Welcome to this week’s flash fiction inspired by the prompt over at Carrot Ranch: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about Clarice. She can be any Clarice, real, historical, or imagined. Following the story is some background about the Clarice I chose as the subject. Enjoy! The Invitation Clarice ran her…
Coming in just under the wire is my submission for this week’s flash fiction challenge over at Carrot Ranch, inspired by this prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that includes the open road. Enjoy! The Road I pass under the last green light, sighing. Behind me is the city, the…
Quick PSA before I get to the good stuff: Dreams of Justice comes out Tuesday! So hurry up and pre-order! Okay, moving on. This week’s drabble is inspired by the prompt over at Carrot Ranch: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a postal carrier in an extreme situation. I’ll let…
In October, I entered a 250-word flash fiction contest. That story got me to the semifinals. In November, I submitted a new story for the semifinal round. That one didn’t make the top 5 stories, so I didn’t make the final round. But! The feedback from the judges show it was well liked, plus I…
I’ll explain the story behind this story at the bottom of the post, but I’ll say at the start that it had to include three things: comedy, eating an apple, and grandchildren. Enjoy! The Lonely Apple “We’re done, Grandpa!” Lucy heaves the paper bag full of newly-picked apples onto the porch. The deep red fruit…
Time for another 99-word flash piece inspired by this week’s prompt over at Carrot Ranch: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about the Day of the Dead. It can be the Mexican holiday, a modern adaptation of it, a similar remembrance, or something entirely new. Enjoy! Dia de los Muertos She…
This flash piece is partly inspired by this week’s prompt over at Carrot Ranch: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that shows true grit. The background of the story follows the story. Enjoy! Finish Line I round the second curve for the eighth time. The first to finish crosses the line,…
Lost I settle onto the flat boulder overlooking the valley. The verdant field and trees welcome the rare visitor, promising a breath of nature and a taste of old-world charm. A world that existed before technology ruled. The afternoon sun bathes it in warm light. “Daddy, what are you looking at?” Twisting around, I wave…
Sweet Jam I settle into my seat in front of the stage. In a moment, the performer will take his place, having promised an evening of musical magic. His exact words were, “I’ve been working on a sweet jam.” How could I pass that up? He steps onto the stage to uproarious applause. Propping himself…
Dust I sit on the porch, watching your dust settle. It was all a lie. A performance. Years of attention and validation that you required of me blow away, meaningless as the dust your truck tires kicked up. A little pushback, and I’m dead to you. You taught me a lesson. I’ve now eaten from the…
Allison Maruska 