#flashfiction – Page 13

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 600

Posted on March 7, 2024March 6, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Tying Tales Together, #ThursThreads Year 11 Got a tale to tie on?

Welcome back to the home of #ThursThreads. Wow, y’all. We made it to WEEK 600. SIX HUNDRED. My glory, that’s amazing! Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing, like we have for the past 11 years. I had no idea when I started it would keep going! This is Week 600 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your social media handle or email in the post (so we easily notify you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Bluesky, MeWe, and Mastodon, etc. Our Judge for Week 600: Dead Thing Specialist, Mining Geologist, and Original Book Boyfriend, George Varhalmi. Facebook | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “You’ve moved all my stuff.” Okay, since this is the 600th week, I thought we’d offer extra badges. So do your best, write your heart out, and know there will be prizes for the different subgenres. All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Comments do not represent the views of the host and the host reserves the right to remove any content. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads – Week 599 – Winners

Posted on March 1, 2024March 1, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Week 599 of #ThursThreads, and y’all never disappoint. Week 599… That means next week is 600! OMG six hundred weeks! Thank you to everyone who writes each week and keeps coming back. You made this happen. 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 Kelex 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: Bill Engleson Siobhan Muir Mark A. Morris Alex Minns Mark Ethridge David A. Ludwig M.T. Decker Honorable Mention Bill Engleson | Website Kelex says: The visuals early in the story were well done. winner announcement Week 599 Winner Alex Minns Kelex says: I really enjoy stories that allow me to visualize a scene clearly, and Alex’s short did the best at that. “What did you do?” “I cleaned. Everything. You really do need to pay more attention to your oven, the build up in there was disgusting.” Theodore stood in the middle of the front room surveying his work. It looked pretty good, considering it was still full of all the mortal junk. Having said that, the television set was growing on him. “You’ve moved all my stuff.” “Tidied. Books should not live on the floor, nor clothes.” “You better not have cleaned my bedroom.” Theodore opened his mouth and then shut it again. Instead covering his frustrated expression by taking the apron off over his head. “You need to stop.” Soraya lumped down on the sofa with the grace of an elephant. “And how come you’re full size, I thought holding mortal sized form was tiresome.” “It is, but cleaning your house at my true size would have taken several lifetimes.” “No-one asked you to clean.” Theodore balled up the apron and then unrolled it to fold it properly. He ignored Soraya’s smirk. “You saved my family’s and my life. I owe you.” He bowed his head, his teeth grinding at the magical tether between them. Since her rescue, he could feel the pull of obligation and it would not rest until he had paid. Although apparently a clean house was not the source of her desire. He had a horrible feeling he knew what was. He was going to have to help her break in to the museum.~~~~~~~ Congratulations Two Time Winner Alex, and Honorable Mention Bill! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! Pass on the great news on Facebook, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 599

Posted on February 29, 2024February 28, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of #ThursThreads. Wow. Week 599. I’m astounded. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing, like we have for the past 11 years. I had no idea when I started it would keep going! This is Week 599 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your social media handle or email in the post (so we easily notify you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Bluesky, MeWe, and Mastodon, etc. Our Judge for Week 599: Uncaffeinated word witch writing daddies, bears, and paranormal beefcake, Kelex. Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “It would not rest until he had paid.” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Comments do not represent the views of the host and the host reserves the right to remove any content. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads – Week 598 – Winners

