May 10, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story defining “the charisma of cranes.” For centuries, cranes have inspired art and philosophy. You can write a crane story or create something new out of the phrase. Go where the prompt leads.
The Crane
Meena watched, hypnotised by the sight of Jin Su’s hands, deftly working that piece of paper.
It seemed like mere seconds before that flat sheet of paper, took the form of a magnificent bird, a crane.
“Wow! How did you do that, Jin? Teach me!”
“Sure, grab a piece of paper and we’ll go through it step by step.” Jin Su waved his hand towards a pile of origami paper.
A little while later she stood back, surveying her handiwork.
Not so much charisma of cranes as crane catastrophy!
“I think I’ll leave this folding magic to you, Jin.”
May 3, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) use a line in your story. You can think of the variation of the word meaning, or you can think of visual references. Go where the prompt leads.
Lines
“Here’s ten pence.”
“Sorry, do I know you?”
“Call your mum. Tell her you’re not coming home.”
“What?”
“You must be so tired.”
“Huh?”
“Because you’ve been running through my dreams all night.”
“Just stop.”
“I seem to have lost my phone number. Can I have yours?”
“Seriously?”
“Kiss me if I’m wrong, but dinosaurs still exist, right?”
“Oh God!”
“Can I follow you home? Cause my parents always told me to follow my dreams.”
“You know, if you’d just asked me out, I’d have probably said yes. But after those cheesy pick-up lines, I really don’t think so!”
April 26, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a fish tale. It can be about fishing from any angle, about those who fish, or what might be caught. Go where the prompt leads.
I’m sorry, but a silly take from me this week!
Fish’N’Chips
“Oh, he’s going to be so excited!”
“Fish will finally have his Chips with him!”
Voices filtered through the water, reaching Fish as he swam around in his little tank.
What on earth were they going on about? Why was he going to get excited? Who Chips?
Just then, the water rippled and he came face to face with Chips for the first time.
Great.
“Let me just get this straight,” he said, “this is MY tank, and-“
Chips opened her mouth into a coy O shape and let loose a flirtatious bubble stream…
“-I think I love you!”
April 19, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about forest bathing. You can use the Japanese term, Shinrin Yoku, or you can make up your own ideas about the phrase. Go where the prompt leads.
Peace of Mind
The twigs crackled underfoot.
Leaves rustled in the gentle breeze that blew through the forest.
This was true peace.
Heaven.
Karen had heard about forest bathing, and she was determined to experience a piece of this natural healing.
Strolling along, she could hear the feint trickle of water.
Getting closer to the sound, it appeared to be accompanied by splashes and voices.
As she rounded the corner, Karen came face to face with a group of drunk men, submerged in a pool of water, having a jolly of their own.
Not quite the forest bathing she had been expecting!
April 12, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a bat. You can use an association to the winged, cave-dwelling critter, or you can explore the word for other meanings. Bonus points for including a bat cave. Go where the prompt leads.
Howzat!
Parker readied himself, bat in hand, waiting for the bowler to release the ball.
He was a top spinner, and a fast one at that; tricky to handle, but he’d been practicing.
Here it came… Parker lifted his bat and slogged it!
It flew over the heads of the fielders, sailing over the boundary.
“Howat!”
Parker started to celebrate his first ever sixer, when it landed, with a crash, through the window of the newly refurbished club bar, aptly named The Bat Cave.
Celebration turned to commiseration – he’d have to pay for that.
So much for this month’s bonus.
And, as His Geoffleship and some others know, my son is an avid cricketer, with a superb left-hand Chinaman spin bowl so I am told… So this is for him!
Oh, and do I get the Bat Cave bonus points? We live in one too… see… check my welcome mat out!
But I Smile Anyway... 