tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13538364627087309862011-11-27T17:32:03.218-08:00Reviews, discussion, commentary, analysis, literary criticism (lit crit) about flash fiction, very short stories, short short stories, sudden fiction, microfiction &amp; postcard fiction by Rob Hopcott.Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.comBlogger281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-55157605457280762752008-06-05T06:43:00.000-07:002008-06-05T06:54:28.550-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SEfvTOTxelI/AAAAAAAAAjY/hIb1aeDPbmA/s1600-h/sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SEfvTOTxelI/AAAAAAAAAjY/hIb1aeDPbmA/s320/sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208394607614851666" border="0" /></a>They say that if you talk to flowers they will grow better but what about if a super intelligent alien race of flowers turns up and starts making demands?<br /><br />In this short flash fiction science fiction story, The President of Earth has to deal with just this scenario - or does he.<br /><br />There is a twist in the end of this science fiction story that leaves the reader wondering ...<br /><br />Hope you like it :-)<br /><br />Comments welcomed.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(<a href="http://www.onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott - free online flash science fiction author / writer</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-5515760545728076275?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-44806563633137228562008-05-16T03:25:00.000-07:002008-05-16T03:59:24.306-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SC1nMAgzQMI/AAAAAAAAAew/X1gbMTj9INs/s1600-h/winebottles.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SC1nMAgzQMI/AAAAAAAAAew/X1gbMTj9INs/s320/winebottles.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200926600676458690" border="0" /></a>I love writing flash fiction short stories with a twist in the tail. Often it is the twist that occurs to me and then I cloak the tale around the twist. (Perhaps that just demonstrates that I have a really twisted personality!)<br /><br />I also love writing humor. Strangely, my own humor makes me laugh - again and again - how uncool is that? Hey ho, laughter is good, so I shouldn't feel too guilty, I suppose.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/05/nightmare-to-romance-at-comedy-club.html">Nightmare to romance at the comedy club</a> is a gently humorous free online flash fiction tale about a really bad stand up comic and his experiences performing in a North of England comedians club.<br /><br />It hasn't really got a twist in the tale but it does have a couple of laughter inducing lines (well I thought they were funny) and a bit of romance in a slightly poignant way.<br /><br />Do you like and visit comedy clubs? I'd love to know what you think about them.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(<a href="http://www.onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott - writer of free online humor romances often with a twist in the tale</a>)<br /><br />The free online flash fiction 'Nightmare to romance at the comedy club' is copyright Rob Hopcott, all rights reserved. All characters and places in this romantic humorous flash fiction short story are fictitious and no reference is intended to any person or organization, living or otherwise.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-4480656363313722856?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-7654655798213233052008-05-14T07:16:00.000-07:002008-05-14T07:47:10.078-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SCr50AgzQII/AAAAAAAAAeQ/tFfji7QGEsw/s1600-h/weekenddestination.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SCr50AgzQII/AAAAAAAAAeQ/tFfji7QGEsw/s320/weekenddestination.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200243391638749314" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/05/romantic-weekend-getaway-with-fred.html">Romantic weekend getaway with Fred</a> is a very modern science fiction flash fiction short story about romance and illicit weekends in hotels away from marital partners.<br /><br />A five-star hotel is the setting for this romantic weekend away and immediately we see that things are not going smoothly for Angela when her weekend date isn't able to get away from his wife.<br /><br />Things take a turn for the better when Angela calls in the entertainments counselor and she leaves the hotel a couple of days later a very happy, if rather shocked, lady.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy <a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/05/romantic-weekend-getaway-with-fred.html">Romantic weekend getaway with Fred</a> as much as I enjoyed writing it.<br /><br />Should hotels advertise romantic weekends away which might encourage secret romance liaisons? Your comments are welcomed :-)<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(<a href="http://www.onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott - free online science fiction romance writer</a>)<br /><br />The free online flash fiction 'Romantic weekend getaway with Fred ' is copyright Rob Hopcott, all rights reserved. All characters and places in this science fiction flash fiction short story are fictitious and no reference is intended to any person or organization, living or otherwise.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-765465579821323305?