Writing Prompts – Hugh's Views & News

No More Heroes #flashfiction

Published on April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 by Hugh W. Roberts26 Comments

April 8, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that “rethinks the hero.” Define the hero, comparing or contrasting to the classic definition. Break the mold. What happens to the hero in the cave? Is it epic or everyday? Is there resistance or acceptance? Go where the prompt leads!

No More Heroes – by Hugh W. Roberts

As she ascended the scaffold, an image of her husband stood before her. His cloak, scruffy beard and stocky build still made him the hero she deeply loved.

Kneeling before him, she looked up.

Praising him, she told those around her that he was a gentle and sovereign lord.

Bowing her head, she waited for his forgiveness.

As the executioner struck Anne Boleyn’s head off with a single swing of his sword, Henry made his way to the woman he would marry a few days later. She’d become his hero, but not until she delivered him a male heir.

***

#flashfiction #fiction #writing — Image credit: Charli Mills

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

A Night To Remember #flashfiction

Published on April 5, 2021April 8, 2021 by Hugh W. Roberts47 Comments

April 1 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a swift passage. You can take inspiration from any source. Who is going where and why. What makes it swift? Go where the prompt leads!

A Night To Remember – by Hugh W. Roberts

Like they’d been told when booking their tickets, this would be a swift journey. But for some, the swiftness would become a little longer.

The bright light came from nowhere. It was only the reflection of moonlight that brought it to the attention of some of the passengers.

Its swift passage from its home would only bring death and destruction.

Like a giant sculpture in the middle of the ocean, the iceberg towered above everything. Thirty-nine-year-old *Mr Hugh Roscoe Rood joined just over fifteen hundred others on their swift passage from the Titanic to the next world.

Bon voyage.

***

*Mr Hugh Roscoe Rood was an actual passenger abroad the Titanic.

The RMS Titanic sank in the early morning hours of 15 April 1912 in the North Atlantic Ocean, four days into her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

The Potato Thief #flashfiction

Published on March 8, 2021March 25, 2021 by Hugh W. Roberts52 Comments

March 4, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes sweet potatoes. It can be part of a recipe, meal, or used as a nickname. Where do sweet potatoes take you? The grocery store? The garden? Mars? Go where the prompt leads!

The Potato Thief – by Hugh W. Roberts

He should never have stolen my home-grown, sweet potatoes.

He may have been an enthusiastic, good-looking man, but just because I gave him some, he had no right coming back in the dead of night to help himself to me and more potatoes.

Furious, I ended up hitting him over the head with the shovel and burying his body under the sweet potato patch. Boy, did it make them taste even sweeter; until the day forensics arrived and dug up the patch.

Still, at least I get to make sweet potato mash for all the boys here in prison.

***

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

New Home #flashfiction

Published on March 1, 2021March 25, 2021 by Hugh W. Roberts31 Comments

February 25 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the word frozen. It can be descriptive, character focused, action driven. Go out onto the ice and find a frozen story. Go where the prompt leads!

New Home – by Hugh W. Roberts

The frozen wastes of space were no place anymore for the light pink sphere.

It had travelled for thousands of years, but the icy blue planet ahead looked the only hope it had of survival.

The glowing rays of a young star rising in the east sent the alien into a potential thaw and deep sleep on this new world.

Millions of years later, it awoke to find new owners’ of the planet had built a city on top of where it had rested.

“Welcome to Wuhan’, it recorded, as it began the fightback to reclaim its new home.

***

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

Look Before You Leap #flashfiction

Published on February 8, 2021February 9, 2021 by Hugh W. Roberts51 Comments

February 4, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that features a substitution. How might a character or situation be impacted by a stand-in? Bonus points for fairy tale elements. Go where the prompt leads.

Look Before You Leap – by Hugh W. Roberts

For hundreds of years, all had been well in the Kingdom of Princess Glitter Reins. Until the morning of her 42nd birthday.

“Do-be-do-do-do,” she sang while looking in the bathroom mirror.

“I’m so happy, happy, happy, and gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous,” she told her reflection. “Nothing can go wrong today,” she purred while grabbing a can of deodorant and spaying under both arms.

“Ohhhhh, that feels peculiar, but smells familiar.”

