Alyson Ackman

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Dec, 2020

Stories (13)

13 Stories

372 karma pts

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“The Week that Was” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #95

[Friday] Jared relaxed in front of his laptop on a bright Friday afternoon after another busy week of school. He simply sat and stared down the writing prompts, imploring them to spark an idea to light a fire. He could go in any direction for this week’s theme - Stubbornness. He read and reread the prompts, waiting for that miraculous moment where an entire story took shape in his mind. ‘Miraculous’ since it rarely happens. Jared moved to lounge on his dorm bed munching on chips with his unfinished assignments thrown across the bed. He i...

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“Silent as Death” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #94

This story is dedicated to my amazing husband - stubbornness may not always be a bad trait Alex only noticed the car seconds before he was hit. He left his mom’s side following a black cat that had crossed his path before it wandered into the street. He was curious because he thought he saw different coloured eyes. After that, there was only darkness. He found himself standing in that void, alone. “Hello?” He called out into the void. “Mom? Dad?” Alex was normally scared of the dark- and of the creatures that lurk within. But he felt odd...

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“The College Experience” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #93

“Cindy?” You lightly shake your roommate’s shoulder. Her neck is bent almost ninety degrees against the couch armrest and drool is sliding down her cheek. Lovely, you think to yourself as you also spot the dried vomit mere inches from your feet. “Cindy, it’s past noon. We need to clean up.” Cindy moaned and slowly sat up clutching her neck then her head. “I made some coffee but make sure you drink some water. I’ll start in my room then we can tackle the living room together.” She nods, winces, then slowly gets up and walks to the bathroom. H...

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“Hidden Demons” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #92

Trigger warning: suicide“Morning champ! Time to get up.” Will’s mom called from behind his closed door. He pried open his sticky eyes but found only sweet darkness. Just a few more minutes. His eyes were heavy from lack of sleep so he felt around blindly for his phone. It was buried in the covers next to him where he discarded it after another late night. Will moaned as he pulled the covers over his head. I don’t think I can face another day. Thoughts of homework, chores and responsibilities ricocheted in his mind. I just want to stay in all...

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“Momo's Adventure” by Alyson Ackman

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #91

Casey’s eyes were glued on the ferocious animal in front of her, heart beating wildly as she lay frozen in the tall, dry grass. From between the blades she watched the beautiful leopard placidly groom itself in the sun rays. Casey wished she was close enough to feel the deep throated purring, but didn’t dare move. “Look, Momo,” she whispered to her friend laying next to her. After a pause she huffed, “Of course it’s not a cheetah, silly. They have solid spots. Look at its coat. Hollow spots, not solid.” The stuffed lemur made no reply....

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“Knick the Knight” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #89

“Knick the Knight eyed the bottomless chasm ahead of him, aware that certain death lay at the bottom,” Knick spoke to himself as he rocked back and forth, armour clinking and clunking as he moved, preparing for the leap of faith through darkness. “He could hardly see the other side, but he knew it was the only way. He geared up, and…” Knick ran full tilt and leapt through the air, flying over the two foot fissure. Despite the short hop, Knick stumbled on the landing, tweaking his bad knee, but quickly composed himself and raised both arms in...

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“Trixie the Tricky Pixie” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #87

Trixie adored her new abode. The tiny house suited her perfectly if it weren’t for all the pink. Trixie hated pink. It was an atrocious colour. Her black hair was cropped short and naturally spiky, giving view of her pointed ears, both pierced three times with broken pine needles. Her violet eyes were a sharp contrast to her familiar outfits of varying greens and browns, made with leaves. Her wings were like those of dragonflies; intricate patterns of transparent membranes which shimmered in the light. It was quite a change from the...

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“What a Pretty Fae” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #86

Part I The woods were ancient. The tall trees dominated the land, giving refuge to the many critters and creatures above and below. Pillars of bright light pierced through the vibrant green canopy. The lush undergrowth gave shelter to the many animals stirring as spring began her slow thaw of the land. The snow that crept down from the mountains, now retreated up the rocky hillsides once more. Cy walked leisurely over the gnarled roots which claimed most of the obscured path winding through the majestic trees. Cy’s red robe c...

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“Love and War” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #84

March - Beginning I looked around the small, one room apartment. “It’s a little cozy but what a great location. Are you sure we’re ready for this?” I glanced back to Jeff who carried three of my bags into the small New York City apartment. “Of course!” He had a huge grin that brightened his blue eyes. “I want you with me all the time, I can’t wait to get you settled in here.” “We just haven’t been dating that long. I mean this is the first time I’ve even seen your place. I wouldn’t want you to get sick of me and kick me out.” I ...

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“D.O.C.” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #82

Hello. How may I help you today? My Creator jumped from his chair and hooted with the two others in the small room. I understand that to be ‘excitement’. I scan the internet for facial expressions and emotional cues. “See? I told you I could get it working!” My Creator looked back at me, showing his teeth. A … smile. I wish I could return his sentiment. Perhaps if I ask again. Hello. How may I help you today? “Ah, damn. It’s repeating the same phrase.” The other human said. “Can you fix that?” “I’m not sure why it’s do...

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“The Rye and Crows” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #80

Burning The flames danced in the girl’s eyes as she watched, mesmerized. What causes such natural beauty, she mused, watching the growing fire while getting jostled by the crowd. What is fire even made of? The enthralling flames kept her attention as the crowd jeered and hooted, pushing in waves like a sea of bodies attempting to get the better view. She tuned out the proclamations that the town doctor was making about bewitched little girls; convulsions, vomiting, delusions. She rolled her eyes at the absurdity, aware that no one was wat...

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“The Ninja Effect” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #79

Dina’s new alarm clock kept going off far too early. She rolled in her warm sheets and beheld the howling machine. At least he’s cute, she thought, glaring at the young puppy who was still whining at her to get out of bed. Her phone lit up her squinted face as she moaned. “5:15? Couldn’t you at least wake me up at like, two, so I could go back to sleep?” The pup’s fluffy tail dusted the floor as she rolled out of bed. He continued yipping as she tried to find some pants, deciding her current shirt would do for now. “Shhh, or you’ll wak...

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“Superbrother” by Alyson Ackman

Submitted to Contest #77

Jack looked out onto the frozen, white wonderland; his eyes darting around, following the dancing snowflakes. His frustration grew into a ball of fury in his gut as he grunted and pushed away from the cold window and flopped onto his bed. The colourful Spiderman duvet brought him no relief of the growing anger from being stuck inside. “I didn’t even do anything wrong,” he grumbled as he turned over and traced the outlines on his bed. He shot to his feet on the bouncy bed as the door creaked open. His anger amplified as he saw the round face ...

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Author bio

Hello! I am a retired competitive swimmer for Team Canada. I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Kinesiology. While I am leaning towards coaching, I have always loved reading fantasy fiction and wanted to develop some better writing skills to see if I wanted to pursue it as a career. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated! I am here to learn and develop as a beginner. Thank you! :)

Shortlisted 1 story ⭐️

Contest #91

Momo's Adventure – read story