Contemporary
#37 – Mercy
“Mercy! Mercy!”
Katie was laughing through the pain, bent over the side of the bed, her arm twisted behind her by her brother.
“Who stole the cake?”
Her brother twisted his wrists again, the burning friction raking her skin. She laughed into the mattress.
“I stole the cake! I stole it! Get off!”
“See, that wasn’t so hard.” The boy released her and bounced onto the bed. Katie thumped him in the chest.
“Well I couldn’t let the Nanny eat it, could I? Not after what you did to it.”
Her brother shrugged.
“I was just encouraging her to leave.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Image courtesy of Annie Spratt via Unsplash.
Today’s word was suggested by mother, grandmother, writer, activist @ae_wylie. You too could have your word made into a story! Just pop the word in the comments below or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory
This story is related to my earlier story “Tea”.
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A new short story every single day – come back tomorrow for “Mortal”.
#36 – Cat
The cat’s eyes shone in dull dis-interest as it gazed through the window that night. From street light to street light people strode by: fleeting moments glimpsed in amber.
A young couple walked past, their hands clasped tight, palm to palm. The cat had seen the girl before: her father didn’t approve of her dating. Her dress hadn’t been zipped back up properly.
And then there was Mrs. Pearson, still pushing her shopping trolley, the empty bottles rattling within. She’d made this journey twice every night since that day she wore black.
But the cat didn’t care.
The cat was hungry.
(C) Tim Austin 2016. Image courtesy of Miguel Angel Ruíz Sánchez via Unsplash.
Today’s one word story comes from Kathleen Kelly – a frequent coffee companion of mine and owner of possibly the fluffiest cat alive.
I’m looking for new one-word titles! I need more! Please pop your suggestions in the comments section below or tweet me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
Please continue to share the stories and spread the word! I’ll see you tomorrow for “Mercy”.
Storytelling, Upcoming Gigs, Beowulf and “The World’s Most Insane Writing Project”
News on other storytelling projects!
Didn’t I say something about making this blog a daily thing? Yeaaaaaah,…..
ANYWAY
A lot is happening at the moment so there’s a lot to say.
First up, I’ve been contracted to be the official Bentham Storyteller at the “Bentham Carnival” for the second year in a row! I had tremendous fun at the last Carnival (read about it here) and am expecting to enjoy this year’s just as much!
The title for the storytelling is “Rain or Shine – Umbrella Tales”. I’ll be performing 4 stories through the day. Just like last year, I’ll be writing them in advance. Come along to High Bentham on Saturday the 4th of June and enjoy!
…
There’s a good chance that I’ll be returning to my role as DCI Clueless in “Clueless and Wuffles: The Case of the Missing Jewels” a little later in the year. Situation still developing on that…
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#28 – Monolith
Danny slammed his foot to the wall, the sole of his shoe scraping the surface into dust as he leapt across the overpass and fell.
His hands struck out, clutching a metal railing: his chest crashed against the concrete wall with a cracking thud. Breathless, he hung there, his eyes closed as he felt only air beneath his feet. Behind him he could hear the jeers and laughter of the Hammond boys, watching from the balcony of the tower block. They wanted him to fall.
They wanted him to fall every time he came home from school.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of André Sanano via Unsplash.
A big thank you to award winning and best selling author Jonathan Maberry for suggesting the title of today’s story. Jonathan has done it all: novel writer, editor and comic book writer for both Marvel and Dark Horse,… he’s also a Doctor Who fan, which really puts him in my good books!
You can find out more about him at www.jonathanmaberry.com and catch him on twitter @JonathanMaberry.
If you have a one word title you’d like me to turn into a story, tweet me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory. Don’t forget to follow the blog and like the OWOS Facebook page by clicking here.
Read more stories on the site – there are 27 more! Enjoy and share the stories about and I’ll see you tomorrow for “Violin”.
#25 – Onesie
Maria peered down into the fridge, her finger slipping easily through the icing of the birthday cake. Her mouth curled up gently as she smoothed the mark flat.
“Soon.”
