Writing Prompts – Page 2 – Hugh's Views & News

Flash Fiction – Have You Heard Of Shaggy Pages?

Published on October 21, 2023October 21, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts40 Comments

October 17, 2023, prompt: Write a story about something shaggy in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be carpet, a hair-do, or some sort of critter. How can something shaggy steer the story? Go where the prompt leads! See ‘October 17: Story Challenge in 99-words‘ for more details.

Have You Heard Of Shaggy Pages? – by Hugh W. Roberts

I opened a charming bookstore called ‘Shaggy Pages’ in a quaint town.

It became a refuge for the LGBTQ+ community, where stories of love and acceptance filled the air.

My cosy shop, adorned with shaggy tapestries and shelves brimming with diverse tales, was a sanctuary for those seeking solace and connection. It was here that relationships bloomed, and hearts found belonging.

In the warm embrace of ‘Shaggy Pages,’ I wove together stories of love, courage, and pride, creating a tapestry of acceptance far beyond my shop’s walls.

‘Shaggy Pages’ – the place where everyone is welcome. Come on in.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

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Kindle – £0.99

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Flash Fiction – Roots

Published on October 1, 2023October 1, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts26 Comments

September 26, 2023, prompt: Write a story that includes a blade of grass in 99 words (no more, no less). What can you compare it to? Or in contrast? Is it a character prop or a story linchpin? Go poetic; go any genre or tone. Go where the prompt leads!

Roots – by Hugh W. Roberts

Technology overtook nature, and a blade of grass became a symbol of rebellion.

It sprouted in a crack between neon-lit sidewalks, a living relic of a long-forgotten past. Scientists marvelled at its resilience while authorities saw it threatening their synthetic world.

They dispatched the drones to eradicate the abnormality, but the blade fought back. Extending its roots into the digital grid, it sparked chaos.

Within days, cities crumbled, and nature reclaimed its dominion on Earth.

That lone blade of grass is me. I stand tall, a testament to the lasting power of life, rekindling hope in a dystopian age.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

Photo of lots of flowers and grasses in a spring meadow. — Spring Meadow.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction – My Grandmother’s Quilt

Published on September 23, 2023September 23, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts38 Comments

September 19, 2023, prompt: Write a story that includes a blanket in 99 words (no more, no less). Any interpretation works! What happens to a story when you give a character the prop of a blanket? Is the blanket the story? Is it a memory container, a source of comfort, or smothering? Go where the prompt leads! See September 19: Story Challenge in 99 words for more details.

My Grandmother’s Quilt – by Hugh W. Roberts

A chilling breeze whispered through the creaking timbers as night descended upon the cabin I found myself in.

Shivering, I reached for my grandmother’s old quilt draped across the armchair. As the tattered blanket settled around me, it seemed to come alive. Shadows danced on its faded patchwork, taking sinister forms.

Goosebumps prickled my skin as I watched in horror. Then, a spectral hand emerged, beckoning me into its ghostly embrace.

My screams echoed through the cabin, but the blanket absorbed them.

From that night, the cabin was empty, except for the eerie blanket, waiting for its next victim.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

Image of a cabin in an autumnal woods — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – If You Go Down To The Woods

Published on September 15, 2023September 14, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts24 Comments

September 12, 2023, prompt: Write a story about the insect nation in 99 words (no more, no less). You can focus on a particular insect or all insects. Is your story one of acceptance and understanding? Scientific knowledge? Or apocalyptic horror? Get bugged and go where the prompt leads! See September 12: Story Challenge in 99 words for more details.

If You Go Down To The Woods – by Hugh W. Roberts

In the ancient woods, a spectral chill whispered through the leaves, carrying the wail of the Insect Nation’s forgotten souls.

Beetles, once known as sacred guardians, marched in supernatural processions. Fireflies, long extinguished, flickered like ghostly lanterns in the moonless night. Spiders wove threads of sorrow in their tattered webs, trapping echoes of their past.

But the creepy swarm of bluebottle flies sent shivers down the spine of all who trespassed. Their eerie hum was the insect kingdom’s tragic requiem, a reminder of their timeless dominion, unseen yet ever-present.

In the haunted woods, the Insect Nation’s phantoms reigned supreme.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

Banner for the feature Flash Fiction Friday — Flash Fiction Friday

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – Pride And Prejudices

Published on September 1, 2023September 1, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts28 Comments

August 29, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a fiesta in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be any festival, celebration, or use of the word. Is it food-related or an event? Is it an object or a shout-out? Who is involved and why? What happens? Go where the prompt leads! See ‘August 29: Story Challenge in 99-words‘ for more details.

Pride And Prejudices – by Hugh W. Roberts

Amid the vibrant fiesta in our town that once silenced love’s diversity, Johnny and I dared to be ourselves.

No longer afraid, we clasped hands and weaved through the colourful crowds of acceptance.

Together, we two young men danced under the moonlit sky while rainbow butterflies fluttered around us.

This fiesta was more than just a celebration; it was a declaration of our love over prejudice.

Embraced by cheers and applause, we finally kissed, the world around us fading to insignificance.

Our love was a beacon at that moment, guiding others towards acceptance and a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – The Final Breaths Of Summer

Published on August 25, 2023August 25, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts35 Comments

August 22, 2023, prompt: Write a story about the arrival of the weather in 99 words (no more, no less). It can mean any kind of weather event, meteorological or mythological. Is the weather personified, random, or calculating? Where does it arrive? Is it typical or epoch-changing? Who is involved? See August 22: Story Challenge in 99 words for more details.

The Final Breaths Of Summer – by Hugh W. Roberts

Amidst the flags, my town celebrated love, welcoming the weather’s arrival that marked the final breaths of summer. Hearts bloomed like the June flowers.

