Thief of Hearts

July 10, 2015October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 6 Comments

CMH

She ran the brush through her hair and reached for her favorite lipstick applying it with care. At a young age, she discovered she could get anything she wanted by puckering her perfectly heart-shaped lips into a pout. Later, the tilt and flutter of her eyes made guys stutter and stumble. Men longed to hear the beauty of her delicate laughter and stroke her long silken hair. But, it was the subtle scent of Chanel and the sway of her hips, which revealed the true depth of her power – stealing hearts.

Jenny’s Sprint to Freedom

July 8, 2015October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 31 Comments

Photo by Stephen Baum

Photo Prompt from Rochelle Wisoff-Fields – Addicted to Purple

Jenny muttered a prayer as she ran for her life. Only her footfalls echoing against the tunnel floor interrupted the blessed silence.

Following orders and listening well proved to be her salvation yielding privileges and the secrets to the tunnel underneath the prison. By the time, they discovered her empty cell; she’d be crossing the border.

She could almost hear the guard’s denials of involvement. No one believed her claims of innocence, least of all, her two tormentors; time the assholes got a taste of their own medicine.

Jenny sprinted toward the sliver of light and to freedom.

Sleep is Overrated

June 3, 2015October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

Photobucket

My crashing point came on the fourth day without sleep. Three to four days is typical for me before the body overrides the mind and says, enough. Then, all I want is to close my eyes and sleep forever. I’d settle for 8 hours..

My eyelids heavy, I snuggled under the covers. It took a moment for his touch to register. “Please let me sleep.”

His hand moved softly down my skin as his kisses trailed my neck and shoulder. His face replaced the fog of sleep and I turned to him.

Who needs it, sleep’s overrated anyway.

Written in response to : Julia’s Place 100 Word Challenge For Grownups – #154… please let me sleep…

Get the Nitty-Gritty on Flash Fiction

June 1, 2015October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 5 Comments

Lets talk about flash fiction. Having dipped my toe into this market a few years ago, I love it. Writing flash fiction challenges me to write leaner, encourages my muse, and gives me the break I need from the in-depth work of my novel.

Although, definitions vary from market to market, the terms flash fiction, short-shorts or micro-fiction are often used interchangeably. However, all specify word counts, ranging from 300 – 1000 words.

In short (no pun intended), flash fiction are compete stories, driven by tight, lean writing and limited by the number of words. The number varies on the market and genre, but range between 300 – 1000 words. Stories less than 300 are most often referred to as micro fiction.

One of the best articles I’ve ever read on this subject is Suzanne Vincent’s article, Managing Story Length from Slushpile Avalanche. You can also, check it out Becky Tuch’s post, Flash Fiction: What’s it all About? As the founding editor of The Review Review, she went to the experts to find out what they had to say about this growing genre. Interested in dipping your toe?