#amateur-writer — Public Fediverse posts

Traffic, Smiles & Other Oddities

Today I took the long road home.
Not the shortest or the quickest or the most efficient route,
But one that wound around the city and took me to places I hadn’t been before.

Snaking through tiny lanes,
Scurrying into dark bylanes,
Trying to find a way back home through paths unknown.
After all, don’t they say all roads lead to Rome?

I took the time to just cruise around,
Smiling at motorists who whizzed past me.
They were puzzled and irritated by my lazy calm.
Why wasn’t I in a tearing hurry?

Each driver was a bully and a victim in turn,
Unpleasant, and ready with curses and blows
How dare I display leisure during peak traffic hours,
When tempers were high, and patience ran low?

Two kids, perhaps in their late teens,
Shook their fists and called me a pest,
With furrowed brows and angsty scenes,
They spewed some words that weren’t their best.

But I drove along as casually as I could
Unbothered by those who blocked my way,
For each scowl I received, I sent back a smile,
And the occasional wink and a friendly wave.

Some looked confused, some taken aback,
What business had I to look so happy and gay? 
But a few smiled back, reluctant at first,
Not used to having kindness sent their way.

One man relaxed, sat back in his seat,
Cranked up the music, tapped to the beats.
Another woman shouted, “It’s nice to see,
A happy face on these mean streets.”

I continued, undisturbed, unruffled,
Enjoying the breeze that broke through the sultry haze
Humming to myself an old, forgotten tune
A throwback from my childhood days.

Today, I took the long road home,
Slow, winding, and joyfully stray.
I left a few smiles in my wake.
And that was well worth the delay.

Second Life

I left a flower in my book
I closed its pages, walked away.
I thought I would come back
And recover it another day.

It waited patiently for me.
But time is long when you are alone.
So off it went on a lively little spree,
A journey into the unknown.

It wandered through plots and schemes,
chatting with heroes and laughing with knaves,
And belles and beauties and fair maidens,
And rascals, and scoundrels and jackanapes.

He shared their losses and their triumphs,
their victories and in-betweens.
Line by line, it wove itself
into the fabric of their dreams.

One day, perchance, I picked up the book,
and turned the pages idly,
When something faint, a bit familiar
looked back at me, unexpectedly.

The petals were flat, as thin as the page,
Its form now soft, subdued, unsure.
I traced the outline with my hand,
as if the book had claimed it for sure.

The flower I’d left was gone for good,
no longer the thing it used to be.
It had blended into story and page,
and blossomed again as a memory.

In the final episode for season one, 'Taking Control', is the story of Sophia, a writer and a resident of an upmarket apartment building in the inner city. Irreparably damaged from a broken relationship, she lives in fear of being hurt again, until she reaches her tipping point. This is both a story of loss and hope.

Thank you to those who have supported the podcast; loyal listeners, subscribers and well wishers who have reached out through my socials to offer words of encouragement.

Search 'Flash Fiction in Five' wherever you get your podcasts.

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/24WYNnuTuxFAfGodp5ynT7?si=f522cf2bedb94edb

Apple Podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flash-fiction-in-five-complete-captivating-and/id1669981307.

#podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #fiction #flashfictioninfive #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #audiofiction #fictionpodcast #tinytales #audiodrama #flashfictioninfive

NEW FLASH FICTION: Out today is my latest piece titled 'Discretion and Valour'. Malcolm, a quiet and unassuming valet at the Riviera Grand Hotel becomes an unwilling participant in a most gruesome and grizzly discovery.

I've very much enjoying this latest series and I hope you are too. Head over to the blog and read this latest instalment.

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/07/02/discretion-and-valour/

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #geelongcreatives

Some saucy Sunday reading! 🔥

In 'The Concierge' , we meet Frederick. He is debonair and oozes sophistication, ensuring that his guests at the Riviera Grand Hotel and all of their needs are well taken care of. Sparks fly when Kimberley, a sultry and alluring actress checks in.

Read this and some of my other flash fiction on my blog.

