Category Archives: Flash fiction

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers – Welcome to the Party

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Here’s my contribution to this week’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers  prompt from Priceless Joy. Thanks once again Joy..

Fred cleared his throat nervously in the silence. His allergies had been playing up all day, and the tickle at the back of his throat was becoming unbearable. His eyes began to water as he fought to keep from breaking into a coughing fit. But the prize was so close now, he had to hold himself together.

The others stood around him in a circle – hoods drawn down over their faces. Only their shoes gave away their vocation.

“It is time.” A hooded figure broke away from the circle and walked over to Fred. “Bring me the Nose.” Another hooded figure approached, holding a black velvet cushion. Fred stared transfixed at the shiny red nose which sat atop the cushion.

The hooded figure picked up the nose and held it high. Behold Brothers, the mark of the Clown. He stooped down and affixed the nose on Fred. From this day forth, you will be known as Frozo. Welcome Brother.

Frozo sneezed, his shiny new nose flying off into the smoke filled room.

Monday’s Finish the Story- Hungry Work

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Here’s my contribution to this week’s Monday’s Finish the Story prompt from Barbara Beacham. Bit over the word limit today, as pizza proved to be quite a difficult prompt to write about. Would love to hear your thoughts 🙂

March 15, 44 BC, Rome, Italy

“Pizza anyone?”

“I can’t believe you feel like eating after what we’ve just done.” Decimus stared at the carnage around them. “I feel sick.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Marc shrugged. “Stabbing is hungry work, and I missed breakfast.. Sure you don’t want anything? Garlic Bread?”

“No, I’m fine thanks.” Decimus looked queasy as he flopped down onto the marble steps. “I’m just going to stick my head in a bucket and throw up.”

“Suit yourself. Anyone else? Albinus? Longinus?”

“I am a bit peckish actually” Longinus looked up from cleaning his hands. “I’ll have a margarita extra cheese.”

“Do they do gluten free?” Albinus was sipping wine to calm his nerves.

“Albinus, pizza is made with dough. Of course they don’t do gluten free.”

“Well get me a salad then. No tomato. I don’t like tomato”

“Fine..Hello? can I order some delivery please. Address is 1 Consul Way. It’s Brutus. B-R-U-T-U-S. I’ll have a large BBQ Meatlovers, Large Supreme, Margarita extra cheese. And a salad, no tomato. Thanks.”

Monday’s Finish the Story – White Water Rush

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Here’s my contribution to this week’s Monday’s Finish the Story. And yes, the names are inspired by the Penguins of Madagascar.. 🙂

Finish the story begins with “When the team heard the dam explode, they knew they had limited time to make it to safety.”

“Go go go!”

Skipper turned quickly to look behind him as they raced to get clear of the deluge. Too late. “Brace!”

Throwing down their useless oars they hunkered down, head between knees, as the wall of water hit them. The raft spun out of control.

They slammed into a partially submerged rock, throwing Kowolski into the water. His wet fingers scrambled to grip onto the raft, but the current pulled him under in seconds.

The sound of the waterfall became a deafening roar as they raced toward the edge of the river. The raft flew over the edge, dipping into the foaming rush of water as its helpless occupants were flung out to their fate.

Time slowed down for the three bodies as they fell, arms flailing, lungs burning, to the bottom of the rainbow, and into the arms of the awaiting rescue crew.

White Manor

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Here’s my contribution to this week’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers.

Jessica felt the knot in her stomach tighten as the house came into view between the thick hedges veiling it from the outside world. White Manor. It had been in her family for longer than anyone could remember, growing fat on the memories made within its walls.

She had stayed away for almost 20 years, the last visit being for her Uncle Austin’s funeral. This time she had no choice, as her great- aunt had surprised everyone by naming Jessica as her sole heir. Her relatives thought that she had ingratiated herself to the old woman and taken advantage of her. But Jessica knew that it was the house which had chosen her.

The car crunched to a halt in front of the main doors. Jessica sat while the driver walked around to open her door – prolonging the inevitable for as long as she could. The scent of roses hit her as she stepped out of the cab. She was home.

words: 161

The Heirloom

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Here’s my last minute contribution to Monday’s Finish the Story. Thanks Barbara for the prompt!

Finish the story begins with: “On March 9th, 2015, three objects were reportedly seen in the skies over the Borracho Todos los Tiempos Vineyards.”

March 9 2125 – PJ stared down at his grandmother’s prized possession, carefully cradled in his hand inside its tattered plastic sheath. The faded old photograph showed the arrival of the creatures, over a hundred years ago. He had seen it before, when she brought it out on special occasions to show the family, and as always, it wasn’t the ships which drew his fascination. It was the earth, with its the blue sky, green trees, the red earth – it was so alive back then. He imagined what the breeze would sound like rustling through those trees, what it would be like to taste the fruit which grew on those vines.

The image was his now that his grandmother was dead – to share with his grandchildren one day, to show them how beautiful their home once was.

Word Limit: 135

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers – A Fishy Tale

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Picking up the pace, she crossed the street and started moving towards the river. A quick glance over her shoulder confirmed that he was still behind her.

Pushing down the help button she spoke into her phone. “Siri call Dave” Calling Debbie.. “Dave! Call. Dave”. I’m sorry but I don’t know how to help you. There is a Glade Lane nearby that I can direct you to? “No, you stupid thing!”

She could see the Ivory Towers up head now and broke into a run, bumping and weaving past the tourists loitering along the path. Hey, catch! She threw her phone at an unsuspecting woman.

A bullet ricocheted off the light pole in front of her and passed through the leg of an old man who was watching the boats. Reaching the river, she vaulted over the rail and threw herself in. Her scales opened up as the skin above peeled away, and she swam down into the murky safety of the Mer River.

Words: 165

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers- The Visitor

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With a final heave she was out of the ground. She lay on the moist earth for a moment to adjust to her new body, and took in the sights and smells of this new world. The busy earth beneath her, churning life out of the remnants of the dead. A blue sky above, singing with all the invisible sounds of this industrious little world, innocently heralding its presence to all who care to listen.

All around the tall sentinels of this world whispered to themselves in a language she hadn’t yet learnt. She rolled over and stood a while to watch as they sucked nourishment from the earth and light from the sun to make food.

She took a deep breath to fill her lungs and smiled to herself as she slowly exhaled. So sweet and clean it tasted.

A path lay ahead, leading no doubt toward the reason for which she had come to this world.

Another time, another place. Another adventure.

(Word limit: 164)