A Letter from the Past Emmaline hummed softly as she lifted the bundle of pages from the shelf, instinctively weaving magic to ensure the fragile sheets remained intact as she transferred them to the desk. Dust puthered in the air. She turned her face into her cowl, avoiding breathing in the muck with practiced ease. … More A Letter from the Past
Yesterday I posted a piece of flash fiction for last week’s FFfAW challenge. As I mentioned there, I’d previously written another version that had to be abandoned as it was far too long for the 175 word limit. Well, I’ve decided to share it with you anyway. Technically, it’s still a piece of flash fiction, … More The Burden of Truth
Each weekend they’d piled into the backseat, little ones on older siblings laps, ready for an adventure. It had been part of their family: the Flying Banana, the greatest car in the world. Which was why, despite being told it was only good for the scrapheap, the rusting wreck continued to sit in their garage – some day the banana would … More The Flying Banana
Susceptible Willow spotted the pair long before they reached her. The man was perfect, open minded and curious. The woman was more… problematic. She exuded confidence, carrying a fixed world-view that prevented any tampering to her thoughts. But the man was too good to ignore. “Come,” she whispered into his mind. “This way.” He stopped, his vacant gaze turning towards the doorway where Willow … More Susceptible
Captivated Raedan’s hands clenched around the gift box as he listened to the announcement. Lady Seleste had chosen her suitor. And it wasn’t him. Everyone else faded into insignificance as she glided across the hall. With each tilt of her head, each flash of a smile, she set his senses reeling. She’d captivated him from the first. Now he had one … More Captivated
She’d always said that she wouldn’t be put in a box and forced into conformity, that she wouldn’t follow their indifferent society’s path, only to be left feeling stifled and unfulfilled. So how had she come to this? She turned away from the window, from the view of coffin like apartments, and began to pack her bags – it … More Boxed
Wisps of Gold Emily stood beside the piled leaves, peering around the garden for any that might have escaped her notice. It had taken far longer than she’d expected to scrape the mound together, each breeze threatening to undo her work, but she’d been determined to gather every golden scrap she could find. “Well?” she called. “How’s … More Wisps of Gold
They huddle beneath the sheltering branches, hidden from view by tangled growth. Soon they’ll have to move – their pursuers won’t have given up so easily – but for now they sleep in restless slumber, recovering their strength for the struggle ahead. Their dreams are haunted by dark figures who laugh as blood cascades over a … More Trees
She’d always complained that there weren’t enough hours in the day as she dashed from task to task, her to-do list never shrinking. Then fateful words caused her world to shatter. Suddenly she had all the time she’d ever needed, but nothing could fill the interminable hours as they dragged on into an increasingly bleak future. This post … More All the Time in the World
Seven PM Edmund stood on the shoreline. Waiting. It was something he was good at. As a child he’d waited for his father, watching the ticking clock. At seven pm, daily, the man would hear the governess’ report, granting him a fragment of his time: a smile, a question, a word of praise… if the report was fair. On days when … More Seven PM
He’d collected many tools of the trade over the years, as he moved from job to job in search of a career that fulfilled him. Each time he’d thought he’d found it, thought that this time he’d be happy – only for boredom to soon set in. But this time… this time would be different. This post is for … More TLT: Tools of the Trade
Sidelines Jenny hurried past the sports field with her head down, eyes fixed on the path before her. The hubbub of the players stirred memories she’d rather ignore. Plus, he was there. She could hear his voice, bellowing orders over the field. She could feel the weight of his knowing gaze. She’d spent so many hours standing on the sidelines, cheering … More FFfAW: Sidelines
