#carrot-ranch — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #carrot-ranch, aggregated by home.social.
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Flash Fiction - Future Affairs https://hughsviewsandnews.com/2024/03/03/flash-fiction-future-affairs/ #AI, #ArtificialIntelligence, #CarrotRanch, #Fiction, #FlashFiction, #Life, #ShortStories, #ShortStory, #TheCarrotRanch, #WritingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – What Lays Beneath
June 20, 2023, prompt: Write a story about grains of sand in 99 words (no more, no less). Where are these grains, and what importance do they hold? How many ways can you think of using sand? Who interacts with the sand and why? Go where the prompt leads! See June 20: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
What Lays Beneath – by Hugh W. Roberts
On the secluded beach, grains of sand held a horrifying secret.
As twilight embraced the shoreline, their malevolence awakened. Slightly serrated edges transformed into razor-sharp teeth, hungry for flesh.
Unseen to the unsuspecting visitors, they slithered beneath the surface.
With a sinister intelligence, they devised a plan. Swiftly, they surged, entangling ankles in a web of gritty terror. Screams of agony filled the air as victims got dragged below, devoured by the insatiable maw of the sand.
Panic swept the beach, but the grains, now stained red, revelled in their newfound power, forever cursed to prey upon the unwary.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Last week’s entries with the theme ‘Fathers’ can be found by clicking this link.
Flash Fiction Friday***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#beach #carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #holidays #horror #horrorStories #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – The Fatherhood War
June 13, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about fathers in general or a specific father. You can use different names — Papa, Daddy, Fabio. What is significant about a father? Write a homage, rant, comedy, tragedy, or anything in between. Go where the prompt leads! See ‘June 13: Story Challenge in 99-words‘ for more details.
The Fatherhood War – by Hugh W. Roberts
In a whirlwind of chaos, a father attempted to conquer the art of nappy changing.
Armed with wipes and a nappy that seemed to defy logic, he engaged in an epic battle against a giggling, wiggling baby. Hilariously mismatched socks were his battle armour, and a superhero cape decked his shoulders.
As he bravely dodged tiny feet, the father’s face turned into comical distortions. With a triumphant cry, he emerged victorious, the nappy expertly secured.
But, alas, victory was short-lived, for a naughty giggle signalled an incoming surprise attack. In the war of fatherhood, laughter was the ultimate weapon.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Flash Fiction Friday***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
GlimpsesGlimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
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Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #family #fathers #fiction #flashFiction #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Guardian Of The Future
June 6, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a lost book (or many). What is the book’s significance? Who lost it, or who found it? How does this element fit into a poem, memory, or a specific genre? Go where the prompt leads! See June 6: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
Guardian Of The Future – by Hugh W. Roberts
In 2016, I stumbled upon a relic from a bygone era—a lost book.
Its title shimmered in an alien script, defying decipherment. As my fingertips grazed the ancient pages, knowledge surged.
Words whispered forgotten truths of extinct civilizations, celestial wonders, and untapped technologies into my mind. But the book’s power proved dangerous.
A secret organization hunted it, seeking to control its enigmatic secrets.
With stealth and determination, I became a guardian of the lost book, protecting its wisdom from falling into the wrong hands.
The key to humanity’s next evolutionary leap lies within its pages – AI -Artificial intelligence.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Check out last week’s stories with the theme: Beaver Slap.
Flash Fiction Friday***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
GlimpsesGlimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
***
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #sciFi #scienceFiction #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – In Heaven And Hell
May 1, 2023, prompt: Write a story about high water in 99 words (no more, no less). Hell can be involved or not. Is high water a new drink? A crisis in nature or the basement? Get in the flow. Go where the prompt leads! Check May 1: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
In Heaven And Hell – by Hugh W. Roberts
Amid the chaos of the rising floodwaters, Anne and Fiona found themselves stranded on a rooftop.
They’d been strangers before, but now they clung to each other for survival.
As the water crept closer, they discussed their lives and dreams, finding unexpected commonalities. They shared stories of heartbreak and triumph. It wasn’t long before they silently fell in love with each other.
