First of the Month Fiction - January

This will remain open until February, when I return online. Hope you all have a wonderful break and happy holiday season.

For newbies, write a story in 100 words exactly, or one less than 30 words in the comments, then link your blog.

Mine is 100 words:

It wasn’t quite the birth experience she’d imagined. She hadn’t be able to get into her first choice. It all seemed a little unsanitary but they’d thankfully survived. She smiled lovingly at her husband, who had been incredibly supportive, even though she told him the babe wasn’t his child. Not once did he falter in his devotion.

Around her, everything seemed aglow and the brilliant lightness she felt permeated around her. The baby smiled. Suddenly three strange men from afar appeared bearing gifts. How had they known, she wondered? 

Apparently her small miracle birth shone glory on the whole world.

Happy Christmas everyone.

Linking with #TwinklyTuesday

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First of the Month Fiction - December

I'm not feeling particularly festive so this is a short not with a Xmas theme like usual. It is, however, a happy one (which regular readers will know is not my usual schtik).

So link will stay open until mid December when I shut the blog.

Add a 100 word story exactly or one less than 30 words in the comment - then link your blog. Note mine was a longer story I edited down to 100 words, so it's a little clunky in a few parts....

Day after day.

A furtive glance.
A smile.
Recognition or more?
Frequently he missed his chance.
Pausing too long in embarrassment and fear.
Today. 
He would do it today.
Arriving, she scanned the room, smiling when she registered him.
He grinned then looked away, blushing slightly.
He looked back but she was ordering at the counter.
He would say something to her today.
She played idly on her phone.
"Nice dress" he said, vaguely in her direction, not breaking stride. 
Once past her, collecting his coffee, he broke into a smile. Relieved.
It was up to her. He turned in anticipation....

Until next time....

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First of the Month Fiction - November

I'm a little distracted with the Swinburne Microfiction Challenge  so this is brief.
Write a story in 100 words exactly or one less than 30 words in the comments. Then link your blog so we can see your usual, unfettered style.

When the moon is full, and the sea is still,
When you raise your glass in happiness,
The possibilities are endless.


Not really a story, just an idea based on this. The view one night in the bar at Yao Noi.

Linking with #SkyWatch

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First of the Month Fiction - October

Very quick one, as school holidays are fast upon us. The blog will be shut until the 12th of October but First of the month fiction will be open until then. So you have a few weeks to add your story in 100 words exactly or less than 30 words.

Mine is inspired from a conversation overheard in the bathroom in Singapore.

The sari clad beauty reapplied her pink lipstick in the hotel foyer bathroom, her eyes fluttering with irritation. "I have no idea why my eyes are so dry here. I wonder if it’s the constant air conditioning? I don't understand it.” She paused, then shrugged “But when was life was ever meant to be understandable?" 

Her friend laughed in agreement, washing her hands carefully.

Three strangers also at the mirror turned towards her in unison, awed that her offhand comment instantaneously put their lives into perspective. A hush fell over the room as each woman became lost in her thoughts.

Add yours in the comments then link your blog (please note you can only link you're blog after writing a story). Have a fab few weeks, everyone.

Linking with #OpenSlather #MummyMondays #LifeThisweek

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First of the Month Fiction - September

I am very late this month - I am running around like a mad thing. So quick version.
Write a story in 100 words exactly or less than 30 words. Add it to the comments then link your blog if you have one.

Will be open until 15th Sept, due to late posting.

"You look tired"
"I don't sleep well at night" the little boy stated glumly.
"Are you a vampire?" she asked with a grin.
For the first time in two years, the little boy laughed. "Of course not!. I don't even like the taste of my own blood!"
"That's good to hear. I'd hate you to turn into a vampire, because you'd miss all this glorious sunshine."
The boy smiled and the eyes showed a connection, an opportunity to ask more. "So what thoughts are keeping you awake?" the teacher broached casually.
Sometimes the first chip in a wall comes unexpectedly.

Linking with #TwinklyTuesday #DreamTeamBlogger #MummyMondays #LifeThisWeek (off topic, sorry),Paula's No Rules Link Party & #Blogger's Pitstop


Your turn!

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First of the Month Fiction - August.

Having sulked a little I didn't make the cut (oh yes, the ego was in overdrive again), I was thrilled when I looked to see if friends had made the anthology to discover my name in the list! A little validation goes a long way.

I am still struggling to submit for museum of words, so this will be brief.

Newbies, write a story in 100 words exactly or one less than 30 words. Pop it in the comments then link your blog so we can see your unfettered glory. Mine is 30 words.

There was another offering beside her bed when she woke. A show of love, carefully placed by her shoes.
It's time to find a new spot for the dog's bed.

I know, it's a bit rubbish but I can't get the word count to work...so show me how to do it. I've lost my mojo!

You have until the 12th August.

Linking with#GlobalBlogging

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First of the Month Fiction - July

I'm shutting the blog a little early so I can focus on all my tax responsibilities before the school holidays hit us. Have a great break and enjoy. (and may you all get refunds).

For newbies, write a story in 100 words exactly or one less than 30, add it to the comments and then link your blog. Mine's 100 but I've cheated with the title.

