Storytelling Blog
#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”.
#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!!
#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”
#20 – Particles
The young girl blinked and giggled, the sparkling dots swimming in her gaze as she kicked her feet in the air.
The fluttering lights danced and circled the branches around her, bathing her face in warmth as dew soaked through her dress. She didn’t care about the dress. She didn’t care about the angry shouts of her parents. She didn’t even care about the sirens, the flames or the screams as the atom bomb flared in the distance, turning all to ash.
She was with her friends at the bottom of her garden and they would always keep her safe,…
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by Matthew Hicks on Unsplash
Like this story? Take a look at the other 19 – you can find them by clicking links to the left or hitting the Pre-Loved Words link at the top. Remember the plan: 365 stories in 365 days! Join me on the journey by hitting the Follow button (if you’re on WordPress) or liking the OWOS Facebook page!
Today’s word was suggested by talented writer and poet Anne Gaelan – You can suggest a word just like she did: tweet me at @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory
See you tomorrow for “Coincidence”!
#19 -Tendrils
Colonel Anderson jumped as the beast slammed its snaked arm against the splintering glass. His hands shook as he lifted his wrist to his mouth, spitting breathless commands to the rest of his platoon. He had to stay quiet: the alien saw the world in sound. It knew he was there on the other side of the bulkhead. It knew. He hissed a second order but it was no good,… they were gone.
“Aaaand I think we’ll call that Lunch, Colonel,” boomed a female voice. “That’s the Tenth simulation you’ve screwed. But don’t feel too bad,… it’s Pasta Wednesday”
(c) Tim Austin 2016. Photo by Matthew Hicks on Unsplash
If you get it, you get it. And if you do, let me know! If you’re enjoying the stories, hit that follow button below (if you’re on WordPress) or like the OWOS Facebook page. Oh, and share it on Facebook and Twitter 🙂
Tendrils was suggested by my old sparring partner John “Bobby” R Wilkinson (Esquire): Associate Artist at York Theatre Royal and all-round top bloke!
If you want to suggest a word, pop it in the comments or Tweet it to me @timaustin2k using the hastag #onewordonestory.
Browse a few more stories and I’ll see you tomorrow for “Particles”!
#18 – Ooze
I don’t know what made me do it. God knows. But it just seemed so,.. natural. Many things do after a few drinks. I didn’t think about how weird it was to see a silver straw poking from an old stone wall. It was the lipstick mark at the tip and the line of sticky syrup that caught my eye. Someone had seen this on the street and puckered up. And if they could,….
The men in white coats are staring at me. I think they want to use the knives again.
….. The syrup wasn’t even that sweet.
(c) Tim Austin 2016
Hey, don’t blame me! This is the kind of imagery I get to some words,… I need a psychiatrist,…
Thanks to Ian Abbot – creative adventurer and artist – for today’s word. You can find him at http://www.thegeometrician.com/ or on Twitter @TheGeometrician.
Please Like the project Facebook Page and hit that follow button. And share the blog: the more readers, the more words, the more stories – I literally couldn’t do it without you! Don’t forget: if you want to suggest a word, tweet them to @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
Come back tomorrow for “Tendrils”.
Tim.
#17 – Expectation
Benjamin peered through the window, wide eyes looking out into a star-specked sky.
The boy smiled as he carefully scanned the horizon: tonight he would see Father Christmas.
Outside his door, two figures were kissing in the dark, their giggles muted by the touch of their lips. They made no sound as they printed a soot-covered shoe to the floor. They were careful to make no sound as they crept away, hand in hand.
Still Benjamin waited.
And, as his eyelids fluttered closed, he knew,… he just knew,… that tonight he would be the boy who saw Father Christmas.
(c) Tim Austin 2016
Today’s word was suggested by Jemma Cross – Acting Coach, Director and proud Mum-to-be. You can find her over on Twitter at @JemmaGross. If you want to donate a word, please pop it in the comments below or tweet it to @timaustin2k using the hashtag #onewordonestory.
This project now has a Facebook Page! Like it and you’ll get a new story showing on your feed every morning. And if you’re on WordPress, hit up that follow button, below and never miss a post.
Come back tomorrow for “Ooze”!
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