Patricia Reding's Blog

We Quills are back with more flash fiction fun! (Do you hear that crowd cheering?)

Robin Lythgoe, author of As the Crow Flies, is the person we must thank for our excellent prompt this time around.

Please take a look at what we each came up with for a flash fiction story and, if if the picture that served as our prompt encourages you to write one of your own, we'd love it if you shared it with us.

Coming in at roughly 650 words, I kept within my personal challenge not to exceed 1000 words for a flash fiction tale. (And as I've mentioned before, that is much more difficult than you might think . . .) So, here goes . . .

It is Truly Magic
by Patricia Reding
Copyright Patricia Reding 2021

Some say it doesn’t exist.

But they are wrong.

It does. It does.

“It does!” Nellie cried, as though repeating her mantra, whether in her mind, or verbally, would make it so.

She pulled her boots on, then wriggled her toes, testing the fit . . .

For more head to http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....

I hope you enjoyed that. Now, let's see what Robin Lythgoe's imagination has drummed up for us . . .








Robin is running a bit behind, but is sure to catch up! For now, check out her site at https://robinlythgoe.com.

Last, but most certainly not least, is P.S. Broaddus, author of A Hero's Curse. Take it away, Parker!








Gogs
by P.S. Broaddus
Copyright P.S. Broaddus 2021

People don’t talk about it, probably because they don’t remember, but being eight is the hardest age. Even harder than being a junker. Or a evaporative farmer, or whatever we are now.

I guess it didn’t start right when I turned eight. So maybe it’s eight and a half. (Turning seven was even awesomer, ’cause that’s when I got my goggles, and my nickname, “Gogs.”) Even so, turning eight was pretty good . . .

For more, head to https://www.psbroaddus.com/2021/02/05....

There can be no mistaking that 2020 has been a most unusual year.

I believe Robin Lythgoe and I started our Quills posts in 2013. Later, Parker joined us. I do recall times when we’ve not all been able to put a piece together for our joint-post, but I do not recall a month when we did not post at all—until last month, that is. June 2020 came and went too quickly, and too many personal issues held us up. Consequently, we had no post last month. We are pleased, however, to be with you again, and just in time to wish America a very, very, very Happy Birthday, indeed!

The topic we chose was to put together a character sketch. I am currently in the process of introducing someone new, Athan Eamon, in Volume 4 of The Oathtaker Series, (for now, entitled, Blue Gloom), so I thought I would use Athan as a subject. I’ve known about Athan for a long time, although I was uncertain as to when he would actually show up. Then, wouldn’t you know it, a door opened and … there he was …

What follows is the beginning of a rough character sketch for Athan, and beyond that, an excerpt from my current work-in-progress.

For more of this and from my fellow Quills, go to http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-posts.

Enjoy! And Happy July 4.

Hello, all!

This month we Quills are back to one of our favorite types of posts. That is, we will share some new flash fiction tales with you. (Here is a quick link to a page identifying where you can find our prior stories: http://www.patriciareding.com/quick-l....)

This time, P.S. Broaddus, aka Parker, author of A Hero's Curse, chose the picture for which we each created a story. Entitled Learning to Fly, it is the work of Adrian Baluta, found on Art Station at https://www.artstation.com/artwork/L4YRA.












When I first saw the pic, the word "whimsey" came to mind. You'll see how I made use of it. In the meantime, let's see what Parker and Robin have for us.








Parker? Off you go!


Welcome to Sky
by P.S. Broaddus
Copyright P.S. Broaddus 2020

"My dad could eat your dad."

"Not if he can't catch him first."

"He's one of the best fliers we have!"

"He still can't outfly my dad. No cat can outfly a bird."

"Bet I could outfly you."

"Not a chance."

The nestling and the kitten eyed each other. The kitten broke the terse silence. "I'm Starbucks. I was named after-"

"I'm Boeing!" The nestling interrupted. "I was named after the fastest flying machines of the old gods."

Starbucks huffed. "As I was saying before you interrupted me, I was named after the elite fuel of the old gods."

