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It’s never too late. 🙂 Cathy has a comment in the Story Chat thread. You can comment directly to her. 🙂
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I’m a wee bit behind here Marsha between a project I was doing in the house and our stormy weather… I will look for it now.
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Thanks – I will check it out – and I really want to know more – but I am a little hesitant to commit to things too far in advance because my schedule will be a lot busier when summer ends – but I look forward to checking out her site (and I got the link you sent).
Also, I know you already have a lot of creative outlets right now – but I do think you would be really good with fiction and flash fiction is a nice starting point because while it can still be tough to do it well, the small size of the story makes it a great starting place.
The first three years I was a regular with Friday Fictioneers has still impacted my writing (fiction and non-fiction) because the limited word count makes you look at every article – every conjunction – and you get really good at finding the right word to use that can take the place of three or four words. It truly was one of the best things I did for my skill building.
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I had that same experience with Charli’s 99-word challenge.
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oh yeah!! I forgot about that and I know a lot of authors there had series – like Sherri had a couple who appeared in her stories. Also, I know the hostess, Charli Mills, is on a hiatus and so prayers and good vibes to her as I am sure her fellow Carrot Ranchers are missing her and the challenge.
But as we have both noted before (and even mentioned here with changing my date so I could help my momma) sometimes the curve balls that come our way mean we change plans, pause various outputs, and just get off the highway for a while –
well —- something like that!
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I would say, that’s exactly right, Yvette! 🙂
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Yvette, I’ve been trying to make my posts a little shorter, like last week’s “Dishin’ about Fishin’” but then I didn’t use too many photos in that post. When I have a picture-laden post, I tend to go over my self-imposed limit of 1,000 words. In fact, today’s post is long and has lots of photos, but I brought back some photos from my Mother’s Day post that I wanted to include with this Earth Day walk. I am making a concerted effort to go shorter because if it’s too long, people lost interest and don’t finish it.
You’re welcome – I am glad you got the link. I’ve never tried it and I guess if you wrote the post sometime in the Summer when you have more time, it would work, but it is a fun concept with a different story everyday from December 1st through Christmas Eve.
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It sounds like that December writing challenge is a really cool idea- and so even if I do not join in – I want to follow along with it.
I know what you mean about watching length of posts – and try to be careful with my interview posts. It is very good to be aware of the amount that works for readers because it does make a difference – and I am off to check out the latest post
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I am wordy to begin with, so I have to stop myself! Since I got Microsoft 365 with CoPilot in Word, I often just dictate my walk synopsis right into the computer the day I do the walk, then come back to it when I’m ready to actually write the post. I am amazed at how quickly I can shave off a good 500 words right then and there. I just started doing the dictation this year as I always just wrote it out. The dictation doesn’t really work so well as it doesn’t understand a lot of words or doesn’t capitalize them, but it’s a novelty sometimes. 🙂
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That’s a cool technique, Linda. I’ll have to try it. 🙂 xxx
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Yes, try it Marsha. There is a website by Microsoft – I’ll put it in a separate comment for you in case this goes to SPAM. I should memorize more of the commands, but I always have a lot to clean up as it’s just quick notes on a walk to pair with photos later. Give it a spin!
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I will! 🙂 xxx
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Here is the site for you to try Microsoft dictate. One time I returned to the document to finalize it and pair my photos to create a post and pushed a button and the computer was saying the draft out loud. I nearly jumped out of my skin!
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/dictate-your-documents-in-word-3876e05f-3fcc-418f-b8ab-db7ce0d11d3c
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This is a really cool resource. I’ll give it a try. 🙂 xxx
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Glad to share it Marsha!
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Hi Yvette – here is the blog site link for Ari’s annual Flash Fiction Christmas Advent Train. In fact when she made the most-recent plea I was going to forward it to you then as you’d been participating in flash fiction posts recently. The topic is “lost”.
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Thank you SO MUCH!
