#ThursThreads - THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY - Winners

Week 156 of #ThursThreads #Year3 Anniversary had so many fantastic tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers come to tie a tale. And welcome all the new folks! Thank you for coming to tie your tales and for helping me celebrate these three years of flash. Here's to several more years. Great thanks to Cara Michaels for judging this week and for starting us off all those years ago. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

After the winners are notified and they have chosen their prizes, the folks who tweeted the hashtag #ThursThreads will be thrown into a drawing for the remaining prizes. I'll announce the winners here on the blog and on twitter. Thank you all for participating and coming back to write!

Entries:

• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne
• Rafe Brox | @etcet
• Greg Nance | @acenance
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh
• Daniel Swensen | @surlymuse
• Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
• David Shakes | @theshakes72
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan 
• Mary Decker | @mishmhem
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Decadent Kane | @Decadent Kane
• Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ
• Jason Lefthand | @jasonlefthand
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
• Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
• Chris Cantley
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
• David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Eric Martell | @drmagoo
• Lynn Peters | @RoryBrazen
• Nellie Batz | @solimond
• Ruth Long | @Bullishink

Cara says: Dang, you folks gave me some great reading (and tough decision making) this week. Thank you all for writing! After reading through a couple times, deliberating, then revisiting the dozen or so stories vying for honors, here are my choices:

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Nellie Batz | @solimond

Cara says: This story is a heartbreaker. As though her sense of losing her friends wasn’t hard enough, the transition to clarity regarding Violet’s true circumstances hit me right in the feels..

Ruth Long | @Bullishink

Cara says: The bones of this story idea intrigue me. Is the MC some sort of cyborg or mechanical man? The action is concise and doesn’t bog down the snippet. The final ‘framework’ exchange gave me a good laugh.

Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Cara says: The whimsical nature of the story caught my attention, and this tale struck me as a poem or painting captured within a narrative. Lovely work.

Week 156 #Year3 Winner

Daniel Swensen | @surlymuse

Cara says: In 250 words, this story delivers a full-fledged world concept begging to be explored. If this was the excerpt behind the cover, this is a book I would take home. I would even take it to bed (because I want to keep reading, ya pervs). And damn, but I loved Ora’s, “Tell them I died here” line. She’s a hero after my own heart.

The cavern crawled with blue lightning. Pillars of stone shrugged dust into the dwindling air.

The company was closing the hyperspace shunt. Its pale oval flickered, a hundred meters high. The financial rulers of a planet light-years away had heard the cries of a thousand colonists and turned its face away in shame.

“Ora, we’re leaving.” Thain slung his rifle, glaring at the milling crowd on the wrong side of the portal. The marines had formed a perimeter to keep them in. No need; they huddled, terrified, wailing for all that was about to be lost.

Ora looked at her hands. Red with dirt. Dirty with blood. She knew too much of these people.

“If they stay, I stay.”

“To what end? You can’t help them.”

She tapped the glossy curve of the learning chip behind her ear. Worth more than this colony and everyone in it. The company would be furious -- and very far away. “With what I know? Yes, I can.”

He gripped her arm. “Ora, they’ll kill you. They’ll come to resent you and they’ll kill you for being one of us.”

“I want them to know we haven’t abandoned them to die here.”

“That’s exactly what we’re doing,” Thain whispered. “You can’t just give up--”

“Giving up is exactly what I’m not doing.” Ora unclipped her company badge and pressed it into his grubby palm. “Tell them I died here.”

She turned and walked away, listening for the final crack of the closing portal.

Congratulations Three Time Winner Daniel, Nellie, Ruth, and Josh! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. Today is a very special Thursday so get your flash ready to celebrate THREE YEARS flashing! Can you believe it's been going strong for three whole years? This is Week 156 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together.

This week we have a very special event. There are prizes to be won for both the participants and the readers. After the winner and the honorable mentions choose their prizes, the remainder of the goodies will be given to randomly selected folks who Tweet the hashtag #ThursThreads during our event today. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook.

