The Carrot Ranch Challenge:
In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story inspired by the phrase “tiny flying insects”.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Beasties
My daughter’s scream has me scrambling out of bed.
She is sitting up, hands covering her face, still shrieking.
I flick on her bedside lamp and shudder.
There are wee flying beasties everywhere, swarming around and crawling over her.
It’s okay, baby, I gather her in my arms, swatting the horrid beetle-like thingys away.
Then I panic.
There are more on her feet and legs.
I slap at them, brush them from my own face.
Then I see wings emerge from her nose.
I roar in anger and fear until I no longer can.
Because my mouth is full.
Sound Bite Fiction 
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Well-written and well-read, C.! I have wee beastie goosebumps now!
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That’s great, Charli, wee beastie goosebumps are cool!
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That’s the worst dream ever. Or if it’s not a dream, it’s a parent’s nightmare not being able to protect one’s child.
I enjoyed listening to you read.
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I don’t do dreams, Norah, I think that’s cheating.
Glad you enjoyed the reading, you might enjoy this wee piece I did for the radio in cahoots with Jenne Gray.
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Most amusing.
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I didn’t expect it to turn so horrid! You lure the reader in brilliantly, with a false sense of success, then make it crash in burn in the best way. Fantastic ride!
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Thanks, Rebecca, I find horror hard to write so I’m pleased this worked for you.
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It did work. The casual description added to the horror. That sense of a relaxed, unrushed building of tension was very well done!
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Wonderfully horrific!
I’m almost scared to close my eyes, so graphic is your story, and yet so understated.
Thank goodness for the punny song lyrics 😉 on the artwork – which is also great.
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Yep, beasties are fun!
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