The latest batch of six-word stories

November 2, 2019November 1, 2019Leave a comment

Hello. It’s been a really long time since we had any six-word stories. In fact it’s been almost a year; tenth November last year, since I posted any. That’s because I’ve only had four submissions since then. So without further ado, here they are:

From: Valerie Fish – Writing from the heart

Born too soon, died too soon.
Baby’s first steps; mum’s at work.
Yesterday ninety, today my father’s gone.
Even beds of roses have thorns.
Writing’s saved me, thank the lord.
Another month gone, another chance missed.

From: Susanne Stahley – writer, director, fiction, documentaries

Even store perfume girls ignored Jeanne.
Wintertime, snowbirds shunned the ripening blueberries.
Without warning, the knife dripped scarlet.
Angie flawlessly skated the ice electric.
Waited… the dot never became plane.
Red, purple, green. Worse hat ever.

From: Rehanna, connecting you with your audiences

She stopped crying when she realised.
Superglue never conceals damage to vases.
Fee fi fo fum crunch burp.
Pig uses bricks: enjoys wolf soup.
As he fell, she jumped too.
He gained confidence through attempting fiction.
Nice hairstyle! It’s a wig. Chemo.
Six words flash brightly on Twitter.

From: Maryam Kurbanova, writes poetry and essays

Love it. Got it. Regretted it.
Covered in chocolate. Got a smack.
House on fire. Cousins came over.
Last cookie. Time out. She started.
I was happy, careless. A dream.
Big shiny trophies. Mostly not mine.
Bought the china. It collects dust.
Tornado was here. Cleaned it yesterday.

From: Chong Teck SIM, Singapore, Bookworm, Volunteer

Shaking bed. Vibrating floorboard. Annoyed neighbours.
Fake watches. Unsuspecting tourists. Smirking businessman.
Kidney stone. Flank pain. Distressed patient.
Mentorship programme. Eighty-nine applicants. None successful.
Graduation ceremony. Uninvited guest: acne cyst.
Oxbridge summer programmes. Successful admission. Yay!
Tomato-red soup. One spoonful: coughing fits.
Spendthrift lifestyle. Little savings. Painful retirement.
Speed dating. Pretty woman. No suitors.
Wealthy family. Handsome lover. Still miserable…

Thank you everyone. They were fabulous!

Flash Fiction Friday 182: latest 6-word stories

October 28, 2016Leave a comment

Welcome to Flash Fiction Friday and the one hundred and eighty-second piece in this series. This week’s is the thirty-eighth bunch of 6-word stories by a variety of authors, together with their 6-word biographies!

6-word stories

by Chong Teck SIM – aspiring Singaporean writer

with a single story written in ten 6-worders

He looks at her, smiling bright.
Holding a stem, he approaches her.
Puzzled, she stares into his eyes.
She asks: where’s the pretty flower?
You, says he, pointing to her.
She turns shy, blushes, scarlet cheeks.
Your beauty invigorates me, says he.
She feels light-headed, in a dream.
He takes her hand, kisses it.
Cheesy but love it, says she.

by Stephen Lodge, writer with coloured crayons

Armour is on. Let battle commence.
Canal water stew this wintry eve.
I’m so happy to know you.
You’re such fun to arm wrestle.
Don’t play those games with me.
I’m hoping she won’t show up.
It’s not easy, interviewing a giraffe.
Storm caused abandonment of farting competition.
There’s nothing stranger than his beard.
I’m Paul Savagely, gun for hire.

by storyteller Paul, United States, Unpublished author

Love is a four letter word.
America Voted. Who won? All Lost.
The envelope read: To occupant – Deceased
Mum always said…God never blinks.
Satan slept. Hatred ceased. Peace reigned.
Halloween night, no masks were found.
Donald trumpeted. Hillary lied. World wept.
I Do. Shortest sentence ever spoken.
I Do. Longest promise ever kept.

by Chad M. Horn: still (mostly) alive

Chickenhearted Story: (hen) pecked at typewriter
In search of yourself? Inquire within…
unzip, losing grip, slip, strip, {censorship}
“I DO!” became “WE DON’T”. Done.
Hi! (no reply). Why? (sigh). Bye…
Poem penned, hit ‘SEND’. Rejected. End.

by William Jackson — Theatre, India, Bohemia, Academia.

