creative writing – Page 7

One Whole Year – Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

Published on March 26, 2015December 10, 2015 by milliethom60 Comments

Flash Fiction for for Aspiring Writers is a writing challenge, kindly hosted by Priceless Joy. The challenge asks us to write a piece of fiction from the photo prompt provided in around 100- 150 words – give or take 25 words. It encourages participants to comment, constructively, on other entries, so supporting each other’s writing. If you’d like to join in with this challenge, follow the link in the title of PJ’s, blog: Beautiful Words to see what to do. The challenge runs from Wednesday to Wednesday every week.

Here is this week’s prompt . . .

. . . and this is my story:

I cannot see you, but I know you are there, your lovely face hidden by the flimsy curtainsacross the second floor window. The heat of your stare sears through … and right to my heart.

Last time we met I could not speak for grief. You called to me as I walked through the cemetery gates. Now you don’t answer my calls; my letters return unread. So I must come to you …

I press the bell for Apartment 3b and focus on my worn leather shoes, wondering what you will say.

The door swings back and you are in my arms.

‘A whole year, Dad?’ you say, stepping back to scrutinise my dishevelled appearance. ‘Where have you been?’

I shake my head. ‘Couldn’t face the world without your mother …’

My daughter’s smile is full of understanding. ‘We’ll visit Mum’s grave together from now on, if you like.’

Word Count: 150

If you’d like to view other entries, click here.

Teamwork – Monday’s Finish the Story

Published on March 24, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom47 Comments

It’s time for Monday’s Finish the Story again. This is a flash fiction challenge which asks that we write a story in 150 words from the picture and first line prompt, kindly provided by the host, Barbara W. Beacham.

Here is this week’s photo . . .

. . . and this is my story, including the first line prompt:

When the team heard the dam explode, they knew they had limited time to make it to safety.

Dave made the split-second decision that offered his team the only hope of survival. Ahead lay the series of rapids they’d been preparing to negotiate: too late now to escape the river’s fast-flowing pull. Behind them the raging dam waters neared.

‘Blades down!’ he yelled from the helm, thrusting his paddle into the billowing foam. ‘We’re in this together, so control this baby!’

The raft plunged over the dip … straight into the clutches of violent eddies that sent them spinning into jagged rocks. The raft tilted perilously and water swamped the craft. Two men momentarily disappeared, only practised survival skills preventing them from being swept into the suds.

They hit the pool mere yards from the bank as the deafening roar reached the dip.

‘Swim for it!’ Dave yelled.

‘Great teamwork, guys,’ Greg hollered down as they scrambled up the bank. Sound effects OK? River rescue practice tomorrow …’

Word count: 150

To view other entries, click here.

The Perfect Hotel – Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

Published on March 19, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom39 Comments

Here is this week’s prompt . . .

. . . and this is my story:

Marnie took in the building’s formidable exterior and shuddered. ‘Really think it’ll make a good hotel, hun? Looks kinda creepy to me.’

‘It’ll be perfect, Marn.’ Carson grinned at his glitzy wife; the thick fur coat, the diamonds dangling from her ears. ‘Spend a few bucks … and bingo!’

‘But those stories …?’

Carson shook his head, chuckling. ‘Punters’ll be queuing to stay in a joint where a headless dame walks the corridors.’

‘But the agent I met on the roof said–’

‘Which agent?’ Carson cut in.

‘The one dressed like Batman’s butler.’

‘Doll, we ain’t got no agent yet.’

‘Well, this guy said one story was true – some servant, wrongly accused of strangling a rich guest. They hung him, up on that roof.’

Carson’s gaze fixed on the gabled roof … and the dark figure glaring down at them.

‘Ghost-hunting weekends’ll be a blast, Marn.’

Word Count: 150

If you’d like to view other entries, click here.

The Double-Crosser – Monday’s Finish the Story

Published on March 17, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom44 Comments

It’s time for Monday’s Finish the Story again. This is a flash fiction challenge which asks that we write a story in 150 words from the picture and first line prompt kindly provided by the host, Barbara W. Beacham.

Here is this week’s photo . . .

. . . and this is my story, including the first line prompt:

A body suddenly crashed through a plate glass window at the brigadier’s house. It plummeted past Brigadier Humphreys, lounging on the balcony below. He sped upstairs and into the room, his lower jaw quivering in outrage.