Couples, regardless of gender, held hands, their love as natural as the warm sun that had kissed their cheeks.

But, like people, the weather could be erratic.

A sudden storm darkened the sky, raining on the love. But as resilient as a rainbow after the rain, love persisted.

Together, we weather life’s disruptions, proving that love knows no bounds, no matter the storm. It always shines as brilliantly as the sun emerging from the clouds.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – Was It Only A Dream?

Published on July 28, 2023July 28, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts22 Comments

July 25, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story based on the phrase “commitment in a can.” What is the commitment, and to whom? Describe the can. How does it expand the story? Go where the prompt leads! See ‘July 25: Story Challenge in 99-words‘ for more details.

Was It Only A Dream? – by Hugh W. Roberts

‘Commitment in a Can’ were the words on the small silver tin with a picture of a doll.

Opening it, I found something much more sinister. A tiny, shrivelled doll holding a piece of paper that said, ‘This is your commitment. You are bound to me.’

That night, I woke up to someone whispering. “You are bound to me by your commitment.”

Screaming, I tried to run, but the doll grabbed my ankle and dragged me out of bed.

It was only a dream, yet I felt it was waiting for me.

‘Commitment in a can.’ It’s a warning.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – How A Rubber Duck Saved My Life.

Published on July 21, 2023July 21, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts25 Comments

July 18, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a rubber duck in 99 words (no more, no less). Where is this duck — somewhere typical like a tub or somewhere surprising like a roller derby. Who is with the duck? What is happening? Go where the prompt leads! See July 18: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

How A Rubber Duck Saved My Life – by Hugh W. Roberts

My new rubber duck sat in the bath with me.

Its eyes were staring while its beak was open in a silent scream. It looked like it had seen something terrible.

When I reached out to touch it, it vanished.

Frightened, I got out of the bathtub. I had no idea what had just happened. It scared me.

When I returned to the bathroom, my duck was still missing.

What had it seen? Was it something that I should be afraid of if I saw it?

I don’t know, but I’m glad I didn’t see what was behind me.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – Coming Out

Published on July 14, 2023July 14, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts31 Comments

July 11, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a loving relationship with an adult child. What happens when a significant child in one’s life becomes an adult? Think beyond a son or daughter — a niece or nephew, a former student, a grandchild. How did the relationship shift? What is the importance of the new dynamic? Go where the prompt leads! See July 11: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

Coming Out – by Hugh W. Roberts

“Gran, I’m gay.”

“I’m so glad you’re here. I was worried something was wrong,” came the reply.

We hugged. We’d been through so much together.

“There’s nothing wrong with me being gay, right, Gran?”

She shook her head.

“I love you, Gran.”

“I love you too, Bill.”

We hugged again before I went to my room.

I was finally ready to start living my life openly and honestly. And I knew I had my Grandmother’s love and support to help me along the way.

Although I was tired, I was also happy. I knew that I was finally home.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – Messages From Above

Published on July 7, 2023July 7, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts12 Comments

July 4, 2023, prompt: Write a story as a message from a feather in 99 words (no more, no less). Think about how the message is shared and from whom to whom. What kind of feather? How can you expand where feathers come from, like boas and down ski jackets? Whatever tickles your muse this week. Go where the prompt leads! See July 4: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

Messages From Above – by Hugh W. Roberts

A lone feather quivered in the attic’s cobwebbed corners, bearing a harrowing message from the netherworld.

It spoke of a cursed talisman begrudged by an evil spirit who craved mortal souls.

Its whispers echoed through the air at night, driving those who lived below to hear scratching sounds they were too afraid to complain about.

The more the victim put off grumbling, the more the lone feather transformed into a shadowy figure, hunting its next prey.

It warned all who dared hear its message; once entangled, escape was futile.

And those who contemplated complaining would die upon seeing it.

Read the last part of the story here.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – An Unexpected Response

Published on June 30, 2023June 30, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts33 Comments

June 27, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story responding to “We’ve received your complaint.” Who has received the complaint and why? How was the complaint delivered — with grace, humour, vitriol? Go where the prompt leads! See June 27: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

An Unexpected Response – by Hugh W. Roberts

“We’ve received your complaint,” the email whispered through the screen.

Sarah’s blood ran cold. How did they know? She had never told a soul about the scratching sounds that echoed from her attic at night.

The email continued, “We apologise for the disturbance caused by our spectral resident. Rest assured; our exorcist team will investigate the paranormal activity.”

Dread clutched Sarah’s heart. She’d never have expected a reply, let alone a promise to banish the unseen entity.

The attic door creaked open as she stared at her inbox, revealing a shadowy figure.

Her complaint had caught the ghost’s attention.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

***

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Flash Fiction Friday – What Lays Beneath

Published on June 23, 2023July 1, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts28 Comments

June 20, 2023, prompt: Write a story about grains of sand in 99 words (no more, no less). Where are these grains, and what importance do they hold? How many ways can you think of using sand? Who interacts with the sand and why? Go where the prompt leads! See June 20: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

What Lays Beneath – by Hugh W. Roberts

On the secluded beach, grains of sand held a horrifying secret.

As twilight embraced the shoreline, their malevolence awakened. Slightly serrated edges transformed into razor-sharp teeth, hungry for flesh.

Unseen to the unsuspecting visitors, they slithered beneath the surface.

With a sinister intelligence, they devised a plan. Swiftly, they surged, entangling ankles in a web of gritty terror. Screams of agony filled the air as victims got dragged below, devoured by the insatiable maw of the sand.

Panic swept the beach, but the grains, now stained red, revelled in their newfound power, forever cursed to prey upon the unwary.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

Last week’s entries with the theme ‘Fathers’ can be found by clicking this link.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

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