Freedom’s fluidity revealed our souls’ longings.

by Emily Vieweg, poet, educator, single mom.

Daughter’s costume trade: “Princess” for “President”

by Alicia Cole creates in Huntsville, Alabama.

Healing: a slow land of naps.
Dogs win. People are barking mad.

by Mark K – a writer? Trying hard.

Stupid things to say to a cage fighter: part 3

I honestly thought you were female.
You smell like a garbage truck.
So, I’m fighting a total dork?
My wife hits harder than that.
My, my you look awfully angry?
With those gums, you shouldn’t smile.
You could never choke me out!
Get off me you hairy ape!
Do your friends call you Nancy?

and then three from yours truly… Morgen Bailey, Morgen With an E

Watching ‘First Dates’, suddenly feeling unloved.
What a tart! Cat lying akimbo.
Having no expectations but pleasantly surprised.

Thank you, everyone.

If you’d like to submit your 6-worders (up to ten per blog post, although you can send as many as you like and I’ll either pick the best ones or if I like most / all of them, schedule ahead) and / or 500-word max. stories for consideration for Flash Fiction Friday take a look here.

Continue reading →

Last call for October’s 6-word stories (& 100-word comp)

October 27, 2016Leave a comment

number 6 Hello everyone. This is a shout-out for anyone interested in writing 6-word short stories (which I publish along with your 6-word biography, including your name).

I publish up to ten per author per month on the last Friday of each month (tomorrow this month) and the details (including guidelines) are on 6-word FFFs. I recommend reading at least the previous submissions: thirty-seventh batch of 6-word stories, so you get a feel for what’s needed.

Please read the guidelines carefully. I will be publishing the next batch tomorrow (Friday) so won’t have time to chase you up for anything that’s missing. Yours won’t be published if they’re not accompanied by the correct six-word biography (including your name which can be one or two words) which can include one link to your books, Amazon page, or other website.

I also run a free 100-word competition which closes next Monday (midnight UK time), 31st October and this month has to be a crime story (my favourite genre). It can be about anything you like as long as it is 100 words exactly excluding the title. Any shorter or longer than 100 words and it will be disqualified. You can submit up to three stories to the relevant theme, during the month only, not ahead of time.

Flash Fiction Friday 181: batch 37 of 6-word stories

September 30, 2016September 28, 20161 Comment

Welcome to Flash Fiction Friday and the one hundred and eighty-first piece in this series. This week’s is the thirty-seventh bunch of 6-word stories by a variety of authors, together with their 6-word biographies!

6-word stories

by Chong Teck SIM – aspiring Singaporean writer

Swollen lips. Wheezing. Bad food allergy.
My fried egg: burnt. Speechless mother-in-law.
Night out with buddies. Unhappy wife.
The breakup scarred him for life.
His eyes; Her eyes: inter-locking embrace.
Huge waves. Frightened cruise passengers.
A loud crash. Screaming voices.
Dark alleyway. Growling dogs. Defensive snake.
Bad-tempered crab. Curious human: Ouch! Ouch!
Colourful birds. Playful cats. Hide-and-seek ensues.

by Mark K – a writer? Trying hard.

Awkward things that kids sometimes say (usually in front of other people):

Mummy, what does brazen hussy mean?
Daddy, are you really my daddy?
Grandma says Daddy drinks too much.
Mummy says Daddy needs some viagra.
Grandad, what is a reverse vasectomy?
Auntie Violet, what is a hooker?
I saw Uncle Morris kissing Mummy.
I found Mummy’s special toy yesterday.
Granny, when are you gonna die?

by Stephen Lodge – scribbler addicted to cheese (my kind of man!)