The Children “For your disregard of our laws-” “Father, please,” Lia said, tears flowing. But no trace of her doting parent was visible. It was the High Councillor who faced her: stern and forbidding as he passed sentence. “-you are hereby banished.” Her hand tightened on the pony’s reins, and she avoided looking at the children on the … More FFfAW: The Children
She’d always dreamed of a fertile union. In her youth she’d painted her lips cherry-red, desperate to attract a partner to fulfill her desires, only to be left with a sour taste as their rot spread through her life. Now her season was waning – maybe it was time to reach for the promised fruit alone. This post is for Sonya’s … More TLT: Fruitful
The Birth of Ambition “This used to be one of the greatest gardens in the area.” The rough voice caught Finley’s attention as he stomped along the path. “Some day it could be great again.” Finley paused, juggling his armfuls of equipment as he peered at the old gardener who stood beside the path, leaning … More FFfAW: The Birth of Ambition
The New Store Edith’s footsteps halted as she caught sight of the shop front with its jumbled array of items. How strange, she thought. She’d strolled down this road with her beau just last Sunday and was sure that no such establishment had been in existence then. Nor had she heard that a new shop was opening – … More Cee’s B&W Challenge: Store Front Signs
Waiting “Why are you here?” he asked, even though he knew the answer. “I’m waiting for you.” Her heels clunked against the cabinet in a familiar rhythm. “I’ll wait forever if I have to.” “I won’t be long now.” Ephemeral fingers traced his aged cheek before she faded from view. This post is for Sonya’s Three Line … More TLT: Waiting
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. This week’s prompt was provided by me. Imaginary Friends “It’s just your eyes playing tricks on you,” everyone always told her. “None of it’s real.” Even her grandmother – who told the most wonderful stories – had always waved a dismissive hand and said, “Your imagination is running away … More FFfAW: Imaginary Friends
This post is for Sonya’s Three Line Tales. The Runner He ran to escape the anger and fear that had dominated his life for so long, each stride distancing him from the demons of his past. He ran towards dreams of a bright future full of love and hope. He ran because he could – … More TLT: The Runner
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a challenge that asks you to write a story of 100-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s picture was provided by TJ Paris. Thank you TJ! Crisis Point The library had always been her sanctuary, her escape from life’s hubbub – until her world … More FFfAW: Crisis Point
This post is for Sunday Photo Fiction, a challenge that asks you to write a story of around 200 words inspired by the photo prompt below. Wildfire of Hysteria Mira slid through the shadows, each movement calculated to remain unseen. The inn was silent in the pre-dawn light but early risers might already be watching. Unfortunately, she … More SPF: Wildfire of Hysteria
This post is for the Sometimes Stellar Storyteller’s Six Word Story challenge. This week’s prompt is tease. “Mum! Charlie keeps on poking me!” As soon as I saw this week’s prompt I knew I had to write a six word story about siblings teasing each other! Working with kids I tend to see a lot of that. 🙂 I chose … More Six Word Story: Tease
This post is for Sonya’s Three Line Tales. Grandma’s Wisdom Grandma always said that the thing to aim for was elegance, sweetly understated; that the magic lay in the simplicity. The ingredients might be plain but when blended they created a perfection no one could resist. She always got the feeling that Grandma wasn’t just talking about cakes. … More TLT: Grandma’s Wisdom
His post is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a flash fiction challenge run by Priceless Joy, that asks you to write a story of 100-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Nonnaci. Thank you Nonnaci. The Window Raen stood in the doorway and considered the benefit of retreat. … More FFfAW: The Window
This post is for Cee’s Oddball Challenge. Ssh. You must walk on tippy-toes as you creep past the giants’ lair. Take care not to wake them. Run if you feel their stares. Oh no… Run! These oddball photos were taken at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a fascinating place in Cornwall that we just had to revisit … More Cee’s Oddball Challenge: Beware – Giants Sleeping!
