#CarrotRanch | But I Smile Anyway...

August 29: Flash Fiction Challenge – Jailbreak

30 Aug 2019 31 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills

Charli’s Carrot Ranch fiction prompt:

August 29, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about the safebreaker’s daughter. Who is she, what did she do, and where? Go where the prompt leads you!

Jailbreaker

It’s about time I carved a name out for myself. I’m fed up of everyone thinking of him whenever they see me. Mary. That’s my name. Not the Safebreaker’s Daughter. It wasn’t so bad, when things were good. No one could touch him. And we never did without. Then he went and got himself caught. Hand still in the jewellers safe. He’s sitting in jail now, rotting away. I need to do something. Something that will change the way they all talk about me. No more Safebreaker’s Daughter. No, soon, I’ll be known as the Jailbreaker. Dad, I’m coming.

August 29: Flash Fiction Challenge

One Liner Wednesday – #1LinerWeds – Gratitude and Strength

28 Aug 2019 40 Comments

by Ritu in #1linerweds, #CarrotRanch, #onelinerwednesday Tags: #1linerweds, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Gratitude & Strength, One Liner Wednesday

Thank you Lord, for the time I had off – now grant me the strength to get through the next school year!
Ritu the Teacher, 2019

Yup, it’s officially the last day of my holiday… been a busy 4.5 weeks… but I am excited to get back to it! See you on the other side!

For Linda’s #1LinerWeds challenge

August 22: Flash Fiction Challenge – Olde Worlde, New Light

23 Aug 2019 37 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Flash Fiction, Old World

Charli’s Carrot Ranch Prompt this week:

August 22, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about old world charm. It can be nostalgic or irreverent. You can invent an “old world,” return to migrant roots or recall ancient times. Go where the prompt leads you!

Olde World, New Light

Jackie picked up the lantern and held it up against the shop light.

It was exquisite, the intricacy of the cast iron frame, twisted into patterns.

“That would look amazing, hanging outside our front door, wouldn’t it, Dave?” She turned to her husband, who stood impatiently, tapping foot, waiting for her to make a decision so they could leave. He had a beer at home with his name on it.

“It has such an olde worlde charm. Yes,” she smiled as she clasped it to her chest. “This is the one. Let’s go and pay.”

“Thank God,” mumbled Dave.

August 22: Flash Fiction Challenge

August 15: Flash Fiction Challenge

16 Aug 2019 28 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99 Words, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Fiction, Jam

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt today:

August 15, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a sweet jam. It can take you to the kitchen or the smokey room of a back-alley bar. What makes it sweet? Go where the prompt leads you!

Since I’m neck-deep in editing my novel, I thought it would be a good time to introduce you to some of the characters, adapted from the novel, in a situation they find themselves, on a train in India. Meet Aashi, my main character and Arjun, someone who may become quite important to her!

Train Jam

Arjun peeled back the cover of the tray and peered at the contents.

Two cooling pieces of toast lay there, with a pat of white butter and a container containing something that was jelly-like with a luminous pink glow.

“What’s that?” he grimaced.

“I think you’ll find it’s jam.” Aashi couldn’t help but smirk at his expression.

“That’s not like any jam I’ve ever seen before.”

“Well you’re not in England anymore, either. It’s Indian jam, made to cater for the Western travellers. Probably filled with sugar, colouring, sugar, flavouring and a bit more sugar. Just don’t expect strawberries!”

August 15: Flash Fiction Challenge

August 8: Flash Fiction Challenge – The Bad Apple

09 Aug 2019 39 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills, The Bad Apple

Charli’s #CarrotRanch prompt this week:

August 8, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a poisoned apple. Let’s explore dark myth. Deconstruct the original or invent something new. Negotiate the shadows, shed light, but go where the prompt leads you!

The Bad Apple

April bit her blackened lips in frustration. Just how long was mum going to go on and on about her clothes. All she wanted to do, was get out of the house.

She absentmindedly rolled a corner of the rug back and forth with her clumpy boots.

“April! Stop doing that to my rug! Honestly. I don’t know what’s got into you. It’s like those friends of yours have just brainwashed you.”

She rolled a heavily khol-lined eye. The doorbell rang.

“I’m going, mum.” She turned. “And just remember, they say the apple never falls far from the tree.”