Five Sentence Fiction Friday - View

It's Friday! And not just any Friday, it's a long weekend Friday. (At least here in Canada it is.) Aren't those so much sweeter? And what better way to kick it off than with some Five Sentence Fiction? This week's prompt is view. If you'd like to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

"How's the view?"
"Oh, just fine... just fine."
He was being flirtatious, she knew, but clearly he didn't realize he had a hickey on the left side of his buttocks, or he wouldn't be swaggering around naked with it in plain sight. 
'So much for true love,' she thought, dropping her purse by the couch. She went into the kitchen to look for something suitably sharp. 

There you have it! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. If you liked this piece, then please share it! Whether it be facebook, twitter, it doesn't matter. And if you really liked it, follow this blog so you never have to miss another one; not to mention come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still hankering for more Five Sentence Fiction, just check out the links below for previous ones.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Blades
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Home
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate

The Random Bad Movie Generator

The other day I was talking to a fellow at work about bad movies. Apparently, he hadn't realized that ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER was a book first before it was a movie. (And yes, I realize we probably should have been a little more productive with our time).

"Oh, really?" he said, "I just assumed it was a bunch of writers, sitting in a room picking random words out of hats. Like, okay name: Abraham Lincoln. Random noun: Vampire. Profession: Hunter."

I laughed. "Good thing they didn't get Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Gynecologist. Although, that I might have been able to sit through."

We had a good laugh, but it got me thinking. What if that was really how they got ideas for movies? I decided I had to give it a try myself, so I did. I got three bowls, one for famous historical figures, one for random nouns and one for professions. This is what I came up with. (And by the way, if any of these spark a story idea for you, please feel free!)

Joan of Arc, Bacon Teacher
George Washington, Cloud Embalmer
Julius Caesar, Eggplant Waiter
Thomas Edison, Toenail Biographer
Queen Victoria, Snake Pirate

I will admit, that was a lot of fun. I'm most intrigued by Queen Victoria, Snake Pirate and George Washington, Cloud Embalmer. Now, if I really wanted to challenge myself, I'd write stories to go with them...

Monday Book Review - Paris in Love

In keeping with the Parisian theme I have going, I introduce to you this week's book recommendation.

PARIS IN LOVE by Eloisa James

 

Yes, I bring to you yet another memoir about Paris. Are you sick of them yet? I apologize if you are, but I've been reading a lot of them and this is a very, very good one. It's the story of a woman and her husband who decide to take a sabbatical for a year and run off with their two children to live in Paris. It's different from a lot of the other ones I've read, thanks to its ingenious style. It's told in perfect, bite sized pieces, based on her tweets and facebook posts throughout the year. I know it sounds a little odd but she gets the flow just right and it really, really works. Just pick it up and you'll see.

My favourite part of the book was obviously the style and structure of her narrative, but she and her family also make for such a lovable cast of characters. Her daughter, Anna, is adorable, precocious and delightfully weird. She tells her story with the perfect blend of good humor, not to mention the style of the book allows her to zero in on these small moments, capturing her experience in a much more intimate and honest way.

Even if you're not planning a trip to Paris, you'll want to pick up this book. It's so funny and charming, just the thing to curl up with on an afternoon off. And who knows? You might start looking at plane tickets when you're done...

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Blades

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction. If you'd like to learn more about what Five Sentence Fiction is all about, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. This week's prompt is blades. Enjoy!

'If you know what's good for you, you'll steer clear of the meadow,' they told me, so of course I had to see for myself. 
At first it just looked like normal grass, only very, very tall and wide, as wide as my wrist. But as I got closer, I noticed all the blades looked rusty around the edges, which didn't make any sense at all until I reached out to touch one and pulled away a bloody finger. Every blade of grass was as sharp as... well, a blade.
That's when I looked down and saw the remains of those who'd simply run in without looking.

Yes, this one's a little... gory? Sure, we'll go with gory. But I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Please make sure to leave your thoughts below in the comments section, I love hearing from all of you! If you liked this post, I hope you'll follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still in the mood for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to previous editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Home
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed

The Journal: Writer's Tool or Cheesy, Outdated Medium Used Primarily by Twelve Year Old Girls?

