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Curse of the Winter Heart Candle light caressed our faces in the tavern. Gales of snow pitter-pattered against the windows and clattered the oak door. Ambers fizzled in the hearth. Amongst the din, an eerie silence permeated. My companion did not breathe. "Heavens, speak will you!" My heart...

Wish Byron stared at his stinging hand like a giant gazing across a scorched desert. The pain seethed with each subtle movement, but he would not stop. It worked before. It must work again. Three wishes. His wife was awed. She brought wealth and health and gifted him with the power of flight...

Discord I sang for our planet, to share our sound, our soul. Our song was to play throughout the Galaxy for all to hear. I breathed nerves during takes. The editor loved me. I spurned him. He was ruthless. My miscues were left bare, like stab wounds. My performance travels at the speed...

Oh no! I missed he deadline to vote! Sorry peeps, I thought I could vote tonight! Great set of stories everyone. It was a fun challenge!

Firstly, thanks to Victoria Silverwolf and Shyrka for the mini reviews, for those that have put me on their lists and for Cat's Cradle's vote and nice words! All very much appreciated! I enjoyed reading all the stories (was an interesting and challenging challenge!) but please see below my...

The Ginger Bread Man The Ginger Bread Man loved having his friends round for coffee. The sounds of gossip and laughter fused with arabica fumes. His friends would often get peckish. They loved ginger bread with their coffee. Just a little. He never wanted to disappoint them. The Ginger Bread...

Trust You think the scheme is risky. Trust me, the Green Shadows will not fall on your family. Don't let mouldy bones and faded faces cloud your instinct. You're a fighter, no coward. You've slain these abominations before. It's your duty. Besides, it was your actions that lead to the dead...

Thanks for the reviews Victoria and Tim James and thanks for the listing and comments Remedy. I haven't been involved in these challenges for a while but quickly remembered why I enjoyed them so much. I look forward to next month's challenge already! Many great entries but my vote went to...

Long Shadow Denton stared with furrowed brows as atoms within the teleport capsule churned and blurred, rearranging themselves into a recognisable figure. Was this really Lyra? He had come to terms with her being across the Galaxy, out of reach. Destroyed and resurrected, will she bring her...

I do agree with you Teresa: As with all magic, not all is what it appears to be, especially powerful magic. Incantations need the right tone, the right timing, the right words, otherwise the spells fizzle, the bricks remain bricks and the golden road remains just a sparkle of imagination.

Just wanted to add that I have read ALL responses now :) I echoed a bunch of people which was nice to see (Romanticism lives on!) :p It would be interesting to see this discussion opened up to non-writers. I suspect a lot of people would say "I could never write a novel". I do generally agree...

I haven't read all the replies yet - there are so many! Good questions always produces lots of answers. Perhaps it's not so much that writers are the special ones, but more the case that the actual finished pieces of writing is what really is special. More people will generally remember the art...

Firstly, I would say don’t worry about the reader not knowing exactly what the links are between the prologue and chapter 1. You want readers wondering, making possible links and generally WANTING to know what is going on. You achieve this. I guessed they were sailing about the city in the...

Generally, I liked it. For a short piece and without having any context of what was before it, I won't comment about the structure of this section or pick at sentences. I think you portrayed the viewpoint of the character well and I really enjoyed a lot of your descriptions - it was visceral...

I have only skim read the replies so hopefully this proves still relevant. For someone who has just now read your prologue and chapter for the first time (haven't read previous drafts), here are my thoughts... I loved the prologue - really engaging and left me wanting me to read on. I usually...

Thanks for the shortlist Jastius! Much appreciated. I really enjoyed both stories. DustyZ showed great wit, but my vote went to CC.

I really enjoyed this month's challenge. As usual, everyone produced interesting pieces. What I like best about these challenges is witnessing all the effort people put into so few words and how so many encapsulate their visions succinctly. Even though they are such short stories, it's...

Re: April 2014 SEVENTY-FIVE **PLUS FIVE** WORD WRITING CHALLENGE -- READ FIRST POST!! Clockwork Hesitant fingers slotted the tiny cog in the hidden alcove. The prophecy predicted catastrophe, but curiosity governed Eliza. Tiny tickings echoed in the temple. Then hissing pistols. A roaring...

Marvelous month of stories! My vote went to Crystal Haven - each sentence carried the atmospheric story forward with powerful effect. Thanks for the comments Victoria, Starbeast and Perpetual Man! Many thanks to jonnyjet for the listing!

Great discussion btw. I see literary theory is basically philosophy that deals with the written word, since the same philosophy (or 'theory') can be applied to most art. Art's goals may intentionally or unintentionally include entertainment and also provide commentary or insight into...