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-78950531228530990352008-05-13T03:16:00.000-07:002008-05-13T03:36:26.705-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SCluNQgzP3I/AAAAAAAAAcI/ScgamFR4dDQ/s1600-h/seascape01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SCluNQgzP3I/AAAAAAAAAcI/ScgamFR4dDQ/s320/seascape01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199808418825846642" border="0" /></a>In <a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/05/romantic-gift-search-yields-new-romance.html">Searching for Romance</a>, a flash fiction short story about search engines and romance, a young lady is on holiday searching online for a birthday gift for the boyfriend she has left back in England. The search engine searches don't find what she wants and the story discusses the limitations of search engine searches.<br /><br />Parallel to the idea that search engines don't find what people want very well is the idea that romance is difficult to find too, with or without search engines.<br /><br />Happily for Samantha, the handsome proprietor of the Internet cafe she visits in the romantic holiday location of Lanzarote lends her his mobile cell phone which has advanced built in artificial intelligence search facilities.<br /><br />Whether Samantha eventually buys a birthday present for boyfriend in England, we never discover. What can be certain is that romance is set to blossom with her new humanly intelligent romantic liaison in Lanzarote.<br /><br />What do you think about search engines or even romance? Do they provide you the answers you want? I'd love to hear your comments below.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(<a href="http://onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott - online romance flash fiction author</a>)<br /><br />The free online flash fiction 'Searching for Romance' is copyright Rob Hopcott, all rights reserved. All characters and places in this flash fiction short story are fictitious and no reference is intended to any person or organization, living or otherwise.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-7895053122853099035?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-6667651238377686172008-05-05T06:31:00.000-07:002008-05-05T06:51:37.514-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SB8PIXHda0I/AAAAAAAAAao/UOZ9prip8mQ/s1600-h/oranges.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SB8PIXHda0I/AAAAAAAAAao/UOZ9prip8mQ/s320/oranges.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196889131327515458" border="0" /></a>In<a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/05/always-loving-but-never-lovers-short.html"> Always Loving but Never Lovers</a>, one of my free online love story flash fictions we see a story of unrequited love and romance through the eyes of an ordinary Italian married man who falls in love with Marietta, an orange seller. The story charts his and her life with a twist at the end but it is always about love, lovers, passion and romance.<br /><br />Have you ever had an unrequited love and what would it take for you to hold back from being with the woman or man of your dreams if you were both married to someone else?<br /><br />I look forward to hearing your thoughts and stories :-)<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(<a href="http://www.onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott - online and really rather soppy romance flash fiction author</a>)<br /><br />The free online flash fiction 'Always loving but never lovers' is copyright Rob Hopcott, all rights reserved. All characters and places in this flash fiction story are fictitious and no reference is intended to any person or organization, living or otherwise.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-666765123837768617?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-85583801732695669322008-05-02T08:25:00.000-07:002008-05-02T08:48:59.047-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SBs2w3HdavI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/FJ75Y3XIqJo/s1600-h/undiscoveredartandartists.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SBs2w3HdavI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/FJ75Y3XIqJo/s320/undiscoveredartandartists.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195806808158857970" border="0" /></a>In '<a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/05/undiscovered-beauty-flash-fiction-very.html">Undiscovered Beauty</a>', the free on-line flash fiction from Rob Hopcott, we see an amateur artist who would love more people to see her work and have the opportunity to sell her paintings to the public failing to take advantage of an offer that is genuine because she is suspicious.<br /><br />In this world of boiler room share telephone promotions, door-to-door pressure selling of all sorts and direct mail that informs occupants they have won £1,000,000 and all they have to do is pay an administration fee to collect it, surely it is not unreasonable for the general public, and in this case the artistic community, to be suspicious.<br /><br />However, suspicion is usually a state of mind that is prevalent where little is known about the person making the offer. Improving communications and local knowledge could enable local cooperation between artists and public and could also quickly identify those who would seek to take advantage of others.<br /><br />Communication is about people talking to each other, obviously. The Internet has provided us with many wonderful systems to make this possible yet in my local area of West Somerset in the UK the idea of discussion boards, blogs and open public discussion seems often to be viewed with suspicion.<br /><br />What you think? Could opportunities for artists of all sorts whether they be writers, sculptors, potters, playwrights, performers or whatever be better identified by fostering better public communication locally between them?<br /><br />If so, then the <a href="http://www.creativeexmoorandwestsomerset.com/">Creative Exmoor and West Somerset</a> project may still be able to do some good.