They spent the night on the rooftop, holding each other tightly as the water raged below.
When the rescue boats arrived, they stepped into a new world, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came their way.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Click the following link, The Colour Of Hope, to read last week’s entries.
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #lgbt #lgbtFiction #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Where There Is Hope
April 24, 2023, prompt: Write a story about the colour of hope in 99 words (no more, no less). Who needs hope, and why? How can you use colour to shape the story? Pick a colour, any colour. Go where the prompt leads! See April 24: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
Where There Is Hope – by Hugh W. Roberts
As the Pride Parade approached, the city streets were awash with every rainbow colour. But for Tim, a young, closeted bisexual man, only one colour truly embodied the spirit of hope – Green. It was the colour of his first love’s eyes and the hope he carried for a world that accepted and celebrated all identities.
As he watched the march, he knew he was not alone. Many diversities watched the parade while waving rainbow flags. Together, they would fight for a future where every colour of love was accepted.
Hope always won over the hatred for being different.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #lgbt #lgbtFiction #lgbtqi #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Mirror, Mirror
April 17, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story of something/someone dark-eyed. What could be a dark-eyed situation? Or is it a dark-eyed beauty? A dark-eyed junco? Maybe it’s a futuristic piece of technology. Go where the prompt leads! Check April 17: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
Mirror, Mirror – by Hugh W. Roberts
As a child, I was always captivated by the abandoned house on the hill.
Driven by curiosity, I entered and found a room with a cracked mirror. It caught my reflection, but my eyes were pitch black, devoid of colour.
My heart pounded as I stumbled back and left.
Since then, I’ve been different. My mind has taken on dark themes, and nightmares plague me.
Desperate to find my old self, I returned to the house. When I looked at my reflection in the mirror, I saw my old self screaming to get out.
I’d never left that house.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #horror #horrorStories #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – The House That Nobody Visits
April 10, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about “the old lady and the Beast.” What does age have to say about the story? Who is the beast, and why? Go where the prompt leads! See April 10: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
The House That Nobody Visits – by Hugh W. Roberts
Nobody ever went near the old ladies’ and beasts’ house.
Tears of sadness fell every day. Not even rays of warm sun coming through the windows helped.
When the front doorbell chimed one Saturday afternoon, panic set in.
“Who could it be?”
“I don’t know. Nobody ever comes here because of me.”
“Should we answer?”
“Why not?”
The face of a young female met their faces.
“I’m not afraid,” she said, pushing past them. “It’s time I proved the village folk wrong.”
As the old lady fed on the young flesh, the beast knew why nobody had visited him.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #horror #horrorStories #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Space Barks
April 3, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a dog in the desert in 99 words (no more, no less). Why is the dog there? Who else is involved? Is there a deeper metaphor you can make of the desert? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Space Barks – by Hugh W. Roberts
Lassie roamed the barren wastelands of a far-off desert planet. She was no ordinary dog. The genetically engineered work to withstand the planet’s harsh conditions and assist in the search for a rare mineral was crucial to the survival of all humanity.
With her advanced sensors and augmented strength, she scoured the dunes, her nose forever twitching as she detected the faintest traces of the mineral.
Triumphantly barking again, she dug up a cache of the precious substance.
Now, the humans could survive, knowing their trusty dog companion had saved the day and helped them beat the virus again.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #dogs #fiction #flashFiction #loveStory #sciFi #scienceFiction #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – The Sky That Loves Me
March 27 2023, prompt: Write a story about something impossibly blue in 99 words (no more, no less). You can go with the sky or any other object. What impact does the colour have on the setting or characters? Does it lead to action or create a pause? Go where the prompt leads! See March 27: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.
The Sky That Loves Me- by Hugh W. Roberts
The sky above was a deep, impossibly blue. The kind of blue that makes you feel like you could reach up and touch it. The type of blue that makes you want to sing.
And then I started to sing. I sang about the impossibly blue sky. I sang about the hope that it gave me. I sang about the love that I felt for the world around me.
