February 7, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a sign. It can be a posted sign, a universal sign, a wonder. Go where the prompt leads.
Here goes.
Why Did I Get Up?
Why Did I Get Up? Nina dragged herself to sitting position. Why did the alarm have to go off? She swung her feet out of bed and one landed on a squidgy mess. Great. The cat had been eating silly things, and deposited his sick at her bedside. The shower was no better. Her flatmate had used up all the hot water. Even her morning coffee was blighted with the fact there was no milk left. After three hours of sitting on a bus, trying to reach her workplace, Nina gave up. All signs that she should just have stayed in bed this morning.
December 13, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about Cora Kingston. You can answer any of the questions history obscures or completely make up a Cora Kingston story. Go where the prompt (and the name) leads you.
Cora’s Love
Cora wept as she carefully reread the card in one of her hands. Tears blurred her vision but the words were etched on her eyeballs. “You are cordially invited to the union John Yendow and Cora Kingston…” The proofs of their wedding invitations had arrived earlier that week, but so caught up was she in her grief, she hadn’t looked at the mail. Instead of stepping into the church as a blushing bride-to-be, she had entered it to bid farewell to her one true love. In the other had she held today’s order of service. “In loving memory of…”
December 6, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about graffiti. It can be an artist, art or the medium itself. Get out your can of spray paint and go where the prompt leads you.
Pure Art
Stepping back, he looked up to admire his work. He inhaled the spray paint, fresh on the wall. A huge mural filled with colour. It had taken him the best part of six hours, what with dodging oncoming traffic. His tag proudly displayed at the bottom. Sure, the wall wasn’t his property, and there was a slight chance that if he got caught, he’d end up at the police station again… He pulled his hat down firmly and wrapped his scarf over his mouth, rendering himself unrecognisable. Some might call it graffiti, but to him, it was pure art.
November 29, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story using the phrase “into the dark.” What must a character face? Write about an encounter, journey, relationship, or quest. Follow the ship’s lights on gloomy seas. Go where the prompt leads you.
Into The Dark
Swaying slightly, she stumbled out into the dark. It took Penny a few moments for her eyes to adjust to the dim light. The door had slammed shut behind her. Why had she decided to have that last drink? She knew alcohol and her didn’t mix, yet all it took was the encouragement of a few mates, and she was knocking them back. And with each drink, came confidence. She danced, and smiled, and flirted. But he took it too far. The pushing to the toilets. The clawing hands. She shoved him and ran, fleeing via the fire exit.
November 15, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that uses scraps. It can be scraps of dried flowers, paper, metal, fabric, food — any kind of scraps you can think of. Then write a story about those scraps and why they matter or what they make. Go where the prompt leads you.
Life Scraps
Brenda hobbled backwards and admired her handiwork.
It had taken a long time. A lifetime.
Gazing at the large quilt, pieced together lovingly, she wiped a tear that had settled on her cheek.
Each and every scrap of material used showed another step taken in their life.
She gently fingered the white satin patch at the top, sewn next to a rough, black patch.
Their wedding outfits.
Scraps from old curtains, sheets, special clothes, even a tartan square from Reg the dog’s old blanket.
Wrapping it around her, she knew he was still close by, always in her heart.
But I Smile Anyway... 