Claire Tennant

Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jun, 2020

Stories (61)

61 Stories

1237 karma pts

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“WHAT’S ‘APP’ DOC?” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #82

I could never say that I was a technology whizz, therefore, I cringe when someone talks about the new or latest ‘this’ or ‘that’. It took me ages to use the automatic teller machine, or progress from the basic microwave; the kind that when you twist the dial to your right it cooks or to your left, it defrosts, to one that does almost everything. Come to that, the only thing I loved with a passion was my dishwasher, again fairly basic, but it did a powerful job. Mind you, I don’t know that much can be done to improve the design of the di...

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“MORE THAN RED HEARTS” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #81

It was late afternoon and the formal living area was ready. Shona, stood back and surveyed her handiwork. Red ribbons intertwined with white heart printed ones, hanging from both the chandelier and window.  In the adjoining alcove, the dining room table was set in such a way that the classiest restaurant in town would approve. The best glassware, china and cutlery sets, placed beside her favourite table mats hardly used since she and Andrew were married; and cloth napkins, rather than the usual paper variety, graced the t...

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“WITH THE SCARS TO PROVE IT” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #80

SCENE SETTING There was never anything romantic about the journey to Botany Bay; except the hint of beauty in the name.  The First Fleet, comprising of 11 ships seven hundred and eighty or so convicts, naval officers, and some passengers docked there; in mid-January 1788.    Irrespective of age, the convicts were chained and treated like scum by people without a heart but plenty of pomp. It was evident aboard ship too. Minor crimes like stealing a loaf of bread for survival were punished by seven years of t...

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“THE OTHER SIDE OF AVA” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #79

In the early hours of the morning, the telephone bell was shrill. Thinking it was my husband I rushed out the bathroom, towel drying my hair as I went. So confident was I of the likely caller, I answered: “Hi, Sweetheart.” but did not get the response I was used to. The silence was deafening then the voice I heard was slow and shaky. “Ann?!” I caught my breath “it’s your Mummy. Can we talk?” “No.” it sounded cruel but it was my answer. What is more, an answer that John and I agreed I would use should this scenario occur. ...

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“LESSONS FOR THE TEACHER” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #78

The day had arrived. My job on this day required skill, nerves of steel, determination and the ability to be myself. As I stood touching up my makeup, going over the topic, checking for spots on my clothes, not that I could have done much about that; I acknowledged that I was nervous.  Leaving the ladies room, I had one of two options; I could push on knowing I was well prepared and risk not doing as well as I hoped, or I could give up entirely, and would definitely fail. More than that, it would be a lost opportunity, an...

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“WITH A CHILL TO THE AIR” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #77

The telephone’s shrill holler demanded attention; the voice that answered sounded half-asleep though the owner of the voice had been up early. Mavis shivered, unable to explain why she was cold, but pushed on nonetheless; for the call might be important. “Hello.” she answered, looking out the window seeing the first signs of snow, thinking “that explains the chill.” “Hi Mavis, It’s only me, your little sister. Firstly, are we still ok for Saturday?” Mavis responded affirmatively. Glenda had asked that question twice before! “I thought y...

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“ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER...” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #76

There was something cold in the kiss he had just received. Troy could not understand. He thought things were going okay; maybe she had had a bad day. Arriving at the restaurant they sat in an alcove where they could feel the warmth from the fire and watch the flames leap up the chimney. They perused the menu in readiness for the waiter’s arrival. There was no conversation. They could have been an old married couple so used to each other small talk was unnecessary, but that was not usually the case with Troy and Heather. ...

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“NEVER IS AN AWFULLY LONG TIME” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #75

From the vantage point of the balcony, Ruth stood motionless looking towards but not concentrating on the fireworks display. The horrid year was being ushered out, and the New Year welcomed in.   The sky looked pretty but her heart was not in the celebrations. Her sister and brother-in-law were beside her, clearly in a world of their own. Suddenly Sean, sensing Ruth’s demeanour, stood beside her. Theirs’s was a good relationship: the non-DNA brother Ruth had wished for. Sean put his arm around her shoulders...

