This is my entry for Charli Mill’s Flash Fiction Challenge.
It’s a short paragraph from my YA/paranormal book The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone.
When I saw that the nature of the prompt was about fire – I thought why not… I hope Charli doesn’t mind… it just seemed to fit so well.
The fire raged, and a ring of flames circled the card, avoiding it as if it contained the deadly plague. The sand timer ran out. The fire burnt down leaving its mark on the card with black singed edges.
I felt a chill creep up my spine. When I searched Dad’s face for some clue to his strange behaviour, I reeled back, struck by the sight of a dull emptiness in his eyes. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his face. I thought I spotted a weird reflection in his eyes, maybe a bug…
It’s funny how cutting this paragraph down to 99 words gives the story a totally different edge to it. It ends on quite a funny note with the ‘maybe a bug,’ ending but in reality, it is far from funny.
Just in case this little piece of writing intrigues you… and you want to find out more about the bug…
Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)
Social Media Links
Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
To enter Charli Mill’s flash fiction challenge please follow the link: https://carrotranch.com/2019/04/04/april-4-flash-fiction-challenge/
Bye for now, happy writing!
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 
Terrific, Marje. I have succumbed to temptation and bought this book.
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Wow, thank you Robbie. My crazy idea to post this as a piece of flash had a positive result! Lol. Hope you enjoy. Xxx
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Such an excellent edit for the prompt, very wishes for the book sales 💜💜
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Thanks Willow. 🙂 x
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💜💜
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I have been playing more lately with both paring pieces down or growing them into lengthier pieces. It is a fun and interesting process for sure.
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Definitely. Perhaps I should do this more often!
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How fun to play with that scene and discover a humorous slant. But now we all need to find out what happens next! Brilliant way to promote your book, too! Often readers ask flash writers what happens, and you already have that written down.
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Yes, we indie authors have to have a bag of magical tricks at our disposal! Lol. Thanks for being so supportive. Xxx
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Hi Marje,
Thanks for following me again. That is appreciated. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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