CJ Woods III’s Story Archive

The Unique Factory

October 12, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. In Eau Claire Wisconsin, a quiet man is manufacturing nipples. That’s nipples, as in one of the features of the human torso. Years ago, one of my friends confided in me that of the many depressing aspects of … Read More

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 5, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

A long-time friend told me recently that she had detected an anomaly in her breast; medical tests revealed that she had cancer, and she subsequently had a double mastectomy. She is recovering well and will soon began chemotherapy. Her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery is a reminder of how … Read More

Speaking of Language

September 28, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

The phone in my office rang, and I answered it, identifying the place as Household Finance. “May I speak to Mr. Woods?” the woman’s voice asked. “This is he,” I replied. The woman exclaimed, “Oh! Your mother must have been a fine woman, to teach you to speak so well!” … Read More

The Phone Booth

September 21, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

In his 1997 novel Straight Man, Richard Russo describes “an old-fashioned telephone booth … you can enter and close the folding door behind you.” I paused when I read that passage, remembering just such a telephone booth at Jack Patrick’s Bar and Grill in St. Louis, Missouri. I have written … Read More

The Fear of Flying

September 14, 2023 | by CJ Woods III

Settle down: It’s not about Erica Jong’s book. At the neighborhood block party down the street from my house, I sat at a table with two of my neighbors and we discussed the ways in which our lives intersected. The main thread was embodied by the Australian Blue Heeler who … Read More