Stuck In The Mud

‘Where do rocks come from?’

‘Hmm?’

‘I said, where do rocks come from?’ Sally pushed ineffectually on her dad’s leg, trying to take his attention away from the phone in his hand.

‘Sally, I have to some important work stuff, can you go annoy your mum?’

‘Mum went to the shop.’

‘Fine, but I’m busy, so can you please go away?’

Sally stared at her dad, disgust etched across her face, but he didn’t even glance in her direction. After a few seconds, she unleashed a snort of fury, turning and stomping away.

It’s Calling Me

Introduction: Thirty-one days later and I have made it. As promised yesterday, this is another ghost story which seems only right with it being Halloween and all. I also want to say thank you to anyone who has read any of these stories; it means a lot to me that you’d take time out of your day to do so. It’s been fun! Challenging but fun. Now, enjoy the final one.

The Ghost In My Head

Introduction: For my final two tales, I want to return to where I started, ghost stories. Not just because it’s Halloween, although that plays a part, but because I fucking love ghosts. The idea of a pale figure standing in the corner watching me will never fail to send a shiver down my spine, and what’s better than that? However, as much as that is true, today’s ghost story is a ghost story that’s not really about the ghost (wow, that was a lot of ghosts). I’d love to pretend that what it is about is subtly hidden away, but it’s not, it’s pretty fucking obvious. Still, you gotta do what you gotta do.

The Day I Learnt To Fly

Introduction: On my 29th short story in 29 days, I have to be honest and admit that I just sat down and started to write in the hope that something would come out. The well is beginning to run dry when it comes to ideas, but with only two left I’m pretty sure I can make it. Anyway, this is about learning to fly. 

The Story Of My Scar

Introduction: Today’s short story brings us to the sea, and into the arms of whatever it is that lives below the waves. I’ve always liked the sea and have lived my entire life in cities that sit next to it, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t scare me a little bit. The thought of all that water, filled with things that we don’t know about? Yea, fucking terrifying. 

Aftermath

Introduction: Today’s story started with me planning on describing a post-apocalyptic hellscape and then became something very different. My problem was that when I sat down to write that story, I realised a world without humans didn’t sound that bad. Christ knows what that says about me, but it is what it is, enjoy.

Insomnia

Introduction: Today’s inspiration is kind of obvious. I’m an awful sleeper, and the joys of a good eight hours are sealed off from me. It does, however, give one plenty of time to think (some would say too much time), and occasionally brings with it a spark of inspiration, enjoy.

Journey’s End

Introduction: Honestly, today’s story started with the final line and was built backwards from there. Said punchline was inspired by Karie Murphy’s comments that Jeremy Corbyn likes to get on trains to obscure places like ‘the South West or Orkney’, so we can announce this as my debut into political writing. That might not bring with it any additional sophistication, but it did make me smile, and what’s more important than that?

That’s Me

Introduction: Today’s story got away from me a bit, to the extent that I had no idea how to end it. You know, everyone slags off Stephen King for his endings, but they are really hard. There’s a reason I tend to just kill everyone. Anyway, there is something in this idea, and it may well be one I return to in the future. At the moment, this is all you’re getting.

The Wonders Of Space

Introduction: Today’s story is a rare attempt at sci-fi a genre that, much like fantasy, I grew up adoring, but rarely write in. Why? No idea, although some might feel they can tell me after reading this story, enjoy.