Dylan didn’t know what it was between him and Marin. Neither of them were catches in the looks department, especially him, but there was something. Some kind of #magnetism that just drew them together and made them breathless. But it was dangerous and people had already started to talk. #vss365

He sold personal #magnetism in a bottle with detailed instructions on how to activate it. He sold out quickly to rave reviews. He moved onto the next city with the same spiel. He had to leave before anyone realised it was water with blue food colouring and herbs. #vss365 #writing #stories

After sneaking out the back door, Carol evaded the tactile new neighbour for weeks. But now he was heading towards her, arms outstretched. It was instinctive. He was in handcuffs before he could #embrace her. “Sorry,” she said, releasing him, & offered a stiff handshake. #vss365

'Wow, Gabe. Close one. That dragon had serious #magnetism. Though you should know better than to look into its eyes. Good thing I was there to save you.' 'Pixie!! I wouldn't have been in its cave if you hadn't called it an overgrown lizard.' 'Hmph. Talk about ungrateful.' #vss365

‘We have a strange relationship.’ ‘Why? What would you call it?’ ‘I’d say it’s plutonic.’ ‘You mean platonic? Just friends?’ ‘No, plutonic. I mean I’m drawn to you by some kind of #magnetism most likely caused by radioactive plutonium that causes me to die a bit when I’m near you.’ #vss365

Maggie’s #magnetism had once again resulted in her coming home from a first date wearing the guy’s ring. She was also wearing his car keys, beer cans, & all his loose change. She hoped they’d find a cure soon. In the meantime, this dating malarkey was proving lucrative. #vss365

Mavis came to at the bottom of the stairs. Bert had laid her head on his lap. He was truly #magnetic. His deep blue eyes and dimples made her stomach flip. She threw up. Right there in his lap. ‘Never mind, darling,’ he said. ‘The ambulance is on its way.’ #vss365

Mavis was surprised. Nay shocked. Bert was actually good at dancing. A natural. He #embraced the whole thing. She taught him to waltz, to samba, to tango. He whirled her around the room confidently until he let go and twirled her down the stairs #vss365

Day 11 of Summer Love, a romance in 15 days. In each other’s arms, they are home. But they realize if they truly want to keep each other, they must embrace their imperfections, face their fear, and take a risk on love. But can they? The #vss365 #prompt for July 11, 2026 is #embrace.

From the #vss365 jukebox, this is How Much a Dollar Cost by Kendrick Lamar: The choir that spoke the word, the Holy Spirit, the nerve Of Nazareth, and I'll tell you just how much a dollar cost The price of having a spot in Heaven, #embrace your loss, I am God youtu.be/y8kEiL81_R4?... #MusicSky

‘I don’t understand. Why do you have a beef with your mother?’ ‘Last week, I went to visit her, and she said the key to finding happiness in life is learning to #embrace your failures.’ ‘That doesn’t sound so bad.’ ‘Then she gave me a big hug.’ #vss365

'You're such a stick in the mud, Gabe. Rules & reports are no way to live. Come on, set that halo askew & #embrace mischief.' 'Pixie, if mischief means glitter sneezes, slugs in my boots & your bogies on my sleeves, I'll pass, thanks.' #vss365 katemachon.com/books/

"Two thousand, nine hundred nd ninety-nine...Three thousand, three thousand nd one..." Riz counted. "Riz! What's with all these #roses!" I'm sending dem ta Luna ta say sorry fer ma mistakes." "How many mistakes did you make!" "Err...three thousand nd...two." #vss365 #riztherogue

Mavis tried not to mention the break up any more. It had been more of a breakdown. She’d collapsed under his constant monitoring. Finally she #rose and walked away. But no one wanted to hear about that. Instead she took Bert dancing and taught him the foxtrot #vss365

When Bev argued with her husband in Tesco, a woman slipped a florist’s card into her hand. “Ask for #Rose.” * The florist handed her a menu & disappeared into the back room. A woman in gardening gloves emerged. Bev pointed to “Pre-funeral bouquet.” “Excellent choice.” #vss365

‘Why go to the beach at night?’ ‘We can #frolic in the waves. Lean back on our blanket and stare at the vast sky without a bunch of people around.’ ‘Ya know, I’m kinda into astronomy.’ ‘Really? I didn’t know that. Do you know how stars die?’ ‘Duh. Usually it’s an overdose.’ #vss365