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.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• 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 (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find 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, Twitter, and Google Plus

Prize List for #ThursThreads #Year3

• eARC of The Ivory Road: A Walk in the Sand by Siobhan Muir.
• Digital or paper copy of one of Silver James' backlist.
• Digital copy of one of Cara Michaels' backlist.
• Tree of Life made from wrapped wires and minerals from George Varhalmi.
• Free beta read or 15K content edit from First Page Last Page.
• The Dark Bokor and Philip's Watcher by Dianne Hartsock.
• "Words Lost in Time 4" image printed on 11x14 metallic paper by Clary Carey.
• Custom written story of 1000 words or less on any theme by Eric Martell.

Our Judge for Week 156:

  The woman who started it all, Typo Sniper, cover designer, and science fiction author, Cara Michaels.

Cara on Facebook

Cara on Twitter

Cara on Goodreads

Cara on Google Plus 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"If they stay, I stay.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads - Week 155 - Winners

Week 155 of #ThursThreads had some great tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Lucy Felthouse for judging this week. Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

And be sure to tune in next week because we have our Third Anniversary Celebration! That's right, #ThursThreads turns THREE!! There will be prizes so you should definitely visit the blog next week.

Entries:

• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea
• Nellie Batz | @solimond
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Lucy says: Thanks so much for asking me to judge—it’s been fun!

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham

Lucy says: I found this story intriguing and well-written, and while it leaves lots of questions unanswered, I very much liked the sense of fun thrown in to what sounds like it could be a very serious situation.

Bill Engleson | @billmelaterplea

Lucy says: this was a very poignant and dramatic tale, which made me very interested to know just what had driven these people to such sad extremes.

Kelly Heinen| @Aightball

Lucy says: I really liked the sense of fun in this story—this was a very sexy way of making the characters even!

Week 155 Winner

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Lucy says: the writing was super-tight, intriguing, and kept me on the edge of my seat. It really pulled me in, I’d definitely like to know what happens next with these characters and their tough-sounding situation!

Gemma looked so damn lost it almost cracked his stony facade. Luc couldn’t go to her, couldn’t touch her. Club business first, bloody business. Once finished, he’d touch her. Explain. There’d be blood on his hands but hell, his hands had been red his entire life. He lived, his mother died, and his old man never let him forget it. What was the bloodstain of one more life—a guilty one—on his soul?

Luc tilted his head toward the room where the Nightriders held church. Dancer and Tinker dragged the unconscious Hell Dog through the doors. The rest of the brothers followed them. He paused, turned to study Gemma. “Go home, babe. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“No.”

He didn’t expect her rebellion. “You need to leave, Gemma.”

“I’m staying.”

Now it was his turn. “No.”

She marched up and poked his chest. “Do you think I’d cut and run? I know what will happen in that room.”

Not that room. Judgment only there. Downstairs, in the basement. They’d execute the asshole there. Church wouldn’t be defiled by enemy blood. “Go home, Gemma.”

Waving a negligent hand at the other women, she snarled at him. “Are you sending them home?” She read his answer in his expression. “If they stay, I stay.”

Fuck. Which is what the Riders would want to do after this night’s work was done. He couldn’t send them away. “Suit yourself. There’ll be blood on my hands when I come.”

“That makes us even.”

Congratulations ELEVEN TIME WINNER Silver, Cate, Bill, and Kelly! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 155

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 155 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook.

And be sure to tune in next week because we have our Third Anniversary Celebration! That's right, #ThursThreads turns THREE!! There will be prizes so you should definitely visit the blog next week.

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.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• 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 (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find 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, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 155:

  Chocoholic, Web Geek, and erotic romance author, Lucy Felthouse.

