1987 Chapter One The fire hummed and crackled, throwing their shadows against the walls of the library. Intricately carved mahogany columns supported what seemed like hundreds of shelves full of leather-bound books, and the room glowed a rich brown from a combination of the dim, art deco lamps, and the warm fire radiating from the fireplace. There was a still…
Author: ryanhougardy
Introducing: The House On Astor Street
I am excited to introduce a project that I began working on at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Inspired by the City of Chicago and allowing my imagination to run free, I wrote a novel-length story about a magical world that exists right under our noses. For many of my friends and family that read this, they may find…
“Can I See You in My Office?”
This post is part of Writer’s Digest February Flash Fiction Challenge. Flash Fiction is a short, often under 1,000 words, style of writing. I hope you enjoy my 28 contributions! Day 28 Prompt: Write a Story Only Using Dialogue “Hey Eric – could I chat with you in my office really quickly?” “Oh! Um, yes… like, right now?” “Yeah, if…
The Mysterious Case of the Giggles
This post is part of Writer’s Digest February Flash Fiction Challenge. Flash Fiction is a short, often under 1,000 words, style of writing. I hope you enjoy my 28 contributions! Day 27 Prompt: Something That Makes You Laugh Big Sky Gazette March 8, 1936 The Mysterious Case of the Giggles An inexplicable phenomenon known as “contagious giggles” grips Laurel Township,…
Diamond Stud Earrings
This post is part of Writer’s Digest February Flash Fiction Challenge. Flash Fiction is a short, often under 1,000 words, style of writing. I hope you enjoy my 28 contributions! Day 26 Prompt: Write About an Article of Clothing Note: This story may be upsetting for some readers – discretion advised! They say you know. Whether it’s intuition or probability,…
Don’t Feed the Bunnies!
This post is part of Writer’s Digest February Flash Fiction Challenge. Flash Fiction is a short, often under 1,000 words, style of writing. I hope you enjoy my 28 contributions! Day 25 Prompt: Write About a Cryptoid I grew up in a relatively small suburban enclave just north of Los Angeles. It was one of those places where neighbors chatted…
The Tale of Young Daracha
This post is part of Writer’s Digest February Flash Fiction Challenge. Flash Fiction is a short, often under 1,000 words, style of writing. I hope you enjoy my 28 contributions! Day 24 Prompt: Create a Myth High up on a hill overlooking the River Tyne in Scotland, there was erected a shrine dedicated to the little-known goddess, Aileena. On the…
Final Exam
This post is part of Writer’s Digest February Flash Fiction Challenge. Flash Fiction is a short, often under 1,000 words, style of writing. I hope you enjoy my 28 contributions! Day 23 Prompt: Write a Story About a Word “Landara, Bimbara…Floo!” The cauldron burped, sending a small cloud of smoke up into the air. A couple girls in the front…