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy my flash fiction story '<a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/05/undiscovered-beauty-flash-fiction-very.html">Undiscovered Beauty</a>' and look forward to your opinions about ways to bring the public and creative artists of all kinds together. Simply pop them in the comments section below :-)<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(<a href="http://www.onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott - free on-line author</a>)<br /><br />The free online flash fiction 'Undiscovered Beauty' is copyright Rob Hopcott, all rights reserved. All characters and places in this flash fiction story are fictitious and no reference is intended to any person or organization, living or otherwise.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-8558380173269566932?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-51429675578943637212008-05-01T07:27:00.000-07:002008-05-01T07:46:44.176-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SBnXOnHdaqI/AAAAAAAAAZU/PIyBck3LiSA/s1600-h/coins.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SBnXOnHdaqI/AAAAAAAAAZU/PIyBck3LiSA/s320/coins.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195420291166988962" border="0" /></a>In '<a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/04/lost-and-found-short-flash-fiction.html">Lost and Found</a>', the free on-line flash fiction story by Rob Hopcott, we see an honesty dilemma faced by a poor person when confronted with the possibility of benefiting from someone elses loss.<br /><br />Whether Smiley Johnson, the fictional character in the very short story, takes advantage of his good fortune or not, I will leave to your reading of the story, however the dilemma is an interesting one.<br /><br />I have often heard it said by charity collectors that the poorest people are the most generous and wealthy people are the least generous. Why is this? Could it be that people are poor because they do not have the ruthlessness to be selfish enough to acquire substantial amounts of money? Is the state of poverty self defining and the state of wealth self determining?<br /><br />In these days when the Credit Crunch is in the news almost every day, one of the best industries in which to be clearly is debt. Talking personally, the thought of benefiting from someone's financial difficulties and exploiting them when they are at their most vulnerable is completely unacceptable, however profitable.<br /><br />In my experience, there are some very good people in the world and also some very bad people with all the rest of the people somewhere in the middle, irrespective of ethical beliefs or creed. Whether this is genetic or the product of different people's upbringing, I leave to the scientists. I sometimes suspect that, if deistic belief systems were less prevalent in the world today, we would make more progress in understanding how to motivate people's behaviour to the benefit of all the community and therefore also themselves.<br /><br />What you think?<br /><br />Your comments below are welcomed :-)<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(<a href="http://www.onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott - free online author</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-5142967557894363721?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-71773598677234080312008-04-30T03:22:00.000-07:002008-04-30T03:59:08.051-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SBhNXHHdamI/AAAAAAAAAYw/JH3sEvDJaX0/s1600-h/stoneseatabovehorner.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/SBhNXHHdamI/AAAAAAAAAYw/JH3sEvDJaX0/s320/stoneseatabovehorner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194987229614533218" border="0" /></a>Writing '<a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/04/one-more-step-flash-fiction-very-short.html">One more step</a>' was a surprisingly intense emotional experience for me but comments I have received about it have been very kind.<br /><br />'One more step' is a free on-line short flash fiction story about an old man, lost love, a passion for music and reunion. Perhaps it is the subject matter that makes the story intense. I do not know but I am content that people seem to enjoy it.<br /><br />Among other things, the story concerns the close connection people feel when they share the creation of music. Perhaps, the act of creation is the most important thing any of us can ever do.<br /><br />The old stone seat in the flash fiction story can be found, if you are ever in West Somerset, by climbing to the top of Cats Scramble, above Horner, near Porlock, taking a right turn along Granny's Ride path and, after a while, you will see the old stone seat on the path above you. Beware, it's a long walk and the paths are steep and challenging.<br /><br />The view out across Exmoor and Horner, though, is wonderful and if you follow Granny's Ride path a little bit further you can see the sea in the distance. However, it's in quite a secluded position so don't blame me if you can't find it - perhaps a local guide would be a better idea than just following my directions :-)<br /><br />How do you feel about playing musical instruments? Do you play a musical instrument or would you like to? Is there a particular activity or hobby that has brought you closer to another person - perhaps someone about whom you feel strongly? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments section below but, of course, no names please :-)<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(<a href="http://www.onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott - free online author</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-7177359867723408031?