by

The Seamaid

pixabay image modified

The Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Rodeo turns to Twitter. I gave it a go…

The Challenge #5: #Twitterflash. In this challenge, you are tasked with writing a complete 99-word story using Twitter. The story can be on any topic and in any genre, as long as it is exactly 99 words. Easy peasy, right? Not so fast…
-Every story must be made up of 11 sentences of exactly 9 words each.
-Each individual sentence should be tweeted, one at a time, for a total of 11 tweets
-Individual sentences are tweet-worthy and contribute to the story as a whole in a meaningful way.

The Seamaid

A mermaid’s sequined tail lures me to the sea
Gulls shrill a warning, I’m headed to a drowning
Lulled by a siren’s song, footprints forsake the sand
Wash away my castles when love sings me home
She is my nixie, nymph of an airless death
Bare toes sink, swallowed by the sea’s lapping tongue
Fingers caress my ankles, beckoning me farther from shore
Entangled am I in floating whorls of unbound hair
Her silver arms are the surge embracing my surrender
A life forlorn abandoned for her wild blue beauty
Yielding to the tides, breathless in my seamaid’s kiss

***

To read D. Avery’s winning Twitterflash, click here: Carrot Ranch

158 thoughts on “The Seamaid”

  1. Sophie @ Blame Chocolate says:
    December 9, 2017 at 10:52 am

    I continue to be absolutely amazed by what you are able to produce from a simple prompt, Diana. Another wonderful piece!

    Liked by 3 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      December 10, 2017 at 7:22 am

      Thanks, Sophie. I like writing flash fiction from prompts, both visual or words. And it gets easier with time, though these were definitely challenging with all the rules! Have a great Sunday! ❤

      Like

  2. Colleen Chesebro says:
    December 9, 2017 at 8:07 am

    This is so lovely and rhythmic, Diana. I am enamored of your writing. Congratulations on your well deserved win. I have started the second book to see what happens to Catling next. (I hope I spelled her name correctly this time. Apparently I have a mind cramp when it comes to the spelling). Hugs! ❤

    Liked by 4 people

  3. mycountryepoque says:
    December 9, 2017 at 12:30 am

    Good morning Diana. Well done, 99 words turned into a beautiful mermaid. And I would have ran away from it if it was me, I think I would have failed to get it in the story I wanted to write exactly 99 words. But you did into a beautiful poem and story. Was very exciting. Congratulations!

    Liked by 2 people

  4. TinderellaAnna says:
    December 8, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    https://tinderellaanna.com/2017/12/08/liebster-award/

    This is the correct link of your nomination.

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    December 8, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Horsefeathers! That’s just too much “math” for me to even halfway consider doing it. You, naturally, did a superb job. 99 words of fantasy delight. Hugs on the wing!

    Liked by 2 people

  6. D. Avery @shiftnshake says:
    December 8, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    I enjoyed your tweet poem. It was evocative, and though you mention the constraints being a challenge it doesn’t read as constrained, and maybe impacts the tone, which is very effective. Congratulations.

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      December 8, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      Well, Congrats to you for your win. And well deserved. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this competition and can’t remember looking forward to Tuesdays as much I have this autumn. I love reading all the entries. Happy Writing and good luck to you on the last 3. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  7. L. T. Garvin, Author says:
    December 8, 2017 at 6:29 am

    Oh Diana, I read this and thought it is such a beautiful way to drown. What gorgeous writing, it is both a poem and a story. These are so hard to do! I tried to write a Twitter story once, it was awful, ha ha. I loved this beautiful Seamaid.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Sarah Brentyn says:
    December 7, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    You know I love every single thing about this. The individual tweets, the siren’s song, the drowning… It’s lyrical and beautiful and deadly. Perfect.

    So glad you attempted this one. I know it was a bit out of your comfort zone and it’s gorgeous. ❤ Congrats on being among the judges' favorites.

    Liked by 2 people

  9. anotetohuguette says:
    December 7, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    I enjoyed being swept away by your words, I could sense that hypnotic blue calling me and feel those silvery arms! Bravo!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. cathleentownsend says:
    December 7, 2017 at 12:27 pm

    Wow, Diana–you’re really branching out. 🙂

    This is an elegant, poetic little piece, descriptive and flowing. I hope you’re proud of it. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      December 8, 2017 at 5:45 am

      It was a stretch, Cathleen. I’m going to remove the constraints on this one and turn it into a proper poem. These challenges have been fun. I’ll post the start of the Carrot Ranch competition next year in case you want to join in (hint hint). 🙂

      Like

  11. robbiesinspiration says:
    December 7, 2017 at 9:43 am

    This is very visual and appealing, Diana.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Julie Holmes, author says:
    December 7, 2017 at 6:04 am

    Well done, Diana! Especially within the boundaries of the challenge. These are a treat to read 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Khaya Ronkainen says:
    December 7, 2017 at 5:55 am

    Wow! That’s quite a challenge, and you nailed it. ♥

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Marcia Strykowski says:
    December 7, 2017 at 5:55 am

    Well done! Not easy to accomplish I’m sure and you brought in such beautiful haunting details.

