Week 530 of #ThursThreads, and y’all never disappoint. We’re in Year 10 and that’s an accomplishment in itself! Thank you to all y’all for coming back to write for all these years. I couldn’t have done it without you. If you’ve just found us, welcome to the crew! You’re in good company. May you come back again and write more great flash. A thousand thanks to David Ludwig for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Daniel Swensen | @mxdshipwreck
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- Joseph P. Garland | @JPGarlandAuthor
- Mark A. Morris
- Teresa Eccles | @TeresaMEccles
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Mark Ethridge | @mysoulstears
- Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
- Eric Martell | @drmag00
- Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
David says: I enjoyed every entry this week. I really appreciate when judging is this hard, and everyone should be proud of their work.
Honorable Mentions
Katheryn J. Avila | @katheryn_avila
David says: Great hook with the immediate introduction of the conflict. I also thought you integrated the prompt very smoothly into its scene.
Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
David says: I love the pacing of your detective musing his way through his cases. Though it’s clear things happen before and after this piece, the story felt nicely complete.
Joseph P. Garland | @JPGarlandAuthor
David says: I loved the flow of this one and the repetition of the prompt in the middle. In a tight field, the choice to write poetry instead of prose stood out.
Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
David says: The way you used the prompt in Stan’s rebuke of Callum resonated with me. I also love the rich intricacies of your death setting.
winner announcement
Week 530 Winner
Daniel Swensen | @mxdshipwreck
David says: This one gets the win because it never left my mind after I read it. I’m right there with Derek, feeling that this notebook for only $20 is too good to be true, and the seller isn’t even trying to hide it. Like our protagonist, I’d probably buy the notebook, all the while knowing I probably shouldn’t. Haunting stuff.
“Twenty dollars,” the man said. He didn’t look like a pusher. Nice suit, perfectly coiffed hair, manicured fingernails. He pushed the little notebook across the table. Compact, smaller than a cahier notebook, with a leather cover.
Derek eyed it cautiously. “That seems awfully low.”
The man shrugged.
“How does it work again?”
“You write what you want on the paper. Tear it out. Eat it. Then you’ll experience what you wished for. It lasts about an hour in real time. About twelve in your fantasy of choice.”
“And then what?”
“You wake up and go back to your life. Or not, if you prefer.” The man’s smile was both gentle and cold.
Derek touched the little notebook, turned it over in his hands. “Anything I wish for?”
“Anything. A harem of beautiful women. A career as an astronaut. Permission to murder without consequence. The paper doesn’t judge.”
Derek swallowed hard. His thoughts were already flowing. “Is it addictive?”
The man folded his hands. “Not physically. No deleterious effects. The paper can sting a little going down, but no permanent damage. However…”
Derek looked up, locking eyes with the man. “However, what?”
That cold and gentle smile again. “Psychologically, it can be very compelling. There’s a certain continuity to the fantasies. You may find yourself wanting to live in them forever. And that can be dangerous. if you get hooked.” The man chuckled. “It’s a long way down.”
“And I can find you if I need more?”
“Always.”
Derek slid a twenty across the table.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Ten Time Winner Daniel, and Honorable Mentions Katheryn, Bill, Joseph, and Kelly! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, MeWe, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
