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TBM-2512.01 – Dog Days of Advent: Clock

1 December 2025 by Melissa

DDOA-01

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TBM-2512-01-Advent-Clock.mp3

Description:

Welcome to the Dog Days of Advent. I made a list of prompts, and wrote a bite-sized story for each one. They don’t live in the same universe, but they’re all a little off-kilter from what you might expect from holiday fare. And if you pay attention, you’ll notice that the last line of each story becomes the first line of the next. Today’s prompt is “clock.”

Excerpt:

Time, for her, is elastic. Sometimes it stretches, gossamer-thin, like taffy pulled too far, and she can walk its length to touch the moment when her mother bent to kiss her scraped knee, or the instant she first realized she’d fallen in love. Other times it snaps tight and whips her forward, years ahead, where she sees a conversation that hasn’t happened yet, the face of a friend she hasn’t met.

Episode Cast:

Melissa A. Bartell

Links and References

Transcript: Clock 

Credits:

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

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TBM-2512-01-Advent-Clock.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:34 — 7.3MB)

DDOP Advent Tales from the Tub Advent 2025DDoADog Days of AdventFictionFlash FictionMelissa A BartellMirrorsMissMeliss

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Thirty-One

31 October 2025 by Melissa

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day031.mp3

Description:

This is how it ends. This is how it always ends.

 

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Melissa A. Bartell

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Thirty-One

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day031.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:51 — 4.4MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues
Day 030

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Thirty

30 October 2025 by Melissa

Day 030

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day030.mp3

 

Description:

In Phoenix, a teenager learns that some countdowns don’t end with midnight—they end when the mirror says so.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

 

Episode Cast:

Nuchtchas

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Seven

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day030.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:08 — 2.8MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMirror MirrorMirrorsMonologuesNuchtchas
Day 029

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Nine

29 October 2025 by Melissa

An enigmatic oval wooden mirror reflecting a foggy forest on an asphalt road in fantasy style

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day029.mp3

Description:

In a late-night New York newsroom, a journalist discovers his reflection has a byline—and it’s writing his secrets.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Clay Robeson 

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Nine

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day029.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:10 — 2.5MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub Clay RobesonFictionFlash FictionGhostsMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues
Day 028

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Eight

28 October 2025 by Melissa

Day 028

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day028.mp3

Description:

Outside time, the mirrors prepare to cross. They’ve learned our faces, our words, our wants—and now they’re ready to take our places.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

 

 

Episode Cast:

Melissa A. Bartell

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Eight

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day028.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:50 — 3.6MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues
Day 027

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Seven

27 October 2025 by Melissa

Day 027

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day027.mp3

Description:

In New Orleans, a widow keeps her late husband’s shaving mirror—and finds he’s still keeping his routine. Grief has its own reflection.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Nuchtchas

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Seven

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day027.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:02 — 2.5MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMirror MirrorMirrorsMonologuesNuchtchas
Day 026

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Six

26 October 2025 by Melissa

 

Day 026

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day026.mp3

Description:

At Fort Bragg, a soldier learns that discipline cuts both ways—and the man in the reflection might follow orders better than he does.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

 

Episode Cast:

Mark, the Encaffeinated One 

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Six

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day026.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:04 — 2.5MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMark the Encaffeinated OneMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues
Day 025

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Five

25 October 2025 by Melissa

Day 025

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day025.mp3

Description:

In Brighton, a widower finds comfort in his own reflection—until it starts keeping its own schedule. Some echoes linger too long.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

Episode Cast:

Thomas Jancis

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Five

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day025.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:10 — 2.6MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMirror MirrorMirrorsMonologuesThomas Jancis

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Four

24 October 2025 by Melissa

Day 024

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day024.mp3

Description:

Outside time, the mirrors grow full on what we’ve given them—our faces, our fears, our faith in the glass. They’ve been recording us all along, and now they’re hungry.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

#MirrorMirror #Podcast #AudioFiction #Horror #Monologues #AudioDrama #DarkFiction #SpeculativeFiction #31DaysOfFright #HauntedVoices

 

Episode Cast:

Melissa A. Bartell

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Four

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day024.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:01 — 3.8MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMelissa A BartellMirror MirrorMirrorsMissMelissMonologues

TBM-Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-Three

23 October 2025 by Melissa

Day 023

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day023.mp3

Description:

In a Boston dorm, a student learns that some mirrors don’t just reflect—they breathe. And sometimes, they want company.

✨ Mirror, Mirror runs throughout October on Tales from the Tub. Subscribe so you don’t miss a reflection.

 

 

Episode Cast:

Nuchtchas

Links and References

Transcript: Mirror Mirror: Day Twenty-three

Credits:

  • The Bathtub Mermaid: Tales from the Tub is written and produced by Melissa A. Bartell, and is recorded and produced using Audacity.
  • Bathtub Mermaid blog header art was created by Rebecca Moran of Moran Media
  • Sound Effects are from Freesound.
  • Music for this episode is Darkest Child by Kevin MacLeod via UppBeat

Contact:

  • BlueSky: @melysse.bsky.social
  • Facebook: MissMelysse
  • Instagram: @Melysse
  • Mastodon: @Melysse
  • Email: missmelysse@gmail.com
  • Or, leave a comment on this page.

 

https://www.bathtubmermaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/TBM-MirrorMirror-Day023.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:08 — 2.7MB)

Mirror Mirror Tales from the Tub FictionFlash FictionGhostsMirror MirrorMirrorsMonologuesNuchtchas

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I said…

  • 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
  • TBM-2512.13 – Dog Days of Advent: Storm 13 December 2025
  • TBM-2512.12 – Dog Days of Advent: Bells 12 December 2025

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What I’m Writing: MissMeliss.com

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.

FictionAdvent 22: Train

FictionAdvent 22: Train

“Welcome,” they said, their voice resonant in a way that felt felt rather than heard. “You’re right on time.”

A woman near the front let out a short laugh. “Time for what?”

“For the Interstice,” the being replied easily. “The pause between departures.”

What I’m Reading: Bibliotica

Review: Pueblos Mágicos: A Traveler’s Guide to Mexico’s Hidden Treasures by Chuck Burton

Review: Pueblos Mágicos: A Traveler’s Guide to Mexico’s Hidden Treasures by Chuck Burton

About the book, Pueblos Mágicos: A Traveler’s Guide to Mexico’s Hidden Treasures  Pages: 296 Publisher: Bayou City Press Publication Date: Oct, 3 2025 Categories:  General Mexico Travel Guide Pueblos Mágicos: A Traveler’s Guide to Mexico’s Hidden Treasures covers 62 of the towns in the Government of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos” initiative, a program that identifies and […]

Review: No Oil Painting by Genevieve Marenghi

No Oil Painting entertains, uplifts, and subtly encourages the reader to imagine their own cheeky museum caper. Hypothetically, of course. Mostly.

Review: 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Rides (100 of a Lifetime) by Everett Potter

Review: 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Rides (100 of a Lifetime) by Everett Potter

Whether you’re daydreaming about Scotland’s misty highlands on the Royal Scotsman or plotting a long weekend aboard the Ethan Allen Express, every spread offers its own small escape.

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