Tag: creative writing

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

probably …

Tina Stewart Brakebill

“The opportunity of a lifetime passed before him as he tried to decide between a cone or a cup.” The thought should probably terrify him.

 The woman waiting to scoop his mint chocolate chip (or possibly pistachio) ice cream had actually said “it’s not the opportunity of a lifetime. Pick one.”

 She had laughed as she said it, but he could feel life passing him by as he dithered, yet again.

 If he was keeping score (which he was) this was the 17th time today he had agonized over an arguably simple decision.  Eventually he decided by not deciding. Instead, he walked away empty handed.

 He knew why he was spinning in circles: he needed to make what was probably the biggest decision of his life.

 As he slid the key into the lock, he made a promise to himself: “I will decide today. Or maybe tomorrow. Tomorrow might be better. But definitely this week. Probably.”  

Photo by Michaela St on Pexels.com

 Thanks for the inspiration to Fandango’s word of the day (LOCK) and the Writers Workshop prompts of SCORE and the opening line. 

FOWC With Fandango — Lock
This Week’s Writer’s Workshop Prompts: October 2, 2025

 

Haiku & Other Poetry, tutto e niente

tanka tuesday-Bashō

Tina Stewart Brakebill

the light of a star

as our journey’s companion  

may shine like a sun

wall of sound

the echo of time

journey’s end

Photo by Troy Tumbin on Pexels.com

 Today, our Tanka Tuesday prompt is to write haiku in the style of Bashō. I’m not sure if I succeeded but I enjoyed the challenge. Thanks to Selma for hosting Tanka Tuesday.

#TankaTuesday Poetry Challenge No. 32, Haiku Like Bashō, 09/30/25

 

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

always a bridesmaid

Tina Stewart Brakebill

As Jenny took in her reflection, she made a noise that sounded like a cross between a growl and a barking seal. How could she! The haphazard array of polka dots made her look like a giant allergic reaction. This was absolutely the last time she’d ever agree to be a bridesmaid!    

Esther asked us to tell a story in 52 words using the following words in it somewhere:

  • SEAL
  • GROWL
  • ALLERGIC
  • HAPHAZARD
  • POLKA
Can You Tell A Story In…

 

 

Haiku & Other Poetry, tutto e niente

the agonies of change

Tina Stewart Brakebill

days became decades

forged in fire but still easy

our love endures all

Reena’s 400th Prompt asks us to play a game. Visit the site of An Almanac of Birds: 100 Divinations

Click on any one of the 12 pictures. Read the divination and write whatever comes to mind.

I landed on the card above. We’ve been together for 42 years, so this one really resonated. Visit Reena’s page to read more.

Reena’s Xploration Challenge #400

 

Flash Fiction, tutto e niente

this time

Tina Stewart Brakebill

Memories flooded my brain as the smoke from the flickering candle enveloped me. The hint of menthol cigarettes lingering in the air only amplified my déjà vu. My cowardice urged me to turn and run, but before my feet could obey this frantic command the sight of the Two of Swords reminded me of the weight of the choice ahead of me. I couldn’t let one bad incident stop me from seeking guidance. Maybe if I had listened that time, instead of mocking, I would have taken a different road, so instead of taking flight, I sank into the chair. Holding my question in my mind, I shuffled the cards and made a promise to myself:  this time, I would listen, really really listen.

The Two of Swords card, conceptualized by Pamela Colman Smith

I had fun today, creating a six-sentence story and incorporating some additional word prompts that included CARDS, AMPLIFY, CHOICE, and INCIDENT. Visit the site below for more info and more great writing. 

Writing Prompts
Amplify
It’s Thursday’s Six Sentence Story Blog Hop
FOWC With Fandango — Incident