‘What the deuce is going on?’ he demanded, glaring at the shattered window.

‘Relax, Brigadier,’ Mike Jewson soothed, his Texan drawl pronounced. ‘You’ll be reimbursed real well for use of your place once we’re done.’

‘B … but the body …?

Jewson shrugged. ‘No worries, man. Best way to deal with the double-crosser, is all.’

Charles Humphries glanced about the room, taking in the amused faces and their fancy equipment. ‘But you can’t just murder someone, it–’

‘ – was necessary, Brigadier,’ a tall, suave man in tux and bow tie cut in. ‘Agent 008 at your service,’ he added, grinning. ‘He was threatening British Security.’

‘Ah, that’s different then,’ the brigadier murmured as he left.

‘Go retrieve the dummy, Hank, then we roll with scene two.’

Word count: 150

To view other entries, click here.

One Last Run – Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers

Published on March 13, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom25 Comments

Flash Fiction for for Aspiring Writers is a writing challenge, kindly hosted by Priceless Joy. The challenge asks us to write a piece of fiction from the photo prompt provided in around 100- 150 words. It encourages participants to comment, constructively, on other entries, so supporting each other’s writing. If you’d like to join in with this challenge, follow the link in the title of PJ’s, blog: Beautiful Words to see what to do. The challenge runs from Wednesday to Wednesday every week.

Here is this week’s photo . . .

. . . and this is my story:

Mickey Riordan passed the security officers supervising the boarding passengers at the top of the Bavaria’s gangplank, and grinned. He’d done it again! This final stop at Cologne, one of the Rhine’s many ports, had resulted in his fifth little bag of diamonds.

Back in his cabin he locked the bag in the safe with the rest, all to be delivered to the ‘big boys’ once they’d docked in Amsterdam. Then it was off to the airport for his homebound flight. With the payoff from his third and last ‘run’ he’d be able to buy that big house with the swimming pool in London.

Contemplating a hot shower, the knock on the door startled him. Probably the steward with the extra towels he’d ordered …

‘Mr. Riordan?’ one of the two burly policemen asked.

Mickey nodded, visualising the next ten years in clink. He could kiss that posh house goodbye.

Word Count: 150

If you’d like to read other entries, click here.

Wine and Women – Monday’s Finish the Story

Published on March 10, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom39 Comments

It’s time to have a go at Monday’s Finish the Story. This is a flash fiction challenge which asks that we write a story in 150 words from the picture and first line prompt provided by the host, Barbara W. Beacham.

Here is this week’s photo . . .

. . . and this is my story, including the first line prompt:

On March 9th, 2015, three objects were reportedly seen in the skies over the Borracho Todos los Tiempos Vineyards.

Harry Hobson attempted to focus on the lights moving across the pre-dawn sky, unable to decide whether there were five flying saucers or three, and took another swig from his near-empty bottle.

‘What d’ya make of them, Fred?’ he asked the figure slumped beside him against the boulder. ‘D’ya think we’s bein’ invaded?’

Fred belched, opening his heavy eyelids a fraction.’ Nah’, he slurred. ‘Wars bin over more’n sixty years.’

‘A wa’n’t thinkin’ o’ Jerries, Fred. Them’s flying saucers …’

Fred wobbled to his feet and stared up at the sky. ‘Hoo cares about saucers – and we ain’t on ’oliday to look at lights. Wine and women’s all I …’

Harry watched, agog, as Fred drifted up into the sky, surrounded by a bright beam of light. Bleedin’ typical of Fred to go off without him.

‘Make sure yer back afore the vineyard store opens at ten,’ he yelled.

Word Count: 150

To view other entries, click here.

Moonlit Walk – Flash Fiction For Aspiring Writers

Published on March 5, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom44 Comments

This is the third week of Priceless Joy’s challenge, Flash Fiction for for Aspiring Writers. The challenge asks us to write a piece of fiction from the photo prompt provided in around 100- 150 words. It encourages participants to comment, constructively, on other entries, so supporting each other’s writing. If you’d like to join in with this challenge, follow the link in the title of PJ’s, blog: Beautiful Words. The challenge runs from Wednesday to Wednesday every week.

Here is this week’s photo . . .

and this is my story . . .

