Feeling the heat

... and a little self-promotion: ‘Step so grave’, the first in my series of ‘love triangles with murder’ has finally been published. Although Vanessa Quintain makes a two-page appearance, John Pettinger doesn’t appear until the third book in the series (a month or so before I finalise that one). lines of communication has more details.

And so, in the temporary cool of 5.30 a.m. I re-read, re-enjoy and, eventually, select a shortlist for last week’s winner, which includes two late entries: John’s ‘What happens in Tasmania stays in Tasmania’, Terrie’s  ‘SAS diaries’ 76 (nary a mention of a ‘dillo, yet I pictured them correctly!) and Gita’s ‘Blood-letter’, which I’m delighted to declare, is my eventual winner.  As ever, the joy of seeing the umpteen uses of three innocent words is never-ending, and I thank you for the posting and the comments.

Words for next week: Moses twelve import

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday 1st August, words posted Friday 2nd

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.

Too many good books, too little time

Others’ good books - there have been a few all-absorbing ones lately, plus, like Holly, I’m final-drafting and preparing for publication. So far more short of time than this week’s seemingly extra-rich entries merit. The one that had the greatest kick-in-the-gut impact on this week’s final re-reading, was Patricia’s ‘Mouthy’, although, as ever, there were several commanding almost equal attention.

And, as ever, I thank you all for your participation, both posting and commenting.

Words for next week: cricket file spindle

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday 25th July, words posted Friday 26th

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.

Peverse?

Last week’s prompt words certainly kicked off a full-on dose of skilfully-evoked and stomach-curdling horror;  culminating, (for me) in Jim’s tongue in lap. 

But in trying to pick a winner I found myself more drawn to the more subtle uses of them, of which Holly’s ‘Glamour’ was a prime example, hinting at things gone possibly wrong which sent my mind soaring to identify. For those qualities,  I declare Holly this week's winner, But, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, the criteria shift every week, so keep the horror coming.

Words for next week: abstract  insult  tongue

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday 18th July, words posted Friday 19th

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.

“Nights are drawing in”

Possibly for the first time since we married (way, way back when)  my husband omitted to refer, on the 22nd June, to the passing of the summer solstice. Not that I’m complaining. No more than I am about the quantity of good writing and the resultant difficulty of choosing a winner.

Terrie, of course, gets a ‘welcome back’ back mention, especially because episode 73 of the SAS diaries so very nearly came top, but after many readings and re-readings of the other four on the shortlist, I finally plumped for Jim’s ‘Job Seeker’ version II. Thank you all for comments and critique – such a valuable part of this place.

Words for next week: crave plaster upwind

Entries by midnight (GMT) Thursday 11th July, words posted Friday 12th

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.