Mastodawn

Hugh's Views & News Apr 20, 2018

“We’re safe here in the forest until Marlon gets back. All of you, continue to rest and gain energy from bathing in the dappled light of the forest. Hopefully, we have found our new home.”

For 27 days and nights, they waited for Marlon to return. There was an anticipation of excitement in the air when he came back.

“Marlon, what have you found out? Can we live here?”

“I’m afraid not, your majesty.”

“What? Why not?”

“It’s some of the lifeforms of this world, Sir. They cut down the trees. Soon, nothing of this world will be left.”

Written in response to Charli Mill’s 99-word flash fiction challenge, with the theme of ‘Forest Bathing‘, over at the Carrot Ranch.

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Hugh's Views & News Nov 27, 2017

Five A Day #flashfiction

It was getting harder and harder to get my five a day.

Why had I even come here? It was the worst place I’d ever visited, yet they kept me here because I couldn’t find them anywhere else.

However, time was now running out, and I’d soon have to find another place for my fix.

Maybe I should leave now? Yes, that was probably a good idea.

Then, just as I was about to leave and head for the stars, I heard the cry of the human baby. One last meal, and then I’d leave this almost inhospitable planet.

Written as part of the 99-word Flash Fiction Challenge with the theme of Five a Day, hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

#Fiction #FlashFiction #SciFi #ScienceFiction #TheCarrotRanch #WritingChallenge

November 23: Flash Fiction Challenge

In the US, November 23 is a day of feasting. Not the date, but the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving we call it, and it centers on a roast turkey. Legend has it, Benjamin Franklin favored t…

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Hugh's Views & News Jun 16, 2023

Flash Fiction Friday – The Fatherhood War

June 13, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about fathers in general or a specific father. You can use different names — Papa, Daddy, Fabio. What is significant about a father? Write a homage, rant, comedy, tragedy, or anything in between. Go where the prompt leads! See ‘June 13: Story Challenge in 99-words‘ for more details.

The Fatherhood War – by Hugh W. Roberts

In a whirlwind of chaos, a father attempted to conquer the art of nappy changing.

Armed with wipes and a nappy that seemed to defy logic, he engaged in an epic battle against a giggling, wiggling baby. Hilariously mismatched socks were his battle armour, and a superhero cape decked his shoulders.

As he bravely dodged tiny feet, the father’s face turned into comical distortions. With a triumphant cry, he emerged victorious, the nappy expertly secured.

But, alas, victory was short-lived, for a naughty giggle signalled an incoming surprise attack. In the war of fatherhood, laughter was the ultimate weapon.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

Flash Fiction Friday

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘Glimpses.’

Glimpses

28 short stories and pieces of flash fiction take the reader on a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

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#carrotRanch #family #fathers #fiction #flashFiction #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge

Hugh's Views & News Jun 23, 2023

Flash Fiction Friday – What Lays Beneath

June 20, 2023, prompt: Write a story about grains of sand in 99 words (no more, no less). Where are these grains, and what importance do they hold? How many ways can you think of using sand? Who interacts with the sand and why? Go where the prompt leads! See June 20: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

What Lays Beneath – by Hugh W. Roberts

On the secluded beach, grains of sand held a horrifying secret.

As twilight embraced the shoreline, their malevolence awakened. Slightly serrated edges transformed into razor-sharp teeth, hungry for flesh.

Unseen to the unsuspecting visitors, they slithered beneath the surface.

With a sinister intelligence, they devised a plan. Swiftly, they surged, entangling ankles in a web of gritty terror. Screams of agony filled the air as victims got dragged below, devoured by the insatiable maw of the sand.

Panic swept the beach, but the grains, now stained red, revelled in their newfound power, forever cursed to prey upon the unwary.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

Flash Fiction Friday

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

#beach #carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #holidays #horror #horrorStories #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge

Hugh's Views & News Mar 17, 2023

Flash Fiction Friday – Not Everything Changes

March 13, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a place where children once played. It can be a field, a playground, or any place that attracted children to play. But now it is empty. Abandoned. Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

Not Everything Changes- by Hugh W. Roberts

The sun shone brightly on the grassy field where children once played, hunting for colourful Easter eggs.

Years later, the area was overgrown, and the old baskets and eggs were long gone.

But something magical was happening. From the earth, tiny sprouts emerged, turning into flowers of every colour, filling the air with sweet fragrances.

The grown children returned to the field and marvelled at the wondrous sight. They remembered the joy of those long-ago Easter egg hunts and the laughter of their childhood friends.