Lucy on Facebook

Lucy on Twitter

Lucy on Goodreads

Lucy on Google Plus 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"That makes us even.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads - Week 154 - Winners

Week 154 of #ThursThreads had some great tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Mellanie Szereto for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Silver James | @SilverJames_  
• Jif Foam | @jif_foam
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne
• L.T. Dalin | @LTDalin
• Bill Engleson
• Cate Derham | @Cate_Derham
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Stacy Bennett | @SBennettwrites
• Louisa Bacio | @LouisaBacio
• David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Simon Abernathy
• Nellie Batz | @solimond

Mellanie says: Thanks so much for inviting me to judge this week, Siobhan! I have to say your VW Bug wrangler description has been right on the mark this winter. What a great group of entries! I had a hard time deciding on a winner.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Mellanie says: Grammar and writing craft nerd that I am, I was immediately pulled into the scene by tight, succinct writing. Building tension hinted at a major conflict and plenty of action. Besides, wolves are sexy!

Bill Engleson

Mellanie says: I love the story concept, which suggests lots of conflict and danger. The ending hook made me want to read more! Watch out for those distracting dialogue tags, though. They pulled me out of the scene a little bit.

Stacy Bennett | @SBennettwrites

Mellanie says: Good characterization and conflict drew me into the scene right away. A couple of dialogue tags stood out and interrupted the flow, but the immediacy of the tension pulled me back in.

Week 154 Winner

Simon Abernathy

Mellanie says: Other than a misspelled word, the entry was clean and well-written. The scene opened and closed with good hooks, and the characters are compelling. Dialogue and actions are used very effectively for characterization and to show the dynamics of the relationship. Great job!

TALE WAS REMOVED FOR PERSONAL REASONS.

Congratulations SEVEN TIME WINNER Simon, Silver, Bill, and Stacy! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 154

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 154 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• 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 (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find 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, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 154:

  Hot, Hungarian cook, VW Bug wrangler, and contemporary romance author, Mellanie Szereto.

Mellanie on Facebook

Mellanie on Twitter

Mellanie on Goodreads

Mellanie on Google Plus 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"How do you figure?”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads - Week 153 - Winners

Week 153 of #ThursThreads had some great tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Sonya Weiss for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Charles W. Jones | @ChuckWesJ
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Anne Chowdhury | @TwiAddictAnne
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (prose)
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil (poem)
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Cynthia Hudson Keane | @AuthorCAKeane
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Eden Connor | @EdenConnor
• Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
• Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Sonya says: This was a lot of fun and I loved the entries. I read the pieces as they came in throughout the day and it was hard to narrow them down. It's easy to tell that these writers aren't beginners.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Josh Peters | @joshbgosh

Sonya says: Because Tina was interesting due to the way the scene was set up. His descriptions were excellent. His ending line gave an image of a character dealing with exhaustion, determination, and strength.

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil

Sonya says: Because her piece had a solid opening hook in the second sentence. “Do you sleep better this way now that your wife is dead,” asked the prosecutor.” Opening hooks and chapter ending hooks along with characters to root for are something that editors and agents like to see. I thought it was a quirky way to start a scene.

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Sonya says: Because this, “He wanted to wake her, to gather her into his arms, kiss and shower her with words of love. That wasn’t his way. He was a solider. A hard man living an even harder life. But she made him want to be soft, tender” is a good way to present insight into the core of a character. Gave me a mental picture of a great hero.

Week 153 Winner

David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig

Sonya says: I picked David A. Ludwig’s piece as the winning entry because of the way he handled the characterization. With this part, “In his time Lenin Blackwell had been a hero, then a drifter and a drinker. By the time I met him he was just a drinker, but that didn’t stop him from saving Chris and I”, he was able to portray a great description. He made Lenin come alive on the page.

Insectile clacking rippled the plains unlike anything I had known. The dark haired drifter on the porch didn’t notice it at all. His stony gaze extended out to stars the other side of the sun’s languid descent. Something about the man was more disquieting than the unseen grass bugs.

