#flashfiction – Page 15

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 590

Posted on December 21, 2023December 19, 2023 by Siobhan Muir

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

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 590 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 590: College professor, equality enthusiast, and romance author, Louisa Bacio. Facebook | Bluesky | Instagram | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “What is the problem?” 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 589 – Winners

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Siobhan Muir

Week 589 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 Miranda Kate 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 Lexikon David A. Ludwig Kelly Heinen Cara Michaels M.T. Decker Honorable Mentions Cara Michaels | Website Miranda says: An intense little piece, and compelling, making me want to read further and know more about Mars! Sheilagh Lee | Website Miranda says: I found this an interesting concept, and it left me wanting to know more about the story. winner announcement Week 589 Winner Lexikon Miranda says: This developed fast and delivered everything needed to make a complete short story. I loved the concept too. It’s a great opening to something longer. I let my forehead slump down onto my desk as I connected the next call. ‘Hello, which service do you need?’ I was five hours in to my shift and I swear time was starting to slow down. ‘Hello, is there anyone on the line?’ ‘Er, yes.’ The voice was male, mid-thirties and very uncertain. I pulled over a notepad just in case. ‘I well, I was told to ask for…’ He paused and cursed under his breath. ‘The special service?’ ‘Prank calls are an offence.’ I rolled my eyes. ‘No, no, it’s not a prank. Sorry, I can’t remember what he said. It all happened so fast but he said to ask for the, sudden? No…’ I sat up a little straighter and adjusted my headset. ‘Subter, that was it, subter service.’ I froze for a second, remembering the protocol. I keyed commands into my computer and waited for the call to go onto the separate server system, alerting the top bosses immediately. ‘What is the nature of your request?’ ‘You know it? You can help?’ ‘Sir, what is the problem.’ ‘We were attacked, this guy helped but my friend was hurt and the other guy told me to call you if things got…weird.’ ‘Your friend was hurt how?’ ‘He was bitten!’ My fingers flew across the keyboard as I traced the call. ‘Sir, I need you to get into a different room from your friend, quickly as possible. And if you can, you’re going to need a crucifix.’~~~~~~~ Congratulations Winner Lexikon, and Honorable Mentions Cara and Sheilagh! 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 589

Posted on December 14, 2023December 13, 2023 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 588 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 588: Cat afficionado, Editor, and Mid Week Flash host, Miranda Kate. Facebook | BlueSky | Goodreads | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “Which service do you need?” 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 588 – Winners

Posted on December 8, 2023December 8, 2023 by Siobhan Muir

Week 588 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 Mark Ethridge 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 Gora Shade Mark A. Morris J. Thomas Ganzer Silver James Sheilagh Lee Cara Michaels David A. Ludwig Siobhan Muir M.T. Decker Honorable Mentions Mark A. Morris | Website Mark says: Technology run amuck. Kinda reminds me of other such stories, like Ghost in the Shell, and Robots. Gora Shade | Website Mark says: A deserved reward to a real estate agent. Although I wonder if the agent has a soul to be eaten. winner announcement Week 588 Winner J. Thomas Ganzer Mark says: Love how the AI can’t figure out what’s happening in the little story. A story of where AI could take us, if we’re not careful. Okay, don’t panic. Throat closing…don’t panic. What the hell did I eat? Shit. Phone, need my phone.Press 9911. Shit. 9111. Shit. Focus…911 “911. How may I direct your call?” “Amblanche. Help!” “Okay, I didn’t catch that ma’am, how can I assist you? And please, speak more clearly.” “Ambwants! Need help! I can’t bwee-“ “Ma’am, please calm down. How can I assist you? And please, speak more clearly.” How can this idiot be so calm, I’m dying here!“Can’t…bweet!! Allergee!” “Hmmm, let me find someone to assist.” I know that voice, that’s the same dude from half my reels. Why the hell is he- “911. How may I direct your call?” “I…can’t…”*gulp*“…bweeethe. Hep!” “Ma’am, I show that you live at the following address: 825 West Lindmore. Is that correct?” “YESSS!” “Great. We have many services, police, fire, ambulance, and poison control. Which service do you need?” I know that voice too, the other half of my reels. “Speak…to…a…oprato.” “Sorry, I didn’t catch that.” Christ, there has to be someone. One fucking human being. I’m fucking dying! “I nee-” … “It’s been thirty seconds with no response. We will send a patrol to check on you. Response times vary. Be advised this AI 911-auto response system is here for your convenience.”~~~~~~~ Congratulations Three Time Winner J. Thomas, and Honorable Mentions Mark, and Gora! 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 588

Posted on December 7, 2023December 6, 2023 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 588 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 588: Computer IT master, flashfiction writer, and human, Mark Ethridge. Bluesky | Discord | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “There has to be someone.” 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 587 – Winners