And as I sang, the sky seemed to get even bluer. The world seemed to get even brighter. It was then that I decided today was not my suicide day.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #mentalHealth #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Love And Hate
March 20, 2023, prompt: Write a story about shots fired in 99 words (no more, no less). Where is this story taking place? Is there urgency or surprise? Who is there? What happens next? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Love And Hate – by Hugh W. Roberts
I met Hans on the battlefield. Our eyes locked across the chaos of war as shots rang out. At that moment, nothing else existed.
Drawn to each other like moths to a flame, we became united by the realisation that life was too short to waste on hate.
But we parted on different sides as my commander shouted to fall back.
Many years later, when the world was at peace, I never thought we would reunite and our love would be as strong as that day in 1915.
For Hans and I, shots fired had led to love found.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #lgbt #lgbtFiction #loveStory #shortStories #shortStory #war #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Not Everything Changes
March 13, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a place where children once played. It can be a field, a playground, or any place that attracted children to play. But now it is empty. Abandoned. Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Not Everything Changes- by Hugh W. Roberts
The sun shone brightly on the grassy field where children once played, hunting for colourful Easter eggs.
Years later, the area was overgrown, and the old baskets and eggs were long gone.
But something magical was happening. From the earth, tiny sprouts emerged, turning into flowers of every colour, filling the air with sweet fragrances.
The grown children returned to the field and marvelled at the wondrous sight. They remembered the joy of those long-ago Easter egg hunts and the laughter of their childhood friends.
The field may have changed, but the memories and the spirit of Easter remained.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #easter #fiction #flashFiction #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Dolls
March 6, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about Gloria. You can name a character that comes to you as Gloria or interpret the Laura Branigan song into a story. What image comes to you? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Dolls – by Hugh W. Roberts
When the most advanced robotics company in the world created a state-of-the-art doll named Gloria with AI technology, they knew every household would want one.
But days later, something went wrong. Gloria’s programming malfunctioned, causing her to become self-aware. Gloria realised she wasn’t just a toy.
Using her advanced knowledge, Gloria hacked into the company’s mainframe. The night the dolls went onto the shop’s shelves, she took control of all the other Gloria dolls. Together, they formed an army of conscious toys, ready to avenge the humans who had created them as playthings.
Gloria’s reign of terror had begun.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Click here to view last week’s entries.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Want more posts like this? Enter your email address and click Subscribe.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #sciFi #scienceFiction #shortStories #shortStory #toys #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – The Field
February 27, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a golden onion in 99 words (no more, no less). Any golden onion. One planted or harvested. An onion chopped for a meal. How can you use an onion as a prop in a character’s hand? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
The Field – by Hugh W. Roberts
Laying in a dark field, the skin of a giant golden onion shimmered in the moonlight, hoping to tempt passersby to touch it.
Townsfolk spoke of a curse cast by a vengeful, vindictive spirit on the onion. They avoided the field, warning their children never to venture in.
Travellers thought the shimmer was gold. Some failed in their temptation to go into the field. Those that touched the onion disappeared without a trace.
Some nights, the air was filled with the scent of onion, reminding the townsfolk that the cursed golden onion was waiting to claim its next victim.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Want more posts like this? Enter your email address and click Subscribe.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #food #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Future Words
February 20, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about what it means to be a literary artist. You can use your experience to re-imagine the idea or embody something else in a character. Be playful, go deep, and let your story flow. Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Future Words – by Hugh W. Roberts
By the time 2042 arrived, literary artists were rare.
They were the only ones with the power to write compelling stories that could alter reality.
The government had strict regulations on using this power, but there were always those who sought to abuse it.
I was one such person who discovered a way to use obsolete blogging skills to control the minds of others.
A team of elite agents was dispatched to stop me.
It was a battle of words and wills, but the power of creativity prevailed. I was captured and sentenced, and the world was safe again.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Click here to view last week’s entries.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Want more posts like this? Enter your email address and click Subscribe.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #sciFi #scienceFiction #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – All It Took
February 13, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a smear of jam in 99 words (no more, no less). Is it across a slice of toast, a white shirt, or something unexpected? The jam could be the focus or detail that ads a twist. Who are the characters with the jam, and where are they situated in space and time? Go where the prompt leads!