In his time Lenin Blackwell had been a hero, then a drifter and a drinker. By the time I met him he was just a drinker, but that didn’t stop him from saving Chris and I. Fumes from his breath dispersed lazily through stifled air. Risking second hand intoxication, I resolved myself to join him on the porch.

Our stubble faced host proffered his flask to me without a sideways glance. Sitting down next to him, I waved off the gracious gesture.

“That stuff will keep you up, you know?”

Hawking a great wad of phlegm back in his throat, Lenin sent it sailing over the rails toward the setting sun. Then he took a long pull from the flask.

“I sleep much better this way.”

In the silence that followed I massaged my legs. My injuries no longer precluded travel.

“I suppose I’ll be heading out tomorrow.” I ventured. “I’ll send doctors back for Chris as soon as I reach town.”

“Doctors can’t do anything I ain’t already doing.” Lenin scratched his chin. “Besides, what happened’s my responsibility.”

I tilted my head, “How do you figure?”

“It’s my fault the bastard was alive to jump you in the first place.”

Congratulations Two Time Winner David, Josh, Sheilagh, and Silver! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 153

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 152 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• 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 (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find 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, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 153:

Ghost writer and contemporary romance author, Sonya Weiss.

Sonya on Facebook

Sonya on Twitter

Sonya on Goodreads

Sonya on Google Plus 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"I sleep much better this way.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads - Week 152 - Winners

Week 152 of #ThursThreads had some great tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to F.C. Etier for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Anne | @TwiAddictAnne
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio
• A.J. Walker | @zevonesque
• Nellie Batz | @solimond

F.C. says: Here's my criteria: 1. include prompt 2. first sentence must grab my attention 3. first paragraph must give me reason to continue reading 4. story must be coherent 5. presentation, ie: grammar, punctuation, sentence structure.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil

Anne | @TwiAddictAnne

Week 152 Winner

A.J. Walker | @zevonesque

F.C. says: A.J. Walker edged it out with the most creative use of the prompt.

The Zipper Man Blues

“Hey, Keith Richards, here you go.” Callie said, as she passed over the beer to Sands.

“Hardly,” sad Sands, pushing the green leather clad guitar case around the table. “Just a bit of a strummer. And not a very good one at that.”

“That case is a beauty. Most the lads coming in here use those floppy faux plastic bags. A bit lighter and easier to store though.” Callie said.

“A damn site cheaper too, I know. But I just can’t do zips anymore,” said Sands, looking to the floor.

“Really? Nothing with a zipper?” said Callie.

“Not since the accident.” said Sands, wincing a little then overtly checking his buttoned fly.

Callie looked across the empty bar, struggling not to ask a follow up question.

Sands filled the silence. “Zips are for the brave or stupid. I mean, basically why take the risk? I sleep much better this way.”

“Velcro, it’s the future.” said Callie, as she walked back down the bar. She couldn’t suppress an embarrassed smile.

Sands crossed his legs and took a deep slug out of the bottle remembering times when he had more fastening options.

Congratulations Two Time Winner A.J., Louisa, Sheilagh, and Anne! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 152

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 152 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• 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 (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find 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, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 152:

Weekend Writing Warrior, Photographer, and Suspense author, F. C. Etier.

F.C. on Facebook

F.C. on Twitter

F.C. on Goodreads

F.C. on Google Plus 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"Nothing with a zipper?”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads - Tying Tales Together - Week 151

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 151 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• 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 (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find 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, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 151:

College English professor, daydreamer, and Urban Fantasy author, Margo Bond Collins.

 

Margo on Facebook

Margo on Twitter

Margo on Goodreads

Margo on Google Plus 

 

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"You’re supposed to wear it.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads - Week 150 - Winners

Week 150 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories, especially on a holiday. It was so nice to see so many of you this week and new folks. Welcome! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Angela Quarles for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Anne | @TwiAddictAnne
• Toni Morrow Wyatt | @Toni1777
• Josh Peters | @josbgosh
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Veronica Jorden | @RevoltionaryVJ
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Margo Bond Collins | @MargoBondCollin
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan 
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Cate Durham | @Cate_Durham
• Even Sultry | @EvenSultry
• David A. Ludwig | @DavidALudwig

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Angela says: Like Veronica, she used dialogue and description to do double and triple duty and I got a great sense of character and backstory in this short serving of flash fiction.