The field may have changed, but the memories and the spirit of Easter remained.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

#carrotRanch #easter #fiction #flashFiction #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge

Hugh's Views & News Mar 31, 2023

Flash Fiction Friday – The Sky That Loves Me

March 27 2023, prompt: Write a story about something impossibly blue in 99 words (no more, no less). You can go with the sky or any other object. What impact does the colour have on the setting or characters? Does it lead to action or create a pause? Go where the prompt leads! See March 27: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

The Sky That Loves Me- by Hugh W. Roberts

The sky above was a deep, impossibly blue. The kind of blue that makes you feel like you could reach up and touch it. The type of blue that makes you want to sing.

And then I started to sing. I sang about the impossibly blue sky. I sang about the hope that it gave me. I sang about the love that I felt for the world around me.

And as I sang, the sky seemed to get even bluer. The world seemed to get even brighter. It was then that I decided today was not my suicide day.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #mentalHealth #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge

Hugh's Views & News Apr 14, 2023

Flash Fiction Friday – The House That Nobody Visits

April 10, 2023, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about “the old lady and the Beast.” What does age have to say about the story? Who is the beast, and why? Go where the prompt leads! See April 10: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

The House That Nobody Visits – by Hugh W. Roberts

Nobody ever went near the old ladies’ and beasts’ house.

Tears of sadness fell every day. Not even rays of warm sun coming through the windows helped.

When the front doorbell chimed one Saturday afternoon, panic set in.

“Who could it be?”

“I don’t know. Nobody ever comes here because of me.”

“Should we answer?”

“Why not?”

The face of a young female met their faces.

“I’m not afraid,” she said, pushing past them. “It’s time I proved the village folk wrong.”

As the old lady fed on the young flesh, the beast knew why nobody had visited him.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

***

Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #horror #horrorStories #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge

Hugh's Views & News Apr 28, 2023

Flash Fiction Friday – Where There Is Hope

April 24, 2023, prompt: Write a story about the colour of hope in 99 words (no more, no less). Who needs hope, and why? How can you use colour to shape the story? Pick a colour, any colour. Go where the prompt leads! See April 24: Story Challenge in 99-words for more details.

Where There Is Hope – by Hugh W. Roberts

As the Pride Parade approached, the city streets were awash with every rainbow colour. But for Tim, a young, closeted bisexual man, only one colour truly embodied the spirit of hope – Green. It was the colour of his first love’s eyes and the hope he carried for a world that accepted and celebrated all identities.

As he watched the march, he knew he was not alone. Many diversities watched the parade while waving rainbow flags. Together, they would fight for a future where every colour of love was accepted.

Hope always won over the hatred for being different.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

***

Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #lgbt #lgbtFiction #lgbtqi #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge

Hugh's Views & News Jan 20, 2023

Flash Fiction Friday – Shadow Talk

January 16, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a lady shadow in 99 words (no more, no less). Who is this person, and why do they lurk in the shadows. What is the tone and setting for your story? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

Shadow Talk – by Hugh W. Roberts

I followed the lady’s shadow on her journey. She took me around the house and waited for me when I fell behind.

If rooms were dark, I’d flick on the light to see her. She talked to me on our journey and reassured me that everything would be okay.

When I heard the key in the front door, she had to leave, but another shadow took her place.

As I quickly took off my mother’s dress, pearl necklace and high-heeled shoes, my father’s voice called out.

“Are you ready, William? Time for you to hit the under-elevens football pitch.”

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

***

Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #lgbt #lgbtFiction #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #writingChallenge

Hugh's Views & News Feb 3, 2023

Flash Fiction Friday – The Bread Plate

January 30, 2023, prompt: Write a story about the dishes in 99 words (no more, no less). It can be an every-single-day activity, a precious collection, or any other interpretation of dishes as objects or activities. Who is stuck with the dishes and why? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.

The Bread Plate – by Hugh W. Roberts

While daydreaming, admiring the dishes on the table, Madeline watched the dapper servers rush by holding trays of plates covered with metal domes. Nobody would miss a small bread plate if she secretly hid one in her purse, would they?

She’d add a dinner service like this, without the name, to her upcoming wedding gift list.

An unexpected rattling of the dishes, cutlery and glasses made as they shuddered broke her daydream.

“What’s causing everything to clatter, Madeline?” asked her mother.

“I don’t know, Ma-ma,” Madeline replied, wondering if the word ‘Titanic’ would easily rub off her bread plate.

Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.

***

Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’

***

32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.

More Glimpses

Available on Amazon

Paperback – £4.99

Kindle – £0.99

Follow Hugh on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below.

#carrotRanch #fiction #flashFiction #shortStories #shortStory #theCarrotRanch #titanic #writingChallenge