Written for https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/category/what-do-you-see/ Alessandra didn’t care; she sang out of tune. Mamma Maria; her mum’s favourite song. When it played on the radio, nothing could hurt her. Italian dialects filled the air. A lost language – too painful to be spoken. Yet, in song, love shared an allowance of hope. The kitchen is for singing,Continue reading “Orvieto”
Tag Archives: fiction
Nothing to Fear
Written for https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2025/07/10/reenas-xploration-challenge-389/ School is like standing in the middle of a hurricane. At least that’s what she believed as she hovered beside the entrance of this new secondary school. She glued on her mask and slipped into copy mode. With a smile forced into place, she walked over the threshold. ‘Ode to Joy,’ sheContinue reading “Nothing to Fear”
Orvieto
This is from a novel I am editing. What do you think? Does this prologue work? PROLOGUE Alessandra lifted the ornate, brass handle of her writing desk to reveal a small orange, glass bottle. Tiny in her palm, she wrapped her fingers around its careful curves. Each familiar memory washed through her mind. Her dad’sContinue reading “Orvieto”
Imaginary
Written for https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/category/what-do-you-see/ It’s all in your head. That’s what my dad used to shout when I mentioned my imaginary friend. ‘Can you set an extra place?’ I asked. ‘About time we gave up that nonsense.’ Dad’s veins bulged red. ‘Let her be, love,’ she said. I shared that look as Mum set a knife,Continue reading “Imaginary”
It’s Okay to be Proud
Written for https://wordofthedaychallenge.wordpress.com/category/word-of-the-day/ Tomorrow will be a positive experience for me. A win-win situation. I am attending a writing retreat run by my local theatre, ‘‘The Cube’’. Fellow writers (of plays) allowing others to read their work and amateur actors reciting them aloud. If I am lucky, my play could be one of them. IContinue reading “It’s Okay to be Proud”
I Must Scream
Written for https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2025/04/17/reenas-xploration-challenge-377/ I have no mouth; I must scream. From my glass prison, I observe others. What are they doing? Each shriek of joy mingled with my self imposed loneliness is like a mask of hate. Normally, I push open the window and yell at them to stop. Today there isn’t enough energy toContinue reading “I Must Scream”
Disregarded
Written for https://wordofthedaychallenge.wordpress.com/category/word-of-the-day/ Mary flicked through the newspaper, left on the bench by its previous occupant. All old news; she wondered whether the latest celebrity scandal was worth the paper its printer used. Nobody cared anymore. Marriage was like the football transfers. A signing, meant to be their saviour, sold the next year. Besides, sheContinue reading “Disregarded”
Forgotten Lie
Written for https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/category/what-do-you-see/ ‘You okay?’ ‘Yea,’ Mandy said, peering into a perfect pristine coating. Twenty years, where the reason for running felt hollow as a forgotten lie. Hauling her duffel bag over her shoulder, she stopped. She scratched at her red cheeks; the wind biting into her face. A few steps, and she would beContinue reading “Forgotten Lie”
Synopsis
This is an attempt at a synopsis. It isn’t finished yet, because it needs work before I send it to agents or publishers. I wrote ‘In the Dark’ because I want to highlight how dangerous drugs are, especially to teenagers. Mental health is a strong theme throughout the story. Sarah Masters is a regular youth;Continue reading “Synopsis”
Mum
Written for https://melissalemay.wordpress.com/2024/12/16/melissas-fandango-flash-fiction-challenge-299/ He didn’t expect to have an elephant interrupt his call to his mum. A leather container wrapped around his waist, he held his palm over the red handle. With his free hand, he dived into his trouser pocket and found a fifty pence piece. Squashed into the corner, he swallowed down hisContinue reading “Mum”
Writer Ravenclaw 