Posted on February 23, 2024February 23, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Week 598 of #ThursThreads, and y’all never disappoint. Thank you to everyone who writes each week. If you’ve rediscovered us, welcome back! You’re in good company. May you come back again. A thousand thanks to Muirlette #1 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: Bill Engleson Mark A. Morris Sheilagh Lee Siobhan Muir Nellie Batz Alex Minns David A. Ludwig Louisa Bacio M.T. Decker Katheryn J. Avila Honorable Mentions Louisa Bacio | Website Tina says: I really liked the quiet, peaceful energy and setting. The mellow way the characters interacted and the cinnamon-roll like attitude of the male character. Lovely work. Alex Mins | Website Muirlette says: I liked the suspense of a missing fallen angel moving around Earth even though there’s a crowd of people around. Plus the twist at the end of one of the investigators being a fallen angel themselves. Great job. winner announcement Week 598 Winner M.T. Decker Muirlette says: I liked how the description was a contrast. Her memories of what the pictures were supposed to be compared to what the crime scene pictures actually showed. And of course, the suspense at the end was great. Well done. The Grand Tour Images and afterthoughts, that’s all that she could see—a moment frozen in time, captured on film. She could feel the emotions on people’s faces as they posed for the pictures. It was strange marrying up the pictures from the album and the crime scene photos– before and after. Before, everything seemed so bright and cheerful, but the forensic photos painted a darker picture. They were witness to the truth behind the lies in the carefully posed images. Meticulously maintained lawns, and carefully coifed women drinking from delicate teacups, bespoke a genteal world. while whisps of smoke and ash, and the scent of stale coffee filled the room. The photos played out like cards, telling two different stories. A picture of the formal gardens, sunlit mazes of roses, and flame bushes hinted at summer bliss. They lay in stark contrast to the photos of carefully collected evidence, meticulously numbered and notated. The swing, she would climb pretending she was a sailor on the yardarm of a tall ship, fell from the desk, revealing the dark stains of rust and old blood. The photos of be beach. This is where she fell in love. It was also where her heart broke. He’d taken another to their spot along the bay. She mourned the death of love and tried to stop the bitter flow of tears. This is where her darker half was born. And it would not rest until he had paid. Images and afterthoughts. That’s all they really were.~~~~~~~ Congratulations THIRTY-TWO TIME WINNER M.T. and Honorable Mentions Louisa and Alex. Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! Pass on the great news on Facebook, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 598

Posted on February 22, 2024February 21, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of #ThursThreads. Wow. Week 598. Holy smokes! We’ve made it almost 600 WEEKS! Mind-boggling. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing, like we have for the past 11 years. I had no idea when I started it would keep going! This is Week 598 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your social media handle or email in the post (so we easily notify you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Bluesky, MeWe, and Mastodon, etc. Our Judge for Week 598: Cat wrangler, master violinist, and Tea connoisseur, Muirlette #1. And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “This is where she fell.” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Comments do not represent the views of the host and the host reserves the right to remove any content. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads – Week 597 – Winners

Posted on February 16, 2024February 16, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Week 597 of #ThursThreads was kinda quiet in the wake of Valentine’s Day, but those who wrote didn’t disappoint. Well done and thank you to everyone who writes each week. It can be challenging to find the time on a random Thursday to write, but I’m so grateful you come to my blog and share your words. A thousand thanks to Bill Engleson 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: Silver James Siobhan Muir David A. Ludwig Sheilagh Lee M.T. Decker Bill says: A day after Valentines Day, a very small coterie of writers met in the comfortable quarters of ThursThreads to stitch together a flash fiction quilt. It was a fascinating day to be judging. Witness courtroom shenanigans in Atlanta and New York. Atlanta in particular as the courtroom there has been front and centre all day, televised in all its weaving complexity. I was mesmerized most of the time but managed to write my own 250-word contribution early in though I resisted adding it to the fray. Otherwise, we would have had a half dozen submissions albeit two would have been out of the running. By contrast to the television courtroom experience, eclipsing even as I have posted elsewhere, the Clarence Thomas hearings from 1991, my modest judicial role proved to be, while challenging, more of a breeze. As there were only five entries and one was Siobhan’s who has traditionally claimed a conflict of interest (my term and I assume it is something along those lines but these days the world is not always crystal clear) it was determined that I would only select a winner. I enjoyed the tales offered. They each utilized the prompt as they ventured off in a variety of directions. I’ve summarized my snap impressions and hopefully haven’t skimped on the messaging. Honorable Impressions Silver James | Website Bill says: Silver presented in a complex world view way I am not fully familiar with, a state of transformation from man to wolf. These sorts of tales always leave me sheepish. Siobhan Muir Bill says: Siobhan submitted a somewhat spooky plumbing, specifically faucet supply, scenario. David A. Ludwig | Website Bill says: David, also operating in a universe of his own fantabulous creation, tendered a premonition, as it were, of elves taking over the world. I wish them luck. Sheilagh Lee | Website Bill says: Sheilagh offered a good old fashioned getting-rid-of-a-body dilemma enhanced by a co-conspirator marriage and what I took to be an allusion to the late, very likely departed Jimmy Hoffa. winner announcement Week 597 Winner M.T. Decker Bill says: I tend to appreciate noir, dark thrillers, often with detectives, usually private ones. And I confess, a personal preference for titles. M.T. set the stage with First Impressions, rain falling, possibly night, it felt like night though it’s unclear, and she used the prompt well, describing one death scene a tad over halfway in and then moving into what becomes a second murder: her investigating officer. Partner killing partner. Very cool. Very nasty. Very noirish. First Impressions The first thing that struck Detective Samantha Collings was the desolation of the scene. Murder, while not unheard of in San Souixie, was still something of a novelty. She’d expected a circus but found the quiet rain to be her only companion. Her partner hadn’t arrived yet, so she could walk the scene and take it all in before he came and derailed her thoughts with his measurements and unending stream of consciousness. She could close her eyes and feel the breeze against her skin. It gave her time to organize her thoughts and feel the emotions that echoed through the park. Looking at the body without touching it, she knew what had happened. ‘Here,’ she thought as she studied the prone form. ‘This is where she fell.’ She sighed as she heard her partner’s radio blaring as he pulled into the parking lot above the pathway. He was listening to yet another neo-punk band, and to her relief the radio died as he shut his car off. She wanted to think while she still could. She’d have to wait for the coroner’s report to be sure, but from what she’d seen, the victim had been pushed. She stepped aside, letting Jonesie record his first impressions. She usually ignored his personal recordings and waited until they were back at the station before they compared notes, but something in his words sent a chill up her spine. ‘The last thing to strike Detective Collings was a 4×6…”~~~~~~~ Congratulations THIRTY-ONE TIME WINNER M.T., and all the folks who wrote; Silver, David, and Sheilagh! Pass on the great news on Facebook, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 597