He was gassy throughout the day.
It’s not something I shall forget.
Hi there. Nice to be here.
Walking home singing a dirty song.
A chilly but quite beautiful morning.
You inspire me to play dominoes.
It’s nice to see such kindness.
That makes no sense at all.
Do you have a liquorice licence?
No, stranger. This isn’t Easy Street.

by asra choudhury – hungry for fiction stories

I run after you, unsullied soul.
“Come, sit,” says shadow of death.
Sullen, I search for you, soul.
Forgetting the fight I redial – wife.
The crinkled hand holding the rose.
Epilogue: she disappeared into the horizon.

by Ansuya – born to create and share

Writer lost the plot, needs inspiration!
Attractive lady sought to walk poodle.
Stopped for coffee, late again… fired!
Conman disappeared with girlfriend’s fake diamonds.
A quinquagenarian ballet dancer retires poor.
Skived off work, for sanity’s sake.
Lived to eat cakes, sweet joy.
Free food, bed, bad company – prison!

and then some from yours truly… Morgen Bailey, Morgen With an E

Mum-sitting for a week; limits pushed.
Glad to be home, cat too.
Stressful times, nails shorter than before.

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I now run online courses – details on Courses – and for anyone looking for an editor, do take a look at Editing and Critique.

If you would like to send me a book review of another author’s books or like your book reviewed (short stories, contemporary crime / women’s novels or writing guides), see book-reviews for the guidelines. Other options listed on opportunities-on-this-blog. And I post writing exercises every weekday on four online writing groups.

Flash Fiction Friday 180: batch 36 of 6-word stories

August 26, 2016August 26, 20162 Comments

Welcome to Flash Fiction Friday and the one hundred and eightieth piece in this series. This week’s is the thirty-sixth bunch of 6-word stories by a variety of authors, together with their 6-word biographies!

6-word stories

by Chong Teck SIM – aspiring Singaporean writer

Moonless night. Howling dogs. Quick footsteps.
No… no… I didn’t tell tales!
Foreign investor. Local businessman. Conflicting priorities.
Hidden talent: I’m a bathroom crooner.
Chocolate cake: for Pinkie, my Chihuahua.
In tears, he returned the ring.
Big appetite. Ten burgers. Still hungry.
Slippery floor. I fell, face down.
He follows her from a distance.
Heavy rain. Mother searching for child.

by Mark K – a writer? Trying hard.

Why I want to be a Cossack…

They remind me of Chelsea Pensioners.
They have old, wrinkly members too.
I’d look absolutely gorgeous in red!
Cossacks find love wherever they go.
Cossack women are drop dead gorgeous.
Cossack regiments have no height restrictions.
Ballet Dancers eat your heart out.
You often find them imitating Monty-Python.
Rasputin had a secret Cossack son.

by Stephen Lodge – writer ignored by progress

Over time, my caress became careless.
Owls and rabbits never wear shirts.
Amadeus made great music and cheese.
I don’t think she likes me.
Cheese fondling is my favourite hobby.
Don’t think I got that memo.
I look forward to your call.
Was it all a crazy dream?
I can’t imagine this ending well.
I’m still wandering the eastern dream.

by Lana Bella, skull-grinder bacon commander

Silence moves with ease between gossips.
I bowed my spine across nostalgia.
She peels coffee from my breaths.
Night gives gradient across the floorboard.
Innocence nests from pavement to street.
I down the hot Vienna black.
Wild hips walk this quiet room.
You spent a lifetime looking back.
I romanced your ghost with whisky.
He always volunteered, she reflected bitterly.

BAM has other works available online.

Forgot puppies surprises needed air holes.
The only word that matters, “Yes.”
Returned the ring after the funeral.
Deleted her messages; just need memories.
Shut off lights or thousands die.
To earn sunrises: Climb more mountains.
“You can do it, dude. Jump.”
Falling from ten stories looked painful.
“Sorry I was late. Another jumper.”
Alcohol and sliding doors don’t mix.

