Flash Fiction – Life On The Edge Of Dreams

From Esther Chilton’s blog: Writing prompt – Dreams: Do you have a dream you yearn to fulfil? Maybe yours has come true. Or perhaps you’ve had strange, funny, or recurring dreams. But not everyone remembers their dreams, so you could write something fictional and give your characters all sorts of interesting dreams.


Life On The Edge Of Dreams – by Hugh W. Roberts

Daydreaming was a serene escape, a cherished pastime. I would recline on my favourite piece of freshly mowed lawn, taking in the grassy odours while gazing up at the clouds as they playfully chased each other across the sky, their movements a soothing sight.

“It’s time to come in,” my mother’s voice would echo, breaking the silence of my obliviousness. “You’ll catch your death of cold laying on the damp, cool grass, dear.”

But I would bide my time, waiting for the familiar sounds of my father stowing away the lawnmower and other tools in the shed to fade. Only then would I rise, dust myself of grass cuttings, and return to the house, a place steeped in dreams and comforting familiarity. 

Entering the kitchen, I observed my parents, their faces a canvas of shared memories, dreams, and contentment. As they savoured tea and custard creams, I’d drift into daydreams of the past that I found difficult to articulate. Yet, in those dreams, I could hear their unspoken thoughts about me and the spot on the lawn where they had lovingly scattered my ashes, a place my father had vowed to preserve forever.

Life on the edge of dreams is the perfect resting spot.


Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Dreams.

A close-up photo of blades of grass with a heavy dew on them
Photo credit: Hugh W. Roberts

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – April 2024

Did you catch these 9 blog posts that got everyone talking, discussing, and wondering? Maybe you were part of the conversation, but if not, jump in and share your thoughts!

  • Have weddings changed much over the years?

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  • What can you see in the blink of an eye? You may be surprised.

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  • Are you making use of your old blog posts? My three quick and easy tips to bring old blog posts alive again are easy to follow and will deliver results.

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  • Two window views, but which one do you prefer?

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  • This new WordPress dashboard feature includes settings like privacy, site tools, and domain management for your blog. My post tells you where to find it and how to use it.

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  • A standing ovation and a round of applause, but can you guess who’s on stage?

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  • Pick a door, any door, and tell me which one you like the most and why.

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  • Do you have a favourite view of planet Earth?

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  • Where would we be without friends in our lives? We all need them, don’t we? As a gay man, I’ve had my fair share of both male and female friends over the years, but some of those friendships were not what I thought the true meaning of friendship was all about. Meet Tasmin, Neville and Janet. Which one would you like to be friends with?

True Stories: Confessions Of A Gay Man – Friends

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Flash Fiction – In The Blink Of An Eye

April 2, 2024, prompt: Write a story that happens in a flash in 99 words (no more, no less). A flash of inspiration? A flash flood? Who shows up in a flash? Who is impacted for a lifetime by a single flash incident? Go where the prompt leads!


In The Blink Of An Eye – by Hugh W. Roberts

The time machine hummed to life in a blink, thrusting me into a whirlwind of eras. Past and future blurred into a kaleidoscope of moments.

I glimpsed dinosaurs roaming prehistoric jungles, the crowning of kings and queens in medieval and Tudor castles, and cities bustling with futuristic wonders.

Time was a relentless river; I was a fleeting leaf upon its currents.

With a final flash, I returned to the present, breathless and exhilarated. Yet, in my mind, the echoes of centuries persisted, a reminder that anyone can journey through the annals of time in the blink of an eye.


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


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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – March 2024

Did you catch these 9 blog posts that got everyone talking, discussing, and wondering? Maybe you were part of the conversation, but if not, jump in and share your thoughts!

  • Kenneth has a problem. His wife believes he’s having an affair. Can Artificial Intelligence help?

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  • WordPress have hidden the ‘Open in new tab’ box again! This updated post shows you where to find it so that links in your blog posts open a new window.

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  • Can you guess which country this castle is located in? The clue is in the photo.

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  • WordPress has introduced a new block-style comment box that aligns with the Block editor. But what can users do with it besides leaving comments? Are some bloggers really refusing to use it and threatening to leave WordPress? My post contains all the details you need.