Turning the can around, the princess’s reflection looked horrified as the words ‘Hair lacquer’ met her eyes. Who the heck had substituted her deodorant for a can of hair lacquer?

***

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

Mirror Of Hope #flashfiction

Published on January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 by Hugh W. Roberts46 Comments

January 14, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about dressing up. It can be a child or another character. Be playful or go where the prompt leads!

Mirror Of Hope – by Hugh W. Roberts

Despite the bruises, Andrew admired himself in the mirror. A princess looked back at him.

“Don’t forget your shoes.”

The red high heeled shoes, although too big, complemented his mother’s burgundy dress he had on.

“You’re pretty,” remarked the princess.

The faint noise of his father’s car’s unexpected arrival caused panic in Andrew and the princess.

“Hide behind me,” yelled the princess, “before he beats you again.”

Crouching behind the mirror, he tried making himself invisible.

As the smell of alcohol and the unbuckling of his father’s belt reached him, tears made their escape down the young boy’s face.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

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Gold Dust #flashfiction

He’d been promised gold, but all he found was a dusty trail. But where did it lead?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 5, 2020October 5, 2020

Avocado On Toast #flashfiction

What signal will you give when you’re ready to go?

by Hugh W. Roberts November 16, 2020November 16, 2020

Safe New World #flashfiction

Why you should think twice before picking up those pretty stones with messages written on them.

by Hugh W. Roberts January 12, 2021January 12, 2021

Safe New World #flashfiction

Published on January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 by Hugh W. Roberts37 Comments

January 7, 2021 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the contrasting prompts butterfly and stones. The two can be used in any way in your story. Go where the prompt leads!

Safe New World – by Hugh W. Roberts

“Look at all these small, round stones, Alan. Is that some writing on them? It looks like some foreign language. And aren’t the rainbow colours on all of them stunning? It’s like they’ve been hand-painted.”

“Hand-painted by who or what?” asked Alan as he picked up a stone.

They both gasped with astonishment as a rainbow-coloured butterfly fluttered up from under the stone.

“Are there more of them under the other stones?”

“Only one way to find out.”

Within minutes of the last overturned stone releasing its prey, all human life ceased to exist on the safe, new world.

Image of a butterfly on top of a pile of stones — Image credit: Charli Mills

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

Did you enjoy reading this post? Then you may also like –

Gold Dust #flashfiction

He’d been promised gold, but all he found was a dusty trail. But where did it lead?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 5, 2020October 5, 2020

Avocado On Toast #flashfiction

What signal will you give when you’re ready to go?

by Hugh W. Roberts November 16, 2020November 16, 2020

An Advent Tradition #flashfiction

What family, festive traditions do you and your neighbours carry out every year?

by Hugh W. Roberts December 7, 2020December 7, 2020

Final Score #flashfiction

Published on December 14, 2020December 14, 2020 by Hugh W. Roberts25 Comments

December 10, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something a character never dreamed would happen. The situation can be fortuitous, funny, or disappointing. Go where the prompt leads!

Final Score – by Hugh W. Roberts

Living his life in the closet, Alan never wanted his father finding out he was gay.

He loathed going to watch football every Saturday afternoon with his father. But he never showed how disappointed he was with the season ticket his father gifted him every Christmas.

But on the Saturday after his father’s death, Alan carried on with the tradition.

“Hello. I’m Tim,” came a voice from behind. “Where’s your father today?”

Alan never dreamt that a season ticket would be the key to meeting the love of his life and no longer living his life as a lie.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

Did you enjoy reading this post? Then you may also like –

Gold Dust #flashfiction

He’d been promised gold, but all he found was a dusty trail. But where did it lead?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 5, 2020October 5, 2020

Avocado On Toast #flashfiction

What signal will you give when you’re ready to go?

by Hugh W. Roberts November 16, 2020November 16, 2020

An Advent Tradition #flashfiction

What family, festive traditions do you and your neighbours carry out every year?

by Hugh W. Roberts December 7, 2020December 7, 2020

An Advent Tradition #flashfiction

Published on December 7, 2020December 7, 2020 by Hugh W. Roberts64 Comments

December 3, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes family traditions. It can be related to any holiday or situation. How does the tradition impact the story or change the character? Go where the prompt leads!

An Advent Tradition – by Hugh W. Roberts

Not only have the new family in your area won the Christmas lights competition, but they’ve become known as the kindest and friendliest people in your district.

