Week 462 of #ThursThreads had many fantastic tales. I’m honored to see all the writers come to tie a tale as we head toward the end of our ninth year. If you’ve been doing it a while, thank you for sticking with us. If you’ve just found us, welcome! May you come back again and write more great flash. Thousand thanks to Louisa Bacio 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:
- Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
- Richard Gibney | @ragtaggiggagon
- Silver James | @SilverJames_
- Charlene Mertz | @rrats1231
- Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
- Miya Kressin | @miya_kressin
- Catherine Verdier | @CatheVerdier
- Mark A. Morris
- Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
- Lexikon | @Lexikonical
- David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
- M.T. Decker | @mishmhem
Louisa says: Over the years, I’ve probably judged #ThursThreads more times than I have won. Many of the contributors are regulars, and have become friends.
This week, I did something different – I copied all the stories in a Word document, removed the author’s names, and read through. As a college professor, there’s the idea of grading without prejudice.
So that’s my process this week. It’s not 100% because I’m on social media, and I definitely picked up on elements. Congratulations to everyone who participated and got words this week.
Thank you again to Siobhan for hosting, and for your support in the creative world.
Honorable Mentions
Silver James | @SilverJames_
Louisa says: With the prompt, there were a few twists on the theme of breakup. Silver’s piece focuses not on a romantic relationship, and unfolds at a steady pace. The descriptions of Rocker + “Sons of Anarchy” along with the “adulterated lust” creates a memorable and enticing read.
David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
Louisa says: Something about the powerful name Sentinel pulled me into Ludwig’s piece. There’s a juxtaposition of descriptions. It’s the overall feel of the story from the “elf professor” to the “break up the Devil’s Reef.” As a “rambling” academic, I connect to the storytelling, and am intrigued to know more.
Lexikon | @Lexikonical
Louisa says: Did someone say vampires? In such a short piece, the world building begins. As a reader, I’m brought into another world, even with the name Willem and the story’s tone. As someone currently writing about Mages and the paranormal realm, I’m drawn to the concept of the banning of magic, and the peace-keeping mercenaries.
winner announcement
Week 462 Winner
Louisa says: This piece speaks to me on a magical level. The mystical storytelling captured interest, from the details of the cloak to the crawling through the “cold water and mud.” The end echoes myths like Hansel & Gretel, leaving a magical pathway to love. The creative way the prompt worked into the story also stood out. Finally, I realize at the end, I don’t know either of their names, and that’s all right.
The selkie evaded him each time he tried to return her cloak. He hadn’t meant to pick it up when he gathered his laundry after washing it in the river. He hadn’t realized until he was back home and felt the soft pelt.
“I didn’t mean to take it. I’m just trying to give it back,” he yelled, setting it upriver while he worked on this trip’s laundry. The water was so cold now his hands were numb and the soap didn’t lather.
“You need to break up the bar or soak it first. Soaproot would be better.” Tall and curvy, the selkie picked up the skin and set a handful of stalks and leaves on the bank before stepping down in the water. Halfway out into the river, the maiden kept watching. “You’re not like most men.”
He shook his head. “You’re lovely but keeping you from the ocean or this river leading to it wouldn’t be fair to you, and forcing you into my bed wouldn’t make you mine.”
She swam to the shallows and beckoned him forward, and he hissed as the cold sank into his bones as he crawled through the cold water and mud. “I’ve been away from the ocean too long, but perhaps if you left a path of rocks for me to follow to your home, I could visit you one night.” She kissed him quickly, tasting of salt and woman, then was gone beneath the water.
He had rocks to gather.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations Two Time Winner Miya, and Honorable Mentions Silver, David, and Lexikon! 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! 🙂