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Siobhan Muir

Week 587 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. 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 Cara Michaels Silver James Siobhan Muir David A. Ludwig Sheilagh Lee Kelly Heinen M.T. Decker Honorable Mention Bill Engleson | Website Siobhan says: Oh this one hits a little close to home. Miriam says “writing is a pleasure, not a torture.” But us writers only find that to be true part of the time. Great tale. winner announcement Week 587 Winner Cara Michaels Siobhan says: What made me love this tale was the vulnerability of John, and yet his inner core of strength. He’s the epitome of courage – doing something even in the face of anxiety and fear. And his chief of staff knew he’d find it. Great tale. There has to be someone—almost anyone in the palace, he should think—more qualified to address a nation. A nation angry and grieving. A nation demanding answers and leadership. Yet somehow it’s John walking up to the podium with his head high. His hands are shaking and he might conceivably black out at any moment, but he reaches the center of the room mostly upright and breathing. You’ll be fine. August’s “pep talk” game needs to level up if they’re seriously going to get through this together. A handwritten speech waits patiently on the podium, and John stares at someone else’s words. Thank you all for coming here today, and for watching wherever you are right now. Together we mourn the passing of our king in an act of senseless violence… It isn’t a terrible speech, per se. It’s bland. Safe. Guaranteed to inspire no one to rally behind John. John, the new crown prince, by virtue of there being literally no one in the succession left alive before him. John, the next king of a nation left trembling in the wake of a mass assassination. Together we mourn isn’t going to cut it. With a glance to the stage wing where August waits, John slides a handful of notecards from his inner coat pocket. August doesn’t panic or urge him to stick to the script. No, he simply raises one eyebrow. A question? Or a challenge? You’ll be fine, he’d said. And now, he smirks at John, mouthing, Told you.~~~~~~~ Congratulations THIRTY-SIX TIME WINNER Cara, 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 587

Posted on November 30, 2023November 29, 2023 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 587 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 587: Scottish Word Slinger, Dauntless romance author, and #ThursThreads host, Siobhan Muir. Facebook | Bluesky | Patreon | Eden Books | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “You’ll be fine.” 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 586 – Winners

Posted on November 18, 2023November 29, 2023 by Siobhan Muir

Week 586 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 Sabrina York 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 Silver James Cara Michaels Casket Siobhan Muir David A. Ludwig Mark A. Morris Kelly Heinen M.T. Decker Honorable Mentions Cara Michaels | Website Sabrina says: Clever and crisp writing that draws you in. David A. Ludwig | Website Sabrina says: Magic and sacrifice really made the story. Mark A. Morris | Website Sabrina says: Gives a whole new meaning to gladiatorial. winner announcement Camera Shy Casket Week 586 Winner Casket Sabrina says: Evocative, moving, and a little mysterious. The woman before him was ethereal, even shrouded in the stage’s shadow. It made sense- for it had been her stage once. Red fabric clung to her striking figure, so loud with its glittering sequins and embroidered jewels but somehow soundless in its movement. Her hand’s hold on his face was a promise, blackened nails with red French tips digging just deep enough to threaten crescent imprints. The message was clear; don’t mess this up. His eyes burned in turn, too dry contacts pulling with each blink. It was hard to focus in the dim back stage light surrounded by a cacophony of sounds that only grew louder with each passing beat. Was that the bass or his own heart? It was getting harder to tell them apart. His lips parted, jaw aching with unspoken words. Her gaze sharpened, “There will be no questions.” Sharp like shards of glass the words cut through his throat, bubbling past his lips weakly. “But-“ Something on his face must’ve broken through her steely demeanor because her grip loosened, moving up to tuck a loose curl behind his ear with an unusual tenderness. “You’ll be fine. We’ve practiced more than enough.” It was true; they had. Steady hands guided him to the curtain, the stage just out of reach. “Dance for me.” And he always would.~~~~~~~ Congratulations Winner Casket, and Honorable Mentions Cara, David, and 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! 🙂

#ThursThreads – Tying Tales Together – Week 586

Posted on November 16, 2023November 15, 2023 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 586 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 586: Her Royal Hotness, historical and contemporary romance author, Sabrina York. Facebook | And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together. The Prompt: “There will be no questions.” 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 585 – Winners

Posted on November 11, 2023November 11, 2023 by Siobhan Muir

Week 585 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 Heidi Rundle 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: Angora Shade Bill Engleson Silver James Sheilagh Lee Siobhan Muir Mark A. Morris David A. Ludwig M.T. Decker Kelly Heinen Louisa Bacio Honorable Mentions Louisa Bacio | Website Heidi says: Storytelling is great. Really easy to fall into and imagine that you’re part of the story. M.T. Decker | Website Heidi says: Very intriguing. Has a fabulous beginning to an exciting story. winner announcement Week 585 Winner Silver James Heidi says: Wow, within a few words I was hooked into the story, and very eager for more. Kathleen didn’t want to open the door. She’d refused to answer the phone after screening the calls. Why couldn’t they leave her alone? The imperious knock rattled the front windows. She cracked the door and peered out at the two police officers. “You need to come with us, Mrs. Gallagher.” “Why?” “We’ve made an arrest. There’s a press conference.” “Tommy’s dead and buried. You don’t need me there.” An hour later, she wore widow black and a stoney face. The chief, and other official types milled around. Alex Crenshaw, the district attorney, brushed past her and she cringed away. Every instinct she possessed urged her to flee. “Where do you want me?” Crenshaw demanded. The public information officer lined up everyone but Kathleen. With luck, the woman had forgotten she existed. The PIO gave her instructions then noticed Kathleen. “I want you in front of the chief and the DA. You’ll say a few words after they speak. There will be no questions.” A moment later, the door opened and they filed out in front of the crowd of reporters. The first face Kathleen saw stood in the very back. She knew him. Her heart knew him. The man from the cemetery. The man from the restaurant. The man who silently watched over her. When it was her time to speak, she said, “Thank you for coming.” And that was all. Once it was over, she found him waiting. “I’ll take you home.” But she knew she was already there.~~~~~~~ Congratulations SIXTY-SIX TIME WINNER Silver, and Honorable Mentions Louisa and Mary! 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! 🙂