Short Story Blog
#33 – Petrichor
The sky was purple,… no,… not sky,…
Emma sat up a moment, the sleeping bag bunching down around her waist. She let the ghosts of her dreams dissolve, clearing her mind and letting it drift towards memories of the night before.
She smiled.
She fell back, breathing in the scent of pine needles and dew. A wind was tapping against the edge of the tent and she drew her breath in time with the swelling fabric.
“Yes.”
Emma laughed, arching her back and screaming into the sky as she lifted her hand, the engagement ring shining.
“Yes! Yes! YES!!!!”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Jet van der Wouden via Unsplash.
Today’s Story was inspired by Author, Oregonian and Coffee Addict Erin Ritch. You can read her marvellous blog at nowyverns.com and tweet her @Eritch324. Thanks Erin!
If you’re enjoying these stories, please share them and tell your friends to visit. Like the OWOS Facebook page and follow me @timaustin2k.
Keep reading, pop comments in the section below – let me know what you think!
See you tomorrow for “Beehive”!
#32 – Hands
“This,…” Becky’s Mother stroked a finger over the young girl’s palm. “Is your life line.” She smiled, her blue eyes fixing on her Daughter’s. Becky giggled, pulling her hand away.
“Tickles, Mummy!”
Mother and Daughter laughed together, their summer hats flapping gently in the breeze. Below them, the surf crashed against the legs of the pier. Gulls soared above, calling a lament as they swept out to sea.
“Becky!”
The girl’s Father was calling her. She looked towards him.
“Who are you talking to?”
She turned to look at her knelt Mother. Her smile faded.
“She always loved it here.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Wil Stewart via Unsplash.
Today’s one word title was suggested by the lovely Becky Danks – avid bookworm and reviewer. You can find her on Twitter at @BeckyD123.
Keep your one word titles coming in – I can’t do it without you! Pop your suggestion in the comments section below or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory. Go on, what’s stopping you?
Remember to like the OWOS Facebook page and join me here tomorrow for “Petrichor”.
#31 – SmegForBrains
Doug watched the two men with helpless amusement. Television production had ground to a halt as each man took turns placing the prop against their tongues.
“Doug, we’ve two more scenes to film ye,…” “Shhh, Sally”
Sally lowered her voice, following the director’s gaze.
“What are they doing?”
Doug leaned down, conspiring with the runner.
“It’s a game of “who can hold the vibrating probe to their tongues longest without laughing””
Chris was winning – Craig seemed wholly unable to keep a straight face.
“But didn’t we make that out of,…?”
“Oh yes.” Doug winked.
“Thank God for Ann Summers,……”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. This probably didn’t happen. I mean they wouldn’t. Would they? Fictitious. All of it. Honest, guv. It’s even fictitious people. (Also goes without saying: no infringement intended – all in the spirit of fun!) Promo image Courtesy of NASA via Unsplash.
Today’s one word title was kindly donated by the TV legend that is Mr. Danny John-Jules: Cat in Sci-fi comedy “Red Dwarf”, jammy fella who flies to a sunny island every year to film “Death in Paradise” and (my personal favourite) Barrington in “Maid Marian and Her Merry Men”.
Thank you Danny 🙂
This project is my attempt to write a whole new short story every day for a year, based on single donated words. Take a look at some of the other stories written so far – you’ll find a list on the “Pre-Loved Words” page and in the sidebar to the left. If you’ve enjoyed this story hit it up on your Social Media feeds and let your friends know!
If you want to suggest a word, please do – you’re very welcome to. Tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory and I’ll write a story based on that word (more info on the “Introducing” page, above).
There’s a new 100 word story every morning: hit the follow button (below to the right) and “Like” the OWOS Facebook page – it’ll really help me out and you’ll never miss a story.
See you tomorrow for “Hands”!
#29 – Violin
Mr. Funaki pinched his fingers so softly together, his wrist turning, the violin singing a long, fragile note that rang through the auditorium. His heart soared with every trill. His breath sighed and twisted at every gleaming, crystal-sharp echo that swept through his chest and swam high against the rafters. The instrument was perfect: its dance so delicate that the tiniest fracture would form in his mind and shine like the sun.
Tears stung his eyes as they flicked open, gazing at the silent instrument in its case. He lay his swollen, arthritic hands to his lap,… the memory fading away.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Providence Doucet via Unsplash
Today’s title was suggested by composer and violinist Adisha Kariyawasam. You can listen to some of his work on Soundcloud here. You can find him on Twitter at @adisha_kari.
Please explore the blog and read a few more stories. If you like them, share them. And if you want to suggest a one word story, tweet me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory now.
Before you do, pop a Like on the OWOS Facebook Page and I’ll see you tomorrow for “Window”!
#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”.
#27 – Crepuscular
The little Goth Girl creeped Steve out. She’d been quiet all through the movie and she was quieter now. But Daisy liked her and tormenting her was fun.
“I Vaaaant to suck your bloooood!” Steve laughed. He didn’t know why Daisy wanted to see such a terrible movie but it meant getting to third base so,…
He punched the Goth Girl’s shoulder hard, throwing her sideways.
“Is that what they think Vamps are like?”
“They do.” The Goth Girl turned on Steve. “But we’re not.”
Both girls were laughing now. Both girls were smiling. Both girls’ eyes were blood red.
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Aurélien Bellanger via Unsplash.
Today’s title was suggested by Farnham Fun Palace – an event that takes place in October this year. Find out more by tweeting them @FarnhamFunPal.
The great thing about writing a whole new short story every day for a year is learning all these new words! I’d never hear Crepuscular before. And now I bet you’re going to Google it,…. yep, I thought so.
Please keep sharing and liking the stories on Twitter, Facebook and beyond! Help me get the word out and lets make this a community for all those who enjoy Flash Fiction. Suggest a word by tweeting me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
#26 – Lollard
Francis placed the quill carefully into the ink, sighing as he watched the dying fire crack and spit. He barely saw the dim glow of the flames. He looked through them at the days ahead: at what needed to be done.
There was a cry from the street outside and Francis flinched, his heart thundering as he stood and peered through the glass.
“What are you doing?”
Francis knew the voice behind him. It purred in refined malice. Rage dissolved to terror as he heard the soldiers file in. The book was still open.
“I’m telling the truth, your worship.”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Promo image courtesy of Martin Kníže via Uplash.
Today’s title was suggested by Playwright and Screenwriter Max Gee – writer of Tales of Bacon, a YouTube comedy that you can watch for free here. You can tweet Max @MaxGee1284.
Keep your one word titles coming in! Pop your suggestion in the comments section below or tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
If you’re enjoying these flash fiction stories, check out Chapter One of “The Santa Beneath the Ice” FOR FREE by clicking the banner to the side.
See you tomorrow for “Crepuscular”!
#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!!
#24 – Breath
I’m sure my eyes are open but,… No. Oh god, no! Please, PLEASE,.. no! Sadie!! Sadie, where are you?! I can’t,… the water,… shit,… it’s in my mouth,.. SADIE! Don’t talk: stay calm, reach out. God, the water! So cold, Jesus! I wasn’t driving fast,.. just a deer in the,…
The seatbelt won’t unlatch. It won’t,…. There she is,… oh God,… I can’t,… water over my eyes,… sinking,… sinking,…
I’m sorry, Sadie. For so much. I wish you could hear me. Don’t go. Please.
Squeeze my hand. It’ll be okay. I’m with you, Sadie. At least this time,…. I’m here,…
…
..
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Today’s word, “Breath” was suggested by the magnificent Mel Churcher who’s book, “A Screen Acting Workshop”, is my bible. Thank you for the word, Mel! You can buy the book here and follow her on Twitter @MelChurcher.
My very good friend Lorraine (who suggested “Ache”) is running the London Marathon on Saturday – please offer some support for Shelter, her chosen charity by clicking here: https://www.justgiving.com/Lori-Bannerman.
Please continue to suggest words by popping them in the comments or tweeting @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory. Share the story Facebook and Twitter, and come back tomorrow for “Onesie”!
Follow the Blog and get involved by visiting and liking the OWOS Facebook page now.
#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”
One Word, One Story 