I was in the mood for something scary and The Shining had been sitting on my bookshelf for almost a year waiting to be read. I’ve never seen the movie, so although I knew the basic premise I didn’t have much else to go off and wasn’t wholly convinced that it would actually scare me. But it didn’t disappoint. It definitely gave me the heebie jeebies. Continue reading “The Shining by Stephen King | Book Review”
The Pioneer | Microfiction
It was certainly the weirdest surgery the doctor had ever performed, but it marked her as a pioneer in her industry. Plus, her fee was enough for a down payment on a sprawling mansion in the Hollywood Hills. For that kind of money, she wouldn’t ask questions – she’d just do her job.
But as she completed the patient’s final check-up before discharge, curiosity got the better of her. Continue reading “The Pioneer | Microfiction”
Jammed | Flash Fiction
‘Make jam,’ they said. ‘It’ll be fun,’ they said. ‘You’ll be so relaxed!’
They were wrong.
It was nice at first, I’ll admit. Handing in my notice was liberating. Telling people I was starting my own business was thrilling. And there was something soothing about knowing that, every morning without fail, I would wake up with the sole purpose of making and selling jam out of my own kitchen. No ghastly 7 a.m. commute. No soulless office block and squint-inducing computer screen glare. No staff room politics or having to eat dried-up sandwiches out of a Tupperware. Instead, it was just me and the jam and the radio.
Me and the jam and the radio. Me and the radio and the jam. The jam and the radio and me. That’s it.
That, and a house that smells like stewed fruit 24 hours a day. And throbbing little burns all over my hands and arms where my skin has been bitten by bubbling fruit and sugar. A garage packed to the rafters with empty jars because it was cheaper to buy them in bulk and I was oh-so enthusiastic when this whole shit show kicked off. And all the measuring and the pouring and the stirring and the sterilising and the jarring and the labelling, day after day after day until my mind is so deadened that I could happily jump into a scorching hot vat of summer fruits and sugar and end it all…
One Final Confession | Microfiction
A husky rattle creaked from his voicebox every time he took a breath, and each time she heard it, she thought it would be his last.
“I’ve been lying to you,” he wheezed. “For years.”
She shook her head. “That doesn’t matter now.” And she meant it.
“It does. You have to know.” Continue reading “One Final Confession | Microfiction”
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi | Book Review
Children of Blood and Bone is probably the best YA fantasy novel I’ve ever read. Big statement, but it’s true. I loved it. Continue reading “Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi | Book Review”
Smell Ya Later | Blog
Just wanted to leave a wee note to say that I’m jetting off on my honeymoon today and will be happily ignoring everything internet and writing related for 10 glorious days.
I’m not deluded enough to think that folks will miss me during a measly 10-day absence but… just in case anyone does wonder where I am, know that I’m okay and not dead and I probably have a nice big glass of wine in my hand. The following gif is a fairly accurate representation of what I’ll be up to: Continue reading “Smell Ya Later | Blog”
Bluebells | Short Story
‘I went over this on the phone.’
‘I just want to confirm the details.’
Mark pinches the bridge of his nose. ‘Olive skin. Dark brown hair. She’s… I don’t know, average build, I suppose. Just over four foot tall. She’s tall for her age.’
‘What was she wearing the last time you saw her?’ Continue reading “Bluebells | Short Story”
The Mission | Microfiction
“Listen up, soldiers! We’ll have to abseil down. But that’s the easy part. Getting across the canyon with so many obstacles won’t be simple. You’ll need to keep your wits about you. Threats are everywhere. Death could –”
“Watch out!” Continue reading “The Mission | Microfiction”
Anxiety Girl by Lacey London | Book Review
Sadie Valentine is a beautiful young woman who, upon first look, seems to have it all. She has gorgeous flat in the most sought-after part of Cheshire, a wonderful best friend, and a successful career as an artist. But when things in her life start going wrong, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks begin to take hold and cause her to lose control. Continue reading “Anxiety Girl by Lacey London | Book Review”
Future | Microfiction
Freya bought the mirror at the flea market, having been assured by the vendor that it would reflect her future.
A first, it showed her a battered and beaten old shed. But as her life progressed and she made smart choice after smart choice, the mirror’s reflection changed. The roof was patched up. The door was painted. Pretty curtains were installed in its windows.