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You are so sweet, Yvette. We all have life things happening. I love the way Story Chatters slip in and fill the gaps so that we don’t have to feel guilty to miss our slot. Our mothers are not even on the same plane of importance as meeting a Story Chat deadline. Not even the same planet. 🙂 xxxxx
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Yes – and it might have been a nice distraction wile in caregiving mode – because sometimes getting other things done can be a helpful reprieve – but that was not the case for last April – because even though the story would have likely been okay – I might not have been available for some chit chat (like this month) and so it really worked out better. And wait – is it really Aufust of 2025? Oh my goodness the time is flying by for this year
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Yes, it really is! 🙂 xxxxx
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🙂 xxx
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If she doesn’t, I’m going to find her house and drive my black rental car and sit in front until she gets scared enough to keep writing. Thanks for the comments, Linda. 🙂 xxxxx
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Now, that’s a letdown, Yvette. I was hoping for extreme drama.
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hahah = well we can always change it up – we will see what the muse brings along
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Yvette has written a masterful story that engages the reader from start to finish. I loved reading it. Especially these words that show Yvette’s depth of understanding of emotions and the protaganist’s journery –
“I also learned that irritability and negativity try to join you each day. They want to sit on your shoulders, right next to the steel beams that rest there, bringing all this heaviness.”
Eloquent descriptions and a great twist at the end.
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What a great analysis, Amanda. Yvette threw us for a loop in this story. Now, we know there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
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That is the gift of good storytelling
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I agree, but I don’t always catch all the nuances that another reader might see. What makes it appealing to you, Amanda?
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I think it was the plot structure and the metaphors that Yvette used. She portrayed the emotional rollercoaster in a way that most people could relate. She built the character giving the back story that most people would be familiar with.
Dropping clues about Ted’s mystery job all the way along. We never knew what he did and I was constantly speculating through the story who he was and what he did. It still came as a surprise though.
I also liked that she slowed the pace and built the suspense once Ted had appeared, then used dialogue to increase the pace and heighten tension towards the climatic twist at the end.
These are important attributes that Yvette has included that can increase engagement for readers. An excellent piece.
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Wow, that is a great analysis, Amanda. Now to figure out how to emulate that process!
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Indeed! Me too!
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Dear Amanda, thanks so much for joining us here for this Uncle ted Story. The snippet you pointed us was a special line for me. I have felt that exact heaviness before- not necessarily for grief – and so reading it in your comment brought a smile. Also, I really enjoy your fiction and enjoy when you share at friday Fictioneers and other places.
Oh and glad you liked the ending
xxx
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[…] August 5, 2025, Yvette Prior’s story, Uncle Ted: Case Closed […]
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I have enjoyed reading the Tales of Ted, and this latest one tied up a few loose ends… then BAM! Yvette ends with the loosest end of all. Well done! I hope she has a few more tales to tell in series and won’t leave us hanging for too long.
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We will have to see where the next one pops up, Janis! 🙂 xxx
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Janis, thank you so much for joining us for this installment of the Uncle Ted series. And I came up with a mock ending in a comment above – and here is part of it –
The dark SUV in the driveway just made a U-turn and parked at the house on down the road at the end of the lake, where a family quickly got out for their rental.
anyhow, I think I have two more installments for Uncle ted – and thanks again to Marsha for hosting Story Chat because this forum is what started this series. It has been a lot of fun.
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This one is definitely a prologue…
Shades of James Bond (only without Ian Fleming’s tendency to describe – for instance – stroke by stroke of a golf game).
I can’t get over the feeling that she was just getting over the loss when he stirred things up again; bad timing for an undercover agent. Good timingfor an ongoing story though. And a good place to stop to get our imaginations working.
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Yes, there definitely is something going on. And she’s right in the middle of it now. 🙂
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Cathy, thanks so much for your comment – and you are so right – because just as Lisa was turning a corner with her acceptance and going to the next level, she now has an entire new situation to deal with.
