I thought this was worth reblogging since The Flax Golden Tales now stretch to 13 and the latest addition, One Single Memory is a poignant poem of young, unrequited love by writer, Caillen James.
A book of children’s poems found in a charity shop and a mysterious birthday message, a collage of carefully selected images and coded messages, have found new life here in the gathering collection of stories, prompted by a message left in a book, from Sylvia, the girl in Shel Silverstein‘s song, writing to her ex-boyfriend, to a philanderer, exposed and shamed, a big sister writing to her brother, an infatuated schoolgirl discovers betrayal, a story of international intrigue and assassination, another of a man discovering a girlfriend’s dark secret and a tragedy from her past and the latest, Cath Humphris‘s unusual tale of an impatient courier on her first day on the job, A Lifetime Full of Stories, a poignant tale of loss, longing and regret, The Invitation, a childhood memory of a little girl and her mother and a strange sense of foreboding or Blissobirds‘ contribution about young love, longing and adventure and, in Happy birthday, Scott, a classic tale of young, unrequited love as a young sister gets a crush on her older brother’s best friend.
When Fijay of Blog On! and I first engaged in this project, we never envisaged the interest it would spark. The creative torrent it has unleashed is humbling and I feel grateful and privileged to have a part in it.
So here’s a thanks to you all and an invite, again, to anyone else to take part, have a go and put your spin on the tale of the The Book and the Message.
To Sir with Love
The Book
Sylvia’s Letter
Invisible Boy: Where did you go?
Unposted Letters 1&2, Unposted Letter 2, Unposted Letter 1
Reblogged this on Devil Doll Musings.
Reblogged this on The Cliffhanger Chronicle and commented:
Come one, Come all… Let’s spin the yarn, for the love of creativity!
I can’t stop re reading that Invitation. It’s amazing how with a few words, I’ve been filled a eerie curiosity that almost feels like the emotion of fear. How did that happen? A curious fear?
Although there’s nothing intentionally scary about it, Fatimah, your reaction intrigues me. Why don’t you have a go at working it out in a story?
Please let me know how I can take part! I would love to! I’ve also started a writing series on my blog and have always thought this was a great idea!
Fatimah, the more the merrier. Just post your own twist on it for your own blog and link it to this, https://dermotthayes.com/2016/08/30/flax-golden-tales/. I will then reblog it on my blog site and list a link to your story in Flax Golden Tales
I will definitely have it up soon! Thanks so much!
Thank you, Fatimah. I’m curious, what aspect of the ‘invitation’ did you find scary?
It made me feel like there was some secret club that was recruiting. And it was recruiting liars and pretenders. It’s really interesting how my mind sort of gazed for a while longer at those negative qualities and neglected the loveliness of dreamers and wishers. Maybe it’s something to do with me, who knows! But that filled me that fear I mentioned, it’s strange.
It’s the opening poem in Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends, a book of children’s poems and drawings. He could always tap in to the macabre thoughts of children.
As a child, creepy nursery rhymes were always my favorite! What an interesting exploration.
The book was in the front window of a charity shop and I hadn’t seen it for close to 25 years when I bought it first, for my children, in a bookshop on Broadway, Manhattan, in 1991.
What a treasure!
I posted about a short story on the The Invitation, I couldn’t wait! You’re right, writing it out helped me discover a little more about this confused feeling. It’s so lovely finding myself in writing. Thank you!
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve put a link on the Flax Golden Tales post and reblogged it on my own blog.
This was so much fun! I’m so excited for the next!
Well, since it’s only the first time I’ve done it and it sort of happened by accident, I’m going to have to put on my thinking cap for that
I think whenever you come up with something new it’ll be brilliant. 🙂 so nice to have come across this blog!
Thank you, Fatimah. I spend my time writing to ‘evince’ the truth and evoke a response
Perfectly put.
Looks interesting…
I’m still waiting for your contribution, my dear. What do you think of the working title, Flax Golden Tales?
I won’t be making a contribution on this occasion. It sounds like a fine title to me!
Lucy, that’s disappointing but I’m sure you have your hands full what with new term around the corner, cabinet meetings to organize, books to publish and don’t even mention the casting calls, location scouting etc
My apologies, but I don’t really do short stories or prompts – it’s just not what I like to write. And it is true that my hands are rather full at the moment! That won’t last forever, of course, and I must say I am very much looking forward to things settling down somewhat – and a nice, large glass of red and something spicy to eat, if I am lucky!
I’ll be having something like that for lunch, I think. To each their own, my dear, I get depressed reading posts about stats and how to improve them and Richard Dankers posted about how he just wants to write but feels jaded by other blogs he reads. To thine own self be true, I told him and I wish the same for you
Don’t get me wrong, I like reading other people’s posts on such things, but it just isn’t my sort of thing to actually write – my skills are limited, I am afraid!
Your lunch sounds quite wonderful. I am not sure if lunch is on the cards or not today – I am managing to squeeze in only one a meal a day at the moment but am hoping to indulge in some eating of epic proportions this weekend to make up for it.
As a diabetic, food and regular, food, is essential. Don’t underestimate yourself, your writing is full of invention
I am hypoglycemic so I also have to be careful. Just a few more days to get through and things should quieten a little… hopefully… 😉
You are far too kind, I thank you.
Suppose the book is dropped in to the porter’s desk and the deputy head is tasked with the job of finding its owner?
Yes, I suppose so, that could be a thing.
Just saying…
Haha! I admire your persistence, dear chap.
I just made a fiery gazpacho since my last missive, too. Now I feel refreshed.I better sneak a little time in for my own writing.
Yum! That sounds delicious. Have a super afternoon.
marinaded some lamb in yoghurt for some righteous bbq’d kebabs, later
Oh my that sounds incredible… I am dribbling just a little…
I hope you mean drooling, my heart couldn’t stand anything else
Teehee! In the interests of your heart, let’s go with drooling.
Phew
So much of vivid imagination…
Can’t help but think about the real Scott and the real intention of the message…
Am sure more twists and turns to come from more vivid authors…
🙂
I certainly hope so. We gave it a push, now it’s assuming a life of its own.
Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
Thanks, Kate, there’s more on the way
Great!
I’m so glad you shared this writing challenge! I gave it a go and posted my response on my blog: https://blissobirds.com/
I’ve enjoyed reading the other interpretations of that card. 🙂 It is always so refreshing to read authentic, inspired writing on a common theme!
Well done!
Thank you so much. 🙂
Reblogged this on Postcard from a Pigeon and commented:
It started off as one book, bought in a charity shop then an idea for a story has turned in to 13 unique stories and poems from all over the world. Now, that’s creative writing.
I don’t normally enter challenges, but when I read your version Dermott and the story about how the book was found and what was in it, it triggered a story in my head. I wrote it there and then.
I’ve really enjoyed all of the stories and hope other people have a go. It amazes me how many different stories you can get for the same premise from a group of people.
Anyone hesitating to try it – just jump in, the water’s lovely!
Thanks, Kate and yes, the more the merrier. If you enter Flax Golden Tales in your ‘search’ engine or as a liked tag in your Reader, it will open in a category where you could read all the previous contributions either directly from their contributors’ sites or from the Flax Golden Tales composite site. If you write one, just make sure you link it back. I’ll find you.
Thanks Dermott. I’ve already entered one, but I can now catch any that I’ve not seen before, thanks Dermott :0)