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“THE UNSPOKEN TRUTH” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #74

The corridor was long and cold. Jenny sat on the seat where she was told. She looked up at the clock; the small hand was at 10 and the big hand was at 12, that meant it was ten o clock and soon she would be asked to go into the big room.  Evidence was such a big word and until this upset, she had never heard of it. Sam that was the lawyer’s name, explained what it meant.  It was proof that someone had done something wrong, that someone else had seen what had happened, and the more people that could say they...

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“WHAT COCKY STARTED ” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #73

It was Christmas week and Beverley Long, often called Bev, had that feeling again; nostalgia combined with tradition, tied up with the story of a special birth. She had been so caught up with work that her social life was at best, slow at worst, boring! Then there was Mark. Mark was a work colleague, had asked her to his house; he was having a party on Christmas Eve. She understood that it was partly for his children, and partly to thank those who had helped him move on from the tragic death of his wife, Lyn. Beverle...

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“THE LITTLE OLD DRUMMER BOY” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #73

Christmas time in Australia is unpredictable. It is rarely cold, sometimes wet, often boiling, and what was grass is dry as dust even in the city. The heat is sometimes dry and comfortable, but it is often humid and one of those things you tolerate; the weather patterns play havoc with hay fever, asthma and temperaments. Troy did not know any other kind of Christmas. He had been in two minds whether or not to attend the “muso” party ostensibly for Christmas, but most likely an excuse for a BBQ booze-up. Fortunately, the weather was be...

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“CHAPTERS NEW” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #72

What a day! She was home at last. Sonia stopped at the front gate, picked up the mail, and continued up the front path. The scent from the daphne met her nostrils, sweet and soothing. For a few moments, she breathed in and out allowing the scent to envelop her. Opening the front door, she looked with pride at the home she had purchased some years previously, and which would soon be fully paid off. One chapter of her life was closing. Uncertain of how the next chapter would begin, she did what we all do when we arrive home...

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“GRANDMA'S TREASURE” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #71

There was standing room only in the tiny hall, the one where the competition was to be held. The contestants were not necessarily chefs, but they, either of necessity or a keen interest, were reasonably good cooks or bakers. In either event, the place was jumping, a real hive of activity, and while nothing was smothered in flour, as such, there was evidence that foodstuffs were being displayed, in readiness for judging and awards.Julie carefully unpacked her contribution. Placing a doily on the fancy plate Mum lent her, she wa...

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“THE WAKE UP CALL” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #70

The sun was streaming in the window heralding a new day. Apparently, it was Saturday but in this house, it was no different from any other day. It was neither a house of mourning nor of sadness, it was just another one of those “nothing” days. The youngest member of the house felt it most. Where was Daddy going now? He did not even say goodbye. His little boy was resigned to feeling left out and tried not to look glum, but it was still unfair.  He stamped his little foot and went back into bed crying himself to ...

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“GOING PLACES” by Claire Tennant

Submitted to Contest #69

Wednesday early The traffic was reasonable Harry thought. Like any other working day, he had arrived early. The sky was overcast, there was heat in the air. Harry looked about him reminiscing and smiling.  He had had his business since 1965 a time of uncertainty for Australia as the Vietnam War, well into its third year for the Aussies’ involvement, caused division and heartache. Two of his staff were called up and died in service.  The Australian involvement ended in 1972 by which time the hippy era and ...

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Author bio

Hello, I'm Claire and I am fairly new to this game I was born in Glasgow Scotland, but with my parents and brother emigrated to Melbourne Australia in 1967. A little girl of seven whose imagination was very much alive then, is now able to let that same imagination coupled with life experience, fly now that she is semi-retired My husband Tom does not share the interest but knows the sounds of a mad writer at work.