99-Word Fiction | But I Smile Anyway...

July 25: Flash Fiction Challenge – For One Day

26 Jul 2019 32 Comments

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

Charli’s Carrot Ranch Fiction challenge this week:

July 25, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes the phrase “for one day.” The words single out a special occurrence. What is the emotion and vibe, where does it take place and why? Go where the prompt leads!

The Ugly Duckling Bites Back
I’ve spent my life in her shadow; the beautiful sister, tall, willowy, popular. 
And me, well, I’m just me. Plain, average in every way, and described as ‘nice’.
But not today.
Today is my day.
I was the one who managed to find a lovely lad.
I was the one proposed to at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
I am the one looking at my reflection in the mirror today, unable to recognise the princess that stands here in my place.
I am the bride walking down the aisle.
For one day, all eyes will be on me.

July 25: Flash Fiction Challenge

July 11: Flash Fiction Challenge – Koala’s Kingdom

12 Jul 2019 31 Comments

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

Charli’s Carrot Ranch 99-word Fiction Challenge

July 11, 2019, prompt: “My kingdom for a koala!” In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a koala in a kingdom. You can create a character out of Norah’s koala and give it a Vermont adventure. Or you can make up a story however you want! Can you pull off a BOTS (based on a true story)? Go where the prompt leads!

Koala’s Kingdom
A parcel had arrived, covered with Australian postmarks.
‘Oh, how thoughtful,’ Ritu smiled at the generosity of her cousins.
The baby was only a few weeks old, and a package rammed full of gifts for her and her son had been sent to her.
Books, clothes, little fur boots, and a tiny koala for baby to snuggle with.
Soon his cot became crowded with soft toys, so Ritu had to move them.
A small hammock was constructed where the myriad toys sat, with Koala right at the front.
He was totally happy, high up, able to survey his kingdom.

Based on a true story. When Lil Man was born, we did indeed receive a little stuffed Koala toy!

July 11: Flash Fiction Challenge

July 4: Flash Fiction Challenge – Poor Old Michael Finnegan

05 Jul 2019 28 Comments

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

Charli’s Carrot Ranch prompt this week:

July 4, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using your choice of microhistory from Keweenaw National Historic Park. Be historical, funny, or flagrantly fictional. Choose a character, time, place, or event. Be as creative as you want in telling the story (for those doing serials, how can you meld this into your own storyline?). Go where the prompt leads!

The Tale of Michael Finnegan
“There was an old man named Michael Finnegan
He grew whiskers on his chinnegan
Along came the wind and blew them inegan
Poor old Michael Finnegan, beginegan!”

The strains of the rhyme reached Michael’s ears, and he smiled, rubbing his hairless chin.
It had been no secret that he’d never been able to grow a beard.
At first, it frustrated him. No one took him seriously.
This fresh-faced whippersnapper, arriving from Ireland, wanting to do business.
And the kids made up this silly rhyme that used to annoy him.
Not now.
Beard or no beard, he’d made his fortune!

Read about the real Michael Finnegan here.

I used to sing that rhyme as a child so much! Have you heard it before?

July 4: Flash Fiction Challenge

June 27: Flash Fiction Challenge – Paint

28 Jun 2019 28 Comments

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

Charli’s prompt this week:

June 27, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that involves paint. It can be fresh, peeling or in need of a coat. What is being painted and why? Go where the prompt leads!

Painting Passion
“Mrs Smith, you can come and sit over here.”
I put my book into my bag and sat at the chair indicated by the technician.
“What are we doing today, Mrs Smith?” She smiled at me, awaiting my answer.
“I’d like my nails painted please, Jemima.”
I chose my colour, a deep red, always my favourite.
Red, the colour of passion
Apt for our date night.
It had been a long time since we’d been out together, as a couple.
Usually, it was all about the children, but tonight was for us.
Time needed, to keep the romance alive.

June 27: Flash Fiction Challenge

May 23: Flash Fiction Challenge – Ice

24 May 2019 37 Comments

by Ritu in #CarrotRanch Tags: 99-Word Fiction, Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Carrot Ranch, Flash Fiction, Ice, On The Rocks

Charli’s 99-word Carrot Ranch fiction prompt:

May 23, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story without ice. It can be a world without ice or a summer camp that runs out of cubes for lemonade. What does the lack mean to the story? Go where the prompt leads!

On The Rocks… Or Not?

“Hey, Sam, get me a scotch. On the rocks. Actually, make it a double.” James loosened his tie.
Some day it had been.
Markets were rocky with this whole Brexit fiasco, and then that Theresa May announced her departure from being the Prime Minister… Things went haywire.
What with client calls, deals falling through, share prices dropping, he deserved a stiff drink, diluted only by that melting ice…
“Sorry, Boss, we’ve run out of ice. The machine’s on the blink. Typical on a hot day like this.”
James sighed. Guess it was a day that warranted a neat shot.