The Girl – A Five Sentence Flash Fiction

The spunk in her eyes surprised me.
I thought the torture he had put her through would have already taken all of her will, broken her and made her a heap of injured flesh, but instead she looked at me as if she was about to take me on, with the determination to win.
I suppressed my smile, and the flicker of pride, to look professional, after all, our cover could not be blown.
How otherwise would I be able to save her from the monster, in whom’s hands she had fallen?
I reached out toward her, half expecting a move back, but also ready for her to attack, while I whispered, “Let me get you out of this hell.”

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2015

This post was inspired by this week’s Five Sentence Flash Fiction writing prompt “Spunk”, by Lillie McFerrin. Find out what others wrote this week here

Hidden Words – A Flash Fiction

Words Forever Lost By Avalon Media

I knew it was you, who had been here, marking the words in those many books, a clever way of showing me you were okay, but not clever enough. The same markings that let me here, let him to you, always a step ahead of me, as I stumbled blindly with no resources to find you while he had the world at his disposal. The danger you faced was greater than our love, paying the ultimate price for a forbidden moment together. Now, without you keeping me safe, I will have to be ready to face him alone.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2015

The above image is available as poster, framed art print, on canvas or metal background as well as as a tote bag, and pillow on RedBubble.

Morning Coffee – A Flash Fiction

Hands shaking, she knew she would never take another step for granted. Too many years, too many battles past through and won, did not leave her without scars, but they did not leave her broken. Not yet, not at this time, when she had one more thing left to do. Dropping the crushed pill into the cup of coffee, she placed a well rehearsed smile on her face, and a cheer in her voice, as she straightened her spine. “Honey, your coffee is ready!”

Open – A Flash Fiction

I opened my door, my home and my heart to him, only to be betrayed in the most painful way possible.
How could he tear apart the love and devotion, which I only have given him, no other, with such depth and trust?
Since the moment of revelation, I ached with a pain, that should not be possible to feel, one that froze my every move.
Tears held back, forced back by a smile, I waited for him to come home.
And was given the sweet opportunity to plunge the knife into his chest with such powerful force, that it broke into pieces.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2015

This post was inspired by this weeks Five Sentence Flash Fiction prompt: “Open”.

Book Review: Kaijin by Devon Henry

Title: Kaijin
Author: Devon Henry
Genre: Short Fiction
Release Date: July 29th, 2014
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Short story collections are tricky for me to read, because I usually find only a few gems in them, having to shuffle through those which I did not connect with, and then lacking the motivation to go on, and read through the rest. This was not the case with Devon Martin’s self-published work Kaijin. Written mostly in first person present tense (with the exception of one story), this collection stays true to its theme of women who do not take things as they are, but overcome, or destroy those in their way. Empowering, fantastical stories that do not take themselves too seriously, are carefully constructed in this collection and are a worthy read, if you are looking for bite size morsels of entertainment.

I am looking forward to seeing this Author evolve from these shorter stories to full length work, and will keep my eye out for any of her future projects. If you like out of the ordinary short stories, from a women’s perspective, read this book.

Kaijin is available in Amazon in Kindle Format, on Kindle Unlimited and as in  Paperback Format.
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(Disclaimer: I did not receive a complementary copy of this book, but I do know the Author – all opinions expressed are solely mine)

Short And Sweet – Relevance of Flash Fiction And Micro-Fiction

Considering that most people skim online content – which reflects our fast past way of life – Flash Fiction and Micro-Fiction has become a more relevant part of our reading and writing experience.

Flash Fiction – short stories between 100 and 1000 words – and Micro-Fiction – very short stories under 100 words – are a fantastic way to get a readers attention.It fits perfectly into the new reading habits, allowing the reader to find great content, without having to invest much of their time.  Creating a complete story within this short space, however, forces writers to think outside the box.

 

Flash Fiction Custom Designs

for Writers

I personally find Flash Fiction to be a great exercise in being concise. In such a small space, one has no option, but to engage the reader with every word. Micro-fiction, such as 6-Word-Fiction or Twitter-Fiction make use of the content streams of social media applications, no need for a blog, or website.

 

Writers should take advantage of the attention-grabbing potential of this type of fiction, as it can be used as a gateway and advertisement for lengthier works.

 

Happy Writing!

 

Claudia

Forever – A Flash Fiction

“How could anyone ever abandon something as beautiful as her, is beyond me”, Sue sighed. “Beautiful she is, even in this condition, you are right.”, Meryl agreed. “Hopefully, as soon as she is fed, washed, and gets some rest, she will be able to find a good forever home.” The young woman smiled, at the vet, while stroking the light brown fur.” Don’t worry ’bout her, I’ll make her mine.”

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2015

This post was inspired by this weeks flash fiction prompt “Abandon“

A Day To Remember

The happiest day of his life was also his last, the death coming with such a swiftness, no one expected it to occur.
The vitality of his existence had been more evident on this day, than it had been in a long time, his eyes filled with love and hope, his stride with strength and determination.
Their special day, a day to remember, supposed to have been filled with the greatness of celebrating love, and the beginning of a new life.
Not the sudden end of one.
Maybe one day, she would be able to see through the grief and know that in the moment of his demise, he felt nothing, but love.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This Flash Fiction was inspired by today’s daily prompt: “An Extreme Tale”

Vultures – A Five Sentence Flash Fiction

 

Blinded by the deepest despair of her grief, she never saw them coming.

Vultures in human form, ready to dry out every least amount of blood left for the taking, grabbing for his belongings with such a fury, that left even the most distant members of his family gasp for air.

Such a contrast to the warm man he had been, always sharing, always worrying about the welfare of others.

They did not care about her loss, in the least.

Leaving her with nothing but the raw agony of loneliness, they left as fast as they appeared.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This Flash Fiction was inspired by the writing prompt “Grief”.

 

Fearless Girls, Wise Women and Beloved Sisters – A Book Review

Title: Fearless Girls, Wise Women, & Beloved Sisters

Author: Katherine Ragan

Publisher: Norton

Rating: 5/5 Stars

This collection of short folktales with a strong female lead, creates a charming and necessary addition to the traditional tales, we have been exposed to, and read as children. The lack of female leads in these stories was the reason behind the creation of this Anthology, trying to find stories to tell to her daughter, who showcased the strength, wit and resolve of women and which in turn exposed the lack of these types of stories to her.

As a result she created the book she wanted to read to her daughter. But this book is more then that. It is beyond a children’s book (which it is not written in the style of illustrated children’s editions we are so used to), but rather a reflection of the stories of our ancestors, those stories often forgotten, and suppressed, because it showed the strength, and honor women were given at one point in some societies. If you are interested in Women’s studies, feminism or plainly just want to read something empowering to your daughter, then choose this collection.

Stories contained in this volume are divided by continent, and have in addition many times a small explanation, or elaboration as a side note, which explains the background, adding to the anthropological value of the book.

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Today’s Daily Prompt asked which family member (distant) I would choose to celebrate. I would choose to celebrate the women in my family – not just mothers, all women, our strength, our contribution, our sacrifices, our triumphs.The above book reflects this celebration.