Next time you’re out walking, don’t look through their dining room window and watch them carrying out the tradition of raising a glass or two of red wine.

What you don’t realise is that the dark red liquid is that of one of your neighbours.

Unless you’re a vampire, you won’t know about this Advent tradition that has been going for over 666 years.

I’m dreaming of a red Christmas. Are you?

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

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Gold Dust #flashfiction

He’d been promised gold, but all he found was a dusty trail. But where did it lead?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 5, 2020October 5, 2020

Vacuuming #flashfiction

Can you help Herbert by answering his questions?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 20, 2020October 20, 2020

Avocado On Toast #flashfiction

What signal will you give when you’re ready to go?

by Hugh W. Roberts November 16, 2020November 16, 2020

Avocado On Toast #flashfiction

Published on November 16, 2020November 16, 2020 by Hugh W. Roberts43 Comments

November 12 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes avocado toast. How can this be a story or a prop to a story? Use your senses and imagination. Go where the prompt leads!

Avocado On Toast – by Hugh W. Roberts

I always met Carl at this restaurant. But this foggy Thursday evening was much different.

The waiter looked at me peculiarly when I ordered two portions of avocado on toast.

A sudden burst of cold air crossed the table as he placed two plates of green coloured toast in front of me.

I couldn’t thank him. I couldn’t move, yet my ears picked up the sound of Carl’s voice cutting through the foggy night.

“Good. You’re ready. I’ve been waiting for your signal. I told you I’d come to get you when you ordered avocado on toast for us.”

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

Did you enjoy reading this post? Then you may also like –

Gold Dust #flashfiction

He’d been promised gold, but all he found was a dusty trail. But where did it lead?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 5, 2020October 5, 2020

Vacuuming #flashfiction

Can you help Herbert by answering his questions?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 20, 2020October 20, 2020

Lifesavers #flashfiction

Is it only humans that save lives?

by Hugh W. Roberts November 2, 2020November 2, 2020

This post is dedicated to my father, Emrys Roberts, who sadly passed away on October 22nd 2020. Rest in peace, Dad.

Lifesavers #flashfiction

Published on November 2, 2020November 2, 2020 by Hugh W. Roberts47 Comments

October 30, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about life savers on any body of water. It can be a formal Coast Guard, historical or contemporary. It could be an individual who unexpectedly takes on the role. Go where the prompt leads!

Lifesavers – by Hugh W. Roberts

Cindy-Rose already knew that she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her father and save lives at sea.

“I’ve just saved Teddy and Giraffe from going underwater, Daddy.”

“I know, I saw you save them from falling into that big, strange puddle left by last night’s, weird storm,” responded her father.

“Thank you for saving our lives,” whispered Teddy into the ear of its owner. “Giraffe and I will always save you.”

Smiling, Cindy hugged her toys and counted down from her age of four before jumping into the puddle.

Only her yellow wellington boots and rainhat resurfaced.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch. Click here to join in.

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Musophobia #flashfiction

How did all those mice end up on a beach in North Cornwall?

by Hugh W. Roberts September 22, 2020September 22, 2020

Gold Dust #flashfiction

He’d been promised gold, but all he found was a dusty trail. But where did it lead?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 5, 2020October 5, 2020

Vacuuming #flashfiction

Can you help Herbert by answering his questions?

by Hugh W. Roberts October 20, 2020October 20, 2020

Vacuuming #flashfiction

Published on October 20, 2020October 20, 2020 by Hugh W. Roberts37 Comments

October 15, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about chores. It doesn’t have to be a western ranch chore; it can be any routine task. Go where the prompt leads!

Vacuuming – by Hugh W. Roberts

Having murdered his chore-loving wife, Herbert did the unthinkable and scattered her ashes throughout the house.

“That’ll teach you,’ Herbert chuckled. “Lived-in. Not a showhouse.”

On getting home from work the following day, the house was spotless. Unbeknown to Herbert, his wife had employed a domestic help to come in once a week.

That night, the sound of hoovering woke Herbert. Yet downstairs, the hoover was unplugged and stored under the stairs.

Questions: Had Herbert’s wife come back to haunt him? Was it time to buy a new vacuum cleaner? Or should he empty the cylinder of his wife?