Category Archives: Under 300 Words

January 30, 2016

Swan Song

By Kat Myrman
DisarmBomb

This photo is from Shutterstock.com

“I’ve heard there was a secret chord. Its harmonic resonance opens the gate of the fortress. If we can crack the code, maybe we can get inside before it’s too late.”

“You’re an idiot! Might as well play a swan song. Kiss your ass goodbye. It’s hopeless!

“Well, I have to try. The fort was built in 1856. Chromatic mediants were a common chord progression. I could start in the key of C Major and proceed into its diatonic mediant and submediant, E Minor and A Minor.

“Yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah. Whatever makes you happy!”

Tom used an electronic keyboard to play the haunting chord sequence. Nothing happened. He tried another sequence and another and another. Leonard leaned against the stone wall.

“I told you, Tom. Here, have a smoke.”

“I don’t smoke. And I’m not giving up. How much time is left?”

“Not enough!” Leonard smirked, “3 minutes 47 seconds…46…45…44…”

“Shut up! I have a few more sequences I can try.” Tom played furiously, fingers trembling.

Suddenly, the latch burst open, its force shifting the massive door ajar. Leonard tumbled to his ass dropping his cigarette.

“Hah! I did it! Get up Leonard! You have a bomb to disarm!”

Leonard rushed the chamber where the bomb ticked, red LED numbers flashing, 50…49…48. He located the red wire, giving it a swift clip.

It was over by the time Tom arrived. He dropped to the floor next to Leonard. “Maybe I will have a cigarette. What is it you were saying about swan songs?”

Leonard growled at Tom while offering him a light.

“I know a few swan songs Leonard. I can play one for you if you like. But you don’t really care for music, do you?”

~kat – 30 January 2016
(295 Words)

Click HERE to Read Part Two

A Flash Fiction Story for RonovanWrites Friday Flash Fiction Challenge. This week’s prompt:
-Use the first line of one of your favorite song and begin your story with that line. (REQUIRED)
-Word count of no more than 300. (STRONGLY SUGGESTED but I don’t want you to let it get in the way of creativity.)

My inspiration comes from the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. I used the first line as required and borrowed my favorite line from the song for the end of my story, adding a bit of irony.  🙂

If you would like to read other stories or enter your own, click HERE.

26 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Challenges and Writing Prompts, Flash Fiction, Under 300 Words

January 28, 2016

Even the Sparrows

By Kat Myrman


It’s an odd place to grow sunflowers. Actually, no one really knows how they survive there, with barely a spot of earth to sustain them. But every summer they appear, a hint of green sprouts that soon spread skyward covering the retaining wall.

The birds delight in the sweet seeds, happily fluttering and chattering while nibbling.

People nicknamed this special spot along the greenway Sparrow Way. Some say it reminds them of the bible story that tells how God even provides for the sparrows, so tiny, yet worthy of tender care.

I like to visit this place when I’m facing some impossible situation. And to think. If there is a God somewhere who cares about tiny sparrows, surely there is hope for me.

Wishing you sunflowers!

kat ~ 28 January 2016
(125 Words / Inspirational Fiction)

A little inspiration this week for my friend PJ who hosts this weekly challenge. It’s called Flash Fiction for the Aspiring Writer. Read other stories HERE. 😊

29 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Challenges and Writing Prompts, Flash Fiction, Random Thoughts and Musings, Spirituality, Under 300 Words

January 19, 2016

Frozen

By Kat Myrman
139-01-january-17th-2016

Photo Credit: A Mixed Bag 2010

“It’s been there for over a week! Once the snow melted I thought someone would come move it.”

“No sign of movement anywhere near the car, you say?” The Sheriff wanted to be sure before calling the tow truck.

“Nothing. But I have noticed this strange light…”

“Go on…”

“At first I thought it was a flashlight, but nobody has been out there in this weather. This little ball of light just bounces around near the door and then…there! You see it?”

“Hmmm…that is certainly odd. Maybe I better have a closer look.  You stay here Mrs. Martin.” As he opened the door, there huddled in the front seat was the frozen body of an older man. An autopsy later revealed that the poor guy had likely died of a heart attack.

As for the strange light, Mrs. Martin only saw it once more. As the coroner’s van took the body away, the ball of light appeared brighter than she had ever seen it. It made a spiral or two and then zipped over her head disappearing.

“How strange,” she thought. But it left her with a peaceful feeling. Maybe that poor guy was finally at peace too.

kat – 19 January 2016
(200 Words)

A story in response to Sunday Photo Fiction’s Challenge based on the photo above.  If you would like to enter your own story or read the other submissions, click HERE.

32 Comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Challenges and Writing Prompts, Flash Fiction, Under 300 Words

January 19, 2016

The Honey Tree

By Kat Myrman
The Honey Tree

Photo Credit: The Storyteller’s Abode

“No silly, honey doesn’t grow on trees!”

“But you said we was goin’ to the Honey Tree, Auntie Sue!”

“Yes I did! It’s a special store on Shore Drive. And this is the perfect time of day to visit. When the sun is setting, it gives the store fronts an amber glow.”

“Whatsa namberglow?”

“Amber glow, Sarah. It’s the color of the buildings when the sun sets just so…like gold…do you see it?”

“Oh, I see it…oooh…I like amber glow!”

“Well the reason we’re going to the Honey Tree right this minute is because I heard that the beeswax candles you buy at sunset are magic. You can make a wish when you light them.”

“Any wish, Auntie Sue?”

“Any wish.”

“And your wish will come true?”

“Well I guess we’ll never find out unless we try.”

“You know what I gonna wish for Auntie Sue?”

“I think I might. I’m gonna wish that too.”

“I wish that mommy will get better. That’s what I wish.”

“Me too sweetie…me too…”

kat ~ 19 January 2016
(175 Words)

A story for Priceless Joy’s Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers (FFfAW) Challenge based on the story above. If you would like to read other stories or submit your own, click HERE for the link.

41 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Challenges and Writing Prompts, Flash Fiction, Under 300 Words

January 13, 2016

…on a Mission

By Kat Myrman

Photo Credit: Etol Bagam

“Are you sure you have the right address? This is an odd place…”

“Yes…I’m sure.”

“How about the date and time. Maybe…”

“Look! Here’s the letter! This is the place. Today’s the day…and we’re right on time! I knew this would be a waste of time!”

“Well, they might just be running late. Let’s give it a few more minutes.”

A door slammed. Minutes later a frail white-haired man shuffled toward them mumbling gibberish to himself. He cocked his head to the side, eying them both.

“Which one o’ you is her? I don’t have all day here.”

“I’m Sarah Morgan. The one who conta…”

“Yeah yeah, well here’s what ya’ came for. Don’t you be blabbin’ about where you got it. I told ya, I don’t want no trouble…ya hear?”

Sarah took the envelope and pressed it to her heart. Inside was the name and address of the couple that adopted her daughter…against her will.

She typed the address into the gps. “Let’s go.”

kat ~ 13 January 2016
(169 Words)

This story is a flash fiction challenge prompted by the photo above by Etol Bagam and provided by my friend PJ at FFfAW (Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers). Read other stories or enter your own by clicking HERE.

37 Comments   |  tags: , , | posted in Challenges and Writing Prompts, Flash Fiction, Random Thoughts and Musings, Under 300 Words