Do you journal? I do. And no, it's not the typical "Dear Diary, Such and such a thing happened to me today. Then more boring stuff happened. Peter in biology is soooooooo hot. The end." garbage. And if it was, it wouldn't matter. Because you don't have to be self conscious about what you put in a journal. When I write in mine, it's mainly stream of consciousness type stuff with no evident connection between one subject and the next. And yes, it often becomes a place for me to bitch relentlessly about the things I dare not put on twitter or facebook; but mostly it's the stream of consciousness stuff.

I often turn to it when I can't come up with an idea for a blog post, or if I feel something important has happened that I must preserve for posterity. I also write in it just because I want to. There's something relaxing about it. I don't have to worry about whether it's good or bad, nor do I need to concern myself with form or structure. Unlike writing that I one day hope will see the light of day with publication, the journal remains a place for wholly creative, unstructured thought.

I also believe it makes for good practice. Sometimes it's hard to write every day, especially when you're trying to write something good every day, something with a purpose. I find the journal takes the pressure off and helps me just get into the habit of daily writing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to be meant for something, but it does get me putting words down on paper. Not to mention, I find a lot of great ideas come to me when I'm just writing without any kind of goal in mind. It gets the wheels turning and the creative juices flowing. In fact, my journal has worked wonders whenever I've come down with a case of writer's block. Once you get words flowing, more keep coming to take their place.

So what say you? Is the journal a useful writing tool or just another place where we can bitch ceaselessly about petty problems?  Do you keep one?

Monday Book Review - 101 Letters to a Prime Minister

A few weeks ago, I told you about TOLSTOY AND THE PURPLE CHAIR, a lovely book about books and their power to bring you back to life. This week I present another, different book about books. Enjoy!

101 LETTERS TO A PRIME MINISTER by Yann Martel

 

As I said above, this is a book about books. (Which also happens to be a quote from the first line of the introduction). It is about a writer, Yann Martel, and the question that led him to write to our prime minister, Stephen Harper. The question was this: what is Stephen Harper reading? Which also begs the question, does he read at all? This, after all, is a man who has publicly stated that his favourite book is the Guinness Book of World Records. He is also a man who is running our country. I highly suggest you don't skip the introduction to this lovely book, which more clearly explains Yann's intentions, far better than I can here. The point is, he decided to send Stephen Harper a book with an accompanying letter explaining his choice, every two weeks. He never received a direct response for his efforts, but the gold mine of exquisite literature is something every person can enjoy.

There are so many things I love about this book. First, there are the books themselves. What a treasure trove of excellent book recommendations! What avid reader wouldn't swoon with delight at the prospect of so many wonderful stories and poems? Second, of course, is the letters. If you didn't already know it, Yann Martel has a way with words. He effortlessly expresses sentiments I've never been able to fully define, delving into the beauty of the written word and the lessons within. His love for art seems boundless and his passion builds a fire in your chest, reminding you of every life changing word or work of art you've been witness to. He reminds us why books (and every other kind of art) is so important. He opens our eyes to our government and challenges us to question it, to really think about what we expect from our leaders. It reminds me of a retort I heard from a senator on Bill Maher's documentary, Religulous, in which he said, "you don't have to pass an IQ test to be in the senate." Hmmmm, but maybe you should? 

This is a book for writers. It is a book for readers. It is a book for the politically minded. It is a book about the beauty of books, and all they have to teach us.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Home

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! This week's prompt is home. Make sure to visit Lillie McFerrin Writes for more details. Enjoy!

"There's no place like home," I whispered, clicking my heels together for the third time and looking around. It was cold and dark, and I could hear things (large things) rustling through the bushes behind me that sounded far too hungry and menacing. 
"Goddammit!" I snapped, looking down at my feet, "wrong fucking shoes!"
I sighed as the creatures (which were indeed large and hungry and menacing looking) started shuffling out of the bushes around me. Should've stayed in oz.

I hope you enjoyed this little story, and if you did please share it with friends. Also, please feel free to follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you'd like to read more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident

Looming Deadlines

As a procrastinator, I kind of like deadlines. Not so much because of the heart stopping, head pounding stress involved, but because of the way they kick me into action. There's nothing like a looming deadline to get you to turn off twitter or facebook and actually get to work. As it turns out, I have several deadlines looming and they all happen to fall upon my quickly upcoming departure for a vacation to Paris. If you think one looming deadline is stimulating, then believe me, several is um... more so. By a lot. (Also gone with any possibility of spare time is my ability to write intelligent sentences.)

