flash

Song of the Sea

/ Liz H-H / 25 Comments

© Ayr/Gray

From Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr’s photo prompt, The Unicorn Challenge (03/24/2024). No more than 250 words in length.

“So many to choose from,” Douglass breathed, mouthpiece in one hand, carefully considering his next step. He’d waited under the dock, saving the oxygen in his scuba tank. The docks ceased their sway and rattle as the heavy footfalls of captains and crew stumbled up to the clubhouse for an exclusive marina fundraiser. They’d strung lights on boom, mast, and stays, sure that the sea gods wouldn’t rain on their parade.           Continue reading →

Microflash on Fire

/ Liz H-H / 13 Comments

cat behind a cauldron

About a year ago, these three were accepted for an anthology that disappeared in the wind. The prompt word was FIRE, the constraints to 1. Write a story (beginning + middle + end) and 2. Write the story in exactly 99 words. Creative challenge…I share to show how easy and fun it is, and that it’s a great way to warm up for longer projects. Hope you enjoy!

First Flame

Cora nestles her belly into black granite, stretching to catch the sun’s heat. Her legs scrabble amidst a low sizzle as leathery wings unfurl. A perfect pearl hardens under her curled tongue. She is scarlet, precious, and utterly alone.          Continue reading →

As Meat Loves Salt

/ Liz H-H / 7 Comments

blue butterflies x 3

Day 2 of FlashNano2023. Prompt word: AMORANSIA

Mary was practically perfect in every way. Men loved her. Women adored her. Young and old were drawn to her like moths to a flame. And each time she entered into a relationship with one or the other, she really tried to love them back with all her heart, and all the fullness of her lissome frame.  Continue reading →

How the Wurst Was Won

/ Liz H-H / 4 Comments
Slot machine with cupid, rose, and cowboy boot

Source: Carrot Ranch Feb Saddle-Up Saloon

COWSINO STORY SPINE:  On the first Friday of very month, D. Avery hosts a writing challenge and month-long opportunity to talk story writing, and just general horsing around with regulars Kid & Pal at Carrot Ranch’s Saddle Up Saloon. February brings us a trio of picture prompts and the rare opportunity to play with a story spine. The following grew out of my own horseplay, so sashay on over and try for yourself!

How the Wurst Was Won

It was the baste of times, it was the wurst of times, and Thickpuddle McDrawer was up to his mustache in special orders for his Cain’t Be Beat Barbecue Special. Because of this, he once again questioned his decision to not add an extra triangle of cornbread, an oversized pat of honey-butter shaped like a rose, and some miniwurst sausages in Helene’s secret sauce to the regular order-for-two special, and then charge a buck or three more for creativity. People would pay extra for sure. History’d shown him there was something about barbecue, beans and cornbread that brought out the romantic side of those buckaroos. Continue reading →