#ThursThreads - Week 33 - Winners

Week 33 of #ThursThreads had some great tales and many new folks joined us! Thanks to all who entered this week. I'm honored to see all of you and read your stories. And it was great to have some new "faces" join us along with our returning regulars. Great thanks also goes to judge Suzie Quint for reading all the tales.

Entries:

• Kimberly Gould | @Kimmydonn
• Wakefield Mahon | @WakefieldMahon
• Robin Abess | @Angelique_Rider 
• Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
• Theresa Breaux | @theresabreaux
• Rebecca R Kovar | @RRKovar
• Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
• Cameron Lawton | @CameronLawton
• Elaine Hillson | @tollykit
• Mike E Miller | @MikeEMillerBook
• David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
• Revo Boulanger | @RevoBoulanger
• Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
• Miranda Gammella | @MLGammella
• Jeffrey Hollar | @Klingorengi 

Suzie says: First, I want to say that anyone who even attempts flash fiction has my total respect. I don't do short very well myself, and to do flash based on a line someone else has chosen just awes the hell out of me.
 

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Cameron Lawton | @CameronLawton

Suzie says: I like the contrast between what she's saying and what she's thinking, which is a nice internal conflict. The last line also resonates to the story, making it feel complete and satisfying.
 

Jeffrey Hollar | @Klingorengi

Suzie says: This one is less of a complete story than the previous two, but the scene is so vivid. The little details are what I like here. The pub's great name, the bowl of peanuts, the description of Marge. Everything is so easy to visualize, yet it's done in a way that doesn't drag the story pacing. Great job.
 

Elaine Hillson | @tollykit

Suzie says: Again, what appeals to me about this is that it's a full story. No conflict as such, but there is struggle in the flashback and it ends with the reveal about where that took the heroine and what she achieved. Good job. 

 

Week 33 Winner

Revo Boulanger | @RevoBoulanger

Suzie says: This one's my favorite. First, it showcases the author's voice (not easy in so few words) and made me laugh. Equally important is that the ending resonates with the beginning. It goes somewhere. There's a point to it (the odd way friendships sometimes come about). In between, there was conflict. Taken together, it feels like a complete story. Outstanding.

Slade and I had few things in common other than our profession. Hitmen are choosy who they drink with.

That was before the blond nutcase with the horned helmet appeared, right after we woke up inside a cage with swords in our hands.

“Two warriors that kill without remorse,” her voice echoed across the deserted warehouse. “I will decide who gains access to the hallowed hall of Valhalla!”

Slade and I exchanged knowing looks. It must be a full moon.

“Arm yourselves so that the game begins and victor is brought before Odin!”

Slade casually moved toward the bars. “You want money, is that it?”

“I wanna be a Valkyrie! Now fight so I may banish the vanquished and prove myself.”

“Hey,” I grabbed the stare of unblinking blue eyes with crazy-lady pinwheels spinning behind them. “Don’t Valkyries decide who wins?”

She’s unsure and steps closer to the bars. While focused on me, Slade scooped up the sword and ran it through her silver plastic chest plate. I pulled her forward by her neck. Those nutty orbs finally blinked as a trickle of blood drizzled from her comically open mouth.

Stick a knife in a lunatic and the sanity hits them quick. That’s therapy you just can’t buy.

“Guess she screwed up the deciding part.” Slade smirked.

“Beer?” I grab the keys from her belt.

“You buying?” She drops after he pulls out the sword.

“Sure, you did the work.”

Friendships are funny. It’s the little things that start them.

Congratulations Revo, Cameron, Jeff, and Elaine! Claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :)

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here. Next week I'll be out of town at Authors After Dark in New Orleans so #ThursThreads will be postponed until August 16th 2012 and I hope to see you all back then. :)