The impossibility of making space

Space on my bookshelves, that is; so much so that I was almost relieved when five of the twenty-seven books I’ve read this year are destined for the charity shop;.

Near-impossible also, to choose a single  ‘winner’ this week. I’m tempted to name Patricia’s ‘Avant-Couriers’ as persuasion to take this further, and there’s three or more jostling for position, but  in the end it came down to Dave T.’s ‘Strange Voodoo and Jim Deegan’s ‘Tomorrow?’. And I simply could not choose between them. Thank you all for taking part and commenting.

Words for next week: gig plough wit

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday, 28th February words and winners posted Friday March 1st

Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social media you prefer.

Hearts flowering scarlet here, no doubt.

But what a flowering of talent this week - every one a winner - and so difficult to choose: John’s trip to Kursaal, Terrie’s hammer-hoisting Atlas,  Jim’s avenging father, Zaiure’s released claws, Patricia’s moody purples and silkscreen T shirt, Antonia’s empty shelves and, finally, Rosie’s cliffhanger ending.. To say nothing of the serials and Dave W’s too late to qualify but good to read.  

In the end, and by the merest wolfish whisker, I chose Zaiure’s ‘After the bath’, and thank you all for the enjoyment.

Words for next week: facsimile knit roll

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday February 21st, words and winners posted Friday 22nd

Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social media you prefer.

From subtle to bright

This week I’ve been struggling with colour, trying – and failing – to get the printed actuality to match the subtlety of greenish-grey I intended. Yesterday I decided to drop subtlety and and spent  several enjoyable hours playing with primary shades. Fingers crossed they’ll come out as intended.

And somehow, although on re-reading there’s no actual mention, Dave W’s ‘Fixed’ put colours in my mind with sufficient strength for me to declare him this week’s winner.

And yet again, I thank you for your contributions, all of which enable me to visit several shades of brightness.

Words for next week: caramel Degas seize

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday February14th, words and winners posted Friday 15th

Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social media you prefer.

Achingly beautiful, near-singing dawns

Is what we’ve had several of this week, sliver of a waning moon west of Venus. But oh so cold, and this morning awakening to a dusting of snow.

There’s been some achingly beautiful, achingly painful and achingly good writing this week too, much appreciated as I’ve been busier than usual  on other projects.  

My choice of winner is Terrie, but I confess I cannot choose between episodes 42 or 43 of her ‘The Secret Armadillo Soldier (SAS) Diaries’ - unfailingly pleasurable and stimulating.

Words for next week: flex peter ravage

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday February 7th, words and winners posted Friday 8th

Usual rules: 100 words maximum (excluding title) of flash fiction or poetry using all of the three words above in the genres of horror, fantasy, science fiction or noir. Serialised fiction is, as always, welcome. All variants and uses of the words and stems are fine. Feel free to post links to your stories on Twitter or Facebook or whichever social media you prefer.