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/06/17/riviera-grand-the-concierge/

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #audiofiction #fictionpodcast #tinytale

ICYMI: An excerpt for my latest story released today, titled 'The thin blue line'

He tried in vain to wrestle free from the restraints as he came to. The ropes were bound tightly around his wrist and ankles, as life slowly ebbed from his battered and bruised body. Repeated blows came from the darkness with such brute force, hammering him from every angle, as he howled out in agony, pleading with them to stop.

Read or listen by clicking on the links below.

Blog: https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/06/06/the-thin-blue-line/

Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4CkHLBGVYEmZzgGqExBfQX?si=TWj7tWmfTFeclMzbW5Houw

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #darkfiction #thriller #suspense #aiart #aiartwork

New flash fiction out today.

In today's story titled 'In Country', a soldier is lost in the jungle desperate to escape the war and return to his wife, willing himself and battling not only the elements, but his enemies hiding in the shadows. Will the war claim another victim or will he see his beloved wife again?

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/06/03/in-country/

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #murdermystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #darkfiction #thriller #suspense

In today's flash fiction, 'Jumping at Shadows' we meet Frank. After meeting the love of his life in a seemingly chance encounter, he makes a horrific discovery, spends a decade living in the shadows and running from his demons. But the past always has a way of rearing its ugly head.

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/30/jumping-at-shadows/

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #thriller #suspense

Ever feel like you're writing into the void? Hours of toil that you post to a blog with no engagement?

Keen to link in with bloggers who write fiction. Looking to build some connections with fellow flash fiction/short story/fiction bloggers to share and review work or works in progress.

Let's connect!!

#blog #blogger #writing #writingcommunity #amwriting #flashfiction #shortstory #fiction #amateurwriter #writer

Lots of coffee, a good book and very few plans for the weekend. Had a super busy week writing for my blog, interviewing and recording for the podcast. Oh, and doing that thing I actually get paid for!!

Definitely need a recharge.

If you're after some weekend reading, check out today's story over on my blog

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/26/the-dreamscape/

Have a great Saturday everyone!

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #thriller #suspense

NEW STORY AND PODCAST OUT TODAY!!!

'Done Deal', my latest flash fiction story is out today. Read it on my blog or search 'Flash Fiction in Five' wherever you get your podcasts.

Blog: https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/20/done-deal/

Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Llw4MRczJEGaum3dcR78i?si=qTN0gdHNSpaGTPPZPnZdyA

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #thriller #suspense

NEW BLOG AND PODCAST: In today's dark flash fiction titled 'The Battle Within', a visceral and confronting tale of a man who exists on the fringes of society, plagued by the torment in his mind.

Click on the link or search 'Flash Fiction in Five' wherever you get your podcasts.

Link to the blog below.

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ME9bOHKvg7G0IdnCU7OUP?si=h6ZDCUXvQK-QutjcHWN0lg

Blog:
https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/16/the-battle-within/

#flashfiction #writer #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #podcaster #audiofiction #murdermystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #darkfiction #thriller #suspense

ICYMI: A sneak peak at my latest short story titled 'Trapped'. This is the last in the 6 part 'New Beginnings' series that I've been working on over the past few weeks. It is my first full short story, just shy of 7,000 words, which I am very happy with.

Head over to my blog and have a read or listen to the podcast.

Blog:
https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/13/new-beginnings-trapped/

Podcast:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1v9gRMyoprWOX5Fc7bUgff?si=taagPAyBRt-gxQyXaNy4SA

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #murdermystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #storyteller #story

In the final dramatic episode in the 'New Beginnings' collection 'Trapped' (Listen to Episodes 28 to 32), Lee's children, Billie and Jack go on what appears to be an innocent adventure to the Callister house to explore an old abandoned building. What they don't expect, is to be confronted by the very man who has been stalking the family since their arrival in Malandra. Is there any truth to the innuendo that surrounds Gary and his dark past and are the boys in danger of never seeing their family again?

While you're there, catch up on the earlier episodes of the 'New Beginnings' series and listen to some of my other podcasts.

Click on the link or search 'Flash Fiction in Five' wherever you get your podcasts. Or read it on the blog.

