🗝️ The Written Tales Vault: Vol. 4
Rediscovered gems from the Written Tales archive, plus one writing tip.
Midweek calls for something deeper. In this edition, we’re bringing you four powerful works that explore grief, belief, endurance, and the moments that shake us awake. Whether you're catching your breath or needing a jolt, these stories and poems won’t leave you untouched.
🕯️ Silent Screams in the Darkness
Short Story by Matthew Adams
A man wakes in the dead of night, the smell of smoke thick in the air—and something else, something wrong. Matthew Adams twists dream and reality into a chilling, slow-burn spiral you won’t forget.
🛡️ Passion, Belief and Forgiveness
Short Story by Raymon Walker
An old warrior returns to a fire-ravaged church to seek peace for sins long carried. Raymon Walker’s tale is a meditation on age, repentance, and holding faith when the structure itself has fallen.
🧱 Paychecks
Poem by Judekelvin Igbonekwu
Beneath the weight of labor and legacy, this powerful poem honors the body worn down by work and the spirit that refuses to yield. Judekelvin Igbonekwu writes a tribute to the unseen sacrifices behind survival.
🌲 Goodbye
Poem by Adeyele Adenira
Through quiet grief and lyrical steps, Adeyele Adenira captures what it means to part—again and again—and still remain whole. A farewell wrapped in memory, aching, and quiet strength.
✍️ Writing Tip of the Week:
Revisit your strongest emotion. Write a short scene or stanza where that feeling is the only thing the reader knows. No backstory, no setup, just the raw pulse of it.
Mini Challenge:
Write a paragraph or an 8-line poem that shows grief, rage, joy, or longing without naming the emotion. Post it on Substack Notes and tag us —we're watching.
📣 Submit your best poem, flash fiction, or short story through the Member Challenge form (free for paid subscribers) or the General Submission form ($3 fee).
We’re always looking for new voices.
🖤 Thanks for being part of Written Tales. Let’s keep storytelling alive—together.