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-91082187350761530262008-03-31T07:45:00.000-07:002008-03-31T08:08:08.917-07:00Here is a small list of four humor flash fiction or humour microfiction stories designed to raise a smile, a chuckle or maybe even a belly laugh.<br /><br />What does a husband do when his wife calmly points a gun at him and says she is going to kill him? It doesn't sound very funny but <a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/01/last-wish-micro-fiction-very-short.html">Last Wish</a> explores the possibilities.<br /><br />In <a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2007/11/random-humorous-thoughts-about-artists.html">artists, authors, musicians and dating</a>, some gentle fun is poked at these cultural and leisure interests.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2007/11/teeing-off-doctor-humorous-very-short.html">Teeing off the Doctor</a> is about golf and people with no sense of humor who are, in the end, really funny.<br /><br />The last of these four humorous flash fiction and micro fiction stories is about the perils drivers face from other drivers every day on our congested roads. <a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2007/10/whats-so-attractive-about-my-rear-end.html">What's so attractive about my rear end</a> is a short short story with a message to other drivers.<br /><br />Hope you enjoy them.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br /><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/">Rob Hopcott<br /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-9108218735076153026?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-10754853406162871652008-03-28T09:00:00.001-07:002008-03-28T09:30:02.079-07:00Todays post is about two free online romance flash fiction stories and a free online romance novella.<br /><br />In <a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/01/love-at-first-sight-micro-fiction.html">Love at first sight</a>, a microfiction short romance story set in a hotel, there was an immediate romantic coup de foudre:<br /><blockquote>As soon as I saw her entering the hotel bar, I knew she was special. Our eyes met and there was a lightening bolt of chemistry that only ever happens once in a lifetime.</blockquote>Barry in the online romance novella <a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2007/12/barry-is-jennifered-chapter-1-of.html">Kingfisher Blue</a> clearly had similar feelings:<br /><blockquote>Moments later, the bar was clear and she was standing in front of me. Her large blue eyes fixed on me like twin sparkling lasers in the night. I stood transfixed.</blockquote>Whereas, in <a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2007/11/annas-love-reborn-hotel-short-story.html">Anna's Love Reborn</a>, a hotel story about relationships and marriage counselling,<br /><blockquote>It was just as the marriage counsellor had advised.</blockquote>Whether it is a new or old romance that is the subject of the story, romance stories are wonderful and make us all tingle with expectation and anticipation.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed writing them.<br /><br />Have you ever experienced a 'coup de foudre'? I'd love to hear about it below in your comments :-)<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br /><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/">Rob Hopcott</a> (free online author)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-1075485340616287165?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-88766066511182549162008-03-27T13:56:00.000-07:002008-03-27T14:14:52.588-07:00Here are five love story flash fictions by Rob Hopcott.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/02/my-perfect-lover-romantic-postcard.html">My perfect lover</a></li><li><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2008/01/saying-goodbye-hurts-short-postcard.html">Saying goodbye hurts</a></li><li><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2007/12/out-with-old-in-with-new-short-flash.html">Out with the old, in with the new</a></li><li><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2007/12/campfire-romance-young-love-tents-and.html">Campfire romance</a></li><li><a href="http://www.onlineflashfiction.com/2007/11/whispered-sweet-nothings-short-flash.html">Whispered sweet nothings</a></li></ul>I hope you enjoy them :-)<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br /><a href="http://onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-8876606651118254916?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-85931623315170411762008-03-25T13:44:00.000-07:002008-03-25T14:35:06.520-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/R-lv9Pon8iI/AAAAAAAAAOI/pjW0hm4cBAg/s1600-h/cafehopcottview.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zQYc091ovTk/R-lv9Pon8iI/AAAAAAAAAOI/pjW0hm4cBAg/s320/cafehopcottview.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181795944226091554" border="0" /></a><br />Today, I discovered a new term called blog fiction and it seems I have been writing blog fiction for a while without knowing it in the form of <a href="http://www.cafehopcott.com/">Cafe Hopcott</a>.<br /><br />Cafe Hopcott was initially set up as a place where people return visited me after I had visited their blogs. On finding I have about twenty blogs, some complained to me that they didn't know where to say hello so I created Cafe Hopcott as a place they could drop into and make contact.