Toni Morrow Wyatt | @Toni1777

Angela says: For the creepy factor, and the double-twist!

Margo Bond Collins | @MargoBondCollin
Angela says: Creepy as well, and descriptions were vivid.

Week 150 Winner

Veronica Jorden | @RevolutionaryVJ

Angela says: In a short amount of space she was able to paint a vivid picture utilizing many tools in her writer's box, like using dialogue to not only move the story forward, but also to show character and mood and clue us in on what's happening. Every word was there doing double or triple duty and she didn't have wasted phrases. I loved that it was just a small slice in these two character's lives but yet I immediately had this sense of a huge vast world of plot and setting, etc. Well done!

The tiny crystal pendant hung on a rusty chain that dangled from the end of his finger. Even in the dim interior of our latest base camp it danced with colors I had forgotten.

I shook my head. “You should keep it, trade it or give it to your mom when we find her."

“I didn't climb all the way down into the pit to dig this out for my mom. I did it because I wanted you to have it.”

“Kid, what am I supposed to do with a piece of glass on a string?”

“You’re supposed to wear it. And when you look at it, you can pretend things were like they were before…when they were normal.”

I tried to remember the last time I’d felt normal. I wanted to tell him that no amount of pretending would ever wipe away the things I’d seen in the last few months, but the words wouldn't come. I bent forward and let him fasten the chain around my neck.

“Do you think the others will make it in time?” he asked.

Near the window, the transponder light blinked in a steady rhythm, sending out the signal that would lead the others to our location. The sky was a familiar shade of gray. In two, maybe three hours the rains would return and anyone not inside could kiss their humanity goodbye. Jack was strong, he knew the terrain, he’d get them here. He had to.

“I don’t know, kid. Here’s hoping.”

Congratulations Four Time Winner Veronica, Silver, Toni, and Margo! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 150

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today so get your flash ready to celebrate and write a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 150 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. If you're able to join us, we're here. Want to keep up each week? Check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook. 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.

Rules to the Game:

• This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
• 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 (or be excluded from judging)
• Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find 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, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week 150:

Geek, Anthropologist, and steampunk romance author, Angela Quarles.

Angela on Facebook

Angela on Twitter

Angela on Goodreads

Angela on Google Plus

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"Because I wanted you to have it.”

All stories written herein are the property (both intellectual and physical) of the authors. Now, away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThreads. Good luck!

#ThursThreads - Week 149 New Year's - Winners

Week 149 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories, especially on a holiday. It was so nice to see so many of you this week! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to George Varhalmi for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetShiel
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball 
• A.J. Walker | @zevonesque

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke

George says: I found this tale cute and fun, and it was a contender for the winner. The heroine was reluctantly adapting and got caught in the act. Cute.

Sandi Layne | @sandyquill

George says: Interesting tale. I really liked the twist at the end.

Week 149 Winner

Silver James | @SilverJames_

George says: I loved this story for its poignancy and it really it what love is. It's more than just appearance and Silver captured it wonderfully.

Georgie’s fingers trembled, rustling the tissue paper filling the gold-foil box. Her throat worked, contracting as she swallowed. Her gaze barely lingered after colliding with his.

Clay attempted to speak but words came out mangled, his voice a rusty saw on metal pipe. He cleared his throat, spoke again. “Georgie? What’s wrong?” His insides twisted as he second-guessed the gift. Maybe it was too soon. Or too forward. Or maybe he was the world’s biggest idiot. “Sweet pea?”