Find more at https://www.psbroaddus.com/2020/02/06....

(Readers, be sure to follow the link for the rest of Parker's story.)








I can't wait to see what Robin Lythgoe, author of As the Crow Flies, came up with this time around.

Ready, Robin? Then, take it away!

Learning to Fly
by Robin Lythgoe
Copyright Robin Lythgoe 2020

Striped Chasca, Seventeenth of the beloved and revered Fluffy, picked her way delicately down the garden path. She held her ears up, chin at a haughty angle, and let only the very tip of her tail twitch—just the way she’d seen the senior members of the clan do. Every dozen steps or so, she paused to preen, using the opportunity to sneak backward glances at her magnificent wings.

Find the rest of Robin's story at https://robinlythgoe.com/a-drift-of-q....

Thank you so much, Robin.

And now, it's my turn! Coming in at 970+ words, title and all . . .








Huckleberry's Whimsey Day
by Patricia Reding
​Copyright Patricia Reding 2020

His muscles aching and his wings tattered, Huckleberry tumbled through the air, his four legs akimbo, before finally righting himself. Looking down, he spotted a branch below, largely clear of brush. He aimed for it, confident that like all kittens, he would indeed land on his feet.

Keeping his knees loose, his paws touched. He bounced up, and then aimed yet again for another, even clearer branch, just below. On arrival, he teetered. Regaining his balance, he heaved in a deep breath in an effort to still his wildly beating heart. All the while, he contemplated on how his panic had added to his difficulties motoring through the air, which in turn, had resulting in his landing here—quite less than gracefully.

Visit here for the rest of the story: http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....

Thank you, readers! Be sure to stop by again soon.

Happy New Year to you all! I pray each and every one of you is blessed in 2020 with good health and good cheer!

We Quills decided we would open the year with a post about our favorite fantasy movies. (Those that come in a series, count as a single selection.)

I'm sure my fellow Quill, P.S. Broaddus, author of A Hero's Curse, had a marvelously hectic holiday with his lovely family.








Let's find out if he took some time out to watch some great movies. Even if not, we're about to learn of some of his favorite selections. Parker?

I love movies. Cinema. Film. My love of visual storytelling propelled me to get a master’s degree in film-making and digital storytelling. So to pick a favorite movie, or even three, is a hard thing. It depends on my mood. The weather. The time of year. When did I last see it?

I suppose I define a favorite as something that I watch time and again.

Find out more at: https://www.psbroaddus.com/2020/01/03....

Robin, author of As the Crow Flies, is up next.

I hope you had a wondrous holiday celebration with your family and friends, Robin.








Did you take time to watch any great movies? Do you have any selections to share with us?

When Hubby and I sit down to watch a movie together, one of our top favorite genres is fantasy. (You’re surprised, right? I knew you would be.) Much to our delight, the offerings are increasing in both volume and quality. And it’s about darned time my favorite genre in the whole wide world got wider recognition! It did, however, make the task of narrowing the selection down to three fairly formidable. There are “the greats,” of course: Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games (in that order), but they’re so obvious. What about the other stuff? What about the also-really-great movies like…

Find out more at https://robinlythgoe.com/DOQ-top-3-fa....

Oooh, now it's my turn! Have you any idea what movies I might have chosen?








Of course, the most obvious choice of all, is Lord of the Rings. So much so, that I’m not going to include it as one of my three choices. Indeed, the LOTR trilogy is in a category all of its own. Yes, it is a great story. Still, that is not the draw for me. I am most taken with . . .

Find out more at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....

There you have it! So, how about you? What fantasy films do you love and recommend to us?

​Thank you for sharing!

December has arrived and as usual, I am scurrying about with visions of sugarplums dancing in my head—which is to say that I am trying to work out what to get for whom, and from where, and at what cost, and so forth … One thing is for certain: when it comes to the simple gifts one may purchase, the age of technology has made life so much easier. For another year now, I will do most if not all, of my holiday shopping online. I love clicking the BUY button and then waiting for things to arrive on my doorstep.