Podcast:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/tony-zerafa-flashfiction/episodes/Ep-33-New-Beginnings-Trapped-e24094o

Blog:
https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/13/new-beginnings-trapped/

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #murdermystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #storyteller #story

Hey there. I'm an Australian flash fiction author and indie podcast producer. I've been working on a novella which I'd like to share.

In the fifth instalment of the 'New Beginnings' series titled 'A mother's love' Lee's worst nightmare has come to fruition and the move to Malandra has thrown her life into chaos. She is hanging on by a thread as she contemplates the worst thing that a parent could imagine. Mick, the local constable goes on the hunt for the children, fearful of what he may find out.

While you're there, read the rest of the 'New Beginnings' series and browse through my other stories.

Read it on the blog or listen to my podcast

Blog: https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/09/new-beginnings-a-mothers-love/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4e2QaZSWyhbdxGdoTDwM1I?si=hCuBTJf_RN2Zhrl00KPgrw

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #murdermystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #storyteller #story

In the fourth instalment of the 'New Beginnings' series titled 'New Beginnings: Taken', Lee discovers the identity of the stranger that has been tormenting her family since her move to Malandra. What she finds out about his sordid past throws her into a panic as she begins to piece together his true motives for stalking her family. Her dream of moving to a country escape may turn out to be her worst nightmare. Will her worst fears come to fruition?

While you're there, I'd love you to check out some of my other stories on the blog or podcast.

Links in bio.

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/06/new-beginnings-taken/

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofinstagram #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #murdermystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #storyteller #story

In today's story 'New beginnings: Secrets we keep', Lee and the family have settled into their life in the picturesque country town of Malandra. But the stranger continues to linger around the periphery, making his presence felt. Lee discovers a shocking secret about his past and realises that her family may be in grave danger.

This is the penultimate chapter of the four part 'New beginnings' collection, with the dramatic finale out later this week.
https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/05/02/new-beginnings-secrets-we-keep/

#writingcommunity #amwriting #writer #writing #flashfiction #flashfictioninfive #podcasting #podcaster #audiofictionpodcast #audiofiction #flashfiction #writer #writersofmastodon #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #mystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #storyteller #story

NEW STORY: In today's story 'New Beginnings', we meet Lee; a middle aged woman who dreams of a better life for her family. She feels trapped in the rat race and longs for some peace of mind.

On one of her holidays to her favourite country towns, she contemplates a life away from the hustle and bustle of the city and a reset. But with a new start come new challenges. This is the first of a two part story.

Would love to know what you think.

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/04/25/the-grass-is-greener/

#writingcommunity #writing #flashfiction #writer #writersofmastodon #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #blog #fiction #writerslife #mystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #storyteller #story

In today's story 'The Forbidden Book', a continuation from 'Musings from the Quill', our writer has almost finished his masterpiece and is skirting the line with the macabre around his choice of book binding. It will really get under your skin!!

It is #darkfiction, so again, it is not for the squeamish. I'd love to know what you think of it.

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/04/08/the-forbidden-book/

#writingcommunity #writing #microfiction #flashfiction #writer #writersofmastodon #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #bloggerstyle #fiction #writerslife #audiofiction #murdermystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #storyteller #story

In today's story 'Innuendo', we revisit an earlier story (Silhouette) where a writer travels to a small country town and stumbles upon a house with a dubious past.

The townsfolk shut up shop, but something compels him to investigate as he is drawn into a web of intrigue, uncovering a tangled web of rumours and innuendo. Will anyone reveal their secrets?

I'd love to know what you think. If you liked it, feel free to give it a 🚀

Links to the blog and podcast in my bio.

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/03/28/silhouette-rumours-and-innuendo/

#writingcommunity #writing #microfiction #flashfiction #writer #writersofmastodon #shortstories #podcast #podcastlife #podcastshow #blogger #bloggerlife #bloggers #bloggerstyle #fiction #writerslife #audiofiction #murdermystery #unexpectedtales #flashfictioninfive #roadslesstravelled #amateurwriter #story #storytelling #writtenword #amwriting #storyteller #story

https://musingsonlife9.wordpress.com/2023/03/28/silhouette-rumours-and-innuendo/