The Life and Writings of Barbara Nelson Blinn

The Stories

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“The Surprise Telephone Call” is about Betty, who has a crush on a boy, Cliff. She wants so badly for him to ask her to the hop, but she must wait for him to call. Suddenly, the telephone rings and Betty’s father answers! Who is the mysterious caller?

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“Nightmare” is about a young woman, Mary Ann, who is walking home from work late one night on a dark and deserted street. Mary Ann has the eerie feeling that she is being followed. Her instincts prove correct as she is attacked from behind! Why has this man followed her? What does he want? Will she escape before he harms her?

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“Homecoming” is a story about high school student Ann Ellison. She is interested in dating Tony Ames, but her nemesis, Claire Boatwright, is dating him. Will Ann ever have a chance with Tony, one of the most popular boys in school?

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“Death on the Highway” focuses on a young couple, Julie and Steve, who are tragically killed on their way to a dance in this short story set in the 1950s.

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“Unforgettable Prom Night” is a true story discovered written on faded green lined paper and slid into one of Barbara’s folders filled with poetry. The writing was dated April 28, 1959 at the bottom of the last page. The words recounted a portion of Barbara’s junior year in high school.  During her junior year, Barbara met a boy at a marching band event, and she asked him to her prom, which was unusual for girls to do in that time. Meeting this specific boy and going to prom with him is believed to be the highlight of Barbara’s high school years. Some names have been changed to protect identities.

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“Who Were the Midnight Prowlers?” is about a young girl, Glenda Kennedy, who is home alone for the evening and becomes frightened by a strange car that drives into her driveway. No one gets out of the car and she does not know what to do.