And I have wanted to try writing a detective kind of story so maybe (just maybe) we can have Lisa sleuth around and figure out more about who put this hit out on Uncle Ted. Maybe getting clues from Ted (through a pizza shop in the city) – hmmm = not sure – and thanks again for reading!
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Wow! A very gripping story. I was hoping for more unraveling of the mystery in this story. Loved the way Yvette has written this story, it seems very personal and real.
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Good murder mystery turned sour by an unexpected result, LOL! 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Sadje. Personal and real are true trademarks of Yvette’s writing.
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Yes, but it still ends intriguingly. Love to read more of it.
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Indeed it does, my friend. 🙂
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👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
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😻😻😻
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Sadje, thank you so much for joining us for story chat with this Uncle Ted story! The small challenge I had at the start was deciding how much I wanted to reference previous entries. Turns out that I edited it out some of that content (like I had more about the bridge photo – but it felt extraneous here). And in a follow up story for this, I might have the SUV just turn around as they were in the wrong driveway. And then maybe Lisa accidentally gets involved in helping find out more about who is after Ted – and they exchange encrypted messages at a pizza place in the city….
wishing you a great day!
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You’re very welcome! I like how easily you can envision the story ahead. For me, the plot is the biggest obstacle. A wonderful story Yvette
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Thanks Sadje, and cheers to the all the writing that unfolds in the blogosphere. And one of my goals is to check out and join in with one of your wiriting challenges. I enjoy the handful posts that make it to my reader….
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Thank you so much Yvette. It’ll be an honor for me. Thank you
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I just saw that you have three challenges you host – and I will look forward to connecting this fall.
take care
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Thank you so much my friend ❤️
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❤
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I agree, Sadje! 🙂
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👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Very interested written.
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Thank you!
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Cleverly constructed and an intriguing twist at the end.
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Wow, high praise from the Editor! Thanks, Doug. That means a lot to me and I know it will to Yvette!
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Doug, Marsha is right – it does mean a lot to me also – because there is a lot of vulnerability when putting our stories out here – sigh with a smile – thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
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Wow!
That had me gripped.
The ending was a total surprise.
I was completely with Lisa and her determination to get to the bottom of Uncle Ted’s death, while dealing with her grief.
Now I am wondering what happened next.
Brilliantly written Yvette.
Thank you for sharing Marsha xo
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Thanks for reading, Maggie. It was a lot of fun! 🙂 xxx
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My pleasure Marsha xx🤗
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xxxxx
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Maggie, thanks so much for joining us for this story about Uncle Ted. I am so glad that the ending had the impact I was hoping for – and it ended up being more a cliff hanger than I originally planned. When I follow up – I might have that SUV turn around and be in the wrong driveway – and then might have Lisa get involved with some sleuthing around to see who is after Ted….. anyhow, appreciate your comment.
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Truly my pleasure Yvette.
Have a great weekend.
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;0) – hope you have a nice weekend too – and August is moving a bit fast – but fun to connect again after poems last month – xxxx
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Thank you Yvette 🤗
Yes, life never slows down.
Absolutely 😊 xx
Take good care.
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Happy Writing my friend (and thanks again to Marsha for hosting in ways that lets us craft our art and meet new friends with similar interests 😊 xx
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Happy Writing Yvette xx
Wonderful to have connected with you and yes, a huge big thanks to Marsha too 🤗🙏
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🤗🙏
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Awwww, thanks, Maggie and Yvette! 🙂 xxx
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🤗xxx
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You are so welcome, Yvette! 🙂 xxx
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You’ve had a great run. I’m so glad to have you here, Yvette. Your stories and poems are very well-received. 🙂 xxxxx
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[…] Story Chat Digest: “Uncle Ted: Case Closed” by Yvette Prior […]
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I like the relaxed style of writing. I felt like I was watching a movie and never quite sure where it was going. It kept my attention the entire time. The ending was awesome.