The November evening was darkening rapidly as Mary traipsed along the woodland path, weary after hours of cleaning his Lordship’s house. Eerie shadows patterned her way, cast by the rising moon. She knew she had nothing to fear; she’d walked this way home since leaving school last year …

Yet tonight, something caused Mary’s skin to prickle: a snapping twig, perhaps? She pulled her shawl close about her shoulders, the evening chill adding to her unease. Her skirts swept the leaf-strewn path, rustling and crackling beneath her quickened tread.

Large, strong hands suddenly grabbed her, one clamping over her mouth to stifle her screams as she was hustled towards the trees.

Her assailant buried his face in her neck, his amused chuckle unmistakable.

‘Got yer there, dint ah girl?’

Mary turned and clung to Daniel, his silly prank forgiven. Her beloved brother had returned safely from the Great War.

Word Count: 149

If you’d like to view other entries, click here.

Folk Tales – Friday Fictioneers

Published on February 28, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom37 Comments

Friday Fictioneers is a flash fiction challenge which asks that we write a story in no more than 100 words from the photo prompt kindly provided by the host, Rochelle Wisoff Fields. To join in with the challenge, or find out more about it, just follow the link on the challenge title above.

Here is this week’s prompt, copyright Dawn Q. Landau . . .

and this is my story . . .

Local folk claimed these woods were enchanted; magical creatures played in their midst. Faye smiled at that. She’d frolicked amongst these trees since she was a child, had playmates aplenty. But could they be considered magical …?

Occasionally, she’d emerge to wave at passing trains but the passengers never seemed to notice her. Perhaps the billowing smoke from the steam engines hid her from view. So she’d drift back amongst the trees … until the next tooting whistle.

The stray dog had become her newest friend. He’d follow her for hours, provided she didn’t flap her wings too hard.

Word Count: 98

If you’d like to read other entries, click on the little blue fellow below:

A Perfect Ace – Flash Fiction For Aspiring Writers

Published on February 27, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom35 Comments

This is the second week of Priceless Joy’s challenge, Flash Fiction for for Aspiring Writers. The challenge asks us to write a piece of fiction from the photo prompt provided in around 100- 150 words. It encourages participants to comment, constructively, on other entries, so supporting each other’s writing. If you’d like to join in with this challenge, follow the link in the title of PJ’s, blog: Beautiful Words. The challenge runs from Wednesday to Wednesday every week.

Here is this week’s photo, copyright Dawn Miller . . .

and this is my story . . .

’Deuce.’

David Jameson was sweating now. Two more points to his opponent and he could kiss the Regional Cup goodbye. Already two sets down, David served to save the match …

The ball bounced hard: a perfect ace.

‘Advantage Jameson,’ the umpire droned above the spectators’ gasps. David served again.

Another ace brought further gasps.

‘Game and third set, Jameson.’ The words were music to David’s ears. His smug-faced opponent was older, more experienced – had taken the Cup for as long as David could remember. This year it was his turn. He just needed to stay focused …

After some long rallies, superb lobs and backhand smashes over the next two sets, David emerged victorious.

‘Game, set and match, David Jameson,’ the umpire intoned as David’s opponent leapt the net to congratulate him.

‘Cup’s yours, son,’ Mike Jameson said, pride evident in his eyes. ‘Until next year …’

Word Count: 148

If you’d like to view other entries, click here.

It’s All About The Chemistry

Published on February 24, 2015November 24, 2015 by milliethom45 Comments

Here is this week’s photo . . .

. . . and this is my story, including the first line prompt:

The old typewriter had a mind of its own.

Seventy-four-year-old Mavis Wetherton uncovered her cherished old Underwood typewriter, intent on writing the next chapter of her novel – a detective story, set in 1950s London. She switched on the old Zenith radio, another of her ’50s treasures, just as the Everleys rocked their way through ‘Bye Bye Love.’

The old Underwood worked perfectly, the letters sharply defined. The machine had been over forty years old when she’d acquired it in 1959 – the day her boss has been about to throw it out. She’d simply asked if she could keep it …

The romance had blossomed from there: their 55^th wedding anniversary was later this year.

‘How you get that thing to work beats me,’ Frank said from the doorway. ‘Won’t do a thing for me.’

Mavis smiled. ‘It’s all about chemistry, Frank. Me, my Underwood and the music. Together we hit the right note. Just like you and me do.’

Word Count: 150

To view other entries, click here.