Posted on February 15, 2024February 14, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of #ThursThreads. Wow. Year 11. Holy smokes! Y’all kept with me past a decade. I’m astounded. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing, like we have for the past 11 years. I had no idea when I started it would keep going! This is Week 597 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your social media handle or email in the post (so we easily notify you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Bluesky, MeWe, and Mastodon, etc. Our Judge for Week 597: Slightly past-it Canuck and word chucker, Bill Engleson. Facebook | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “She knew what had happened here.” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Comments do not represent the views of the host and the host reserves the right to remove any content. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads – Week 596 – Winners

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Week 596 of #ThursThreads, and y’all never disappoint. We’ve made it 11 years! Well done and thank you to everyone who writes each week. You made this happen. 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: Bill Engleson Silver James Siobhan Muir Louisa Bacio Mark A. Morris Daelyn Morgana David A. Ludwig Eric Martell M.T. Decker Honorable Mentions Louisa Bacio | Website David says: I loved the immersion in both the scene and Serena’s thoughts. The detail about how to escape regular riptides and contrast to the created one stuck with me and put this one over the top. M.T. Decker | Website David says: I loved the dramatic buildup all the way through and weight of the characterizations. The ending twist was beautifully executed and made me laugh. winner announcement Week 596 Winner Eric Martell David says: This one’s going to stick with me for some time. The senses were exquisitely used in the opening and throughout—even taste! Your choices of just how much to say were masterful. Also, that’s an impressively ominous use of the prompt. Eve couldn’t see a damned thing as she walked, but she was pretty sure that was a blessing. What she could smell and hear (and taste – oh god, there were *bits* of something in the air!) was foul enough. She knew what had happened here, was still happening here, and knew what she was most likely hearing and smelling (and tasting), and she thought if she could see it, she’d lose her mind. She stumbled a bit, and the man beside her grabbed her by the neck to stop her from falling. If his hand had felt like a claw, or a pincer, maybe this place would have made some sense to her. But it was human. Soft in places, calloused in others. He’d stroked the bodies of his lovers with that hand. Maybe even held his child oh-so-gently while singing a soft lullaby. And held a gun, raining death upon the defenseless. Smacked women and children around, not seeing, not understanding that in doing that evil, he tainted every caress. Every embrace. Every gentle hug. They followed the railroad tracks the rest of the way to the entrance. She knew what the wrought iron over her head said and was again glad it was too dark to see it. Eve didn’t know why they’d chosen her for this purpose, for this place. Why would they want someone with her talents here? All she’d heard when she was taken was, “We can work with you.” “Work will make you free.”~~~~~~~ Congratulations TWENTY-SEVEN TIME WINNER Eric, and Honorable Mentions Mary and Louisa! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! Pass on the great news on Facebook, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 596