Drawing out a fresh bottle of Prossecco, she kicked the door closed and brushed down her rabbit-eared Onesie with a smile. Oven on, toys wrapped: everything was ready.
Three more bottles sat empty on coffee table. The hissing from the open oven door calmed her nerves and Maria yawned as she returned to the couch. Again she read the greetings cards scattered on the floor.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Michał Parzuchowski via Uplash.
Please keep following the Blog for more stories – remember: new stories every morning. Oh, and articles, reviews, videos and audio stuff,… it’s gonna get busy! (If you’re not on WordPress, Like the OWOS Facebook page or follow my Twitter @timaustin2k).
Today’s word is the second suggested by Dr. Abby Astle who I’m sure was expecting a cheery tale. There’s not so much drama in a cheery tale. Sorry Abby.
If you want to join in and suggest your own word, pop it in the comments below or tweet it to @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
See you tomorrow for “Lollard”. Oh, and come back a little later today for a surprise!!
#23 – Seasick
“Oh! Isn’t it beautiful?” Anna squeezed her husband’s hand, her golden hair whipping in the sea breeze as the cruise liner rocked gently through the Pacific blue. The sun was a perfect orb against the glimmering horizon. Blue met blue, the clean salt air filling the newly-wed’s lungs and setting her spirit soaring. She shivered as a drop of liquid brushed her cheek. “We’d better get in – it’s starting to rain.”
Ten year old Kevin wasn’t having a good time on the deck above. Leaning over the edge, he retched again, wiping the edge of his green, vomit-stained mouth.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Clem Onojeghuo via Uplash
Today’s title was suggested by the beautiful Vicki Oliver – Actress, reader and artist! You can find some of her work with candles at waxandwooduk.com. Please share the blog and this story on Facebook and Twitter 
Today’s story is dedicated to the memory of the enormously talented Victoria Wood who died today. God bless and keep you, Victoria. RIP.
Please continue to share and support the blog by suggesting words and telling your friends. If you want to donate a word, tweet me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
See you tomorrow for “Breath”
#22 – Tea
The air swam with the scent of Rose Water and Jasmine, a million aromas spiralling on the breeze. The lush green rows of the plantation bathed in the Indian sun, a hundred pairs of feet sinking into the fertile dirt. Madhu smiled at the day, snatching leaftips from each bush and watching the women toiling the field. Beside her strode an English girl, her pale skin pinking in the sun. Madhu grinned across.
“Remind me” she asked, “What brought you to India, Katie?”
The English girl stroked the swastika tattoo on her wrist, her reply shy and quiet.
“I ran away.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash
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Today’s word was suggested by the wonderful Devika Fernando – best-selling romance and paranormal fiction author and hugely generous friend of OWOS project. You can find her at devikafernando.com or on Twitter at @Author_Devika
Devika suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. I welcome new suggestions: what will yours be?
I’ll see you back here tomorrow for “Seasick”!
#21 – Coincidence
“Jane! Fancy meeting you here,…”
Sincerity was never one of Jack’s strong points. Jane’s cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment, her teeth clenching tight.
“Jack.”
“Won’t you introduce me to your male friend?” He laboured the word male, balancing it like a dagger and twisting it just as hard. His eyes were a mix of amusement and malice as he turned his gaze to Jane’s date. There was a pause.
“…. Steven.”
Jane’s brow furrowed as she followed her ex husband’s eyes. Stephen was shifting in his seat, eyes locking to Jack’s. He choked a yearning whisper.
“I’ve missed you.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo picture courtesy of Henry Fournier via Uplash.
Like this or any other story? Hit that follow button below (if you’re on WordPress) or like the OWOS Facebook page. Oh, and share it on Facebook and Twitter
Today’s word was suggested by the magnificently named Yvonne Battle-Fenton – writer and co-producer at The Story in Lancaster and Off The Page. You can find her on Twitter @YBattleFelton.
Yvonne suggested her word by tweeting me @timaustin2k and using the hashtag #onewordonestory. You can too! Please do.
See you tomorrow for “Tea”
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