Sleep is Overrated

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

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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?

My top five favorite sites for flash fiction.

The Markets:

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Markets catering to flash fiction here. Besides doing a search on Duotrope, you can find markets accepting flash fiction by going to these links.

Practice makes Perfect. Check out these sites to flex your flash fiction muscles.

Want a more succinct challenge?

Julia’s Place for 100 word prompts
Lillie McFerrin Writes– Five Sentence Fiction
100 Word Story

Magic Fertilizer

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

Photo Courtesy of Nurserymag.com

100 word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week#149 : This Week’s Prompt: April

April, when the world turned a luscious green and blooms burst forth celebrating new beginnings, was Mattie’s favorite time of year. Of particular joy were her prized azaleas lining the back corner of her lot.

“What are you using for fertilizer?” Her nosy neighbor Gertrude asked.

“Whatever Lowe’s recommends, and an extra pinch of magic,” Maggie said, tamping down a patch of loose soil.

“Magic, smagic, whatever you’re feeding them, it’s working. Bet Ben’s proud,” she said, watching Mattie carefully.

“No doubt. If I wasn’t the one doing all the work, he’d take credit for every bloom,” she said, laughing.

Scent of Regret

March 10, 2015October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / Leave a comment

Photo Courtesy of google images

Craig’s head bent over the flowers in his hand. Sarah was the most beautiful woman he’d, ever laid eyes on. He had a thousand things he wanted to say.

His hands trembled as he eased the door open. The scent was overpowering. He steadied himself, walked across the room and gathered Sarah’s hand in his. Kissing each finger, he told her as many things he could remember. “I love you. I’ll always love you.”

He crumpled against Sarah’s chest, brushing against the cold, hard steel of the table, gathered her in his arms and sobbed.

“Please forgive me.”

100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week#170