Posted on February 8, 2024February 7, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Welcome back to the home of #ThursThreads. Wow. Year 11. Holy smokes! Y’all kept with me past a decade. I’m astounded. Today is Thursday and that means it’s time to start flashing, like we have for the past 11 years. I had no idea when I started it would keep going! This is Week 596 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook and the Group on MeWe. Need the rules? Read on. Here’s how it works: The prompt is a line from the previous week’s winning tale. The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count. The prompt must be used as is. It can be split, but no intervening words can be inserted or tenses changed. Rules to the Game: This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250. The story must be new writing, not a snippet from something published elsewhere with the prompt added. Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count). Post your story in the comments section of this post Include your word count in the post (or be excluded from judging) Include your social media handle or email in the post (so we easily notify you) The challenge is open 7 AM to 8 PM Mountain Time The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. How it benefits you: You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we’re all about promotion – you know you are!) You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog! Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Bluesky, MeWe, and Mastodon, etc. Our Judge for Week 596: Fantasy Author, and Holder of Several Stories, David Ludwig. Facebook | BlueSky | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “We can work with you.” All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Comments do not represent the views of the host and the host reserves the right to remove any content. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads – Week 595 – Winners

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Siobhan Muir

Week 595 of #ThursThreads, and y’all never disappoint. We’re halfway through 11 years! Well done and thank you to everyone who writes each week. 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 Daelyn Morgana 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: Bill Engleson Sheilagh Lee Mark A. Morris Eric Martell Siobhan Muir David A. Ludwig Honorable Mention Mark A. Morris | Website Daelyn says: When I think of robots taking over the world, I absolutely think about the ones we create, not ones that came from Mars. This was a pleasant twist on the sci-fi apocalypse tropes of the future. I especially loved the lines about the world being completely different, but nobody had to like it. The bits about sleeping in coffins gave me a little shudder, too. Great job. winner announcement Week 595 Winner David A. Ludwig Daelyn says: I really enjoyed the fantasy elements in this story. As someone who reads a lot of fantasy, it feels unique and it draws me right in. There’s a great, yet almost subtle, buildup to the final moments of negotiation, too, from the Witch’s change of tone to the point about the roots moving. I’d love to know how the Wood Witch reacted to the arrows raining down at her. Excellent tale, I’d definitely read the book. Tenko found the raised, rocky alcove as imposing as any council platform. Worse, the doubting voice in her head wouldn’t stop second guessing her choice to stand, rather than kneel. That choice was made. And Lieutenant Sora had followed her lead. “You are powerful. For mortals. But your bravado grows tiresome.” Ensconced in her underground alcove, the Wood Witch’s tone was cold and devoid of any of the curiosity from the last time Tenko heard it. She should have kneeled. “As I said before, there is a way for elfkind to live in harmony with the forest and you.” Only by walling her doubts off to loop in isolation was Tenko able to stand, let alone speak. “Your desire to safeguard the wood is admirable. We can work with you to expand while minimizing the impact on the forest.” The air grew heavier around the elegant immortal. Were the tree roots around the cavern moving? “The wood is my implement and my power. I don’t do this for the wood. I do this for me!” The Witch opened the floor beneath Tenko and Sora with a clawing motion, revealing the mists of Naraka below. Tenko signaled Arashiko with one hand. With the other, she traced the character for ‘floor’ beneath herself and Sora. It wasn’t as good as if Tenko had used the brush, but it was enough for her and Sora to push off from and dive to the sides as Arashiko’s arrows flew as from a dozen bows.~~~~~~~ Congratulations TWENTY-ONE TIME WINNER David, and Honorable Mention Mark! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! Pass on the great news on Facebook, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