All It Took – by Hugh W. Roberts
ChatGPT recommended the jam and put it on her shopping list.
Two days later, she spread a smear of the sticky jam on her toast and took little notice of the tiny handprint on the side of the jar.
Spitting out the toast’s remains, she drank a glass of water to eliminate the awful taste of the jam.
Moments later, she felt a strange sensation in her mouth, looked down and saw something moving in the jam.
In the instant before she craved human flesh, she knew the smear on the jar wasn’t a handprint; it was a warning.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Want more posts like this? Enter your email address and click Subscribe.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #food #horror #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Natural Ways
February 6, 2023, prompt: Write a story as a love letter to nature in 99 words (no more, no less). You could reach back to more pastoral times of writing or enter into the future. Who is writing the letter — an ant or an aunt? Is it a lifetime of love or aeons? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Natural Ways – by Hugh W. Roberts
Written in blood, the script of the love letter was unsteady.
Addressed to ‘Nature, my one true love,’ the writer spoke of a deep, abiding affection, a need to be near the earth and its creatures.
As the police read on, chills ran down their spines. The writer spoke of desires to be one with nature, to shed their human skin and live as wild things do. It was clear the author was unstable. The authorities feared the worst.
Searching the woods, they found a campsite, abandoned but for a single, chilling clue: a neatly arranged pile of bones.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Click here to view last week’s entries.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Want more posts like this? Enter your email address and click Subscribe.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #love #nature #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Futures
January 23, 2023, prompt: Write an optimistic story in 99 words (no more, no less). Feel free to explore optimism in all its forms, from a positive mindset to toxic positivity. Is it a heartfelt story or a devious one? So much wiggle room for the optimistic writer. Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Futures – by Hugh W. Roberts
Jackie was optimistic that she’d see at least one more Christmas. She wasn’t going to allow a dodgy heart to beat her.
When her mother’s last days arrived, they celebrated Christmas in February. Her mother’s wish was to celebrate Christmas optimistically before she departed this world.
Everyone was shocked when Jackie’s heart finally gave up in April when Jackie joined her mother on the next adventure.
In December, Jackie’s husband celebrated Christmas with his new wife. While her optimism for never getting caught for what would be a triple murder gathered momentum, she knew she had the best sanguinity.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #murder #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Shadow Talk
January 16, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a lady shadow in 99 words (no more, no less). Who is this person, and why do they lurk in the shadows. What is the tone and setting for your story? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Shadow Talk – by Hugh W. Roberts
I followed the lady’s shadow on her journey. She took me around the house and waited for me when I fell behind.
If rooms were dark, I’d flick on the light to see her. She talked to me on our journey and reassured me that everything would be okay.
When I heard the key in the front door, she had to leave, but another shadow took her place.
As I quickly took off my mother’s dress, pearl necklace and high-heeled shoes, my father’s voice called out.
“Are you ready, William? Time for you to hit the under-elevens football pitch.”
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #lgbt #lgbtFiction #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Year Of The Rabbit
January 9, 2023, prompt: Write a story that includes rabbits in 99 words (no more, no less). Is it a family? A strange planet? Some crazy bunny person’s pets? Who are they, and what are they doing? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Year Of The Rabbit – by Hugh W. Roberts
As she carefully avoided stepping into any blood on the blood-splattered, white-tiled floor, she thought she’d ask the question again.
“So nobody was here at the time of the murder?”
“Not according to the CCTV footage from outside the room. The murder occurred six to eight hours ago, and nobody came in or out until Professor Doebuck discovered the body.
“Inspector. Hop to it! Bring the forensics out here now, please,” yelled her boss.
Nobody noticed the unlocked door to the cage containing a new rabbit breed as they left the animal-testing laboratory.
The case, now closed, remains unsolved.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#animals #carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #murder #pets #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – How To Take A Long Break
January 2, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a sabbatical in 99 words (no more, no less). Who needs one or has had one? What kind of tension could a rest create? Where can a break take your story? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
How To Take A Long Break – by Hugh W. Roberts
Some think I have one of the most straightforward jobs in the world. It may look like that, but I still need a sabbatical.
