First non-fiction blog post in years, in which the blogger considers what to focus on in this next chapter of her life.
Author: Cindy Cook DeRuyter
(Fiction) The Stars Above Us [YeahWrite Super Challenge #8 Round 1 Entry]
Synopsis: A night of stargazing leads to a painful walk down memory lane. Most of the time, I try not to think about that night. Even now, 20 years later, it’s still painful. Tonight though, the memories beg to be heard. The moonlight and the stars beckon. I take a worn blanket and a flashlight … Continue reading (Fiction) The Stars Above Us [YeahWrite Super Challenge #8 Round 1 Entry]
Six Blocks (Fiction – Round 2 Story for NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge)
Synopsis: News of a nearby prison break sends a retired judge down memory lane. Haunted by his final trial, he takes a harrowing walk to the corner drug store. The honorable Justice Frank A.R. Anderson, retired from the bench some 15 years, was out of sorts. He’d been dozing in his shabby recliner all afternoon before … Continue reading Six Blocks (Fiction – Round 2 Story for NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge)
Echoes of The Past (YeahWrite Microprose Challenge #360)
Alone in the abandoned house, Jen shivered. Before her, the past was forever stuck on replay. The woman’s screams were silenced first; the man then turned the gun on himself. “I’m sorry, love.” An acrid smell filled the room as they disappeared. Jen wept as the scene began again. Author's note: This was written for … Continue reading Echoes of The Past (YeahWrite Microprose Challenge #360)
(Fiction) The Adventures of Spidey and The Amazing Mud-Woman – NYCM SSC Round 1 Story
Synopsis: When Missy learns that her world is about to be turned upside-down, she ponders what her future might hold and confides in a mysterious, masked stranger. I love my job as a charitable grant coordinator, but I work too much. My friends know it. My co-workers know it. Even my dog knows it. So, … Continue reading (Fiction) The Adventures of Spidey and The Amazing Mud-Woman – NYCM SSC Round 1 Story
Victim No More (YeahWrite Microprose #347)
As the light waned, her resolve grew. Trembling, she clutched her makeshift blade. She’d only get one chance. His flickering candle heralded his return. Unlocking the cell, he leered, then screamed as metal met flesh. She ran, victim no more.
(Fiction) Room 207 [NYCM Flash Fiction Challenge]
Jules is called to investigate what appears to be a grisly homicide on a college campus. However, as details emerge, it becomes obvious that things aren’t always what they seem.
(Fiction) Confession [Fiction War Summer Contest Entry]
My dearest Beth, I’m not sleeping well… Just when I’m about to drift off, I catch a whiff of your shampoo and I’m jolted back to reality. It doesn’t matter how many times I wash our bedding. I found some sleeping pills in the bathroom, and I’m hoping they’ll help tonight. Have I taken … Continue reading (Fiction) Confession [Fiction War Summer Contest Entry]
(Fiction) Decontamination Failure (YeahWrite Round 3)
I made it to round 3 - the top 10 contestants - in the YeahWrite Super Challenge #4. While I didn't win anything, it was still fun to stretch myself, and to get three stories out of the contest. For this last round, I was charged with writing a story that married two genres: Science Fiction … Continue reading (Fiction) Decontamination Failure (YeahWrite Round 3)
(Fiction) Paris
I entered the Fiction War Spring Flash Fiction competition, and spent the last weekend in April crafting a 990-word story to meet the prompt "Take Flight." Contest finalists were announced today; unfortunately I'm not one of them. However, this also means I'm free to share this one publicly now. Without further ado, here is my … Continue reading (Fiction) Paris
Cindy C D: Writer 