I should be stressed out, and in truth I am, but all these deadlines make me feel more alive. I have a purpose. Every morning I get up and a clattering of alarm bells goes off in my head, reminding me not to doddle; there's so much to do! So much to do! It's terrifying and exhilarating all at once. And although it may seem more stressful to have so many deadlines come due before a vacation, it's actually a relief. The best vacations are the ones you really feel you've earned. Not to mention, no one wants to come back from a trip and have their relaxation torn away by a waiting due date. I prefer to hold onto my post-vacation attitude as long as possible, thank you very much.

The key is organization and good time management. Neither of which I possess. So, I think it's going to get interesting.

As a side note, I'm having a wonderful time preparing for the trip. I'm reading so many Paris themed memoirs, guidebooks and fiction. The librarian looked me up and down as I picked up another stack of books today and muttered, "you must really love Paris, huh?" to which I smiled politely and nodded. No I didn't. I don't possess restraint like normal people. I gushed about my upcoming trip until she was very sorry she commented and practically had to shoo me away. Yep. That's my style.

Monday Book Review - The Palace of Curiosities

Welcome to the start of another work week and this week's book recommendation. I think you're really going to like this one.

THE PALACE OF CURIOSITIES by Rosie Garland

 

Two main characters, Eve and Abel, each strange in their own way. Eve is the Lion Faced Girl and Abel is The Flayed Man. Both have been cast out of Victorian society and find shelter in the Palace of Curiosities run by Professor Josiah Arroner. But this is really only the beginning of their story.

This book captures you right from the beginning. It's so mysterious, each character's story slowly unraveling, their secrets coming to light. I love the writing style, seemingly so simple, but so perfectly in the voice of the characters. It just keeps you turning the pages.

I know I'm being rather mysterious about this book, but that's what I love most about it. I don't want to spoil anything for you, because the uncovering of the story is the best part. Just do yourself a favour and pick it up. As the cover says, it really is a jewel box of a novel. 

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Oops!

Hi all! So, as you know, this is supposed to be Five Sentence Fiction Friday. But, unfortunately Lillie McFerrin is experiencing some difficulties with her site, so there is no prompt for this week. However, I hate to let my fans (yes, I know. Who am I kidding?) down, so I've devised my own little five sentence story for you to enjoy. Have a great weekend everyone!

Once upon a time there was a little girl sitting by a pond. One by one, she dropped tiny stones into the water, whispering quietly as she did so. Her behaviour was so peculiar that it caught the attention of a fox wandering by, who asked her what she was doing. 
She smiled, raised a finger to her lips and pointed down into the water, beckoning him over to have a look. He gazed down into the pond and saw a pile of tiny stones sitting at the bottom, which to his horror began to tremble and move, as though something very small was trying desperately to get out, and he suddenly realized (although far too late) that this was not a little girl at all. 

I hope you enjoyed this promptless little story and that you all have a fabulous weekend! If you're still hankering for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles

Parisian Chic - Not So Much

Sometimes there are events in your life that call into question everything you believe about yourself. Sometimes, they happen all at once. In the past month or so, the business I worked for was sold, leaving me without any job security. I've figured out that my dream of mastering even beginner's French before an upcoming trip to Paris is likely to go unfulfilled, and in the haste of preparations for the aforementioned trip, I've had no time to work on my manuscript at all. And then of course, there's Paris itself.

Despite the fact that I'm nearly giddy with excitement, I'm also pretty nervous. I'm not what you'd call Parisian Chic. To give you an example, I'm currently wearing a pair of jeans, my husband's socks and a t-shirt I bought almost ten years ago. Yep. Definitely not Parisian Chic. That doesn't mean I want to be immediately identified as a tourist though. I know I'll never pass for a true Parisian, but it'd be nice if pickpockets couldn't immediately pick me out of a crowd of a hundred.

I've been reading up a lot on Paris (and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT), from blogs to memoirs to guidebooks and they all point to one thing: the more stylish you are, the better service you'll get and the less trouble you'll get into with people trying to take advantage of the poor ignorant tourist.

