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Tales from the Tub

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Melissahttp://www.missmeliss.com
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM-2308.05-DDOP.05 – Twenty-Five Years – Year Three: Leather

5 August 2023 by Melissa

Watch Band

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.05-TBM-DDOP-05-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Three.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Excerpt:

“So, this is a joint present from you and Mondrian?”

“Exactly,” Basil said. “Labrador-tested, synthetic life-form approved.”

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • Clay Robeson

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.05-TBM-DDOP-05-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Three.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:50 — 1.7MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub Basil & ZoeClay RobesonDDoPDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction 1 Comment
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM-2308.04-DDOP.04 – Twenty-Five Years – Year Two: Cotton

4 August 2023 by Melissa

Athletic Socks

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.04-TBM-DDOP-04-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Two.mp3

Basil and Zoe - 25 YearsDescription:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Excerpt:

“Perhaps I should save this for times when we are at home, and not on the ship,” Basil suggested.

 

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • N/A

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.04-TBM-DDOP-04-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-Two.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:32 — 1.7MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFictionFlash Fiction
Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

TBM-2308.03-DDOP.03 – Twenty-Five Years – Year One: Paper

3 August 2023 by Melissa

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.03-TBM-DDOP-03-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-One.mp3

Basil and Zoe - 25 Years

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #basilandzoe #twentyfiveyears #anniversarygifts

Excerpt:

His gift to her was a painted fan, but Zoe wasn’t certain whether it was meant to be functional or decorative.

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

  • Clay Robeson

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.03-TBM-DDOP-03-Twenty-Five-Years-Part-One.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:10 — 2.0MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub 25 YearsBasil & ZoeClay RobesonDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash Fiction 1 Comment

TBM-2308.02 – DDOP.02 – Mermaid Minute: Mermaid Toenails

2 August 2023 by Melissa

BathtubMermaid MM-750

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.02-TBM-DDOP-02-Mermaid-Minute-Mermaid-Toenails.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting #mermaidminute #memedelmare #humor

Excerpt:

Mermaids never need pedicures. Why? Because we shed our toenails all over the beach when we return to the water.

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

N/A/

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.02-TBM-DDOP-02-Mermaid-Minute-Mermaid-Toenails.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:31 — 1.6MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Mermaid Minute Tales from the Tub DDoPDDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingMe-Me del MareMermaid Minute
White Crocodile

TBM-2308.01 – DDOP.01 – Intro and The Wisdom of Crocodiles

1 August 2023 by Melissa

White Crocodile

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.01-TBM-DDOP-01-The-Wisdom-of-Crocodiles2x.mp3

Description:

#audio #flashfiction #flashfic  #dogdaysofpodcasting

Excerpt:

Here is your wisdom, they say as they thrust the young reptile into my arms. Guard its life as you guard your own.

I too am young, and the idea of being responsible for this other life is daunting.

What if I fail?

What if it dies?

Or, what if it grows large and mean and I cannot control it?

Links and References

  • Read the text of The Wisdom of Crocodiles
  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Guest Voices:

Jason G. Banks  of Nutty Bites and Nostalgia Pilots

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2308.01-TBM-DDOP-01-The-Wisdom-of-Crocodiles2x.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:52 — 3.9MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Tales from the Tub DDOP 2023Dog Days of PodcastingFlash FictionJason Gregory Banks
BrassRings

TBM-2305.02 – Rings, Suits, and Joy

5 May 2023 by Melissa

BrassRings

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2305.02-TBM-Rings-Suits-and-Joy.mp3

Description:

#audio #shortshort stories #carousels #GrimReaper #BasilandZoe

Excerpt:

Basil often reminds me that the universe is full of strange things, and not all of them are massive events. I resolve to think of the evangelist as one of them.

Links and References

Readers:

  • Nuchtchas – http://nimlas.org/
  • Mark, the Encaffeinated One – http://encaffeinated.ca/
  • Melissa A. Bartell – https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/

Stories:

Brass Rings

A Suit to Die For

Joy in All Things (A Basil and Zoe story)

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2305.02-TBM-Rings-Suits-and-Joy.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:32 — 19.3MB)

Tales from the Tub Basil & ZoeFictionFlash FictionMark the Encaffeinated OneNuchtchas
Fairies or Muses

TBM-2210.29 – Fairies or Muses?

29 October 2022 by Melissa

Fairies or Muses

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/TBM-2210.29-Fairies-or-Muses-1.mp3

Description:

#audio #shortshort stories #fairies #JohnCage #BasilandZoe

Excerpt:

Try thinking with your brain instead of your tits, girlfriend, and you might understand. Without belief, we don’t exist. Without stories, there’s no belief.

