John Filby

Author on Reedsy Prompts since May, 2021

Stories (8)

8 Stories

166 karma pts

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“Up in Flames.” by John Filby

Submitted to Contest #108

Martha was curled in bed and happily dreaming. She was lost in her vivid escapism from the day to day grind that was becoming the normal in these pandemic times of lockdown. Tanya and Jeffrey were probably in the house somewhere as it was still night time and dark outside, never one to worry too much about the clock. Martha was not too concerned about the others at the best of times but especially so when...

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“Truth or Dare - The Spin of the Bottle.” by John Filby

Truth or Dare It was the last Sunday of the school vacation. A new decade next year, wonder what the eighties would bring to us, as we entered our final year of High School. Assembled in our hideout at Matilda’s property were the usual suspects, David, Rhiannon, Jonathon, Matilda (often called Tilly amongst us), and myself, Derek. Bored as ever, but not wanting to go anywhere. We had...

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“Recurring.” by John Filby

Submitted to Contest #103

Recurring. MDCCCLXIV – Jasper Bothwell. Unable to move and I cannot see, it is so dark. My nose touches a solid surface, I feel my breath bounce back towards me, moistening my cheeks. Pitch black and confined. All limbs are stretched, and I encounter hard surfaces. My breath quickens, and I feel my heart racing to panic. I try to make noise I bang and rap on ...

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“Crumbled (lost faith in the institution of family)” by John Filby

Submitted to Contest #102

Crumbled (Lost Faith in the Institution of Family). Behind Closed Doors. My bedroom door is closed but I can see light flickering around the jamb intermittently. I pull my duvet up to cover my mouth and nose, leaving my eyes exposed and to peer above it. Raised voices are heard through the wood, but the words are not understood, they are just a cacophony of noises, mixing with sobs and tea...

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“The Departing Train” by John Filby

Submitted to Contest #101

Another moment comes and I am drawn to reminisce through many a wasted hour. I cry I mope, I hope and wonder at what could have been. I was a child, and I was being sheltered. I never forget as always etched into my brain each time my eyelids roll down, I can see her. I remember that last time we were together, and this making the happy times less memorable being overshadowed by the day she left me. Her abs...

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“Shaped like Stars” by John Filby

Submitted to Contest #100

I try hard so awfully hard to be helpful, for it is baking day for Mummy. My big sisters are playing outside in the yard, they are finishing their games of skipping and tree-climbing. I am too little do these fun things with them. They both go to big school, but it is now holiday time, the Easter Bunny will come soon, I think. I go to little school two days a week, and I don’t get a holiday, Miss Sampson looks after me a...

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“You Look Different to your Profile Picture.” by John Filby

Submitted to Contest #100

Standing outside the restaurant, the night chill is noticeable, but my shawl warns off the cool breeze. I have been motionless for so long, building courage to put myself out there again, I have made it this far. Tonight must a testament to the honesty on both our parts. We really did hit it off in the chats and emails we have exchanged over the last few weeks. Trying not to invest too much time and energy before we meet...

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“Big Brother Trouble” by John Filby

Submitted to Contest #93

Big Brother Trouble. I am alone. I don’t like to be alone. I feel sad when I am alone. I didn’t want to cry but found it hard to keep the tears inside. Where were Harry and Kate, they promised to look after me, that was the only reason that Mum let me go to the circus. Big brothers suck especially big brothers who find girls pretty and kissable, and much more fun than watching their little brothers. ...

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Author bio

Australian writer married to a beautiful human. I supplement my income as a writer by working as a Registered Nurse, semi-retired, and a rural 'city' dweller. Being a health professional I am often given the honour of human stories which I often seek permission to use for an idea, deidentifying the person and situation of course. I write as that person and put myself into character, I hope I am successful in showing their story and journey. I am trying the art of emotional memory to empathise with my characters. My writing is often based on truth or from life experience, from observation and verbal story sharing. I have always keep a journal and use that as story ideas along the way. Experimenting with different POVs and characters very unlike me, but using emotional memory or emotional truth in the words.