#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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Week 151 - Winners

Week 151 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 Margo Bond Collins for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster 
• Ailsa Abraham | @ailsaabraham
• Ray Morris | @iwrites
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Anne | @TwiAddictAnne
• Sandi Layne | @sandyquill
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Bokerah Brumley | @msbbrumley
• Mictoria Coolidge | @mictoria
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Bokerah Brumley | @msbbrumley

Margo says: I love the way this story uses details to characterize the two participants in the discussion and give the setting--every action and description, every single word, is significant. Nicely done!

Sandi Layne | @sandyquill

Margo says: This story does a great job of setting up the characters' backgrounds with only a few deft strokes. Bonus points for the use of the two -phobia words!

Anne | @TwiAddictAnne
Margo says: I love this sweet story because it packs such a perfectly complete romance into just a few words. 

Week 151 Winner

Ray Morris | @iwrites

Margo says: I loved the way this story subverted reader expectations! It starts off as a fairly standard, sexy story--albeit one with excellent descriptions and details, as well as effective dialogue--but ends with a twist that made me want to read even more.

Ending on a High Note.

The girl held the bodice up by a strap. It was a lacy number, black and sheer. Her face told him everything.

“You’re supposed to wear it,” Shiloh said, hiding his smile.

She held it against her body. It contrasted nicely with her white t-shirt. Shiloh wondered if her skin was just as white. Red-heads were usually pale.

“Nothing with a zipper?” She plucked at the thin ribbon-like ties crisscrossing up the back of the bodice.

“No, sorry.”

She sighed and looked up at him, her bright green eyes watery. She wasn’t on the verge of tears—must just be nerves.

“It’s alright, Sivi.” He cupped her chin and rubbed a thumb along the smooth line of her jaw. A flush crept into her cheeks, accentuating the spray of freckles dancing across the bridge of her nose.

“Will they like me?” She whispered

“They will love you, darling.” Shiloh smiled and helped her off the sofa, tugging at her t-shirt. She already wore the matching skirt, if it could be called that.

He helped lace up the bodice, careful to pull it tight enough so that the mounds of her small breasts pushed up prettily above the cups.

Lastly he knelt by her stocking-covered thighs and lifted up the skirt. The gun was strapped securely, and was already charged. No warming up to give her away at the last minute.

“Kill as many as you can. And when they take you and change you, I’ll take care of it, darling.”

Congratulations Winner Ray, Bokerah, 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, Tsu.co, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#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! :)

New Year's Blog Hop Winners

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the New Year's Blog Hop. As promised I have two winners randomly selected from my commenters.

The winner of the Year's Worth of Romance calendar is: Patricia Burleson

The winner of the Siobhan Muir Mug is: Jennifer Mathis

Again, thank you all for joining me on the blog hop and have a wonderful new year! Happy reading.

Siobhan

#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! :)

#ThursThreads - Week 147 - Winners

Week 147 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 Michele Sieniarecki for judging this week. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Jason McKinney | @jason_mckinney
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetShiel
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball 
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Mary Decker | @mishmhem
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio

Michele says: Many thanks for inviting me to judge.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Silver James | @SilverJames_

Michele says: This felt like a good tease to a story I wanted to read more about. Who were these people? What was their history? Why was this woman always in the company of drug lords? The dialogue was a nice break from mostly narrative entries, and the writer managed to establish three distinct personalities in a short number of words.

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball

Michele says: Despite the potentially distressing content (thanks for the advance trigger warning,) this had loads of tension and suspense. Ultimately, it didn’t have enough of a beginning, middle and end—it seemed more like reading a page over someone’s shoulder on the bus then never finding out what book they were reading.

Mary Decker | @mishmhem

Michele says: It took me a couple of readings to suss out what was going on, but once I did—BOOM! There were so many unanswered questions, though. I spent way more time than is probably wise to admit trying to puzzle out the answers in the words given, but ended up tying my brain in knots and coming up with still MORE questions! If there was a “Made Me Think” badge, this would win it.

