Barry Litherland

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2020

Stories (4)

4 Stories

71 karma pts

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“A One Act Play” by Barry Litherland

Submitted to Contest #44

He took a step back and slipped into darkness, like an otter in a midnight pool; then one step forward until the streetlight caught him, his face half-illuminated, trapped in a subtle spotlight, an actor re-creating an iconic role. For now, he chose to remain off-stage, so he stepped back again and pulled the collar of his coat higher, and the peak of his hat lower. He pushed his hands deep into his pockets and rehearsed in his mind how they would emerge later, in a choreographed gesture of sadness, when he said goodbye. He mouthed his words...

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“Slipstream” by Barry Litherland

Submitted to Contest #43

Dear Emma,How many years is it since I last saw you? It was the night of your sister’s birthday, I recall, perhaps eight years ago. You were radiant, enhanced by your distinctive, casual dress, your tee-shirt and shorts, and the shawl you spread across your shoulders as the evening light faded, the moths emerged to flutter restlessly against the porch lights and windows, and we sat on wicker chairs in the dusky silence.I remember, behind us, someone was playing a sentimental song, an old one – Judith Durham, perhaps? Or Karen Carpenter? One ...

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“The Book of Dreams” by Barry Litherland

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #42

Erin slipped from between the leaves of her book and into the midnight street. She was late already - but for what, you must ask yourself - and she knew he would be waiting for her - but who was he, you must wonder - and they had little time left - but to do what?Erin knew that lives depended on her.Listen with her. You can hear a distant siren, the cry of a child in a tenement block, and the bark of a lonely dog. In the distance, weaving between the coal-stained factories, you hear a train rumble closer. Look now, where her eyes direct...

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“A Shopping Spree” by Barry Litherland

Submitted to Contest #41

Buying groceries at the Marlborough Road Tesco Superstore is like visiting someone in a high security prison during a period of particularly high tension. To begin with, you have to queue to get in; and it takes ages. And that just the start. I don’t go often because I get impatient as I stand on my designates spot outside the doors with Eleanor, a perfectly delineated distance from our nearest neighbour. It’s just far enough for spittle to fall short, and close enough to converse by shouting. Mrs. Symonds is telling us, and everyone else wi...

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Author bio

I am a self-published author of crime mystery thrillers, sometimes with a paranormal or political twist. I live and write in the far north of Scotland, where I live with my wife and two adorable and energetic springer spaniels. My novels can be found on most major platforms.

Shortlisted 1 story ⭐️

Contest #42
The Book of Dreams – read story