The Museum of Broken Relationships.

He knew before Valarie moved in, he'd have to get rid of it. The memories stored in his bathroom vanity. Small bottles of perfume, a hair elastic, a worn pink toothbrush. He didn't know why he'd kept them so long. Most days he didn't notice it. Occasionally an item would catch his eye and he'd finger it forlornly. The tangibility of lost romance quietened his unease. Not pain nor longing. The guilt of looking back on an old relationship a little too often for someone in love?

He picked up the perfume, inhaling deeply. He could treasure it for another week.


There actually is a Museum of Broken Relationships (there's actually THREE!) and I love that they have gift shops. I've been quite obsessed with this idea since I read about it. Anyone heading to Croatia, check it out!

An InLinkz Link-up

Travel safe and enjoy the break! See you in July.

Linking off topic with #LifeThisWeek

First of the month fiction - June

Straight into it - for the newbies - a 100 word story exactly or one less than 30 words - add yours to the comments then link your blog if you have one.

She didn't want to, but she had to kill him. There was no choice. Now she needed to focus on how. And who. Who would kill this much loved character?

I know, I know...Ever had a favourite book character die? I wrote a message to Robert Kirkman asking him to take back the death in vol 100 of Walking Dead - make it a dream or Rick's dying imagination. How deranged of me. I was just so upset. So I guess his intention worked, he certainly shook me up that day. You must get very sick of people in best selling series. I can rarely keep anyone alive for 100 words!

Open until the 10th.

Hope to read your stories.

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking with  #Openslather

First of the Month Fiction - May

This is a late starter, due to my last minute weekend in Daylesford, hot on the heels of my return from Europe (don't I sound fancy?). So it will be open until the end of the month until the June one appears.

For newcomers, write a story in exactly 100 words or less than 30 words in the comments, link your blog below so we can see your unfettered writing style. Mine is 30...

She smiled at her exhausted daughter, asleep on the sofa, confirming her job as a mother wasn't yet over. She scooped up her granddaughter and tiptoed out of the room.


(Cheesy, I know, but it is Mother's day and all that.)

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking with #StayClassyMama, #MummyMondays & #OpenSlather

First of the Month Fiction - April

That time again, and this time, I'm shutting the blog for the whole month of April, so have fabulous holidays, stay safe in the cyclone and enjoy all the Easter festivities.
Be nice, be kind and make this broken world a better place.

I wrote a little story, for a competition called In Print. It's a little funny and bleak at the same time.

The link will stay open for the whole month, and I'll look at the stories when I get back, so please don't think I'm ignoring your efforts.

Add a story in the comments, either in 100 words exactly or one less than 30 words. Then link your blog.

My story (no offense to anyone from small towns, I'm sure a lot has changed, just as the exodus to London is no longer the rite of passage for Aussie teens) I was just toying with an idea, and you know me, somebody has to be the bad guy:

She had left town and said her goodbyes. She was leaving nothing to chance. She'd got the train to the city and stayed overnight in a cheap hostel, to be ready for the airport the next day. Her time had come. No more hiding herself behind small town values. No more listening to the ignorant views and homophobic rants but saying nothing. She was on her way to freedom, where nobody knew her. She handed the attendant her boarding pass and smiled. The woman gave her a wink and grinned as she returned the paper. She wondered if everyone could already tell? In London, she could be proud of who she was. Out and proud and happy.

Have a wonderful April. I'll be off all SM except possibly Insta, hopefully I'll have some pretty pictures for you all, so swing by if you miss me (hahaha!)

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Linking with #MummyMondays, #OpenSlather and off topic for #Lifethisweek

First of the Month Fiction - February

A little late this month, but just in time!

Write a story in exactly 100 words or less than 30 words, then link your blog (or don't, if you don't have one).

It had been an awful year. They had lost the house, he'd left her in the turmoil and she was fired after a few too many teary outbursts at work. Her world order was completely overthrown. So when she found an old lottery ticket in her handbag, it was little surprise her imagination ran away with her. There was little else for it these days. As she placed it under the scanner, her heart soared in hope. The screen flashed a verdict....”Unable to scan. Please go to counter”. Patiently she stood in line. The newsagent smiled. “You’ve won. $48.50. Congratulations!”

I know, I know. I really wanted to make her win, but I couldn't....

Add yours, and have a great month. Sorry about the fonts, it just won't let me fix it!

Linking with #Openslather and #MummyMondays

First of the Month Fiction - January

Very short one this month - but open for the whole of Jan, until I'm back online.

Write a 100 word story exactly or one less than 30 words - add it in the comments then link your blog.

Have a great New Year, and my 2017 bring a positive change that we didn't see coming.

Mine is a quick 30:

She thought about the year that was, the decay creeping through the cracks of society. She raised her glass to the smiling faces around her. It had to be enough.

An InLinkz Link-up

First of the Month Fiction - December

Wow! How has this happened? December already?
While my head is spinning, I've managed no time to write. Good thing I'm taking most of December and January off.
For newbies, write a story in exactly 100 words, or less than 30 words and add it in the comments, then link your blog.