Week 146 Winner

Louisa Bacio | @Louisabacio

Michele says: This was the total package--a perfect, self-contained moment in time that combined atmosphere, emotion and a personal triumph to win me over—with two words to spare! Despite being a self-proclaimed “Happily Married Woman,” she nailed the warring emotions experienced by the newly-divorced, the desire to please her kids (while one-upping her ex, if possible) and the torture of learning skills one never thought they’d have to acquire—and all of that in the rain.

Water blinded Susie, and she wiped the rain from her eyes, and used her palm as a makeshift visor. She peered upward at the dangling Christmas lights. A few more hooks and they’d be done hanging.

Why did the threatening storm have to hit now? The task seemed unfathomable. She couldn’t do it. It was impossible.

Feet sticking in the mucky mud, she dragged the ladder over a few steps, and tested its sturdiness. Up she went, a cross between cursing her lousy ex and praying for her own safety under her breath. The wood wobbled, and she froze –

Steady, Susie finished the last two steps and reached, tip-toes, leaning, stretching and hooked the next loop. A gust of wind blew, slanting the rain against the backs of her jeans. She shivered, teeth chattering.

After hearing Janie gush about the “Lights up at Dad’s house,” Susie had to do it.

Down, and over, and up, all the while the fury built. Blood pounded in her head while Mother Nature pelted her on the outside. She wasn’t cut out for this work. She should have hired someone.

One last hook. Down, and over, and up. She stretched, tossing the strand around the hook Mike had put up last year, and missed. Tears comingled with the rain.

She could do this. It was easy. She reached, flipped and success!

Down one last time, she shut the ladder and stood back – sparkling blue, red, green winked – and rejoiced.

Yes, she could.  

Congratulations Three Time Winner Louisa, Silver, Kelly, and Mary! 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 146 - Winners

Week 146 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 Kirsten Blacketer 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
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
• Mary Decker | @mishmhem
• A.J. Walker | @zevonesque
• Dolly Marionette | @UndeadNether
• Nellie Batz | @solimond

Kirsten says: I have to say, I enjoyed reading all your flash pieces. You all have some wonderful snippets here, and I am honored to be reading your work. :) Great job everyone and thank you so much for participating. Thanks for having me and remember to keep writing. I can't wait to read more from all of you.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Mary Decker | @mishmhem

Kirsten says: You did an amazing job tying in a lot of detail with a minimal word count. I could totally see this as a more in depth story, but it works as a short too. You focus on the details of the character's actions and their mission without compromising the quality of the piece. Great job. I would love to read more about this adventure.

Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch

Kirsten says: While I'm a little vamped out, I enjoyed your short. You tied in some fantastic imagery, and I got a distinct feel for the main character's emotions as he sat there with his cold beer watching the sky. I could see this being expanded into a longer story, if it isn't part of a longer piece already. You have a knack for painting a vivid picture, great job!

Kelly Heinen | @Aightball

Kirsten says: Action, tension, and emotion...pow! right in my face. I loved it. I appreciated the trigger warning too. (Not that I needed it, but it means you're aware of the material possibly being an issue for readers. Kudos for that.) I really enjoyed the dialog you had going on. It worked well for the story and had me hooked from the beginning. I'm actually kinda curious as to what happened next. :)

Week 146 Winner

A.J. Walker | @zevonesque

Kirsten says: This piece contained the perfect balance of elements to bring life to a story. The conflict and tension in the story were simple, yet realistic. I felt sympathy for the main character and also wanted to smack him. The descriptions were enough to bring an image to mind and yet leave me to paint in the voids. It was the ending that sealed it for me. That "aha" moment had me groaning out loud and wanting to throttle the main character. *claps* Bravo. This was truly a story in 250 words. While there is room for expansion, it ended in a way that left the reader satisfied. We all knew he was in trouble now for not following through...again. I can appreciate when a writer is able to adequately portray a self-contained story with such a limiting word count.

The Laughing Dog

Brian’s job description had recently been expanded to beyond acceptable.

After the side boob incident on the six o’clock news he’d been tasked with reviewing every little excerpt supplied from the multitude smartphone images rolling in from the public. It was impossible.

“Consider it a new KPI,” Marriot had said, “Zero side boobs - or cock ups - on the pre-watershed news and you may keep your job. Otherwise it’ll be your bits shown on the news the following day. Capiche?”

He couldn’t afford another default - but it was a hopeless task as every sad little clip got fired through to Brian for vetting.

