#ThursThreads - The Challenge That Ties Tales Together - Week 123

Welcome back to the Weird, the Wild, & the Wicked. It's Thursday today, so get your flash ready. Writing a #flashfiction thread! Welcome to Week 123 of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. One new thing: We now start at 7 am MOUNTAIN TIME. Want to keep up each week? You're welcome to join the FB #ThursThreads group where we'll do events and make announcements. 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 123:

Photographer, mom, Newfie lover, and sports aficionado, Clary Carey.

And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“Things you wish you hadn't done.”

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!

Breath of Spring - The Fairy Ring Writing Contest

I was invited to join the Fairy Ring Writing Contest on Anna Meade's blog, and when I dragged my feet, I was encouraged to get my butt in gear and write a short story.

Here's the rules: To win, write a piece of flash fiction (300 words or less) on your (fictional or not) first-person encounter with a faery, goblin, or fantastical being of your choice. Being a paranormal romance writer, that seemed like a good idea. So here's my entry:

Breath of Spring

I finished my coffee and waved at Iris, before ducking out of the Ironwood Café into the windy day. Spring had come to Three Lakes, MI, but the weather gods hadn’t quite gotten the memo. Snowflakes dusted the sidewalk and the front of my jacket. I struggled with the zipper, wishing I’d remembered to wear gloves.

“Sand bars!”

I was so focused on my coat, I didn’t realize anyone stood in front of me until I collided with her. The scents of warm summer rain and sun-baked rocks filled my nose as my unfortunate victim grunted in surprise.

“Sand bars, I’m sorry!”

I looked down to meet the periwinkle eyes of the most delicate and beautiful female I’ve ever seen. The top of her head barely reached my chest, but the power of her presence hit me like boulder.

“Are you all right?” Her voice made me think of the tinkling cascade of crystals. I stood there gaping until I realized she’d asked a question.

“Oh, yes. Yes, I’m sorry.” I closed my mouth. “Forgive me. I didn’t see you.”

She laughed and pleasure zipped up my spine. “That’s because I didn’t wish to be seen until now.”

Her words didn’t make any sense, but I nodded, dumbly. The sun peaked out of the clouds, bathing us in brilliant sunlight and I swear she sparkled. The snow melted under our feet and a soft spring breeze ruffled the mahogany locks of her hair. I reached out to brush it from her eyes, but she caught my hand and laid a feather-soft kiss on the knuckles.

“Very nice to meet you, Bruce Boulderson.”

She released me and darted away, taking the delicious warmth with her.

“Wait! What’s your name?”
She looked over her shoulder, winked, and disappeared into the swirling snow.

(300 words without title)

I hope you enjoyed my little story and feedback is welcome! If you'd like to read the other stories or join in the contest: