Monday 18 March 2024

Zoom by Allison Symes, green tea

 ‘The advantage of flash fiction writing is you zoom in on the most important part of a character’s life. There is no room for waffle.’

The flash fiction tutor only wished the Zoom video function didn’t hone in on her greying, thinning hair. Didn’t matter how she changed her computer angle. Whenever she set up a meeting with herself to practice and record her latest talk, all she saw was her hair. It wasn’t a flattering look. 

Maybe I should just switch the camera off when I record myself, she thought. My attendees are only interested in what I can share with them which will helps them with their writing. Why do I worry so much? I don’t the rest of the time.

Still that old saying was proven true. The camera never lied. She only wished it would - or at least be a little kinder.

She smiled as the thought of a story came to her. Just what would Snow White’s evil stepmother have done if, instead of having a magic mirror, she had a magical Zoom camera which honed in on every single fault she had?

The flash fiction tutor shook her head. No. Evil stepmother would just smash the thing and have done. Still, the tutor thought, maybe I can write this one up, make this one humorous, and for good measure, I’ll give the evil stepmother problems with her hair too. Write my angst out!

Later the tutor’s flash fiction came second in a humorous mini story competition. Her prize was a posh comb and brush set. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.


About the author  

Allison Symes, who loves quirky fiction, is published by Chapeltown Books, CafeLit, and Bridge House Publishing. She writes for Chandler’s Ford Today and Writers’ Narrative. 

Website: https://allisonsymescollectedworks.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allisonsymes Her flash fiction collections are From Light to Dark and Back Again and Tripping The Flash Fantastic 
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