But our subject this month has put me in a more introspective mood about gifting …

​We Quills have decided to comment briefly on a gift we received at some time that made a lasting memory, and on something we gave that made a lasting impression.

​First, I thought we’d see what my fellow Quills have to say on the subject. Make sure you follow the links for each to get “the rest of the story."

Robin Lythgoe is the author of As the Crow Flies. Robin’s stories, perfect for ages 12-85, come packed with adventure and humor. Perhaps you know just the right person to receive a copy of one of her works for Christmas … (?)

Robin - What do you have for us today?



It was 1999, and my father was dying. The cancer was fairly aggressive. Shocking, when he’d been so healthy all his life. He’d left the family years before to follow a drummer only he heard. We didn’t see much of him, but still—it was Dad. Time was short. So was money ...

Find more at https://robinlythgoe.com/a-drift-of-q....

Thank you for sharing, Robin, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Moving on ...

P.S. Broaddus offers delightful tales for middle school readers—and I know how difficult those are to find. So, if you’ve got a young one on your gift-giving list (and who of us doesn’t?), you’ll find out more about his work on his site. In the meantime, let’s see what he has to say about gift-giving.



When I think about giving, and gifts, a story from when I was close to nine or ten comes to mind.

My younger brother and I were given a few dollars by our folks and encouraged to find something for each other for Christmas. Being a kid, I did some quick math, figured I could snatch a passable something and still have monies left over ...

Find out more at https://www.psbroaddus.com/2019/12/06....

Thank you so much, Parker!

Finally, here are my thoughts. (Be sure to follow the link for some great video clips!)




Gift giving is an art - a fine art. Gift giving is the fine art of selecting just the right thing for someone—and it is one that I work at. At times I’ve hit the sweet spot so perfectly, that it left even me surprised. But before I get to that, let me comment on a gift I received that made a lasting memory.

Some years ago ...

Find more at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....

What was your best gift ever received? How about the best gift you ever gave? Please do share your stories with us!

I cannot believe it is November already (even though I woke to a dusting of snow this morning), but there you have it. Cold notwithstanding, from my perspective there are two great things about this month. First, it will soon be Thanksgiving, which is my favorite holiday. Second, we Quills are coming to you this month with new flash fiction tales!

​This time, I got to choose the pic. Here it is:



I first found these boots/moccasins on Pinterest, then tracked them down to a site for Turtle Island Moccasins (at www.TurtleIslandMoccs.com). It seems you can actually order yourself a pair of these! What do you think of that?








When I chose our inspirational pic, I asked my fellow Quills if they wanted an added challenge (as if writing a flash fiction tale isn't challenge enough). I suggested the following for their consideration:

Include in your story, something about The Forest of Infatuation, or the Temple of the Unknown Slave, or The Drum of Unbearable Silence ...

Or … maybe your main character has an odd personality or behavioral quirk, like he or she is notoriously rude, or expresses emotion inappropriately, or is homesick, or is always looking for a fight … ​

Or ... maybe your main character has a pet. Perhaps it’s a dog that steals keys and other small objects, or that never comes when called, or that commonly gets stuck in silly places ...​

In the end, we decided we would each choose for ourselves whether to take on an added challenge, and if so, what that challenge would be. For my part, I chose a couple of items from the above list. First, I included the Forest of Infatuation. Second, I combined features of the second and third options. Namely, I added in a pet with an odd behavioral quirk.

Are you ready? Coming in at 815 words, title and all ... here goes!

Calico Dew and the Boots of Ominous Delight
by Patricia Reding
Copyright Patricia Reding 2019

The ramshackle hut sat in a damp tree-shaded hollow, deep in the Forest of Infatuation. An occasional bright green patch of mold stood out on its thatched roof and spotted its weathered, paint-crackled, windows.Their half-open shades looked like eyes peering down at the bed of poison ivy just outside the hut’s door, which hung slightly askew on its rusty hinges.