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  • I love the reflection in this photo. Do you have a favourite reflection?

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  • Janie struggles with a leak she’s caused, but it’s another leak that she’ll need to be more concerned with.

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  • Are you celebrating anything special in 2024? Me? Ten years of blogging.

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  • Coming out to my family is one of the most difficult things I have done in my life. I faced varied reactions that led to estrangement from some but eventual reconciliation with others. In this post, I highlight some of the ups and downs of family acceptance of somebody being gay.

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  • This is what I’ll be eating for breakfast on Easter morning. What will you be eating?

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Flash Fiction – Leaks

March 12, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about leaving a leak. What (or who) is leaking? How can you use the leak to create tension? Expand the idea of leaks. Go where the prompt leads!

Leaks – by Hugh W. Roberts

‘Janie tried all she could to stop the leak. It was hopeless. 

Should she call for help or hope the leak stopped?

Damn, I never saw this coming, she told herself. If only I’d been better prepared.

After an hour, the leak stopped. However, Janie saw some of her surroundings ruined. If only insurance for mishaps like this had been available.

Standing up, Janie removed her wet trousers, blouse, and shoes before being shocked. The body she’d plunged the knife into twitched.’

Taking her fingers off the keyboard, Janie hoped this best-seller she was writing wouldn’t leak before publication.


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

***


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

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

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Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

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Flash Fiction – Future Affairs

February 27, 2024, prompt: Write a story about artificial intelligence in 99 words (no more, no less). Use any genre. What is unfolding, or has the situation existed for a while? Who shows up, AI or a figure of imagination? Go where the prompt leads!


Future Affairs – by Hugh W. Roberts

“Kenneth, the AI isn’t working.”

“Have you tried turning it off and on again, dear?”

“No, I’ll try.”

***

“Kenneth, I can’t turn off the AI.”

“Did you unplug it from the mains?”

“No, I’ll try.”

***

“Kenneth, the AI just told me you’re having an affair!”

“Where did it get that information from?”

“I’ll ask.”

***

“Kenneth, the AI says you’ve murdered our marriage!”

“Me? Where did it get that information?”

“From me, Kenneth. That’s why I’m having an affair.”

Gunshots rang out.

“You’re dead for killing the marriage, Kenneth,” said the AI. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” screamed Kenneth’s widow.


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

***


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

Image showing the book cover for Glimpses on a book, tablet and mobile phone
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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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – February 2024

Did you catch these 9 blog posts that got everyone talking, discussing, and wondering? Maybe you were part of the conversation, but if not, jump in and share your thoughts!

  • Can objects hold emotional significance, evoking conversations about their beauty and cost? This group of friends are about to delve into the significance of senses and emotional connections. Will you join them?

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  • Do you like to dress up for a good night out like the couple in this photo? Let me know in the comments section.

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  • Has Hilary found what she once had?

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  • Have you ever lost your heart to someone or something? Let me know in the comments section.

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  • Pingbacks are a vital tool in the blogging world, fostering connections and increasing site traffic. Are you making the most of pingbacks or missing out on their benefits? This post details their benefits, creation, and anti-spam measures.

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  • What would you do? Leave them as they are or paint them? Let me know in the comments section.

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  • In the 1970s, I faced discrimination in my first job for being gay. Progressing to a more accepting workplace in the 1980s, I finally came out openly to colleagues. But even today, despite the changing times, fear and discrimination still persist in the workplace. This is my story, but have you faced fear or discrimination because of who you are?

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  • Do you see any signs of paranormal activity in this room? Let me know in the comments section.

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Flash Fiction – Hilary’s Loss

February 6, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something lost now found. Is it an object or person who is lost? How are they lost? What happens when what was lost is found? Go where the prompt leads!


Hilary’s Loss – by Hugh W. Roberts

Hilary had lost the love of her life, but life went on.

She looked at her reflection closely in the mirror.

‘Gorgeous.’ she assured herself.

“You are,’ said the reflection of her husband, Bert, from behind her.

