I've recently finished my latest, near-final draft of the novel I've been working on for... several years now. I've still got a lot of room to grow as a writer, but it's been an incredibly positive experience so far, learning and improving, meeting some wonderful, supportive critique partners — all of whom helped me get … Continue reading Back again, with more Very Short Stories!
Very Short Stories, Collection #5
I've been working hard on completing my first novel, recently — after many drafts, and many more mistakes, there's just a little left to polish. Which is very exciting for me! But today, I have another collection of my #vss365 stories, based on one-word prompts. *** Close As water thick with crimson algae flooded the … Continue reading Very Short Stories, Collection #5
Flash Fiction: An Untimely Letter
Today's flash fiction was again inspired by a writing prompt. I don't often write in first-person, so it was a fun challenge for me. I hope you'll enjoy the result! *** It started as an excuse to test my fancy fountain pens — you know, the ones I bought four years ago, swearing I’d use … Continue reading Flash Fiction: An Untimely Letter
Another Round of Very Short Stories
For today's post, another selection of my stories from the #vss365 hashtag on Twitter. I hope you'll enjoy them! *** London "Jellied eels, a London tradition." The shopkeep nodded to a tub swirling with dark, snaky shapes. "Mine are the freshest each day." "I'm searching for a friend," she hissed. "Anyone I might know?" She … Continue reading Another Round of Very Short Stories
Flash Fiction: Refusing the Call to Adventure
Today's story, based on another writing prompt, features a man with a long, unbroken lineage of heroic ancestors... who is absolutely determined not to follow in their footsteps. However, the fates have other ideas! *** On a lazy, sunny afternoon, everything in the cottage was absolutely perfect — ham sizzling on the stove, flowers blooming … Continue reading Flash Fiction: Refusing the Call to Adventure
Even More Very Short Stories
Today, another round of my contributions to the daily #vss365 writing prompt on Twitter, from 2019. I hope you'll enjoy them! *** Pearl The pearl divers had a choice between their guards' bayonets or the depths. On a single breath, Alma dove a hundred feet, shadowed by reef sharks. Basket half-full, lungs less, she pried … Continue reading Even More Very Short Stories
Flash Fiction: An Otherworldly Hero
Another story inspired by a writing prompt, this time concerning the unexpected fulfillment of prophecy. *** As the battle raged between the hordes of hell and the alliance of mortals, the Demon Lord met the Hero in single combat. Sparks flew as their ringing blades sang a deadly melody. But the Hero faded, while the … Continue reading Flash Fiction: An Otherworldly Hero
More Very Short Stories
Today's post features another collection of my Very Short Stories originally posted to Twitter, inspired by writing prompts from the #vss365 hashtag. If you haven't participated before, I recommend giving it a try! There are lots of brilliant writers posting entertaining stories each day. Verdant She ran her fingers through the tangled overgrowth, untouched by … Continue reading More Very Short Stories
Flash Fiction: Professor Gehenna’s Unruly Monsters
This tale about a beleaguered evil scientist was inspired by a writing prompt. I hope you'll enjoy it! *** Professor Gehenna proudly strolled through his underground laboratory, smiling at the rows of spacious holding cells and their inhabitants. All was in perfect order. The tentacle beast was opening portals to the Void in moderation, and … Continue reading Flash Fiction: Professor Gehenna’s Unruly Monsters
The Beginning of a Blog, and a few Very Short Stories
Welcome to my writer's blog! I'm Philip, and this will be a place where I share my various short stories, book reviews (with an emphasis on indie works), and news about my planned novels. I've always enjoyed writing prompts — it's a rewarding challenge to create a story each day, even when I don't feel … Continue reading The Beginning of a Blog, and a few Very Short Stories