Links and References

Readers:

  • Erika Ludwig – https://www.erikaludwig.com/
  • Mark, the Encaffeinated One – http://encaffeinated.ca/
  • Melissa A. Bartell – https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/

Stories:

  • Words Have Power
  • 4:33
  • If Only It Would Rain

Promo

  • Nutty Bites

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/TBM-2210.29-Fairies-or-Muses-1.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:16 — 11.6MB)

Tales from the Tub Basil & ZoeErika LudwigFlash FictionMark the Encaffeinated OneNuchtchas
BathtubMermaidChibi_400

TBM-2208.23-MermaidMinute-Tools

26 August 2022 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TBM-2208.23-MermaidMinute-Tools.mp3

Description:

#audio #mermaidminute #dogdaysofpodcasting

Excerpt:

If the rock is big enough you can bang anything into anything.

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TBM-2208.23-MermaidMinute-Tools.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:02 — 2.2MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Mermaid Minute Tales from the Tub DDoPDDOP 2022Dog Days of PodcastingExtamporaneaMe-Me del MareMermaid Minute
BathtubMermaidChibi_400

TBM-2208.22 – Mermaid Minute – Hurricanes

22 August 2022 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TBM-2208.22-MermaidMinute-Hurricanes.mp3

Description:

#audio #mermaidminute #dogdaysofpodcasting

Excerpt:

If the storm is bad we shelter in under water caverns…

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TBM-2208.22-MermaidMinute-Hurricanes.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 2.0MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Mermaid Minute Tales from the Tub DDoPDDOP 2022Dog Days of PodcastingExtamporaneaMe-Me del MareMermaid Minute
BathtubMermaidChibi_400

TBM-2208.21-MermaidMinute-Eelth Spas

21 August 2022 by Melissa

Mermaid Minute

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TBM-2208.21-MermaidMinute-Eelth-Spas.mp3

Description:

#audio #mermaidminute #dogdaysofpodcasting

Excerpt:

The sponges are friendly; not very bright, but friendly.

Links and References

  • Learn about The Dog Days of Podcasting

Support:

The Bathtub Mermaid is now on Patreon! If you like the stories and essays I share, and want to have occasional visits from Me-Me del Mare, please consider subscribing.

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using the Auphonic iPhone app and Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid album art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.

Contact:

  • Twitter: @Melysse
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.
https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/TBM-2208.21-MermaidMinute-Eelth-Spas.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:17 — 2.4MB)

Dog Days of Podcasting Mermaid Minute Tales from the Tub DDoPDDOP 2022Dog Days of PodcastingExtamporaneaMe-Me del MareMermaid Minute

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The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub © 2013 by Melissa A. Bartell is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

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I said…

  • 2604.05 – Mermaid Minute: Happy Easter 5 April 2026
  • TBM-260315-Salt, Coffee, Showtime 14 March 2026
  • TBM-2512.24 – Dog Days of Advent: Midnight 24 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.23 – Dog Days of Advent: Sled 23 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.23 – Dog Days of Advent: Gift and Train 23 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.22 – Dog Days of Advent: Ritual, Thread, and Magic 22 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.17 – Dog Days of Advent: Candle 17 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.16 – Dog Days of Advent: Icicle 16 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.15 – Dog Days of Advent: Flare 15 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.14 – Dog Days of Advent: Harbor 14 December 2025

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What I’m Writing: MissMeliss.com

15 Minutes to Showtime

15 Minutes to Showtime

There’s a superstition in our band: no one says the word good before we go on. You can say loud, tight, let’s try not to break anything expensive, but never good. That’s jinx bait.

FictionAdvent 24: Midnight

FictionAdvent 24: Midnight

Jean—called Grandma Love by strangers more often than family—felt that familiar tilt in the air. The almost-midnight tilt. Midnight wasn’t a time so much as a mood, a soft doorway between one thing and the next. She’d always been good with doorways.

FictionAdvent 23: Sled

FictionAdvent 23: Sled

She dragged it through the fresh snow to the small hill behind the apartment complex. The cold bit at her cheeks. The air smelled like minerals and ice—Earth winter, not Mars. He’d always said he missed winters most. 

She set the sled down.  Ran her glove over the wooden slats.  Felt her heartbeat double-tap behind her ribs.

Then she climbed on.

What I’m Reading: Bibliotica

Book Review: No More Tomorrows by Olivia Lockhart & Hal Lambert

Book Review: No More Tomorrows by Olivia Lockhart & Hal Lambert

If you enjoy romance that asks bigger questions—about time, identity, and what it means to choose a life—this is a satisfying and emotionally layered read that lingers well beyond the final page.

Book Blast: The Last Fairy Witch, by Jean M. Roberts

Book Blast: The Last Fairy Witch, by Jean M. Roberts

Hannah Heronstone appears to have everything—a devoted husband, a beloved child, and a thriving business built on ancient herbal knowledge.

Book Review: Hidden Truth, by C.D. Steele

Book Review: Hidden Truth, by C.D. Steele

Steele clearly knows how to weave together complex story lines, and the dialogue throughout the book felt rich and convincing. He also demonstrates a willingness to tackle difficult subject matter without shying away from it, which I respect.

Previously

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  • December 2023
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  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • May 2023
  • October 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • November 2021
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  • December 2020
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  • December 2019
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  • December 2017
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  • August 2017
  • December 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • December 2015
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  • August 2015
  • December 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • October 2013
  • August 2013

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