<br /><br />Gradually it grew and characters were added, some by the visitors such as <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/16541001689554530174">Viking Warrior</a>, who became Security Manager, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247084030899971480">CrazyCath</a> who became 'Nurseee' and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/03708796229245090926">Magdalene</a> who became our resident chef.<br /><br />Where is Cafe Hopcott going? I haven't a clue but I am enjoying the ride and it seems quite a few others too.<br /><br />Come and visit us and add your humorous thoughts for Cafe Hopcott is all about joining in. Without your contribution, it just wouldn't be so much fun.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br /><a href="http://onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Rob</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-8593162331517041176?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-28381167409978151602008-02-06T00:39:00.000-08:002008-02-06T00:55:09.738-08:00<a href="http://onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com/">Happy Hopcott</a> in his travels around UK blogs has come across the wonderful writing of <a href="http://miladysa.blogspot.com/">Miladysa</a>.<br /><br />Her blog has lots of free online short stories and poetry from a strongly feminine viewpoint which are definitely worth a visit (see the drop down menus) not to mention regular 'titters, tantrums, tears and tiaras' on a more or less daily basis..<br /><br />Check out Miladysa and have a good read :-)<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br /><a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/">Rob Hopcott</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-2838116740997815160?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-53221296409369752292008-01-21T09:24:00.000-08:002008-01-21T09:59:04.411-08:00Life as an author has it's humorous aspects and the process of creativity doesn't always make the course of true love run smoothly.<br /><br />If you would like to read about what it is like to live with a creative writing obsessive, checkout <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/11/shops-and-retail-therapy-authors.html">Shops and Retail Therapy</a>.<br /><br />I am a member of a <a href="http://www.mywriterscircle.com/index.php">writers circle</a> and sometimes the authors that chat there visit my flash fiction stories blog. <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/11/kiss-audition-actress-short-short-story.html">Kiss Audition</a> has received some good reviews, as in 'nearly peed myself laughing'. Perhaps worth checking out and I hope it appeals.<br /><br />To see a humorous anecdote about my folk festival exploits checkout this story on my <a href="http://ukwestcountrymusicians.blogspot.com/2008/01/humorous-and-fond-memories-of-folk.html">folk musicians site</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-5322129640936975229?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-11030698167749167272008-01-17T08:44:00.000-08:002008-01-17T08:58:03.571-08:00As the years go by and more and more characters pass across my fiction author's keyboard, I feel enriched by the time they have spent with me.<br /><br />As I walk down the streets, paths and country <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">byways</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UK's</span> West Country, I wonder what this or that character would think about this or that event.<br /><br />But the time comes when I have to say goodbye. Their story is told and I am filled with sadness.<br /><br />This sad parting is the subject of my postcard fiction short love story '<a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2008/01/saying-goodbye-hurts-short-postcard.html">Saying Goodbye Hurts</a>'.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-1103069816774916727?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-81379597885269174792008-01-11T08:50:00.000-08:002008-01-11T09:04:21.610-08:00Being an author of fiction is so much fun!<br /><br />In the past few days, I've committed murder, been sold off in an auction of promises, agreed to a gay relationship although I'm not gay, had an affair with my secretary, found there is life after death, persuaded a Bank Chief Executive to jump out of a window on the thirteenth floor, made love in a camper-van and put my wife on the streets.<br /><br />I've enjoyed murder, infidelity, romance, intrigue, passion and mystery - all without ever having to pay the price.<br /><br />All in my <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/">free online flash fiction stories</a>.<br /><br />How much fun is all that?<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-8137959788526917479?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-74802337483095764562008-01-04T10:19:00.000-08:002008-08-06T10:19:59.218-07:00Privacy Policy<br /><br />The privacy of our visitors to onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com is important to us. At onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com, we recognize that privacy of your personal information is important. Here is information on what types of personal information we receive and collect when you use visit onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com, and how we safeguard your information. We never sell your personal information to third parties.<br /><br />Log Files<br /><br />As with most other websites, we collect and use the data contained in log files. The information in the log files include your IP (internet protocol) address, your ISP (internet service provider, such as AOL), the browser you used to visit our site (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox), the time you visited our site and which pages you visited throughout our site.