When a retiree suspects his neighbor is involved in a gunrunning racket, he sets out to obtain evidence to bust up the operation. An NYCMidnight Flash Fiction Challenge entry. Prompts: Spy/an arsenal/a string trimmer # # # My mission is simple, if I choose to accept. Get undeniable proof that my neighbor is hoarding gunsContinue reading “Spies Like Me”
Author Archives: PYates
Dark Drabbles July
I enjoy the challenge of writing drabbles (exactly 100 words) and last month I participated in another monthly drabble challenge by Black Hare Press. The July Dark Moments theme was ‘WAR’ with the following criteria: Can have medieval, modern day, science fiction, supernatural, gangs, speculative fiction vibes, armies of ants, Alice in Wonderland. Conflict betweenContinue reading “Dark Drabbles July”
DARK DRABBLES
I have a new writing addiction. Drabbles. EXACTLY 100 words to depict a complete story, a challenge I thoroughly enjoy. I love exploring the complexity of human nature through horror and speculative fiction, and writing drabbles is a quick way to keep my creativity fresh, and my word count tight. To kick off my newContinue reading “DARK DRABBLES”
Accrual
I feign sleep when Mother raids my purse. I left my pay packet, but the clinking coins still make me cry. Dressed in excuses, she takes the car. I listen for its return, for the cap cracking, the yelling at Dad’s photo. His leaving keeps me awake till dawn. Mother snores, another empty bottle fullContinue reading “Accrual”
New Story/New Anthology
I have a new story coming out with the fabulous Redwood Press, a new publisher of all things fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Their first anthology, The Lost Librarian’s Grave, will be released October 1st, 2021. It promises a collection of “horror and weird fiction featuring tales of doom, magic, revenge, premature burial, madness, betrayal,Continue reading “New Story/New Anthology”
New Story – The Secret Keeper (Fantasy)
What would you do if you heard a secret that shouldn’t be kept? The Secret Keeper – published by Metaphorosis Magazine June 2021 Read Online/Listen to the Podcast
Metaphorosis Magazine June 2021 Edition
All the stories from the month, plus author biographies, interviews, and story origins. Table of Contents The Secret Keeper — Pauline Yates Satyajit Ray’s Beard or the Lack Thereof — Abhijato Sensarma The Stranding — Maud Woolf The Nocturnals II — Mariah Montoya Cover art by Max Pitchkites. Available as a pocket-sized (4″x6″) paperback and anContinue reading “Metaphorosis Magazine June 2021 Edition”
New stories coming soon, including one of mine.
30 Stories in 30 Days
During April, Writers Victoria ran a fun Flash Fiction competition. Each day, they released a new word prompt and participating writers had until midnight to submit a story up to 30 words. I decided to use this contest to challenge myself to complete a story every day. I’m pleased to say that I succeeded, butContinue reading “30 Stories in 30 Days”