Nearby, Calico Dew hid. She patted Sneaker, her faithful canine companion, whose shaggy mottled coat helped him to meld into his surroundings. This well-served Calico’s purposes in carrying out her duties as an official retriever of stolen magic artifacts. However, Sneaker also came with a downside. That is, while his physical traits allowed him to rummage about stealthily, he also possessed a particularly annoying personality quirk. Specifically ...

Find the rest of the story at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....

Well? What do you think? Please do, share your thoughts!

Now, lucky for you, there is more. Next up is Robin Lythgoe, author of As the Crow Flies.



I can hardly wait, so take it away, Robin!




Starry-Eyed
by Robin Lythgoe
Copyright Robin Lythgoe 2019

The autumn sun slid toward the horizon, gilding the moors and pulling twilight ever closer. Little streamers of fog drifted this way and that, half-formed fairy ribbons. Archibald Cumming laughed to himself. The old man was getting to him. Had already got to him, years ago, truth be told. And where was the old fool now? Shifting his backpack, he trudged up the sparse hill. Hands on hips, he stopped at the top to catch his breath before he had a look around. When he had his breathing under control again, he straightened and stood still and quiet, listening. Listening as he'd done dozens of times already just today. This wasn’t the first time the old codger had taken off on his own.

He was about to move on when he heard it ...

Find more at https://robinlythgoe.com/a-drift-of-q....

Excellent! Thank you so much.

And now, for Parker.




What have you for us, Parker? Did you take on any of the added challenges?



Fool's Feet
by P.S. Broaddus
Copyright P.S. Broaddus 2019

"I'll be requested by kings," said the shiny face of ambition, caught somewhere between a boy and a man. But the glint in his eye was ageless.

"You'll be an outcast."

"Princes will offer me untold wealth and honor," he continued, unhearing.

"You'll reject it all."

​He rubbed his hands together unconsciously, unaware of how silly he looked, how small and unworthy. "My name will be known from the border of Darjil to the Jabob River and beyond."

"Where you will be unwelcome and hunted until the last of your days." The old man sighed. Ambition turned his head, the sigh finally catching his attention. Was the old one dying? Would he pass on the boots now?

Master Eli...are you well?"

The grizzled beard, streaked white and grey and sandy-desert brown, twitched. Eli looked full at his apprentice. Looked in his soul through the undisguised eyes.

The boots would instruct him.

"I must go." Eli struggled to his feet. He could not rest. Not yet.

The apprentice's long eager fingers grasped an elbow, half helping, half clinging. "I'm going with you."
​
​Eli shrugged. "Do what you must."

Find more at https://www.psbroaddus.com/2019/10/02....

Great stuff, Parker! Thank you.

We would love to know what our readers think, and so, we invite you to share your comments. Please also feel free to share your flash fiction stories with us.

Thank you for stopping by. Until next time!

It is October (already!?) and we Quills are at it again. This time, the focus of our joint post is to share a book we loved, and read repeatedly, as a child. I don’t know about you, but it’s getting harder all the time for me to think back that far . . . In any case, for starters, I’m anxious to hear what my fellow Quills have for us.

Parker? What great read caught your fancy as a young one?







“I can’t imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.”
― C.S. Lewis

I read and re-read many stories growing up. Some are still on my shelf today. Call it Courage, by Armstrong Sperry. Another is The Wolfling, by Sterling North, (best known for the children’s novel Rascal, a bestseller in 1963). It's a coming of age story about ...

Find more at https://www.psbroaddus.com/2019/10/03....

Thank you, Parker.

Robin, I'm sure you've something wonderful for us. So, please do share!






I was born into family of bibliophiles. Probably the best thing that ever happened to me. No matter where I lived (like way out in the sticks), I always had places to go, people to see, and things to do. I found them first in the family bookshelves. The doors to whimsy surrounded me, and I was not afraid to open them and explore!

Find more at https://robinlythgoe.com/a-drift-of-q....

Thanks, Robin.

And now, for my turn ...