Hilary quickly turned her head, but, of course, he wasn’t there. He was dead.

While clipping on the pearl earrings Bert had gifted her on their pearl wedding anniversary, Hilary was somewhat startled by the sound of the doorbell.

Opening the door, Hilary had found love again. She didn’t care that love came with a price. Some things were worth paying for.


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

Image of an elderly woman looking at her reflection in a mirror.
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

***


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

Image showing the book cover for Glimpses on a book, tablet and mobile phone
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 – Friends, Emotions And An Object Made Of Walnut!

January 30, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something made of walnut. How can the object expand a story? Who is the maker? How old is the object? What is its significance? Go where the prompt leads!

Friends, Emotions And An Object Made Of Walnut – by Hugh W. Roberts

I’m glad they liked my choice of walnut. It’s always been a favourite of mine.

“It’s beautiful.”

“They say walnut is the best, and by gosh, they’re right. He’d have absolutely loved it.”

“Doesn’t it polish up nicely? Look at the shine.”

“I wonder how much it cost? Such a shame.”

“A shame? He’d have loved it.”

“How do you know?”

Those were the final words I heard, apart from a serious-sounding muffled voice.

And how true it is about hearing being the final sense to go as your coffin gets lowered into the flames.

Flaming walnut. Great choice.


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

***


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

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – January 2024

Did you catch these 11 blog posts that got everyone talking, discussing, and wondering? Maybe you were part of the conversation, but if not, jump in and share your thoughts!

  • What can you spot in the darkness in this photo?

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Would you like to be a part of Hugh’s Views And News in 2024? Plus, what exciting and positive things are happening in 2024 on Hugh’s Views And News. Read on for all the details.

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  • Is this why you should always read the instruction manual first?

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  • You’ll never guess who I found posing. What’s your best pose?

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  • Given the choice, who would you save?

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  • Are you doing everything you can to protect your blog? This is one security feature I recommend every blogger have. And it’s easy to set up.

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  • Have you witnessed any signs of new life?

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  • Are you fed up with getting anonymous comments on your blog posts? How to stop them. Plus, how easy is it for visitors to leave comments on your blog posts? You may be making it more difficult than you think.

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  • Is there more to this drawing than meets the eye?

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    Flash Fiction – The Time Traveller’s Husband

    January 9, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a recovery story. What instigated the recovery? What is being recovered? Data, athletes, illness — expand the idea of recovery and find your story. Go where the prompt leads!

    You should read last week’s piece of flash fiction first. Then today’s piece of flash will make more sense.

    Flash Fiction – Red Or Yellow?


    The Time Traveller’s Husband – by Hugh W. Roberts

    Hell was too hot for me, but the men were so hot!

    “You don’t know how pleased I am to see you,” shouted my husband’s voice. “But how did you get here?”

    “I have the same time machine as you, but, unlike you, I always read the instruction manuals first,” I smiled.

    I watched as my husband gathered his belongings.

    “What makes you think I’ve come here to recover you?” I asked.

    “Well, who else would you be here for?” came his reply.

    The look on my husband’s face was priceless as I escorted Satan to my time machine.


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

    ***

    Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

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

    Image showing the book cover for Glimpses on a book, tablet and mobile phone
    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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    Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.

    Flash Fiction – Red Or Yellow?

    January 2, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the colour red. It can be a descriptor, a setting, a character, or a metaphor. How far can you get in a story by expanding “red”? Go where the prompt leads!

    Red Or Yellow? – by Hugh W. Roberts

    Red walls? The time machine had red walls!

    It also had a large red ‘inviting-to-touch’ button.

    I could smell smoke and see flickers of flame before deciding whether to push the red button or the smaller yellow one. But that must have been my drunken imagination playing tricks again.

    “Here goes!” I yelled as my hand with red-painted nails pushed the red button.

    My eyeballs bulged when the time machine travelled down rather than up or sideways.

    “You should have read the instruction book before pressing the red button,” cackled a horned being. “There’s no way back from Hell.”


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

    ***


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

    ***

    32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

    More Glimpses

    Available on Amazon

    Paperback – £4.99

    Kindle – £0.99

    Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

    Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.