Flash Fiction – Page 4 – Hugh's Views & News

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

Published on Feb 29, 2024Feb 29, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

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?

Flash Fiction – Friends, Emotions And An Object Made Of Walnut!

Feedback can be frightening for any author and writer, but it also has the ability to propel your writing to the next level.

The Power of Feedback: A Writer’s Brief Journey Through Editing and Story Chat

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

When Was The Last Time You Dressed Up For A Night Out? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Has Hilary found what she once had?

Flash Fiction – Hilary’s Loss

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

Where And When Did You Last Lose Your Heart? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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.

The Power Of Pingbacks: How To Create One

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

Are These A Sign Of Beauty? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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?

True Stories: Confessions Of A Gay Man – Jobs

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

Have You Ever Photographed A Haunted Room? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Flash Fiction – Hilary’s Loss

Published on Feb 10, 2024Feb 10, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts16 Comments

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

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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

***

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

Flash Fiction – Friends, Emotions And An Object Made Of Walnut!

Published on Feb 4, 2024Feb 4, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts17 Comments

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.

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Image of a piece of walnut wood showing lots of grains. — Image Credit – Charli Mills

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.

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

Published on Feb 1, 2024Feb 1, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

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?

What Can You See In The Dark? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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.

2024: Exciting And Positive Things Happening On Hugh’s Views And News

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

Flash Fiction – Red Or Yellow?

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

Strike A Pose! Who Or What Have You Captured A Pose Of? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Given the choice, who would you save?

Flash Fiction – The Time Traveller’s Husband

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.

Is Your Blog Safe? One Security Feature You Must Have

Do you have anything left over you’d like to offer others?

What’s Leftover In Your Life? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, partners. At some point, we all have one. The problem is, how do we know when we’ve found the right one?

True Stories: Confessions Of A Gay Man – Boyfriends

Have you witnessed any signs of new life?

What Signs Of New Life Have You Spotted Recently? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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.

Are You Getting ‘Anonymous’ Blog Comments? How To Stop Them.

Is there more to this drawing than meets the eye?

Are You Good At Drawing? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Flash Fiction – The Time Traveller’s Husband

Published on Jan 14, 2024Jan 14, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts32 Comments

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.

***

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

***

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

Flash Fiction – Red Or Yellow?

Published on Jan 7, 2024Jan 8, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts39 Comments

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.

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Image of shades of red — Image Credit: Charli Mills

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.

Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – December 2023

Published on Dec 31, 2023Jan 30, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you catch these 6 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!

Do you like this tree as much as I do? Share some photos with me of some of your favourite festive trees.

Have You Seen A Festive Tree As Cool As This? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Performing these 7 jobs on your blog now will bring you and your blog excellent results in the New Year. Plus, are you planning to take a blogging break during December?

December Can Be Quiet In The Blogging World. 7 Essential, Easy Ways to Help Your Blog Through It

What, in your opinion, are the best festive colour combinations? Let me know in the comments section. Share a picture of your favourite festive colour combination.

What Are The Best Festive Colour Combinations? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Poetry is the hardest form of writing for me. Yet, this short Christmas poem is one of the first things I published on my blog. Why have I never written and published more poetry? What do you find the most difficult thing to write?

Footprints In The Snow – A Poem For Christmas

What’s hanging on your Christmas tree or decorating your home for a holiday you celebrate? Let me know in the comments section.

What’s Your Favourite And Oldest Christmas Tree Decorations? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

A Christmas message from me to you.

Merry Christmas: A Christmas And End Of Year Message From Hugh

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – November 2023

Published on Nov 30, 2023Nov 29, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts

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’s your opinion about the object in this photo? Is it a work of art or something that needs to be trashed? Let me know in the comments section. Share a picture of something you consider a work of art that others would trash.

A Work Of Art Or Hideous? What’s Your Opinion On This Object? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

The old, abandoned house was full of life. Come on in and join them.

Flash Fiction – Flakes Of Life

If you use reusable blocks on WordPress, you may be wondering where WordPress has moved them. My post has all the details. Plus, I give my verdict on two new WordPress features you may like to try out.

Have You Discovered These Two New Excellent WordPress Features? And Where Have Reusable Blocks Gone?

There is always somebody, isn’t there? Somebody who knows I’m taking a photo. Can you spot them in this crowd? (Hint – You may need to zoom in to find them).

Can You Spot Who In This Crowd Knew I Was Taking A Photo? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Who would you wait for?

Flash Fiction – Waiting For Who?

Is this photo the right way up? What do you think? Let me know in the comments section. Share a picture of something you consider is baffling.

Have You Ever Taken A Photo While Standing On Your Head? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Were you experiencing this problem when leaving comments on blog posts? A fix is in place. Read on for more details.

Why I’m Delighted WordPress Has Fixed This Annoying Bug

The clue as to where I was when I saw this strange sight is in the photo.

What’s The Strangest Thing You’ve Seen On Thanksgiving Day? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Come aboard the ship that only docks on Black Friday. Will you be tempted by the bargains that await?

Flash Fiction – Black Friday

What’s your experience of dealing with WordPress? Are you experiencing problems with WordPress? Have you reported the problems to them? If not, why not? The 6 best ways to contact WordPress.

Exploring Multiple Avenues: How to Contact WordPress for Support: 6 Best Ways

Too early for November? Or is the time right? Let me know in the comments section. Share a picture of something you consider is too early.

What Kind Of Magic Or Trickery Is This In November? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Flash Fiction – Black Friday

Published on Nov 24, 2023Nov 23, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts30 Comments

November 21, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a ship named the Huntress in 99 words (no more, no less). What type of ship is it? Where does it go, and what does it carry? Who are the characters involved with this ship? What happens? Go where the prompt leads!

Black Friday – by Hugh W. Roberts

Amidst the chaos of Black Friday, a different kind of frenzy unfolded at the bustling harbour.

The “Huntress,” a magnificent ship, emerged as the ultimate deal. Legend whispered of hidden bargains aboard, drawing crowds like magnets.

At midday, eager shoppers transformed into intrepid adventurers, storming the gangplank in pursuit of discounts and the allure of maritime mystery.

The ship creaked and groaned, a vessel caught between commerce and legend.

Black Friday bargains blended with the salty sea breeze, creating unforgettable chapters in retail history as the Huntress sailed into what remained of Black Friday, laden with goods and dreams.

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

Image of a classic ship with large sails sailing in choppy sea waters. — Image Credit: Charli Mills

***

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

***

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

Flash Fiction – Waiting For Who?

Published on Nov 11, 2023Nov 9, 2023 by Hugh W. Roberts27 Comments

November 7, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about waiting. Where does this waiting take place? Does it have a past or a future outcome? Who is waiting and why? Go where the prompt leads!