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”

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”

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”

Broken

Written for https://michnavs.wordpress.com/2024/12/03/day-9-of-16-days-of-activism-campaign-violence-against-women/ and http://dversepoets.com/2024/12/02/prosery-taylor-swift/ ‘Hello, is it possible you could help me?’ he asked. A charming smile lit up the room. Fool me twice, she thought at first. Her ex husband Thomas, armed with a seductive sneer, and expensive flowers, was also an expert and hitting where the bruises didn’t show. Her memory ofContinue reading “Broken”