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Darlene, thank you so much! 🙂
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I think you might have something here – a movie. She has written several episodes of Uncle Ted for different challenges. I think it has the makings of a mini-series. 🙂
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Wel Marsha and Darlene, your comments about a possible mini-series brought a huge smile my way. Did you know that in 2006, I wrote a screenplay and was considering pursuing that direction for part of my career – and I also made some short Final Cut movies in 06-07 – my son made a Hobo series too – and it was really fun! Anyhow, I ended up getting an advanced degree instead – but wonder if there is some foreshadowing here (fingers crossed) because maybe some day – but then maybe not – hahah – but always stay open because we do not know what migth unfold – important thing is to be present each day and stay content.
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Wow, Yvette, another career. I think you made a good choice because now you can do both.
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well we will see what God has in store and I really trust that even with ‘free will” that he knows the future as clear as we know the past (if that makes sense). And while I think it would have been tough to make it as a screen writer or short film make back then – yikes – it is even more challenging now to break into that area because of AI and other factors. And I started a few projects in the last two years – but most have not gotten the spark they needed (like you deleting your novel and starting fresh) and the only real project that found a life was the “social dimensions of work” – which I am so excited about –
and it kind of reminds again that NOT all projects reach the stairs to go the floor of a finsihed project, but the ideas that we do follow will be successful if our heart is in it and we bring a genuineness that is about bringing the project to life for the right reasons. Hmmmm
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I got several great ideas from Diana yesterday, and one from our friends who moved to McMinville from Portland and before that, Woodlake. He published 4 books last year. They are fabulous, in a totally different way than most people could write – almost an encyclopedia of plants in Portland. The tree book even has addresses of where the trees are, and the controversies sounding some of the trees in Portland. All the ideas I got this week were based on locality, which is something we can all do, but not something that might have broad appeal.
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Well how awesome to get these ideas- also, the tree book sounds interesting and I actually sat on a “tree board” for a few months here in Arkansas – which was a lot of fun and led to so much learning about trees in our area – and in the Delta area. So, the locale idea might not have mass appeal (as you noted) but still can meet huge needs for people in those areas!
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Exactly. He is selling his books at the local garden club.
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What a gripping story. I really wasn’t expecting that surprise. Yvette captures the different forms grief can take and shows how it’s different for everyone. I really felt her character’s loss and also her determination to rat out anything suspicious. The ending leaves us hungry for more. The title fits the story perfectly.
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I’m so glad you like it, Esther. She is an amazing writer, and gifted at capturing our attention. I loved the surprise ending, too! 🙂
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Marsha, are you working on a novel?
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Not right now. I just deleted the novel I worked on for ten years. Long story, but it had good bones, but the flesh was rotting on the bones. It needed a fresh start. I tried putting too many real stories together that didn’t go together – like lots of skin grafts from multiple donors.
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Well it sounds like you made the right choice. Because the starting fresh is like a clean slate – while all that writing has still become part of your foundation – and will still continue to shape whatever you write in the future.
And reading your comment about deleting it – at first my gut reaction was “no – what a waste” but then – because I know about “process” – I was reminded that the creative process involves multiple stages, as we change as writers – and each draft, including those long drafts that are later discarded, contributes to writer growth and idea sieving – 🙂
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It was something I felt was a chain around my spiritual life. I had it planned out, but the developmental editor I hired suggested that it sounded like there were too many random stories. In retrospect I can see that. I also think I needed to break it into three books because of the intense character development of one character, and the others being left behind. If I start brand new, I can move away from the strings that tie me to the old story, and write it fresh. Or, I can move on to something new and let it die in peace. 🙂 xxx
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🙂 xxx
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Hi Esther, thank you so much for reading and for your comment. It was a little tricky for me with this short story because it is a follow up to a few other entires, and so some parts were included to follow up with folks who have read the other entries. However, I did not spend too much time on connecting to past entries and tried to have this one stand alone – and I appreciate your feedback and note about the title.
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Connecting all the pieces is the hard part for me in novel writing. 🙂 xxx
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