Flash – Page 3 – M J Mallon YA Author and Poet

Flash Fiction #Unusual #Valentines

This is my flash fiction piece for Carrot Ranch’s prompt Valentine’s!

https://carrotranch.com/2019/02/14/february-14-flash-fiction-challenge/

Damages, broken limbs, a most unusual valentines – the poor restaurant didn’t stand a chance!

We squeezed into a corner next to a giant sized Valentine’s chocolate egg, exquisitely wrapped in pink, shiny wrapping.

My daughter nearly toppled it over with a careless swipe of her crutches. I can just see the look on the waitress’s face, a real shocker, Halloween horror expression.

Luckily, the prize-winning egg was saved.

We chose the Valentine’s menu but we stayed off the wine.

It was a long way back on crutches and we were terrified she might break more bones or chocolate!

See the original post about my daughter Natasha’s broken ankle here:

https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/02/15/an-unusual-valentines-adventure/

Bye for now,

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Rodeo #5 Sound and Fury – The Winning Entries and My Flash

Well done to all the winners of The Carrot Ranch Sound and Fury Flash competition.

I’m so pleased to hear that my lovely friend Ritu won third prize.

Here’s the link to the winning entries.

https://carrotranch.com/2018/12/14/rodeo-5-sound-and-fury-winners/

Here’s my entry – I didn’t win… I got the fury but forgot the sound effects! Lol.

How’s your day been?’
‘Exhausting, but exhilarating. I saved a young man’s life today. And you?’
‘Boring, I hate being a butcher.’
‘Your meat’s the best!’

My identical twin sister is an eminent brain surgeon. I dream of her delicate hands working their masterful magic.

I raised the scalpel in a fury of sibling rivalry. My eyes twitched, but no one questioned my power to play God or to ruin my sister’s reputation as a top surgeon. My hands shook, until I sliced. I smiled, she’d be so proud. Blood pounded in my head as bright, red blood spurted.

I’m a sponsor of Carrot Ranch – a wonderful community of flash fiction writers.

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Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Do you enjoy writing flash too?

Bye for now,

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I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my short story Ghostly Goodbye.

Ghostly Goodbye by M J Mallon

Ghostly Goodbye is a paranormal love story about a young woman called Iris who can’t get over her husband’s death. She is mourning him so much that she feels dead inside. Her husband Ed sends her a ghostly message from beyond the grave via an old forgotten garment in her wardrobe. She responds by dragging herself from her tomb-like bed and he draws back the curtain of death to visit her in a most unusual way.

Reviews needed! Please support us.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store: Universal Buying Link

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/

Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

Rodeo #4: Fractured Fairy Tales: Goldilocks Hates Chocolate

Well done to the winners. The winning entries here – https://carrotranch.com/2018/12/07/rodeo-4-fractured-fairy-tales-winners/

Including second prize to my friend Hugh, an honourable mention to Debby Gies – (my friend, and Sister of the Fey.) and this highly entertaining lovely chap – Geoff Le Pard also had an honourable mention.

I didn’t win but this is my entry:

Goldilocks Hates Chocolate

Goldilocks was due to arrive at any moment. Little bear kept a look-out for papa bear and mama bear hoping that they wouldn’t return too early from their leisurely morning walk.
Goldilocks sauntered in and handed little bear a huge chocolate croissant which he ate down greedily.
Goldie sat on the floor and tucked in to little bear’s bowl of steaming porridge.
‘Ugh, how can you eat that muck, Goldie?’
‘It’s yummy. I hate chocolate and sweet things.’
‘With a name like Goldilocks it’s no wonder you’re weird. Porridge reminds me of sticky snot.’
‘Rubbish, it’s mighty gold-i-delicious gunk!’

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Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

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I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.

Ghostly Goodbye by M J Mallon

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store: Universal Buying Link

Carrot Ranch Rodeo Contest #2: Memoir – The Winning Entries and My Flash #Rollercoasters

Well done to all the winners and to all the participants for joining in.

Here is the link to the winning entries: https://carrotranch.com/2018/11/16/rodeo-2-memoir-winners/

Here’s my entry which was inspired by a true life event – overcoming my fear of rollercoasters and taking my one and only ride with my two young daughters. I’ve never been on a rollercoaster since (and have no intention of so doing,) but the memory has stayed firmly in my mind as a massive accomplishment.

A true triumph over fear!

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It’s a gut-wrenching fear of mine: Roller-coasters, a grim holding on, tempting death. Sometimes you have to face your fears and deal with them. I’m proud of the ride in Portugal. I was with my family, my two daughters and my husband. I had to be brave, and I was. I’ve got the photo to prove it but never ask me to do it again! Not now, not ever. It was a once in a lifetime moment, one I’ll treasure forever. But I still imagine what could have happened and an author’s imagination is the most dangerous, evil ride.

It’s no wonder that wicked old roller-coasters feature in my writing. You’ll have to read the second novel in The Curse of Time series to see what I am talking about! I’m still working on that.. I’m around the 70,000 word mark!

Buying link: http://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:

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

Sponsor of Carrot Ranch Literary Community

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Buying Link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime

M J Mallon _ YA Author

Carrot Ranch November 8 Flash Fiction Challenge #Flash #Fiction #Superpower

Here’s my entry for Charli Mills Carrot Ranch November 8th Flash Fiction challenge:

Mo’s Superpower Mash Disaster

Mo had always wanted to know what people really thought about her so she developed a special mash infused with a truth serum. What a disaster! Mo’s cafe was now closed until further notice. No one wanted Mo’s magic mash infused with such a bizarre superpower. Who would want to be on the receiving end of that kind of damaging ability? Finding out what people really think about you isn’t great – unfiltered thoughts and comments hurt. Mo’s Mash cafe reopens tomorrow with a new menu topped by:

Tell a bunch of lies mash to keep the regular punter’s happy.

To enter: https://carrotranch.com/2018/11/09/november-8-flash-fiction-challenge/

Hope you enjoyed!

Buy Kindle/Paperback Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime

I’m a contributing author in the Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.

Reviews needed! Please support us.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus &Robertson, Mondadori Store: Universal Buying Link

July 12: Flash Fiction Challenge – Carrot Ranch

My idea for this particular piece of flash came from Benjamin Scott’s SCBWI – Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators workshop I attended today on writing a pitch for my novel. I’m not saying that I am now cured from my fear of pitching, but I am a step closer to that fence tumbling down!

So, here is my flash:

The stony-faced agents sat together in neat chairs, tables locked, faces fixed with false smiles.

As I approached I imagined an insurmountable stone fence, groaning under the weight of their nervousness and my self-doubt.

My eyes locked on my chosen agent. She gestured to me to come over. I feared nothing could save me but as I spoke the stones tumbled down leaving me with an open gateway, an opportunity to shine.

I grabbed my pitch and went for it, galloping over my doubts. The fence of agents lay in tatters but my idea was met with cheers.

July 12, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a broken fence. You can mend it, leave it, or explain its place in a story. Go where the prompt leads.
Respond by July 17, 2018. Use the comment section below to share, read and be social. You may leave a link, pingback or story in the comments.

https://carrotranch.com/2018/07/12/july-12-flash-fiction-challenge/

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
Media kit: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/media-kit/
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/

My Privacy and GDPR Compliance page: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/privacy-and-gdpr-compliance/

June 7: Flash Fiction Challenge

June 7, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about man glisten. It was a fun term coined by two men with glitter in their beards. What more could it embrace? Look to the unexpected and embrace a playful approach. Go where the prompt leads. – https://carrotranch.com/2018/06/08/june-7-flash-fiction-challenge/

Respond by June 12, 2018.

It’s a bit early for a Christmas story but this is what occurred to me so I went with the flow!

Man Glisten – Progress!

‘What’s that?’ asked the little girl in the department store.

‘It’s the new Father Christmas. He’s called man glisten, because he listens to all the little girls and boys while he glistens.’

‘But I liked the old Father Christmas with the long white beard, fat tummy and the red suit,’ said his daughter with a tear in her eyes.

‘It’s progress, honey. Old Father Christmas wasn’t bringing money into the department store anymore.’

‘Do you want to meet him?’

‘No!’

‘Look! His long beard, psychedelic suit and his reindeer glisten.’

‘I don’t care! I want old, fat, red suit!’

Winner of Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge no. 7 with my murderous flash – Mr Blamey. https://carrotranch.com/2017/12/19/winner-of-flash-fiction-contest-7/

1st Place Winner of Bloggers Bash 2018 Blog Post Competition: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/03/21/the-bloggers-bash-blog-post-competition-2018-the-queens-dress-down-day/

Buy Paperback Book link: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Founder of Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group:

Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge – She Fought So Hard

I’ve been meaning to join in the Carrot Ranch challenge for some time but it’s been so busy here chez Marje that I’ve not managed to. So without further ado I’m having a go.

She Fought So Hard

For a wee woman, you certainly pull in the big boys,’ joked keen fisherman Robin.

Melinda smiled; it had been a memorable day, she’d caught the biggest fish going. For a moment she’d forgotten her punishing chemotherapy struggle.

She never complained even when her hair fell out and grew back curly. Instead, she laughed; but it sounded hollow. I doubt she recognised herself.

Soft-hearted Melinda died within days of her fiftieth birthday. At the funeral I picked up her old school photo; I wept, I never knew she’d been a gymnast. Cancer the guilt bringer, I should have known.

The above piece of flash is dedicated to a work colleague and dear friend of my husband’s who died of ovarian cancer this year. It is partially based on a true story. She really did reel in a big catch and showed her partner up! She had such a competitive spirit and loved to play tennis in the Californian sun.

I didn’t know she’d been a gymnast.

During her illness we became friends. I regret that I didn’t have more time to get to know her better but cancer stole away that possibility too. She fought hard, loved life and it’s hard to believe she’s gone. Sometimes it seems to me that the loveliest people die before their time. Life can be incomprehensibly cruel. Everything was looking up for her, she had just started a new life in California with the love of her life. She had so much to live for.

Cancer sucks. 😦

Do feel free to comment below… sadly… yours.

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Here’s the link to the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge:

https://carrotranch.com/2018/04/26/april-26-flash-fiction-challenge/

#SundayBlogShare Writespiration #146 52 Weeks in 52 Words Week 51

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I haven’t had much chance recently to have time for writing. Oh, that makes me so sad! So I thought it would be nice to have a go at Sacha Black’s Writespiration by writing a story in just 52 words.

The prompt – Write about the night you spent in a cemetery really got me thinking…

This is my entry… Be prepared … this ended up being definitely in the horror/dark humour genre!

Marti and I didn’t want to appear chicken, so we accepted a dare – A night in a cemetery, alone, partying with the dead. Nothing creepy happened or so we thought, until I awoke with a freshly dug grave next to me with the inscription: Dig Marti out quick, if you dare, Chicken.

To join in Sacha’s Writespiration follow the link below:

https://sachablack.co.uk/2017/12/20/writespiration-146-52-weeks-in-52-words-week-51/

Sorry that wasn’t very Christmassy! Lol… I did get my writing analysed ages ago and it said I wrote like Stephen King (I wish! So this is just my tribute to him!)

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and Joyful New Year. No walking late at night in cemeteries folks!

Oh, by the way my YA Novel is currently on special offer … on Amazon Kindle.

Christmas Promotion

Bye for now,

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My Social Media Links:
Fellow Administrators of our Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC on Facebook, myself, my good friends – Colleen Chesebro and Debby Gies

Author/Blogger Rainbow Support Club on Facebook

Author/Blogger Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC Read and Review – Goodreads

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Goodreads

Instagram

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

Facebook

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Flash Fiction Prompt for Hurricane Relief #Flash4Storms #SundayBlogShare

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Here’s how you join in on Sarah Brentyn’s #Flash4 Storms #LemonSharkCharity.

1. Write a piece of flash fiction in 50 words or less with the theme: Help
(This can be any sort of assistance, support, encouragement, or a story of someone or something that needs help. You do not need to use the prompt word. Be creative! It can be 50 words, 15 words…even a six-word story. Anything goes provided it is prose up to 50 words. It doesn’t have to be sunshine and rainbows but keep it PG and friendly.)
2. Add a new post on your blog with your flash fiction and the hashtag #Flash4Storms in the title
3. Link to this post: https://sarahbrentyn.wordpress.com/2017/10/01/flash-fiction-prompt-for-hurricane-relief-flash4storms/
4. Leave a comment on the above ink to your post so Sarah knows you’ve participated
5. Help spread the word on social media with the hashtags:
#Flash4Storms
#LemonSharkCharity

Sarah Brentyn will donate $1 to hurricane relief for every flash that is posted (up to $50).

This is my flash fiction story for #Flash4Storms #LemonSharkCharity.

H is for Hurricane

H is for Hurricane. I knew it was coming. E is for Evacuation. I should have, but didn’t. C is for crying. Terrified, I had made the worst decision. R is relief, my family survived. D is for dog. A glimmer of hope. M is for Me, alive and thankful.

I wish this could be the outcome for all those in the path of hurricanes but sadly this is not the case… I know bloggers like Marcia Meara were caught up in the effects of hurricanes. In her case Irma pounded her poor house and she was terrified at what might happen. Luckily, the damage though extensive didn’t include any loss of life. Life is indeed precious, our possessions can be replaced, our loved ones can’t.
Here’s Marcia’s latest blog post about the damage to her garage and cars which gives you some indication of the aftermath and destruction caused by hurricanes: https://marciamearawrites.com/2017/10/06/one-giant-step-for-vankind-hurricaneirma/

Fifty words, that’s all we could write. I hope I managed to capture a sense of uncertainty, fear and hope in my short paragraph of flash fiction.

Bye for now,

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I now have two 5 star reviews on Amazon for my book!!!!

My social media links:
Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon @curseof_time
Instagram
Facebook
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Fellow Administrators of our Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club #ABRSC on Facebook, myself, my good friends Colleen Chesebro and Debby Gies. Click on Colleen’s and Debby’s photos to be directed to their awesome blogs. These ladies rock!

https://mjmallon.com

https://colleenchesebro.com/

http://dgkayewriter.com/

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