Congratulations on your story, Laurie! I grew up with Barry Manilow too. And did you know he also wrote most of the jingles we heard on popular commercials? Talented guy!
Straight from the search engine... Barry Manilow is known for writing and performing numerous iconic commercial jingles, including "Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There" and "I am stuck on BAND-AID, 'cause BAND-AID's stuck on me!". He also wrote "You Deserve a Break Today" for McDonald's. Additionally, Manilow contributed to the jingles "Grab a Bucket of Chicken" and "Finger-Lickin' Good Day" for KFC.
I love getting reminders from authors on ways to break up writing doldrums. And, I'm picking up the Copa ebook today. Barry Manilow got me through my teens.
Short story popularity seems to be at an all-time high these days, and I'm glad! I can't wait to read your Barry Manilow-prompted story. Sounds intriguing!
I love it! I recently saw the prompt for the 2026 Bouchercon anthology. I'm thinking I might try a short story for the anthology just for the fun of it. Like you said, something different. I look forward to reading your story! And emails like you described...definitely creepy!! Love it! :)
This is such a good reminder -- that short stories don't have to be mini novels -- they can just be about a moment in time. I love flash fiction for this same reason, and either type of writing (short story/flash fiction) are very helpful when I'm stuck on my 'bigger' novel project. That freedom to write 'the moment' sometimes has created better pieces than I ever expected!
Fantastic! I enjoy writing within the confines of a short story. It can really test your skills to craft a story within 3,000–1,000 words or even less.
Congratulations on your story, Laurie! I grew up with Barry Manilow too. And did you know he also wrote most of the jingles we heard on popular commercials? Talented guy!
I'm getting a copy of Copa today :)
Really? I’d love to know what jingles he wrote. What a talented guy.
Straight from the search engine... Barry Manilow is known for writing and performing numerous iconic commercial jingles, including "Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There" and "I am stuck on BAND-AID, 'cause BAND-AID's stuck on me!". He also wrote "You Deserve a Break Today" for McDonald's. Additionally, Manilow contributed to the jingles "Grab a Bucket of Chicken" and "Finger-Lickin' Good Day" for KFC.
Wow, can you imagine the $$? Those are staples!
I love getting reminders from authors on ways to break up writing doldrums. And, I'm picking up the Copa ebook today. Barry Manilow got me through my teens.
Thanks, Joy. Lucky is the author who never experienced writing doldrums!
Thanks for suggesting to try short stories between novels. But I don't think Barry Manilow is the right prompt for me.
Ha! Not for everyone I’m sure. I have to admit I do like his music!
I forgive you.
Short story popularity seems to be at an all-time high these days, and I'm glad! I can't wait to read your Barry Manilow-prompted story. Sounds intriguing!
I love it! I recently saw the prompt for the 2026 Bouchercon anthology. I'm thinking I might try a short story for the anthology just for the fun of it. Like you said, something different. I look forward to reading your story! And emails like you described...definitely creepy!! Love it! :)
You should definitely take up the challenge. It can’t hurt, right?
This is such a good reminder -- that short stories don't have to be mini novels -- they can just be about a moment in time. I love flash fiction for this same reason, and either type of writing (short story/flash fiction) are very helpful when I'm stuck on my 'bigger' novel project. That freedom to write 'the moment' sometimes has created better pieces than I ever expected!
Hi Valerie,
Glad you agree!
My feelings exactly!
loved it!!
Barbara Price
Thanks for reading!
I love the idea of a Barry Manilow song inspiring a short story, especially one about a stalker! Thank you for this fun post!
Thanks, Saralyn- I had fun writing it, and like I mentioned, it gave me the opportunity to try something different.
Fantastic! I enjoy writing within the confines of a short story. It can really test your skills to craft a story within 3,000–1,000 words or even less.