Late April 2011 I discovered http://StoryADay.org and the project that is to write 31 stories in 31 days. Anyone who knows me or follows this blog, knows how passionate I am about short stories so my clichéd eyes lit up at this new marvel. And just a few days later there I was, breathing life into new characters. This went on to become (with some editing of course) my 31-story collection eBook Story A Day May 2011.
And here we are a year later doing it all over again. Today’s prompt was to write a love story that doesn’t run smoothly… so here is my 100-worder.
1966 and all that
Tanya knew the way to get John to propose was football, and what better occasion than the World Cup. She had a good feeling about this year. If England did well…
She could tell he spoke just to her. It was in his eyes.
She listened to his every word, microphone close to his mouth, the perfectly-formed lips that Tanya longed to kiss. OK, so he already had a family but Tanya knew where they lived, knew their routine.
With the bus ticket buried in her pocket, she opened the cutlery drawer and smiled as she selected the perfect knife.
***
If you like working from prompts you might be interested in my 365-Day Writer’s Block Workbook (Vol 1).
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Unfortunately, as I post an interview a day (amongst other things) I can’t review books but I have a feature called ‘Short Story Saturdays’ where I review stories of up to 2,500 words. Alternatively if you have a short story or self-contained novel extract / short chapter (ideally up to 1000 words) that you’d like critiqued and don’t mind me reading it / talking about and critiquing it (I send you the transcription afterwards so you can use the comments or ignore them) 
on my ‘Bailey’s Writing Tips’ podcast, then do email me. They are weekly episodes, usually released Monday mornings UK time, interweaving the recordings between the red pen sessions with the hints & tips episodes. I am now also looking for flash fiction (<1000 words) for Flash Fiction Fridays and poetry for Post-weekend Poetry.
Jane Risdon
May 16, 2012 at 6:39 pm
Morgen, loved your story. How sad and how wonderful. Know all those areas well and I could see it in my imagination as I read. Another of your second person stories which you do so well and so few attempt. As usual your blogs are interesting, informative and inspiring. Thanks for being so prolific and making me feel lazy!! Keep it all up, you are doing a fantastic service to everyone no matter what their interest might be (write, reader or casual passer-by). See you on here somewhere soon. Thanks.
morgenbailey
May 16, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Thank you, Jane. Although this took valuable time today I really enjoyed it (and it wasn’t my usual ‘dark’) and by setting up my new 5PM Fiction slot I’ll keep going once Story A Day May is over (and I’ll be releasing them all as an eBook
). Give me a deadline and a prompt and I’ll get writing. We find the time (morning dog walk) when we need to. 
Jane Risdon
May 17, 2012 at 10:54 am
Morgen I can see you are in deadly earnest and will achieve whatever you set your mind to. Great to see how all your various activities are panning out so well. I shall watch with interest. How did you ever find time to work? I am pleased that I managed to short stories this week especially when my internet connection is pushing my patience to the limit. So I am very impressed with what you are achieving and will be back soon to see the latest. Good luck with your e-book too.
morgenbailey
May 17, 2012 at 12:32 pm
That’s a very good question, Jane. I was only working two and a half days a week and I really don’t know. I guess it’s like most things though, the more you put in the more you get out = the more visible you are, the more people email you.