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Author on Reedsy Prompts since Jun, 2025
Submitted to Contest #308
Only someone who truly adored books could tell the difference between a hardback and a paperback by scent alone—a gift that belonged to Poppy. Poppy was in heaven the moment she stepped inside the antique bookstore. She inhaled deeply, savouring the papery, woody notes that welcomed her; a comforting change from the bitter smell of soggy cigarettes lingering outside. At the far wall, an open fireplace glowed amber and gold, promising warmth. Her skin longed for its heat—anything to thaw the frigid chill numbing her fingertips. Anything to so...
Submitted to Contest #307
“Curse Acacia pycnantha.” Its sickly-sweet fragrance seeps into the car, settling deep within my lungs and soul. The nightmarish yellow wattles line the upcoming intersection.As if possessed, my hand jerks the leather steering wheel, leading me further into the dense brush. For a moment, I debate a U-turn—I’m supposed to be here for my cousin’s future, not my past. Curiosity spurs me on; despite my racing heart, I keep driving.The smooth ground gives way to hard gravel as the car rattles along the winding trail that coils around the mist-cov...
Submitted to Contest #306
Recipe for a Hot Mess:‘Motherhood Edition’ Serves: Everyone, all the time (plus baby). Prep Time: 9 months (sometimes a few weeks over.) Cook Time: One sleepless night, or ½ a day to reach 'Hot Mess' peak. Ingredients: Substitute with whatever seasoning you’re in (pregnancy, newborn, toddler, child, teenager, flying-the-nest). 1 cup of sick, snotty toddlers. Throw in baby spit-up for extra flavour. 4 heaped sink loads of dishes (bonus: if it’s Weet-bix or dried porridge). 2 overflowing hampers of dirty clothes—any type. A 'Hot Mess' isn’t pi...
Submitted to Contest #305
Holly seldom cried; her tears were crushed glass.Tiny shards would skitter down her cheeks, tinkling to the ground. She imagined they relished slicing heels and collecting howls of pain. Holly hated their constant irritation; worse, she hated the fear they inspired in others.Though her eyes were unnaturally sharp, her heart was too soft. It had taken one kiss and a tear of joy to end her dreams of true love. She was the girl who left jagged scars, if not careful.Holly crouched in the grass, shuffling under the windows of the crumbling halfwa...
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