Debbie, who meant to start writing sooner

He always volunteered, she reflected bitterly.

by asra choudhury – nightbird on a roll

Guard your angels, summer moon swings.
Nervous lovers. First timers. Memory blues.
Our eyes locked, time lapsed eternity.
“Don’t go,” I said. He continued.
Submit, like sunflowers to the sun.

by Ansuya – tumbling curls hides indomitable spirit

‘Sorry no money’ said the atm.
Purse stolen, smashed iPhone, lost day!
No food, no drink, lousy diet.
Menopausal women seeks adventurous young man.
She walked in, her first stalker.
‘Hi I’m Sue.’ ‘Geoff. Let’s dance.’
No hanging around in Marble Arch.
Sugar free craze drives Cadburys meltdown.
Lost cat, take care of him.
‘Mum where’s Dad?’ ‘He’s disappeared darling.’

and then some from yours truly… Morgen Bailey, Morgen With an E

Crunch: recession? No. I’m eating carrots.
Annie, I’m not your daddy. Sex-change.
August becomes September, new 6-word submissions.

*** Breaking news! My online creative writing courses are currently half price and one FREE! ***

I now run online courses – details on Courses – and for anyone looking for an editor, do take a look at Editing and Critique.

Flash Fiction Friday 178: batch 35 of 6-word stories

July 29, 2016July 30, 20168 Comments

Welcome to Flash Fiction Friday and the one hundred and seventy-eighth piece in this series. This week’s is the thirty-fifth bunch of 6-word stories by a variety of authors, together with their 6-word biographies!

6-word stories

by Chong Teck SIM – aspiring Singaporean writer

Music student. Failed audition. Heavy eyes.
He woke up with bloodied hands.
Kampong lifestyle. Outdoor games. Pulau Ubin.
Biopsy sample. Repeated testing. Inconclusive result.
Science student. Thermodynamics project. Unimpressed judges.
Into his embrace, she falls asleep.
Angkor Wat. Family vacation. Years ago.
Boy-Girl: hand-in-hand, under shining stars.
Before incarceration, he righted his wrong.
After the fight, she left home.

by Iris N. Schwartz, writer and poet

Pizza. Saved him more than crust.
Scratches her back even when tired.
Dusted cheval mirror. Frightened. Sped away.
Submitted stories, poems. Waited. Submitted again.
Married. Divorced. Wedding gown? Garbage can.
Sensitive. Itchy hives. Seasoning, not spice.
Inside carrel: crying. New job — now!
Calls. Hangs up. Repeats. Relationship: dead.
Weight up, down, up. Exercise — more!
Stairs. Stairs. Slowly. Using walker, still.

by Kushal Poddar, author of three books

She kept looking at my lifeline.
The man slept through his funeral.
She sniffs the tiny red sock.
Just another cigarette burn. Vacant eyes.

by Panjami Anand, enjoys writing 6-word stories

Blindness found what I didn’t behold.

by Ron Pullins, playwright and erstwhile publisher

Spring: white, white, white, brown mud.

by Stephen Lodge, writes comedy by pen

Wanted: A meaningful one night stand.
Nursing leg wounds that won’t heal.
Before I was so attractively interrupted.
I’m returning this unicorn called Sid.
And I have not played since.
I suggest you seek medical advice.
No. I’ll give it a miss.
So nobody heard the three gunshots?
In one ear, and stayed there.
I must walk this road alone.

by Tania-wife-mother-netball-addict-Wilson

Joy now filled their grieving hearts.

and then some from yours truly… Morgen Bailey, Morgen With an E

Handsome man, weak knees, MS sufferer.
Wide grin, matches lit, fire set.
Two months off. Revising my drafts.

*** Breaking news! My online creative writing courses are currently half price and one FREE! ***

I now run online courses – details on Courses – and for anyone looking for an editor, do take a look at Editing and Critique.

Flash Fiction Friday 177: latest batch of 6-word stories

June 24, 20162 Comments

Welcome to Flash Fiction Friday and the one hundred and seventy-seventh piece in this series. This week’s is the thirty-fourth bunch of 6-word stories by a variety of authors, together with their 6-word biographies!