Kate - his long term crush at work - sent him a video with a dog in it. It had four asterisks in the subject line suggesting it was important. He clicked on it straight away and there was the drooling dog nodding along with a song from One Direction. It was cute he had to admit, but it was not newsworthy, so he quickly exited and went on to the next useless footage (some cop shooting a gang banger - no-one would be interested).

Brian worried about his house. He picked his stories and emailed them through to the news desk. Shortly afterwards he received a text from Kate - ‘You watched it all the way through?’

He laughed. How much time did she think he had?

Come six o’clock and FAB News was the only channel not to feature the dancing dog suddenly being devoured by that hideous alien.

Congratulations Winner A.J., Mary, Lizzie, 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, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)

#ThursThreads - Week 145 - Winners

Week 145 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 Nara Malone for judging this week. There will be NO #THURSTHREADS next week as it's the Thanksgiving holiday and I'll be celebrating with family. Be sure to check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on FB to keep up with news, etc.

Entries:

• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• A.J. Walker | @zevonesque
• Jason McKinney | @jason_mckinney
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil 
• Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan
• Anna Lund | @AnnaLund2011
• Denise Golinowski | @dgolinowski
• Silver James | @SilverJames_
• Lynne Hunt | @HayAddict
• Mary Rose
• Anne Odom | @AFOdom
• Charley Emma | @lindorfan
• Lizzie Koch | @Lizzie_Koch
• Bronwyn Green | @Bronwyn_Green
• Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
• Kelly Heinen | @Aightball
• Eric Martell | @drmagoo

Nara says: I looked for a story that grabbed my attention and didn't let go right up until the end. I also looked for a strong sense of showing me in rich or unique language, versus just telling me what happened. I like an image that sticks with me. Some two hours later, at midnight, and I could still tell you the things those stories made me see and feel. I didn't have to look back. Nice work.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Denise Golinowski | @DGolinowski

Nara says: Denise's tale pictured for me the lipstick cam and those sexy alluring moves of the women chatting--that line about libidos was excellent.

Eric Martell | @drmagoo

Nara says: It was that cat watching and also the emotion it brought out that got me. I really like the progression of how he takes us thru a torturer's mind in so few words.

Rebecca Brennan | @bexbrennan

Nara says: Again it was the visuals of the stripper and removing that final scarf that really pulled me in.

Week 145 Winner

Anne Odom | @AFOdom

Nara says: The winner left an image of poker chips stuck to a woman's butt that just made the whole story crystal clear.

Poker Night

Donnie tossed his dreads behind his shoulder and flopped into the cafe’s patio chair. I threw a stack of bills on the table. “There you go, D. Now we’re square.”

He grinned. “So, you won big at Jenn’s poker game? I expected it to devolve into a screaming match.”

“Oh, it did.” I closed my notebook and twisted my greying hair into a bun. “Followed by some shoving. Then Jenn grabbed Steph and planted a brutal kiss on her. Next thing, Steph’s ripping Jen’s clothes off and throwing her down on the table.”

“Holy hell.”

“Indeed.” I sipped at my coffee. “Money and poker chips flew everywhere. Except, of course, for the bits that stuck to Jen’s ass.”

“So,” Donnie waved the money at me. “Did you steal this from the pot and dash?”

“Ha! No. We all just sat there and watched. I mean, no one expects live porn at a poker game.”

“You watched the *whole* thing?”

“Well, it *was* a quickie.” I shrugged and turned my face to the sun. “And I was in for big money.”

“So what did Jenn and Steph say?”

“Mostly grunting, ‘Oh God’, and ‘Yesyesyes!’”

“No, dumbass.” Donnie backhanded my shoulder, and I laughed. “After.”

“Absolutely nothing. Picked the poker chips, cards, and money off Jen’s backside and threw their clothes back on.”

“And just kept playing.”

“Yep. Those bills you’re waving around could be covered in Jen’s sex sweat.” I flashed him a smile. “Consider it interest on the debt.”

Congratulations Two Time Winner Anne, Denis, Eric, and Rebecca! 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. Again there will be NO #THURSTHREADS next week as it's the Thanksgiving holiday and I'll be celebrating with family. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! :)