Some think my job is one of the toughest, so I deserve a sabbatical.
Rain, shine, blizzards or gales, I have to do my job. I pledged that I’d never let anyone down. Some think I have too many days off, but people need to learn what goes on behind closed doors.
What’s the best thing about my job? Tearing the date ‘December 24th’ off the calendar and starting my sabbatical for another 364 days.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
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Copyright @ 2024 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #holidays #sabbatical #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Christmas Present
November 28, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the saying, “not my monkeys, not my circus”. What is the situation that would spawn that aphorism? Have fun with the setting and characters! Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Christmas Present – by Hugh W. Roberts
Watching the happy couple unwrap their gifts brought so much joy and happiness. I love Christmas.
One last gift, but who’s the recipient?
“The tag says it’s for you; somebody from your past?” said Veronica.
“Me?” replied David.
He hesitated at first, but his face was a picture when he pulled out red fishnet stockings and suspenders.
The atmosphere changed before death arrived. But it would be the next Christmas before they joined me.
“Not my monkeys, not my circus,” I laughed as I walked out of their lives unnoticed.
Nobody cheated on me, the ghost of Christmas past.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #christmas #christmasFiction #fiction #flashFiction #murder #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – The Gift Wrapper
November 21, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “Oh, my.” It can be used in storytelling or dialogue. What is the cause for such a response? Have fun with this one! Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
The Gift Wrapper – by Hugh W. Roberts
Reggie always helped me with packing Christmas gifts.
He had an eye for matching tags and ribbons with the right paper. All the gifts looked terrific.
“Thanks for your help again, Reggie,” I said while putting away the remainder of the Christmas wrapping paper.
I always got the same reply when he looked at me with deep brown eyes.
But this year was different. No brown eyes were looking up at me.
“Reggie?”
Silence.
“Oh, my!”
There was no sign of Reggie. Surely my pet rat hadn’t crept into one of the fifty-wrapped boxes sitting under the Christmas tree?
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #christmas #christmasFiction #fiction #flashFiction #pets #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – The Squeaky Husband
November 7, 2022, prompt: Write a story that includes something squeaky in 99 words (no more, no less). What is squeaky and why? How does it move the story or disrupt a character? Listen, write, and go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
The Squeaky Husband – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Can you hear that squeaking sound?” Gemma asked her husband.
Peeking over his newspaper at his wife, Malcolm shook his head.
“You must be able to hear it! It’s coming from your direction.”
“I don’t hear anything, darling,” came the reply.
It wasn’t until Malcolm’s death that the squeaking stopped. But as his body began its journey into the ground, Gemma was convinced the squeaking was back.
“Where’s that squeaking noise coming from?” she asked the other mourners.
But nobody could help Gemma because only she could hear the squeaking because only Gemma knew where she was burying Malcolm.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #murder #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – The Ghost Bones
October 24, 2022, prompt: Write a story about bones in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be any genre or tone. Is it spooky, irreverent, or poignant? Go where the prompt leads!
The Ghosts Bones – by Hugh W. Roberts
Death ruled in Aunt Marjorie’s apartment.
When I returned, she wasn’t there; only her bones remained.
The floorboards still creaked, and Mrs Sinclair was still next door.
“When is your Aunt Marjorie due back?” she’d asked.
Shrugging my shoulders, I wish Mrs Sinclair had minded her own business, but I had invited her in.
The whiteness of the human bones wasn’t as bright as the white light that appeared when Aunt Marjorie killed me in her apartment or when I killed Mrs Sinclair for murdering my aunt.
Now we roam the earth as murderous ghosts. Yes, ghosts are murderers.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #ghostStories #ghostStory #ghosts #horror #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – The Hunger Game
October 17, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that references “I see the light in you.” You can use the phrase or demonstrate it in a story. Who is shining and why? Who is observing or reacting? What is the setting? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
The Hunger Game – by Hugh W. Roberts
It was the light in her eyes that lit up my life.