6-word stories

by Chong Teck SIM – aspiring Singaporean writer

Sexy models. Salivating man. Enraged girlfriend.
Cute puppies. Aggressive mother. Backtracking slowly…
Inquisitive shark. Frightened swimmer: trembling violently.
Before heart surgery, she kisses him.
Before departing, he caresses her face.
Lunch: overnight noodles. Evening: upset stomach.
Acne breakout. Frantic squeezing. Ruined date.
Violin lessons: 10 years. Improvement: no.
Visa denied. Studies affected. Uncertain future.
Fashion student. Graduation show. Standing ovation.

by Mithilde – Mithilde Maria, beautiful flowers by spring

Unexpected earth tremors – confusion! Seek refuge.
Unplanned relationships bring misery and sorrow.
Limitless destructive political sell-out techniques. Disgraceful!
Plugging away for success – currently unsuccessful.

by Debbie Hurford, teacher; likes to write

Burnt confetti, dismantled marquee, all over.
Unrecognised, he headed the security queue.
Child lost whilst visiting maze designer.

by Camilla Garuai – cool writer from tropics

Knock on door. Daddy has returned.
Baby loves puppy. Baby’s first friend.
Burnt dinner, tonight. Love you, still.
Mama hears laughing children. Oh, no!

by Ivy Rose, dreams slain by reality

The calories in a US stamp?
What if, what was, what is.
How often can I mess up?
Am I free without my dreams?
Or do my dreams freedom make?
I find love crouched under oceans.
I should be crying, no puedo.
What if I never loved him?
What if I loved him enough?

and then some from yours truly… Morgen Bailey, Morgen With an E

Britain votes exit… interesting times ahead.
Dog sleeping on sofa blissfully unaware.
OK, we’re going, work to do.

*** Breaking news! Six of my online creative writing courses
are currently half price and another is FREE! ***

I now run online courses – details on Courses – and for anyone looking for an editor, do take a look at Editing and Critique.

Flash Fiction Friday 176: latest batch of 6-word stories

May 27, 20164 Comments

Welcome to Flash Fiction Friday and the one hundred and seventy-sixth piece in this series. This week’s is the thirty-third bunch of 6-word stories by a variety of authors, together with their 6-word biographies!

6-word stories

by Bob Fairfield – Bob, small name but big ideas

My cup overfloweth, spilt that wrong.
His open hands held no surprises.
The dead ignored the trumpet call.
Silence was all we could hear.

by Chong Teck SIM – aspiring Singaporean writer

Funeral wake. Weeping mourners. Unaffected widow.
Hungry mosquitoes. Raging party: all-you-can-eat buffet.
Out of anger, I bite him.
Campfire: five guys telling ghost stories.
Seven-year itch: please continue to scratch.
With difficulty, she repaid her debts.
He challenges his late father’s will.
Before surrendering, he visited his children.
Two women. Identical evening gowns. Chaos!
Intrepid explorers. Cave bottom. Hidden treasure.

by Geoff Linder, wheelchair enthusiast and liar

Mayfly seeks similar, no time wasters.
Get out of this without moving.
‘Slow’ food restaurant opening soon perhaps.
Nails torn from Saint in translation.
NATO promises empty says Warsaw Pact.
Jonah resigns amid claims of optimism.

by Mark K – a writer? Trying hard (On why I wanna be a Chelsea pensioner)

I’d look absolutely gorgeous in red.
I love those little black hats.
I’m looking for an older lover.
They let women into this club.
I wanna meet other wrinkly people.
Famous people look up to them…
…or look down in my case.
Even the Royals give them respect.
I’d get myself a free scooter.
I enjoy talking to deaf people.

by Samantha Connolly – navigates life through writing

Rain with love; better than sun.
Stay united or pay the price.
Con man, con woman, sad society.
Wither and bloom, live before death.
Dress the heart as a child.

and then some from yours truly… Morgen Bailey, Morgen With an E

Some great stories there… thank you. (especially newbie Geoff!)
My 500-word challenge results next Friday.
May’s 100-word competition closes midnight Tuesday.
Been working hard… my paperbacks available!
And new online courses coming soon. 🙂

*** Breaking news! My online creative writing courses are currently half price! ***

I now run online courses – details on Courses – and for anyone looking for an editor, do take a look at Editing and Critique.

