Flash Fiction – Page 6 – M J Mallon YA Author and Poet

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!

20181120_105046

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

sponsorship-ads13

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:

#ABRSC #Review The Congress of Rough Writers: Flash Fiction Anthology Vol. 1 (Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology)

Goodreads Synopsis:

Witness great feats of literary art from daring writers around the world: stories crafted in 99 words.

Flash fiction is a literary prompt, form, and tool that unites writers in word play. This creative craft hones a writer’s skills to write tight stories and explore longer works. It’s literary art in thoughtful bites, and the collective stories in this anthology provide an entertaining read for busy modern readers.

Writers approach the prompts for their 99-word flash with creative diversity. Each of the twelve chapters in Part One features quick, thought-provoking flash fiction. Later sections include responses to a new flash fiction prompt, extended stories from the original 99-word format, and essays from memoir writers working in flash fiction. A final section includes tips on how to use flash fiction in classrooms, book clubs, and writers groups.

CarrotRanch.com is an online literary community where writers can practice craft the way musicians jam. Vol. 1 includes the earliest writings by these global literary artists at Carrot Ranch. Just as Buffalo Bill Cody once showcased the world’s most daring riding, this anthology highlights the best literary feats from The Congress of Rough Writers.

My review:

Thank you to Charli Mills for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A thoroughly enjoyable read and very well structured. It delivers a wide range of flash fiction and so much more. The anthology succeeds in celebrating the wonderful sense of community that is Carrot Ranch and the benefits of participating, therein. Charli Mills has created a welcoming, nurturing community of ‘Rough Writers,’ who develop through practice – the necessary skills to polish their flash fiction writing, overcoming the challenging constraint of 99 words.

I’d highly recommend this anthology to EVERYONE, but particularly to writers and aspiring authors. But, don’t let that discourage the general public as they will most definitely enjoy reading this compilation too.

Being a part of Carrot Ranch Community is indeed a fantastic thing to do for experienced writers and wannabe writers too. I just wish I had more time to join in Carrot Ranch more regularly. But the community allows for writers to come and go as they wish, which is a positive aspect of Carrot Ranch. No one feels pressurised to write flash, it is a very free and giving group.

My rating: 4.5 stars.

Highlights:

A very engaging Foreword from Charli Mills.

Part 1 : Best of Show

Part 2 : A New Flash Fiction challenge

Part 3: Expanded Flash. This interested me as I recently attempted this and struggled to take a story from 99 words and expand it to 1,000. It isn’t easy!

Part 4: Essays From Memoirists: An unexpected section entitled Essays From Memoirists which I found fascinating. Particularly as I am currently penning a 3000 piece memoir about my dad’s early years, national service, and first taste of exotic travel for a competition!

In this section individual writers penned their thoughts and feelings about writing memoirs:

Sherri Matthews: From Memoir to Flash Fiction And Back Again. How writing flash, ‘energised,’ and enabled her ‘to soar,’ ‘and write fearlessly.’

Paula Moyer. In Praise of Nine Year Olds with Vision. Flash allowed for a ‘Parallel universe’ where the writer could ‘feel free’ ‘I am called to write.’

Lisa Reiter – How Flash Fiction Helps My Perfectionism by letting go and putting words on paper. Allowed her to realise that ‘The words are good enough’ ‘To Let it go,’ ‘the discipline of a little flash fiction is a good way to practice that.’

Jeanne Belisle Lombardo – How The practice of Flash Fiction Hones the Craft of the Memoirist – ‘focus on the moment’ and on ‘honesty in one’s work,’ which is what readers are looking for in memoirs.

Irene Waters – Defining Differences between Memoir and Fiction – ‘Writing fiction gave me a freedom I had not experienced before.’ ‘no room for unnecessary words.’ ‘major benefits’ – ‘freedom of expression’ – ‘honed technical skills.’