<br /><br />Cookies and Web Beacons<br /><br />We do use cookies to store information, such as your personal preferences when you visit our site. This could include only showing you a popup once in your visit, or the ability to login to some of our features, such as forums.<br /><br />We also use third party advertisements on onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com to support our site. Some of these advertisers may use technology such as cookies and web beacons when they advertise on our site, which will also send these advertisers (such as Google through the Google AdSense program) information including your IP address, your ISP , the browser you used to visit our site, and in some cases, whether you have Flash installed. This is generally used for geotargeting purposes (showing Cavite real estate ads to someone in Philippines, for example) or showing certain ads based on specific sites visited (such as showing cooking ads to someone who frequents cooking sites).<br /><br />You can chose to disable or selectively turn off our cookies or third-party cookies in your browser settings, or by managing preferences in programs such as Norton Internet Security. However, this can affect how you are able to interact with our site as well as other websites. This could include the inability to login to services or programs, such as logging into forums or accounts.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-7480233748309576456?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-24105670849526118832007-12-13T08:08:00.000-08:002007-12-13T08:44:36.073-08:00I seem to have quite a few Xmas and Christmas short stories and micro fictions around my various sites so I thought it might be a good time to consolidate details of them on one page.<br /><br />This story starts '<a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/11/mirror-mirror-on-wall-short-modern.html">Mirror, mirror on the wall</a>' which is a good and traditional way to start a story. It has a pantomime flavour.<br /><br /><a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/10/ultimate-christmas-kiss-xmas-party.html">Ultimate Christmas Confession</a> is all about someone who just wants to experience the joy of 'first kiss' again and chooses a Christmas party to realize their desire.<br /><br />In <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/11/whispered-sweet-nothings-short-flash.html">Whispered Sweet Nothings</a>, the husband blames his infidelity on his wife's Christmas generosity. How good is that?<br /><br />We all long for that special person to snuggle up with at Christmas time. This fortunate lady had the choice of <a href="http://dating.hopcott.net/christmas-dating-short-story-2006">Three Christmas Lovers</a>.<br /><br />In <a href="http://music.hopcott.net/archives/13">Christmas Music Lesson</a> an old storyteller gives up the special storytelling chair at Christmas time to a member of the public and hears a very special story about a child.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy them.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br /><br />(Rob Hopcott - online author - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">fiction</a> - <a href="http://news.hopcott.net/">news</a> - <a href="http://philanthropy.hopcott.net/">philanthropy</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-2410567084952611883?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-86611492260814243292007-12-12T09:43:00.000-08:002007-12-12T10:20:43.587-08:00Todays theme is ghost stories which are always a good source of the unusual, the intriguing and the unexpected.<br /><br /><a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/11/desirable-haunts-wanted-short-flash.html">Desirable Haunts</a> is a serialized ghost story about a newly haunting ex tax inspector ghost in search of a new haunt. It might appeal to those who are fascinated by the television programs about property development - or perhaps that is a bit far fetched.<br /><br /><a href="http://fishing.hopcott.net/lost-souls-and-tickled-trout-a-fishing-and-halloween-short-story-from-rob-hopcotts-fishing-short-stories">Lost Souls and Tickled Trout</a> is a lovely countryside story about strange goings on in the forests and rivers of the English West Country. A bit creepy and originally written for Halloween.<br /><br />More strange country goings on, this time with a Christmas musical theme. <a href="http://creativemindandmusic.blogspot.com/2006/08/countryside-storytelling-tales-of.html">Tom offers the story telling chair to customers at the old inn</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://creativemindandmusic.blogspot.com/2006/07/just-job-out-of-work-unemployment-and.html">Just the Job</a> is a story about an out of work executive who has to deliver free papers to earn some money but is distracted on his travels. Oooh, chilling!<br /><br />Bye for now.<br /><br />Rob<br /><br />(Rob Hopcott - online author - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">fiction</a> - <a href="http://news.hopcott.net/">news</a> - <a href="http://philanthropy.hopcott.net/">philanthropy</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-8661149226081424329?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-39180892888340997602007-12-11T03:54:00.000-08:002007-12-11T04:32:29.967-08:00Today's theme in my endless quest for providing free online flash fiction stories to the universe is humour, or, if you prefer the alternative spelling, humor.<br /><br />Going to the local Hyper Mall fills me full of humour. My wife says it just makes me go all childish. <a href="http://humour.hopcott.net/?p=3">Read about my adventures with my wife at the local humorous Hyper Mall.</a><br /><br />Or perhaps you would like this short flash fiction office story called <a href="http://humor.hopcott.net/archives/6">Living Icon</a>. Wow, am I glad I don't have to deal with office politics any more.<br /><br />Here's some more on <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/11/shops-and-retail-therapy-authors.html">why my wife can't take me anywhere - she says.</a><br /><br />I've got lots of funny friends - and they think I'm pretty strange too. Checkout <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/11/teeing-off-doctor-humorous-very-short.html">Teeing Off The Doctor</a>.<br /><br />Here are some random humorous thoughts about <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/11/random-humorous-thoughts-about-artists.html">artists, authors and dating.</a><br /><br /><br />Finally, if you fancy a bit of a light hearted love story, why not try my <a href="http://kingfisherblue.hopcott.net/">free online humorous novel or novella Kingfisher Blue</a>. It's the story of how Barry and erstwhile web developer turned barman falls in love with a lovely lady called Jennifer.<br /><br />Have a great day :-)<br /><br />Rob<br /><br />(Rob <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hopcott</span> - online author - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">fiction</a> - <a href="http://news.hopcott.net/">news</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-3918089288834099760?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-74048690145099251872007-12-10T03:17:00.000-08:002007-12-10T03:41:06.794-08:00Today's flash fiction brings together a romantic camp fire, <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/12/campfire-romance-young-love-tents-and.html">a young lover, a tent, a camper van and powerful memories</a>.<br /><br />Can young love be revisited?<br /><br />The camp site has changes out of all recognition, although the smell of the river, woodland trees and flowers remain the same.<br /><br />Is the woman who joined him as he leaned on the rusty gate the person who listened to the music from the bands and shared his tent on that romantic night? We are not sure. Perhaps it doesn't matter. What is important are the memories and the feeling that something has been lost but might, just possibly, be rediscovered.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br /><br />(Rob Hopcott - online author - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">fiction</a> - <a href="http://news.hopcott.net">news</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-7404869014509925187?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-35329579649953978622007-12-06T09:55:00.000-08:002007-12-06T10:11:16.073-08:00I just came across a very fine short story collection by a guy called <a href="http://davidgardiner.net/">David Gardiner</a>.<br /><br />Here is his <a href="http://davidgardiner.net/">short story collection</a>.<br /><br />If his book is as good as his short stories, it should be a good read.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br /><br />(Rob Hopcott - online author - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">fiction</a> - <a href="http://news.hopcott.net/">news</a> )<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-3532957964995397862?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-75130110856725605602007-10-29T04:02:00.000-07:002007-10-29T04:17:26.595-07:00Confronting your partner about having an affair or their infidelity must invariably be as difficult as jumping into a cold bath.<br /><br />However, liberal our morality gets, human beings are fundamentally couple orientated creatures. We are happiest when we are in a satisfying relationship and the thought of one's partner cheating with another person is hugely discomforting.<br /><br />So I thought this would be a good subject for a flash fiction or very short story.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy reading '<a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/10/affair-are-you-thinking-of-having.html">Are you thinking of having an affair?</a>' and, if you know of anybody who has written a non-explicit flash fiction story on this subject, I would love to hear about it.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(Rob Hopcott - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">fiction</a> - <a href="http://news.hopcott.net/">news</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-7513011085672560560?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-47265698623471511212007-10-29T03:46:00.000-07:002007-10-29T03:59:54.006-07:00Each year, I write a Christmas card short story for all my friends around the world instead of sending out dead trees from the rain forest.<br /><br />It's ecological. It saves me money. Hey! I very much enjoy writing the stories!<br /><br />This year, because I've recently taken an interest in very short stories and flash fiction, I decided to write my Christmas card short story as a flash fiction.<br /><br />However, it seems to have got a bit out of hand and is now rather longer than most flash fictions or very short stories.<br /><br />However, I hope you enjoy:<br /><br /><a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/10/ultimate-christmas-kiss-xmas-party.html">The Ultimate Christmas Kiss Confession</a> - an Xmas party flash fiction very short story by Rob Hopcott<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(Rob Hopcott - <a href="http://news.hopcott.net/">news</a> - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hoipcott.net/">fiction</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-4726569862347151121?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-14710172655806320292007-10-29T02:45:00.000-07:002007-10-29T03:37:39.519-07:00Wow! What a great time I had last Saturday at UK's Bath Spa University where I was checking out the Creative Writing course.<br /><br />I was even approached by a young lady I'd briefly chatted to whilst at the University of Gloucestershire the previous week who was interested in my reactions to Bath Spa's Creative Writing course goodies. Maybe, if I do return to University as a mature student next year, there won't be the age discrimination I've occasionally feared.<br /><br />Of course, if I try to go clubbing with them, maybe their reaction would be different. My dance moves are pretty extreme, if not a little dangerous. Not likely, though, because 10.30 pm usually sees me tucked up with my mug of hot milk thinking pure thoughts ... Unfortunately!<br /><br />One interesting recommendation for those attending the course was that they should read for two hours each day. Apparently, this is as important as the writing practice.<br /><br />The other fascinating fact was that there are approximately 600 students studying Creative Writing at Bath Spa and that excludes those studying MAs and PhDs. To be in the company of 600 dreamers like myself ... Well!<br /><br />I got the opportunity to chat to Jay (Jason Curley) who is currently one of the key figure in <a href="http://ambiatbathspa.co.uk/">Ambidextrous</a>. From their web site:<br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote>We put on free or low cost events for all students at Bath Spa University, providing an entertaining alternative to Uni and SU run events. Setting out to expose the talent that exists within the student body at Bath Spa, we work closely with the Creative Writing department, and are increasingly developing relationships between Creative Writing students and other departments through collaboration.</blockquote>Jay seemed hugely energetic and was even described by another student as a 'demi-god' of the Creative Writing Department. I have to confess, he was immensely helpful in answering my questions and <a href="http://ambiatbathspa.co.uk/">Ambidextrous</a> seems like a project that is definitely up and coming.<br /><br />Have you thought of taking the Bath Spa Creative Writing Degree? I'd love to know what you thought about it!<br /><br />Will Happy Hopcott be musing at the Spa next September? Well you never know!<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(Rob Hopcott - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">online author</a>)<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-1471017265580632029?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-78133833564283923762007-10-25T10:29:00.001-07:002007-10-25T10:55:22.213-07:00At a recent creative writing open day in a workshop at the University of Gloucestershire, we were given ten minutes to come up with a small piece of writing on the subject of 'happiness'.<br /><br />This is what I wrote, warts and all, apart from a small bit of polishing.<br /><br />I enjoyed the experience so much that I resolved to do a lot more flash fiction writing and to publish these very short stories, as is my habit, free online.<br /><br />Who knows? Maybe next year will see me reliving my youth as a student.<br /><br />The thought of the company of 150 other writers is intoxicating.<br /><br />I hope you like <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/2007/10/serenity-and-happiness-flash-fiction.html">Serenity and Happiness - a flash fiction very short story by Rob Hopcott</a><br /><br />How long does it take you to create flash fiction? Do you find the small format liberating or constraining?<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob<br />(Rob Hopcott - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">online author</a> and not very flash fiction writer)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-7813383356428392376?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-7898418923334870772007-10-25T10:16:00.000-07:002007-10-25T10:20:28.246-07:00Have you a web site or blog showcasing your flash fiction or very short stories? I would love to hear about them. Simply add your flash fiction or very short stories as a comment below.<br /><br />Bye for now.<br /><br />Rob<br />(Rob Hopcott - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">online author</a> and <a href="http://onlineflashfiction.blogspot.com/">flash fiction writer</a>)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-789841892333487077?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1353836462708730986.post-42298248892403651602007-10-25T09:32:00.000-07:002007-10-25T09:47:51.581-07:00I really like flash fiction because it's whimsical and has the interesting properties of a cartoon.<br /><br />It's drawn from the many observations we make in every day life. These may be simple but they also prompt a question and make us think .<br /><br />This blog is to record commentary, reviews, analysis, discussion, literary criticism (lit crit) about flash fiction and very short stories I have published online.<br /><br />I would also love to hear from other authors who also publish flash fictions or very short stories or fiction online and will happily promote their details from here.<br /><br />Bye for now<br /><br />Rob,<br />(Rob Hopcott - <a href="http://hopcottfictionblog.hopcott.net/">online author</a> and flash fiction writer)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "pub-8190674554943340"; /* RSSFeeds */ google_ad_slot = "0613493239"; google_ad_width = 234; google_ad_height = 60; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1353836462708730986-4229824889240365160?l=onlineflashfictiondiscussion.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rob Hopcotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802521115618353098noreply@blogger.com0