It had been a frantic night, the worst one in years. Too much pressure to get everything done by close of business. He limped up the stairs. His wife was sleeping, with a glimmer of a smile on her lips. Dreaming of sugarplums, no doubt. He wanted nothing more than to collapse on the bed beside her but there was one last gift he needed to deliver. He removed the tiny jewellery box from his bag and placed it in the stocking at the end of the bed, the red felt one with Mrs Claus stitched into the fur trim.

PS, I don't like this one so much - I much prefer the unhappy Mrs Claus from this year or this year. But I'm trying to be nice so Santa doesn't punish me ;)

Happy Christmas to you all.

Linking with #ChristmasLinky

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First of the Month Fiction - September

Going early because I have a big post to write and I'm just not quite ready for it (as in, I haven't quite worked out what I want to say) so here's a quick 30 worder in a hasty, lazy First of the Month Ficiton.
(Newbies, write a 100 word story - exactly in 100 words, or one less than 30 words, pop it in the comments then link your blog).

She'd missed all the signs and now he was gone, leaving her with infinite thoughts of 'if only...'.

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking for #OpenSlather

First of the Month Fiction - August

Already it's time for short stories - newbies, write a story that's either 100 words exactly or one less than 30 words. Put it in the comments and then link your blog. You have until about the 10th of August to do so.

This story came from a funny conversation I had where someone explained what she did on her scrapbooking weekends (I didn't really know what a scrapbook was). The last line was what she said as to the reason why it was so enjoyable...it just seemed so kooky to me. So mine is in the 100 catagory...

She looked at the photos, faces smiling at her on beaches and mountains. The arm causally draped over her shoulder. She could cut out his head, and he would cease to exist in the recorded history. Except the hand left on her shoulder. A ghost hand in an image mounted on a carefully decorated page in an album of her life to be filed away as a mistake. D for disaster.

As if reading her mind, the woman next to her moved the scissors away. Raising her glass of wine in a toast she grinned "You don't scrap book angry!"

Linking with #MummyMondays #FortheloveofBlog and #KCACOLS

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First of the Month Fiction - June

This month has really flown and I'm playing catch up on pretty much everything! Hope your month is more productive then mine.

Newbies, write a story in 100 words exactly or one less than 30 words. Then link your blog (or don't if you don't have one).

She knew she wasn't meant to talk to strangers but surely this time was different? He was not like anyone she had ever met before. She would tell her parents when they got home. It wouldn't be a secret. She was bored and he made her laugh. She was always alone. She knew she could run away from him if things got scary. She moved a little closer to hear what he was saying, but he stopped talking and looked away, busying himself with his shoelace.

“How long have you been living in our linen closet?” she asked the elf.

Have a great month!

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking with #FYBF

First of the Month Fiction - May

I've had a whirlwind month, that's been both fabulous and drama filled (more of that to come later on the blog). So straight into it. Add a story that's 100 words exactly or one less than 30 words into the comments, then link your blog (if you have one)

Mine is of the under 30:

As the coffin was lowered, she knew her world had shattered beyond repair. Forcing a sad smile at the little girl clutching her leg, she vowed to rewrite their story.

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking with #OpenSlather

First of the Month Fiction - April

As I mentioned, the blog will shut down for 6 weeks while I take a break (to do all good things, never fear!!) This First of the Month fiction will remain open all that time, and I'll try to promote it when I'm in the country.

For the newbies, write a 100 word story exactly, or one less than 30 words - and it in the comments below, then link your blog so we can see your verbose work.

Mine is of the 30 words this time:

A simple text message would have made all the difference, yet still it was not forthcoming, and so her loneliness in his complacency grew.

(I'm cheating this time. This is the start of something else but I have no ideas as to where to go with it. Why is he complacent? What is their relationship? I think I want to do a brother/sister thing but then where does that go?)

Happy Holidays to you all, if indeed you are having holidays, and see you on the flipside, 1st of May!

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking with #WithSomeGrace

First of the Month Fiction - March

Even with the extra day, that flew by!

You know the drill (100 word story exactly or less than 30 words in the comments, link your blog so we can see your unfettered glory.)

Even at five in the afternoon the sun was still beating down. Sweat on her brow dripped continuously in the stifling heat. The crowd chorused in agreement with the angry speaker, demanding action on climate change. The sudden heatwave had finally spurred them into acknowledgement, if not action. Hopefully it wasn't to late. The backs of those in front of her were gleaming with uncomfortable dampness. It seemed to be getting hotter by the minute.

        A world away, the young boy held his magnifying glass, directing sunlight onto the tiny colony. Soon enough, one of them would burst into flames.

Have a great month, everyone!

Linking with #OpenSlather

An InLinkz Link-up

First of the Month Fiction - Feb

Happy New Year to everyone, Happy Australia Day and Happy Lunar New Year Celebrations...that about covers it.
Add your 100 word story exactly in the comments (or one less than 30 words) and then link your blog so we can see your unfettered glory (if applicable).

She stared at the screen for a long time, lost in thought. There would be no turning back. Tentatively she pressed send. It was over.

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking with #OpenSlather