I’m just going to come right out and say it: I’m cheating this time. You see, there is a great, great work for children, that I wish I had read as a child, but alas, I did not. I did not read it until I was an adult. However, from the very opening words, I can say that this tale is not just for children. In many ways, it is most especially for adults. (This is probably true of any great “children’s classic," don't you think?) And for some reason, this story has been on my mind of late. (I suspect it is time that I re-read it ...)

Find more at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....


How about you? What are your favorite books from when you were a child?

This month we Quills are writing about some of our favorite book opening lines. This is more difficult than it may seem to be at first blush, as there are so many fascinating stories to choose from. Nevertheless ...

Let's see what Robin Lythgoe, author of As the Crow Flies, has for us this time around. Robin?








The internet is full of lists of “best first sentences.” That opening line garners a lot of attention. It has a lot of work to do! It’s got to set the mood and draw the reader in. No hemming and hawing, blushing, or flailing around for something to talk about. (So I would totally fail as an opening line…)

Luckily, writers can devote a little time to figuring out that all-important greeting before someone opens the door. Er… book. I’m going to skip past the Usual Suspects and head straight to my own shelves. Oh, the hand-rubbing and gleeful expressions! I love rummaging through my books and I’m in the mood for a little questionable book-sniffing. So I’m going to stick with physical copies this go-round, which is strictly unfair to the digital part of the collection, but who’s the boss? I’m the boss!

Let’s dive right into something a little terrifying ...

Find more at https://robinlythgoe.com/a-drift-of-q....

P.S. Broaddus, author of A Hero's Curse, always provides us with entertaining ideas. Unfortunately, he's out of commission for the moment, but I'll be sure to let you know when he returns ...










For more information, visit Parker at www.PSBroaddus.com.

And now, for my part.








I found this subject fun—and challenging, as there are so many great lines to choose from. In the end, I chose to go with a couple very well-known openings—followed by a lesser known line, namely (uh-oh, hear the self-promotion here!) one of my own. The reason for my last choice is that I worked very long and hard on the line, and in the end, am so thoroughly satisfied with it, that I’d like to share it with you (and, in truth, I can't think of a better time to do so).

Here is my first opening line ...

Find more at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....

It is almost impossible to believe, yet true, that August is upon us. The days are growing shorter, the nights longer, and for the most part, also cooler. I am looking forward to a much needed get-away before summer's end, but for now, I'm excited to bring you the August post for A Drift of Quills. We are back to what has quickly become our favorite kind of post, and it seems to be yours, too. What kind is that? Why, flash fiction, of course!

This time around, Robin Lythgoe, selected the picture that we used for inspiration. It is always great fun to read the wildly different stories the three of us come up with to go with the chosen picture for these posts, so prepare yourself!

(The pic, by Steven Erixon, may be found at https://unsplash.com/photos/1xZzYbasToM.)

We Quills all seem to view the parameters of flash fiction a bit differently. My personal goal is to stay within 1000 words - if at all possible. Today, I've managed to do just that - coming in, I believe, at 998 words, title and all. But before I share my flash fiction story with you, I'm anxious to read what my fellow Quills have for us all. (Make sure you follow the links for each of Parker and Robin to get the full story for each.)

P.S. Broaddus, author of A Hero's Curse, is sure to have a great read for us, and no doubt it will be loaded with wit and charm. Take it away, Parker!









The Standing Stone
by P.S. Broaddus
Copyright P.S. Broaddus 2019

The guardian standing at water’s edge hadn’t always been there. At one time no shadow from the pillar of rock crept across the long salt-grass, as the western sun sank into the wine-dark sea. The path that ran along the coast from the capitol of Plen toward the high timbered trees of Greatwood Forest didn’t always have the patch of stone shade that marked the half-way point. There hadn’t been a section of the monolith rubbed smooth by thousands of hands, touching the rock and then touching the forehead for good fortune.

Read more at https://www.psbroaddus.com/2019/08/02....