This post is for Sonya’s Three Line Tales challenge. To Shape the World She smiled as she walked away, her every possession carried in the bag on her back. For too long she’d allowed his derisive opinions to control her actions – but no more. From now on, her world would be shaped by her hands … More TLT: To Shape the World
This post is for The Sometimes Stellar Storyteller’s Six Word Story challenge. This week’s theme is dark. Within shadows he watches, waiting. Soon…
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a challenge that asks you to write a story of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by TJ Paris. Thank you, TJ! Perfect Position Viordan clambered up the scaffolding with the ease of long practice, the familiar weight … More FFfAW: Perfect Position
This post is for Sonya’s Three Line Tales, a challenge that asks you to write three lines based on the photo prompt below. Tug-of-War With feet apart, teeth bared and fists clenched, they battled yet again for supremacy. Chloe turned away, dialling a familiar number on her phone. She refused to be the prize in … More TLT: Tug-of-War
This post is for Sonya’s Three Line Tales, a challenge that asks you to write three lines in response to the photo prompt below. The Long Wait She’d held his promise to write close to her heart, waiting patiently each day for the mail to arrive. Disappointment failed to dull anticipation, even as weeks accumulated into … More TLT: The Long Wait
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a challenge that asks you to write a story of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by Yinglan. Thank you Yinglan! Seeing is Believing “Did you see that?” “What?” “That sign – the dinosaur – it moved!” … More FFfAW: Seeing is Believing
This post is for the Sometimes Stellar Storyteller’s Six Word Story Challenge. This week’s theme is horror. I tried out several different approaches to this one but then couldn’t decide which to actually use so I decided to include three different ones! I hope you like them. Empty swing creaks: a mother weeps. Screams echo as … More Six Word Story: Horror
This post is for Sonya’s Three Line Tales Challenge. Time for Lemonade Sour notes burst on your tongue, clawing at the back of your throat as dreaded words are spoken. Hands tremble; tears threaten. It’s time to find the bright side – we all know what to do when life gives us lemons.
This post is for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a flash fiction challenge that asks you to write a flash fiction of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by S. Writings. Inconspicuous “They’re staring at us.” “Oh, I’m sure they’re not, boss.” Fingers pointed. Eyes clearly … More FFfAW: Inconspicuous
This post is for the Sometimes Stellar Storyteller’s six word story challenge. This week’s prompt is: paranoia. Skin itching; eyes peering; creatures lurking. I’m not sure I’ll ever manage to come back on this post -that spider picture is making my skin itch. Yes, this is definitely a paranoia that I have. If I see a … More Six Word Story: Paranoia
This post is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a flash fiction challenge hosted by Priceless Joy that asks you to write a piece of flash fiction of 75-175 words based on the photo prompt below. This week’s prompt was provided by momtheobscure. Thank you momtheobscure! The Weight of Duty Ieldu stared at the ruins … More FFfAW: The Weight of Duty
This post is for The Sometimes Stellar Storyteller’s Six Word Story Challenge. This week’s prompt is Perfection. Crumpled papers lie discarded: standard unattained.
This story is in response to the Sunday Photo Fiction challenge, hosted by Alistair Forbes, that asks that you write a story / poem of around 200 words using the photo as a guide. Memento She’d always wondered what was kept in the garage. Frances clutched the key to her chest, curiosity battling with trepidation as she stood before the … More SPF: Memento
This story is in response to the Sunday Photo Fiction challenge, hosted by Alistair Forbes, that asks that you write a story / poem of around 200 words using the photo as a guide. Master of the Storm Gerent closed his eyes, his head thrown back and arms cast wide as the buffeting wind swirled around him. Rain drenched him … More SPF: Master of the Storm
This story is in response to the Sunday Photo Fiction challenge, hosted by Alistair Forbes, that asks that you write a story / poem of around 200 words using the photo as a guide. The Weight of History Jae reluctantly followed his classmates as they trooped onto the ship. He’d been dreading the field trip for weeks; had … More SPF: The Weight of History
The place where you can find out what Lillie thinks
Looking at life through blue eyes
: around the world :
Myriad memories frozen in time
Looking into why we do the things we do (and some crochet) each Monday
Amanda Tuke - writer: nature, people, places
A photographic journey.
Here and now, with all of it.
An Enchanted Place 