Flash Fiction Friday 175: April’s 6-word stories

April 29, 20162 Comments

Welcome to Flash Fiction Friday and the one hundred and seventy-fifth piece in this series. This week’s is the thirty-second bunch of 6-word stories by a variety of authors, together with their 6-word biographies!

6-word stories

by Allyson Salmon – flash published, trying harder

Lies plus statistics equals guesswork codified

by Chong Teck SIM – aspiring Singaporean writer

Lottery winner. Indiscriminate spending. Regretful memories.
Dancing robots. Screaming children. Bored parents.
Expensive price tag. Unsmiling customer.
New shirt. Empty wallet. Dejected student.
Burping throughout the job interview.
Vintage car. Numerous buyers. Unsatisfied owner.
Gongfu performance. Enthralled audience. Happy organiser.
Leaving town. Zero possession. Fresh start.
During dinner, an unwelcomed stranger appears.
Before leaving, an unexpected letter arrives.

by Dick C. Waters self-published author (whose 6-worders are inspired by the chapter headings of his novel ‘Complete my Heart’, published under the pen name of Dixie Waters – below are the final ten).

Remember life is what is important
Best be prepared for rough waters
When life blows something good – sail
Love is about dreams – make them!
Hearts possess the most lasting marks
Broken hearts need a mending lover
Detours make the open road great
Much nicer to touch someone’s heart
Good looks sometimes get bad looks
Woman’s heart best reached by shortcut

by Mark K – a writer? Trying hard on Donald Trump : Questions And Quotes

“Nobody hates Mexicans more than me.”
“I’m rich, you’re poor, so what?”
“I’ll straighten out Frisco’s gay community.”
“If I die, comb my hair.”
“Botox? Absolutely not… This pout’s natural!”
“Me, spoilt? Are you being serious?”
“Trust me and I’ll shaft you.”
“This tan’s not from a bottle.”
“I look yellow under these lights.”
“The idiots believe everything I say.”
“Know this… I’m better than you!”
“I’m the perfect advert for hair-spray!”…

and then some from yours truly… Morgen Bailey, Morgen With an E

Wow! Has another month gone already?
Many entries to my 100-word competition!
Too few to the 500-word challenge.

Pictures above courtesy of morguefile.com

*** Breaking news! My online creative writing courses are currently half price! ***

I now run online courses – details on Courses – and for anyone looking for an editor, do take a look at Editing and Critique.

Flash Fiction Friday 174: March’s 6-word stories

March 25, 2016March 25, 201610 Comments

Welcome to Flash Fiction Friday and the one hundred and seventy-fourth piece in this series. This week’s is the thirtieth bunch of 6-word stories by a variety of authors, together with their 6-word biographies!

6-word stories (in author order)

by Allyson Salmon – flash published, trying harder

Humane mouse trap – mouse feeding station.
Old coffee maker a has bean.
New Year diet a lost Claus.

by Awen, Druid for inspiration. Procrastinator. Idealess.

Novel competition. Choices. Entered wrong one!

by Chong Teck SIM, aspiring Singaporean writer

Tea plantation. Lazy supervisors. Hardworking pickers.
Erratic weather patterns. Anxious banana farmers.
Spring: a fresh beginning for lovers.
Crashing waves mirror my inner turmoil.
I see the white light. Heaven?
Five warriors. Sacred sword. Epic battle.
Tell me: why do parents fight?
Intergalactic travel. Cultural fusions. New frontiers.
Garage sale. Unusual purchase: 5-legged table.
Dinner surprise: pregnant daughter-in-law. Smiles everywhere.

by Deepika, writer by heart and soul

Dark sky, girl alone, safely home
Splashing waves, just touch and go
no key, a hole, opportunities galore
movie, popcorn: the only family time?

by Dick C. Waters self-published author (whose 6-worders are inspired by the chapter headings of his novel ‘Complete my Heart’, published under the pen name of Dixie Waters).