As mentioned, Robin Lythgoe, author of As the Crow Flies, selected the pic for us this time around. I can't wait to read her story. So . . . here goes!








The Judgment Stone
by Robin Lythgoe
Copyright Robin Lythgoe 2019

There’s a town near the Rhogan coast that has a unique way of dealing with undesirables. Their “undesirables” consist of murderers, rapists, and arsonists. Thieves—unless their theft ruins a citizen’s livelihood or affects the entire town—are generously permitted a second chance. Upon conviction, the criminal is immediately taken to the Stone of Judgement, bound there, and left to the whims of the local dragon. If he or she is still breathing at the same time the next day, freedom is restored. Apparently the almighty dragon decide whether or not they are innocent, no matter what other proof previously stood against them.

​You can safely imagine that those who escape leave the surrounds and never return. You might also imagine my astonishment at being arrested, tried, and found guilty of something called “High Thievery.” I’ve never stolen a thing in my life, unless you count a nap now and then. Well, I have helped myself to apples in the orchards I pass on my way between towns… But a face? How does a person steal a face?

Read more at http://robinlythgoe.com/a-drift-of-qu....

And now, it's my turn. Ready?

Here goes . . .









Left Ahead
by Patricia Reding
Copyright Patricia Reding 2019

A musty odor greeted Lorna as she awakened, stiff and cramped. She groaned. Her head hurt; her body ached.

​A clicking sounded out, as something brushed her cheek.

Lorna’s eyes flashed open. She bolted upright, then turned to the source of the touch. Although semi-dark, there was no mistake.

“Onyx!” she cried, recognizing her long time companion, a snowy owl that had adopted her shortly after her father’s death. She wrapped her arms around his neck and combed her fingers through his soft fur-like chest feathers.

Find the rest of the story at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....

As always, we look forward to your comments. What do you think?

It is July, and we Quills are bringing to you, our joint post for the month. This time our theme is to share one or more pictures that illustrate a person, place, or thing from our work. I'm anxious to see what my fellow Quills have for us. Please be sure to follow the links to find the "rest of the story" for each of them!



Robin Lythgoe, author of As the Crow Flies, is first up today. What have you for us today, Robin?

This recurring theme is one of my favorites! I love sharing with you the images that have inspired my stories (or the images I’ve had to hunt for, trying to match a description!).

I’ve come back to Sherakai’s story—I figure it makes sense since his first book, Blood and Shadow, is currently part of the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off (SPFBO). Hosted by Mark Lawrence, author of The Broken Empire series and other books, a total of 300 books are judged by 10 bloggers. Am I nervous? (Gulp!) Mostly, I try not to think about it. There is some serious competition in the running!

Since we already caught a glimpse of things in my previous post about him, I thought I’d share some images from the second book of The Mage’s Gift. In Flesh and Bone, Sherakei receives ...

Find more at https://robinlythgoe.com/a-drift-of-q....



P.S. Broaddus, author of A Hero's Curse, is sure to have some great stuff for us. Well, Parker?

I love illustration and I think it works well for the young reader genre and age. One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to flip through a book looking for the pictures, and things haven't changed.

I'm a particular fan of simple sketches. I have a collection of them, some commissioned, some that were done by readers. I think that's something I wish I could do as well, but my sketch art is little more than a series of stick figures ...

Read more at https://www.psbroaddus.com/2019/07/12....

And now, for my thoughts ...

I’ve chosen to sprinkle a few pics throughout my post today, all relating to the same part of the storyline from Oathtaker, The Oathtaker Series Volume One.

Before sharing any pics, let me open by saying that while perhaps a bit odd, I’ve always been fascinated by the words we give for groups of animals. Here are just a few great ones:




To the above, I would add a couple I’ve made good use of in my stories, including the words used for a group of vultures, namely, kettle, committee, or wake, depending on what they are up to at the time. Then there is my favorite, which is the word used for a group of crows: a .murder. (What a great name for this group of animals!)

In Oathtaker, when Lilith is on her mission to ...

Find more at http://www.patriciareding.com/blog-po....