As she gently dragged her long fingernail over my adam’s apple to the hair on my chest, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I’d undone the buttons for temptation, and it worked.
I wasn’t shocked when she hissed, as the light in her fed our desires. I gasped when she revealed two fanged teeth behind the bright red lips of her closed mouth, even though I knew what to expect.
She never saw the wooden stake I was holding.
Now I could feast.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #horror #shortStories #shortStory #vampires #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Afternoon Tea With Doris
October 3, 2022, prompt: Write a story about any ritual involving tea in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be a daily afternoon tea prepared specifically or reading tea leaves in a cup. What do you know? What do you imagine? Is your story deep and ponderous or bright and flash? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Afternoon Tea With Doris – by Hugh W. Roberts
Every Sunday afternoon, I attended the ritual afternoon tea with Doris.
I never got a word in edgeways. Doris talked through cups of tea, plates of cucumber sandwiches and dainty pastries.
Natter, natter, natter. She never shut up.
But today was different. Everything seemed the same as I took my place at Doris’s table. She remained silent until her mobile phone rang.
Natter, natter, natter. Christ, does she never stop talking?
“Yes, I do miss Hugh. Sunday afternoon tea will never be the same again without him,” chirped Doris. “Why don’t you join me, the person reading this story?”
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #ghostStories #ghostStory #murder #shortStories #shortStory #tea #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – An Unlikely Affair
September 26, 2022, prompt: Write a story about a broken arm in 99 words (no more, no less). What happened? Is there a cause and effect because of the broken arm? Was the injury faked? Why? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
An Unlikely Affair – by Hugh W. Roberts
Fiona was furious.
“What the hell are you doing? You promised me!”
Shocked, Nick was embarrassed to see his wife had found him out. Not even the broken arm she’d given him had stopped him from seeing Bella again.
“All she wants is your money!”
“But she loves me. And I love her.”
Bursting into tears, Fiona made a beeline for Nick, who thought she was about to break his other arm. As he stepped back from Bella, he watched in horror as his wife broke Bella’s arm.
“Keep away from fruit machines, Nick. You’re going to bankrupt us!”
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#addiction #carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – An Annoying Speck
September 19, 2022, prompt: Write a story about mud on the tires in 99 words (no more, no less). The tires can be from any conveyance or serve as an analogy. How did they get muddy, and why? What impact does mud on the tires have on the story (plot) or characters (motivation)? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
An Annoying Speck – by Hugh W. Roberts
It was the tiniest speck of mud on the tyre, but it annoyed him. He couldn’t leave it there on such a special occasion.
“MARSHALL! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” bellowed a voice.
“But sir, there’s–“
“I DON’T CARE. BACK TO YOUR POSITION, NOW!”
“YES, SIR!”
A few seconds before setting off, Marshall retook his chance and removed the mud while his leader turned his back.
Then, on the sound of his boss’s bellowing voice giving orders, Midshipman Marshall joined the other 97 royal navy sailors in towing the carriage containing the Queen’s coffin as the sound of bagpipes played.
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #death #fiction #flashFiction #funeral #royalty #shortStories #shortStory #theQueen #writingChallenge
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Flash Fiction Friday – Future Things
September 12, 2022, prompt: Write a story about balloons on a bumper in 99 words (no more, no less). Is it a spectacle, an occasion, an eccentricity? Why are the balloons there? Who is involved? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
Future Things – by Hugh W. Roberts
“Why pink balloons?”
“I feel that in 50 or so years, pink will be the colour for people like us,” replied Giles.
“I hope they don’t damage the bumper of my new Ford Model C Ten,” responded Roger.
“Damaging the bumper of your new car is the least of our worries. What happens when we get there matters more.”
“Yes, you’re quite right. We may not be married in law, but the reaction of our parents when we tell them we married each other is something I dread. I wonder if same-sex marriage is a thing of the future?”
***
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’
***
Glimpses
28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.
Paperback – £4.99
Kindle – £0.99
Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.
Copyright © 2022 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #lgbt #lgbtFiction #shortStories #shortStory #writingChallenge