Now, it would help a lot if I could speak French, but since that ship has sailed, I'm trying to up my chic for the trip. It isn't easy. Although I've never had a problem with my sense of style before, this trip has called into question my entire sense of fashion. I've realized I'm just not comfortable in a lot of the more stylish clothes. To break it down for you, I hate things that are uncomfortable. Freedom of movement is quintessential. Fabrics cannot be itchy or stiff and I'm uncomfortable in skirts. I just don't get how other women can wear them. Every time I put one on, I feel pretty until I step outside, the wind starts to blow and suddenly I'm in fear for my dignity. A walk through the park becomes a battle royale against showing complete strangers my underpants. (While at the same time, attempting to appear as though there isn't a problem). I find skinny jeans to be the most heinous invention ever put on this planet, same with animal print, and the bunions on my feet make "cute shoes" a hopeless dream.

So, you can see my problem. And although I can hold my head high and say with absolute conviction that I will never be the ugly tourist wearing kulats and socks with sandals, I'd also like to aim a little higher than that. I might not have Parisian style, but I'd still like to have style.

Monday Book Review - The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Welcome to Monday and this week's book review!

THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET by Brian Selznick

 

This is the story of a young boy with a love of machines and clocks, who finds himself orphaned, living in a train station and in possession of a wondrous (albeit, broken) machine that he believes has a message for him. This sweet little tale is made even sweeter by the beautiful illustrations throughout. It's very simply told, perfect for sharing with your child at bed time, (perhaps a chapter a night), filled with imagination and mystery. 

My favourite part is definitely the illustrations. They add a whole new level to the story, reminding me of what it felt like as a child to turn the pages of a story book, enraptured by the beautiful pictures within. The story is also very imaginative as I've said, with such an original plot and a really sympathetic main character in Hugo Cabret. You also can't beat that it's set in Paris, which I believe adds a little more wonder to the story, more so than if it was set in Chicago or Toronto.

So, if you'd like to recapture the wonder of a beautiful story book that you enjoyed as a child, or if you're looking for a book that extends past age barriers for different generations to enjoy together, this is the book for you. If for nothing else, pick it up and just have a look at the pictures.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Desolate

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! This week's prompt is desolate. If you'd liked to learn more about Five Sentence Fiction, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

She released the red button, lifting her shaking hand and opening the door to whatever new universe awaited her. The last one had been a disaster, but it was always a roll of the dice when you went dimension hopping. This one, on the other hand, looked promising. It was still, so quiet it pressed in on her ears, making her cough just so she could check that she wasn't deaf. She looked around - no one in sight - yes, this would do nicely.

I hope you've enjoyed this little tale. If you did, please share it with friends. If you really liked it, I hope you'll follow this blog and/or come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still jonesing for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Festival

The French Continues

I'm posting a little late today, probably because I was up late last night attempting to learn French. As some of you know, for several months now I've been trying to learn some rudimentary French with a few helpful apps on my phone, in preparation for an upcoming trip to Paris. Well, last night I looked at the calendar, counted down the days and then counted down how many lessons I had to go and realized that I was WAY behind. So, I'm upping the intensity. I have a lot to do if I want to even get through the lessons once, and obviously I wanted to repeat them several times.

I want it noted that I really wasn't slacking off. I've been trying to do them every day, and most of the time I'm successful. Sure, there are days when I just don't get to it, but on the whole I've done very well. Although, if you measure success by how much French I'm capable of, then I really don't have a leg to stand on. Okay, that's not true either. I definitely couldn't hold a conversation in French but I am picking up a little bit of the basics, hopefully enough so that I don't humiliate myself completely. I'm giving myself a gold star for effort and let's just leave it at that.

I know I shouldn't be stressing out over it, but I'm starting to get a little nervous about the trip, and the more French I have in my back pocket, the more comfortable I'll be when I get on the flight. Speaking of stress, I think I've found the perfect way to deal with our exceedingly long layover in Montreal on the way there. The airport has a spa. Heh heh, now that's a vacation.

Monday Book Review - The School of Essential Ingredients

It's entirely possibly that I've included this week's book in one of my reading lists before, if I have it'd be fitting, because I forgot I'd already read this one until I started reading it again. It was such fun, like bumping into a dear friend you'd lost touch with and only recognizing them after a moment of shared confusion. Enjoy!

THE SCHOOL OF ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS by Erica Bauermeister

 

It's true, when I picked up this book to read it I didn't realize it was for the second time. I'd been looking at Erica Bauermeister's new book in the bookstore, THE LOST ART OF MIXING, and decided I better read the first book beforehand as I'd always wanted to read it. Isn't that funny? I had the strange recollection that I hadn't been able to get around to reading it despite my sincere desire to do so. As it turned out, I had. I realized as soon as I was a few pages in but just couldn't remember how it ended and was enjoying it so much I couldn't put it down. It turned out to be a fabulous reread and I recalled the earlier joy I'd had reading those pages, learning the life lessons of its characters, the awakenings they'd had at the school of essential ingredients, a cooking class run by one of it's characters, Lillian, at her restaurant on the first Monday of every month. It's a lovely premise and the perfect Sunday afternoon read. 

I think my favourite part of the book is its characters. Each one is different, experiencing their own unique set of problems, all brought together by a simple cooking class. And in it, they each have this incredible awakening through the food and the act of cooking, coming together to form a comradery that reaches past the cooking class. It also makes you want to cook, makes your mouth water and your stomach rumble. Suddenly you'll be writing up ridiculously long grocery lists formed from ambitious pinterest recipes you suddenly have the bravery to try. The writing is beautiful, each character's story flowing flawlessly into the next, tying the plot together seamlessly. You learn the mystery of each character and watch as the magic of good food and good friends sets them back on the right path. It's a delicious experience. (Excuse the pun)

If you're looking for a well written, engaging book that'll make you toss out the chips and pull out the pots and pans, this is it. And I can assure you, it's a fantastic read, the first time and the second.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Charmed

It's Friday! Thank goodness too, because it's been quite the week. I've been battling a cold all week, missing work, (which is not good when you're trying hard to save money for a trip), I gave a reading of a short story on Wednesday night as part of a celebration of the Writer in Residence program, and my house has sunk even further into the depths of severe messiness thanks to my aforementioned cold. But still, it's Friday and that's a good reason to celebrate, especially with some Five Sentence Fiction. So, let's get on with it already! This week's prompt is charmed. If you'd like to learn more about what it's all about or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

She didn't usually let people into her house, especially not this late. But there was something about him, with that slightly crinkled and just a little dirty black suit, his bowler hat clutched in his hands as he ever so politely requested an invitation inside. There was something strangely familiar about his smile, that twinkle in his eye. If she had been in her right mind, she would have resisted, would have remembered that she never invited strangers inside her house. But he was just so... charming. 

Voila! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and if you liked this little story, I hope you'll share it with friends. If you really liked it (and would also like to make my day) then please feel free to follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. I look forward to reading your insights and comments below in the comments section. If you're still hungry for more Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past week's editions. Thank you for reading, and come back soon!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Festival
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Shadows

The Summer of No TV - Week 1

The summer of no TV officially started last week sometime and so far I'm kind of surprised I'm not getting more done. I guess I figured without TV to distract me I'd be getting a lot more done. Somehow, my house is still a horrific mess, my writing is still stumbling along at a clumsy, procrastinating pace and my yard (although better than last year) is still decidedly unpretty. The laundry still sits in large piles on the laundry room floor and I'm just not sure what I've been doing with all those wasted TV hours.

True, I've been reading A LOT and I will not apologize for that. It's important. I think every human being should read every day, even if it's just a few pages. I'll also admit to napping a lot, but I'm pretty sure it's not more than usual. Of course, with the weather finally turning towards summer my husband and I have been taking the dog for increasingly long walks. But I still feel like I've gone through some kind of worm hole. Where's all the progress?

I'm hoping this is just the adjustment period and soon I'll be getting a little more proactive with all the work I should be doing. No matter what happens though, I still think it's a good idea to take some time off from the TV. It certainly can't be a bad decision... right?

Monday Book Review - Tolstoy and the Purple Chair

Welcome to Monday and this week's book recommendation. Enjoy!

TOLSTOY AND THE PURPLE CHAIR by Nina Sankovitch

 

This is a memoir by a woman who loses her sister at forty six to a sudden illness and spends three years trying to run from the reality of that loss until she finally decides to stop, sit down and deal with it the only way she knows how: by reading. She decides to read a book a day for a year, and use books to bring herself back to life and teach her how to keep the memory of her sister alive. 

I think I could probably go on and on about how much I loved this book. Where to start? Her retelling of the love she has for her sister, the vivid memories she has of her and her family are all so beautiful and fit perfectly with the lessons she learns from the books she reads. Of course, there's the enormity of the list of books I want to read, thanks to her recounting of the many fabulous authors she enjoyed over her year, not to mention the way she champions the importance of reading and how it heals us, teaches us, encourages us, sympathizes with us and of course, entertains us. I enjoyed how richly she painted the pictures of her memories, never failing to entwine those memories with the books she'd read. It was fantastic. 

If you're not much of a reader, you will be after this book. The author has managed to perfectly portray the magic of a good book (no easy task) as well as recommend some brilliant choices to get you on your way. I personally have never wanted to sit down with a good mystery more than after reading her memories of hot summer days spent enthralled in the twist and turns of a good who-dunnit. More than that though, I think the biggest take away from this book is the love of family, and the need to cherish the important people in our lives, to find the joy in each moment and hold them close to our heart. Well done, Nina, well done.

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Accident

Welcome to Friday and this week's edition of Five Sentence Fiction! This week's prompt is accident. If you'd like to learn more about what it's all about, or give it a try yourself, just visit Lillie McFerrin Writes. Enjoy!

"It was an accident."
Her voice was flat and emotionless, her face blank as she stood on the edge of the roof, looking down at his mangled body below. She looked at me, seemed to stare right through to my thoughts, daring me to disagree with her. I thought about all the things he'd done, everything I'd seen and I'm sure the even more horrific things I hadn't.
I nodded,"of course it was."

I hope you enjoyed this little piece of fiction, and if you did, I hope you'll share it with friends. If you really liked it, then please feel free to follow this blog and come find me on twitter @MelanieKCole. If you're still in the mood for Five Sentence Fiction, just follow the links below to read past editions. Have a great weekend!

Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Goggles
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Festival
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Shadows
Five Sentence Fiction Friday - Angles

National Short Story Month

Did you know that May is National Short Story Month? I didn't until a few days ago when I saw someone mention it on twitter. So, with that in mind I'd like to share a short story with you that I wrote for last month's Your Story competition in Writer's Digest. The prompt was to write a short story in 750 words or fewer, in which you are stranded on desert island with a coconut, a mask and a dictionary, and explain how you escape the island using only those three objects. I didn't win, but I hate to see a good story go to waste therefore I'm sharing it here. I hope you enjoy it and happy National Short Story Month!

One Way

Hope●less: [hohp-lis] adjective, providing no hope; beyond optimism or hope; desperate

I looked up from the wrinkled pages of the dictionary, staring out at the endless water. It was a sheet of glass, disappearing into the horizon. There was not a soul to be seen, nor had there been since I washed up on this desolate little island, so small I could walk its periphery in an hour.

I'd lost track of the days, the hours I'd sat here on the sand staring out at the water, watching for something, anything. I was almost out of food, a single coconut left.

I was going to die here. It was a fact; pure, simple and inescapable. I turned the pages, trailing my finger along the words.

In●es●cap●a●ble: [in-uh-skey-puh-buh l] adjective, incapable of being escaped, ignored or avoided

The only choice I had left was how it would end. Would it be slow and pitiful, stretched out over days, hours, starving slowly until my body shut down, or...

I picked up the mask I'd set in the sand beside me, slowly turned it over in my hands. Aside from the dictionary and the coconut, it was the only possession I had. It was porcelain, with narrow slits for eyes and small painted on lips in bright crimson, like a doll's mouth. It had flaming red and gold designs over the forehead and temples that caught the light as I turned it. It was attached to a long wand decorated with ribbons and feathers, for holding it to your face during a masquerade. It was a glittering feather festooned work of the imagination, bought in Venice in another life to take home and hang on the wall.

The sand was too soft and powdery where I sat, so I picked up the coconut and carried it with the mask down closer to the water where the ground was firmer. I set the mask down, pressed it lightly into the damp sand and raised the coconut above my head. I brought it down hard on the mask, feeling the shattering of it beneath my hands as much as hearing it. I picked through the softly glittering pieces until I found the right one.

I trekked back up the beach and settled myself under a palm tree, pulling the old, weathered dictionary onto my lap. The pages were crinkly and wrinkled from the humidity, slightly yellowed from the touch of too many hands. They slid through my fingers with a soft rustle as I searched for the correct page.

When I found it, I nestled the open dictionary into the sand beside me, placing a stone on each side to hold it open to the right place.

There was only one way off this island. Just one.

With a steady hand I drew the sharp edge of the porcelain down my wrist.

Lib●er●ate: [lib-uh-reyt] verb, to set free, as from imprisonment or bondage