Her fingers fussed with the tissue, shoulders slumped and chin tucked against her chest. “Why did you buy this?”

Her question whispered from between chapped lips and he was torn between wanting to kiss her or passing her the water glass with the bent straw. “Because I wanted you to have it.”

"But it’s red lingerie.” She looked up, her eyes holding some emotion he wasn’t sure he wanted to identify.

“Red is your color.”

The tear caught Clay by surprise. He settled next to her on the hospital bed, gathering her close. Brushing away the tear with a gentle swipe of his thumb, he kissed her forehead. “You are beautiful, Georgie.”

She pushed against him ineffectually and the scarf on her bald head slipped off. “No, I’m not.”

“Look at me, sweet pea. You will always be beautiful to me because I love you.”

“Even sick?”

“You’re alive. That’s all that matters.” He kissed her then, to prove his point. That she was alive and that he loved her.

Congratulations TEN TIME WINNER Silver, Olivia, and Sandi! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Week 148 - Winners

Week 148 of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales. I'm honored to see all of the returning writers and read your stories. It was so nice to see so many of you this week! Thank you for coming back again and again to write and for helping me celebrate these years of flash. Great thanks to Nicole Colville for judging this week. There will be NO #THURSTHREADS next week for the Christmas holiday, but we will be back on New Year's Day. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetShiel
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• A.J. Walker | @zevonesque
• Cate Durham | @Cate_Derham
• Olivia Starke | @OliviaStarke
• Anita S. | @anitaexplorer
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball 

Nicole says: This was such fun, the only problem I have is that they were all so good and I needed more of them. All of the following I could read full books about and that's why I chose them because I craved more. Everyone who took part has a great talent for description and creating a whole picture in such a short amount of words. I've never taken part in flash fiction before, but I think in the new year, I will be back to join in with you all.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Miranda Kate | @PurpleQueenNL

Nicole says: It's wonderfully dark and took on a whole new meaning for the prompt.

Sandi Layne | @sandyquill

Nicole says: I enjoyed the tease of plot in this one and wanted to continue reading to see what would happen and to find out all about the messy break up.

Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir

Nicole says: Like Sandi's I want to read soooo much more about these two. They have an interesting story to tell. I'd like to see where they've come from and where they will end up. I liked the use of the prompt line in this one, so sweet and romantic.

Week 148 Winner

Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil

Nicole says: Her romantic friends to lovers, erm, married couple. :D I just loved the idea of this one. Two people who belong together but not seeing it until the final moment. It had humour and love and it caught my attention and held it.

"A few more hooks and they’d be done hanging.”
“Very funny, Kyle; but I don’t think Cecily will like her presents exposed to all on Christmas,” I commented, but what I really thought was it wouldn’t fit her, but maybe me.
“She’ll love my presents,” Kyle insisted.
“Yes, exactly, your presents!”
“But it’s red lingerie, you’ve hung like stockings.” I protested, “Do you have something else?”
“Yes, I did, Nancy.” Kyle answered soberly, “This.”
Kyle then pulled out the biggest diamond ring I’d ever seen. My heart dropped into my stomach. I’d lost him he’d never see me as the love of his life. I’d only ever be his friend
“Congratulations,” I answered trying to sound happy and then made excuses to leave.
Late that night Kyle dropped by my house. Cecily had refused him. We got drunk and the next thing I knew we woke up in bed together, me in that lingerie.
“Good morning,” Kyle said to me oddly seductive.
“Good morning,” I answered awkwardly then stared at my hand and gasped.
“What? You forgot we get married last night, wife?”
“But you gave this ring to Cecily,” I protested.
“You are my heart, my stars, and the love of my life; who has always been there. I finally saw that. That is why I married you. I love you Nancy Gregory.”
“I love you too but that’s Nancy Karl-Gregory buster.”
As Kyle took me in his arms, it was the best Christmas ever. 

Congratulations Winner Sheilagh, Miranda, and Sandi! Don't forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)