Short Stories is the first LP album by the award-winning[1][2][3] American songwriter Bob McDill, released in 1972 by J-M-I Records.

[8] Songwriting duo Dickey Lee and Allen Reynolds were credited with helping to land the gig, and McDill would remain professionally involved with them throughout the 1970s.

[10] The album was the first LP released by J-M-I in 1972, which was a small record label with independent distribution agreements.

[11] J-M-I experienced noted distribution issues during its existence,[12] and the album did not have an initial wide release.

It was released November 1972 as the fourth single from the album, "Catfish John"/"Chained", and became a number thirteen country chart hit.