    Liked by 2 people

  15. anotherfoodieblogger says:
    December 7, 2017 at 4:02 am

    Now that was quite the challenge Diana! It reads beautifully, I don’t know how you did it! Ahh yes, you have the gift. Well done my friend!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. tmezpoetry says:
    December 7, 2017 at 1:08 am

    “Wash away my castles when love sings me home”

    Layers and layers in this line alone. I applaud your eagerness for such a challenge.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Annika Perry says:
    December 7, 2017 at 12:22 am

    Wow! A terrific entry, Diana…compelling, beautiful and a sense of dark foreboding throughout. What a task to take on, a mini story in each line, building up to the whole. Very tricky and you succeeded brilliantly… the judge’s comment was fantastic and summed it up perfectly. Congratulations! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      December 7, 2017 at 5:32 am

      Thanks, Annika. This one was hard, but I like challenges and can usually get through them given enough time – like days! I hope you give the Carrot Ranch rodeo a go next year… I’ll remind everyone when it’s happening 🙂 Happy Writing, my friend, and have a lovely day. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Erik says:
    December 6, 2017 at 8:07 pm

    Brilliant!

    This made me miss the days when engaging in such challenges was an ongoing thing for me. I once came across a friend who was throwing out 10 years of old Writer’s Digest magazines. I kept them and worked my way through each of the writing challenges presented in every one of the issues. Alas, my own writing and blog aren’t as conducive to such creative explorations as this.

    Every time I read your submissions like this, my creativity is sparked anew. Thanks for continuing to inspire!

    Liked by 3 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      December 7, 2017 at 5:23 am

      Thanks so much, Erik. It really was a blast, trying to make this work – especially the requirement that every line be independently tweet-worthy. I didn’t know that the old Writer’s Digest had writing challenges. That’s cool that you did them all. What a way to stretch your writing skills. There are a few posts in that effort for your blog. Maybe you could slip in a piece of creative writing??? (Hint hint). Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!

      Liked by 1 person

      • Sean P Carlin says:
        December 7, 2017 at 11:42 am

        Erik can and should include the occasional piece of creative writing on his blog! He’s a born storyteller (remember that piano-moving piece?), and blogs can be both on-brand and experimental, too. They’re idea incubators — safe spaces to try things out and stretch one’s intellectual capacity.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. dgkaye says:
    December 6, 2017 at 6:36 pm

    That was brilliant Diana. I just couldn’t handle that one and am inspired by those like you who’ve done a great job with the tweet story. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Tina Frisco says:
    December 6, 2017 at 6:00 pm

    Awesome. Exquisite. Well-written. Engaging. Alluring. Enchanting. Poignant. Captivating . . . Diana, you write so fluidly, descriptively, expressively. No wasted ink and beautifully portrayed ❤

    Liked by 3 people

  21. Joanne Sisco says:
    December 6, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    You just keep cranking up the degree of difficulty! How do you do it?!!

    I’ve never heard of twitter flash, and I thank you so much for not making me go to twitter to read it 😉

    Liked by 3 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      December 6, 2017 at 7:09 pm

      These challenges get crazier, Joanne. Still 3 to go and then the Carrot Ranch competitions are over. It’s been fun sharing my entries. I’m not a twitterer either, which made this especially intimidating! Thanks for reading, my friend. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Festenstein says:
    December 6, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    Wonderful

    Liked by 4 people

  23. Sean P Carlin says:
    December 6, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Love it! I’ve always wanted to write a mermaid story, I’ve just never had a concept worth pursuing! But, as “The Seamaid” proves, a narrative doesn’t have to be long or complex to be effective! Nicely done, Diana!