Part 5 : Building community with Flash Fiction

Part 6: Acknowledgements and Bios

Amazon UK Buying link: The Congress of Rough Writers Vol 1 Anthology

My A – M Reviews: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

My N – Z Reviews: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/

Let me know if you’d read the anthology I’d love to hear your thoughts…

Please note: When you leave a comment on this blog WordPress will automatically store your gravatar name, IP Address, comment, and email address. Therefore, leaving a comment is considered a definite intention, as defined by the GDPR giving me consent to store this information, and permission to contact you in the future.

I’d love you to leave a comment but if in doubt please read my Full GDPR Privacy and Compliance details: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/privacy-and-gdpr-compliance/

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.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/

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.

85978B3EEB2A2F45468E6707CEAFE70D

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

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

Carrot Ranch Literary Community Flash Fiction Challenge No. 22

092317_1836_thefirstfro1

Guidelines from Charli’s community:

February 22, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a unicorn. It can be realistic or fantastical. Go where the prompt leads.
Respond by February 27, 2018, to be included in the compilation (published February 28). Rules are here. All writers are welcome!
***

Here is my entry for the prompt, (which I love – Unicorns!) I knew instantly what to write… I had the idea engraved in these words from my Media Kit bio:

If the mood takes me I snorkel with mermaids, or sign up for idyllic holidays with the Chinese Unicorn, whose magnificent voice sings like a thousand wind chimes.

I don’t know if the Chinese Unicorn exists, or if it sings, but it’s nice to dream and to imagine! Also, I doubt if the Chinese Unicorn looks like this but it’s fun to play with Canva!

The Chinese Unicorn

The Chinese Unicorn Sings

I swear my workday wielded ferocious tentacles and claws, stressful, busy, so many demanding blood-sucking visitors. I stole a stranger’s smile and stapled it on my face. I tried to laugh but instead I swallowed down my tears. My anxiety had cranked up a helter-skelter notch. On my journey home, I discovered a brochure with an unusual invitation:
Visit The Chinese Unicorn Whose Magnificent Voice Sings Like A Thousand Wind Chimes.
I didn’t hesitate, I didn’t bother to say goodbye. When I heard the unicorn’s blissful melody, I wept. It wasn’t an interlude; it heralded the end of anxiety.

Sometimes tears can be happy ones!

To join in the challenge follow the link:

https://carrotranch.com/2018/02/22/february-22-flash-fiction-challenge/

Hope you enjoyed my flash fiction!

Bye for now,

untitled

85978B3EEB2A2F45468E6707CEAFE70D

My Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

Facebook – Authors/Bloggers Support Group #ABRSC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/

28109520_1584692061650961_905837144_n
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/

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

untitled

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,

bitmoji708432289

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

25437149_1520191521434349_1574510664_n

Goodreads

Instagram

Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

Facebook

Tumblr

Flash Fiction Prompt for Hurricane Relief #Flash4Storms #SundayBlogShare

flash4storms-sig

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,

bitmoji1999601555

85978B3EEB2A2F45468E6707CEAFE70D

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
Tumblr

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/

Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge: Harvest of Hope

092317_1836_thefirstfro1

Here’s my story for Charli’s Flash Fiction Challenge at Carrot Ranch.com.

September 21, 2017 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a ostory about what it is to gather a harvest. You can use the phrase or show what it means without using the words. Go where the prompt leads.

Respond by September 26, 2017, to be included in the compilation (published September 27). Rules are here. All writers are welcome!

Harvest of Hope

Mimi knelt on the soil, her bare knees were muddy, her eyes wet with tears. Before her was one tiny shoot. Nothing moved no creature, no human, alone she remained. The earthquake had done its worst. Her hands encircled the milk bottle of water, half full. She placed healing stones around the shoot in a circle. Her precious crystals, calming rose quartz, cradle of humankind to heal mother earth, flint to stabilise, amethyst for hopelessness and red jasper for isolation. She cried, her tears mingling with the water, the shoot twitched, and the promise of a new harvest began.

I found the resource below very helpful regarding the choice of crystals:

http://www.judyhall.co.uk/miscellaneous/be-a-thriver-not-a-survivor-crystals-to-heal-trauma-and-create-inner-peace

bitmoji-879682750

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: