Heidi Slowinski

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Nov, 2019

Stories (7)

7 Stories

258 karma pts

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“What Is Your Emergency” by Heidi Slowinski

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #67

“911, what is your emergency?” “Yes, I’m calling to report a murder,” she said in a cold, distant voice. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Did you say you’re calling to report a murder?” asked the dispatcher. “Yes,” answered V...

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“Room 306” by Heidi Slowinski

Submitted to Contest #22

The Christmas decorations hung from every corner of the care facility. The staff had put on a little New Year’s party during the residents’ lunch. Most would be long asleep by midnight that night. They wore party hats, had noise makers, and were given a glass of sparkling juice with their mid-day meal. The staff made the rounds at the tables, asking them to share stories of New Year’s Eves gone by. The stories ranged from times their children all gathered around for the evening to neighborhood parties in decades past. For a few, it was the n...

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“Sarah's List” by Heidi Slowinski

Submitted to Contest #19

‘ISO the owner of this list.’ I typed into my post before adding the photo. ‘To whom it may concern,’ I went on, musing at the formality of the post. ‘I am seeking the owner of this list, found at the local discount store on 2nd Street.’ I tagged the location, just in case.It was a piece of notebook paper I found in the aisle at the discounter where I was picking up paper plates and a few other supplies for a co-worker’s birthday at my office. I had been in a hurry and, frankly, in a bad mood. The holidays, year-end, deadlines, no time, no s...

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“The Package” by Heidi Slowinski

Submitted to Contest #18

It happened just after takeoff. This thing that would change my life forever. I was getting settled in for a three-hour flight to Vancouver, celebrating to myself at my luck of getting upgraded to first class. I didn’t even ask. The gate agent just called me to the desk and handed me a new boarding pass.“Looks like you’ve been upgraded,” she said brightly. “Enjoy your trip.” Things like that never happened to me.My phone and earbuds were tucked into the pocket of my jacket. It was a vintage velvet blazer, in a deep plum, I found at a thrift ...

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“An Unexpected Thanksgiving” by Heidi Slowinski

Submitted to Contest #17

The house was quiet, just the way I liked it. I'm not very social, as a general rule. A quiet Thanksgiving was just what I wanted. My mom would be home later. We'd curl up and watch Elf together. We always watched Elf together on Thanksgiving night. It was the best! She would pull out my favorite blanket and make cocoa. But for now, I had the house to myself. All was quiet and I was ready for a nice long nap.I ate a nice snack. My mom always keeps my favorite snacks available for me whenever I want. My stomach full, I curled up in my fa...

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“My Big Fat Jewish Passover” by Heidi Slowinski

Submitted to Contest #17

David reaches across the center console and pats my leg.“Don't worry,” he says with a reassuring smile. “Everything is going to be fine.” I return his smile but I’m incredibly nervous. David and I have been married for about six months now. “Really, you have nothing to worry about. They're going to love you.”“Okay,” I respond abruptly. We had a really small wedding, just our parents and a handful of close friends. But unlike me, David has a huge extended family, most of whom I have never met.I'm also nervous because this is our first Passove...

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“Come Away With Me” by Heidi Slowinski

Submitted to Contest #16

Anca’s mind drifted as she stood in first light of dawn. All was still quiet in the market square. The frosty morning air bit her lungs as she sighed. Soon there would be people bustling all around. Merchants with wares to sell and villagers hustling about to finish preparations before the winter solstice festival began. Anca had managed to find some winter berries which she bundled with evergreens. Nosegays to sell to the women of the village. With luck, she would make enough to buy a meager meal, likely her only one that day. She pulled he...

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Author bio

Heidi Slowinski’s books have received starred reviews in Reader’s Favorite and Reedsy Discovery. She a regular contributory to the Jewish Book Carnival and her articles have appeared in Mystery & Suspense Magazine. Originally from Wisconsin, Heidi earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Wisconsin. She has worked in the property and casualty insurance industry for nearly twenty years. In her spare time, Heidi enjoys traveling, cooking, landscape photography and watercolor painting. She also writes a literary blog, primarily focused on Jewish literature. She currently resides in Mobile, Alabama with her cat. To keep up on Heidi’s new releases, visit her website at heidislowinski.com, where you’ll also find her book recommendations and short stories.

Shortlisted 1 story ⭐️

Contest #67

What Is Your Emergency – read story