    Liked by 4 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      December 6, 2017 at 4:36 pm

      I’ve also been kind of fascinated by mermaids lately, and fallen angels. Thanks for reading, Sean. The challenge was crazy, but loads of fun too. I may tweak this one and turn it into a poem someday. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

  24. Cynthia Reyes says:
    December 6, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    Well done!

    Liked by 3 people

  25. Miss Gentileschi says:
    December 6, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    Wow! That was brilliantly done, Diana! I could never do it! Love the pictures your words created in my mind, if I had the time I would paint them right away! 😄

    Liked by 4 people

  26. Jacqui Murray says:
    December 6, 2017 at 7:26 am

    Delightful. The exercise of crafting a story to fit guidelines–it teaches a lot about our skill as a writer. You’ve done quite well!

    Liked by 4 people

  27. Teri Polen says:
    December 6, 2017 at 6:47 am

    That is one serious challenge, and one you rose to very gracefully – excellent job!

    Liked by 4 people

  28. derrickjknight says:
    December 6, 2017 at 2:58 am

    My word, Diana, what a challenge, to which you have risen brilliantly

    Liked by 4 people

  29. patriciaruthsusan says:
    December 6, 2017 at 1:33 am

    Truly lovely, Diana. That was quite a challenge. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 4 people

  30. Charli Mills says:
    December 5, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    Beautiful results, Diana!

    Liked by 4 people

  31. Brit Taylor says:
    December 5, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    Nice job!

    Liked by 3 people

  32. Steven Baird says:
    December 5, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    Beautifully written, Diana, and such a compelling challenge. Well done, as usual. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  33. C.E.Robinson says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    Diana, this Twitterflash writing is very nice. More like narrative poetry. Strong visual imagery and vivid description. Suite a challenge well done! 🌷 Christine

    Liked by 4 people

  34. Jennie says:
    December 5, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    This is excellent, Diana. I can imagine how difficult writing this must have been with tricky guidelines. Thanks!

    Liked by 4 people

  35. Andrew Joyce says:
    December 5, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    What is Twitter?

    Liked by 4 people

  36. Mary J. McCoy-Dressel says:
    December 5, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    I like using Twitter, but my head is still spinning from reading the directions for this challenge. LOL. I’d love to see how you brainstorm. This is superb writing and instruction following. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  37. Jill Weatherholt says:
    December 5, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    You nailed the challenge, Diana…beautiful!

    Liked by 3 people

  38. Helen Jones says:
    December 5, 2017 at 12:19 pm

    Lovely and haunting, Diana 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  39. Aquileana says:
    December 5, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    Beautfully penned, dear Diana… Sending love & best wishes 😀

    Liked by 3 people

  40. Mr. Militant Negro says:
    December 5, 2017 at 11:07 am

    Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.

    Liked by 2 people

  41. Lynz Real Cooking says:
    December 5, 2017 at 10:39 am

    Wonderful reposnse to this challenge!

    Liked by 4 people

  42. wordsfromanneli says:
    December 5, 2017 at 10:19 am

    That was beautiful, Diana. A real challenge, but you met it well.

    Liked by 4 people

  43. shobhna says:
    December 5, 2017 at 10:08 am

    Beautifully written Diana. Imagery is powerful in each line. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  44. authorsinspirations says:
    December 5, 2017 at 9:45 am

    cleverly written. I don’t think have been able to pull this one out.

    Liked by 4 people

  45. House of Heart says:
    December 5, 2017 at 9:39 am

    I adore this Diane. Well done. This really makes me want to take on the challenges. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  46. basilikepappablog says:
    December 5, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Simply beautiful! More poetry than prose, I think. You have worked wonders with the constraint. There is rhythm and sound and the smell of the sea in this piece. And your love for what you do shines through the waves!

    Liked by 4 people

  47. Mae Clair says:
    December 5, 2017 at 8:44 am

    What an intriguing challenge! I would have been stuck. but you handled it beautifully with vibrant and visual prose. I also saw you were a judge’s pick, so double congrats! 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  48. Writing to Freedom says:
    December 5, 2017 at 8:07 am

    Masterful and alluring. She’s calling me to the sea. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  49. Gabe Burkhardt says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:50 am

    I can see why you won the acclaim Diana! “Bare toes sink, swallowed by the seas lapping tongue” yeesssh – so sensual, I think I’m gonna blush 😉

    Are there plans for another #twitterflash? Sounds like fun.

    Liked by 3 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      December 5, 2017 at 8:25 am

      Thanks, Gabe. No blushing! Lol. I’d never heard of twitterflash until this challenge, but wasn’t it a cool idea? Carrot Ranch may do it again at next year’s rodeo, but I don’t know. They do offer weekly challenges, so you might check them out. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Happy Vampire Hunting. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

  50. watchingthedaisies says:
    December 5, 2017 at 7:49 am

    Brilliant. That is a very tricky challenge. You nailed it.🌼

    Liked by 4 people

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