The Death Lord #rose from his sarcophagus, the lid make a solid, resounding ‘boom’ as it hit the floor. This was the last boss of the cavern & he was a mean one, able to employ magic as well as carve everyone into chum with a sword that was, frankly, ridiculously big. Rory readied himself. #vss365

Dylan blinked in the half-light as he #rose from his rack, looking to where the soft communications signal was coming from. It wasn’t an alarm, so no battle. Then he realised it came from his door and, usually, that meant he was needed for some silly naval thing. Instead, he found Marin. #vss365

Zoë gazed at the sea & I lined up the prompt word to evoke poignant memories of playing in the surf… But #frolic had a mind of its own. It skipped off towards lambs in meadows & 90s ads where carefree women roller skated through their period. Sorry, Zoë. I tried. #vss365

"What if he's not braindead? What if he's just sleeping because he pricked himself on a poison #rose thorn and only a kiss from a true prince will wake him up?" "Then he's boned because there ain't no prince out there that wants to kiss his ugly mug." #vss365

'Don't turn up your nose, Gabe. She's a beautiful slug. A #rose among the thorns.' 'She leaves slime everywhere & her eyes bug out on stalks, Pixie.' 'Shh. You'll upset her.' 'She'll be a lot more upset when she finds out she's your afternoon snack!' 'Mmmmm. Yum.' #vss365

New blog post is up! I'm attempting something new in what otherwise would be an uneventful in-between post, do please check it out! Of course there's also a brand new Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz! tstpjm.blogspot.com/2026/07/183-... #blog #riztherogue #WritingCommunity

"As my final act of #defiance, I'm going to turn myself to stone, naked and stretched out on your conference table so every time you want to have a meeting about TPS reports you'll get to stare my enormous cock. Welcome to Hell, gentlemen." #vss365

‘Ya know, son, it wouldn’t hurt to drop your #defiance attitude. We might actually get along.’ ‘Ugh. Hard pass.’ ‘Come on, can’t you just try? Tell me something that happened at school today.’ ‘We had a test.’ ‘That’s good start. This isn’t so hard, right? What was it on?’ ‘Paper.’ #vss365

The Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz Issue 38 (First published 27th September 2023) Game over Gallows! Don't forget to check out the other issues of the Comic Tales of Brennan and Riz over at my blog: tstpjm.blogspot.com #Comic #riztherogue

'In #defiance of my instructions, basic decency, the clearly labelled note, & every known principle of fair snack distribution, you went ahead & ate the last brownie, Pixie! What have you got to say for yourself?' Gulp 'Mmph. It wosh absolutely delishush. Fanks for asking, Gabe.' #vss365

“Don’t touch the biscuits,” Ex-Sup’t Carol had said. In a rare act of #defiance, Ian looked both ways & reached for the tin. “I saw that!” came Carol’s voice. Or maybe it was just the one in his head. Either way, he hastily retreated. He was on a diet anyway. #vss365

Why did she do it? Bert was nice. A bit anxious. #Frolicked like a lamb like he was over compensating. Said he was a lawyer. Then Mavis starts babbling about her ex and how he was going after everything. Mum always said she got strident when she talked about the break up #vss365

Dark thoughts whispering Finding my self worth again Standing #defiant #vss365 #haiku #poetry

"Dis photo is gud, see me dere, standin #defiantly in da face of authority? Ded inspirational I waz dat day," Riz gloated. "What were you protesting again?" I asked. "Dat rats shud be able ta legally drink?' "And what did the pub do?" "Dey set da cat on me." #vss365 #riztherogue

Her stilettos pinch as Mavis approaches the restaurant. Her tummy trembles with butterflies. In #defiance, she strides on head high and storms into the establishment. Bert reaches out to shake her hand and she’s grateful for her last minute manicure. Gosh he’s handsome #vss365

‘Here’s a question for you. Your answer will be #revealing for the way your brain works.’ ‘Ok. Ready.’ ‘What gets covered in dirt, but always stays clean?’ ‘Hmmm. Let’s see. Oh, I know! A body in a coffin!’ ‘Soap. Normal people say soap.’ ‘What do you expect from a thriller writer?’ #vss365

When she had discovered the library she had hoped one of the #books might hold some clue to a cure, or tell her more about the one who was not one. She had immediately seen their potential, but so far they had #revealed nothing. #ThingsToWriteAbout #vss365

'Today's the day, Gabe! The pet human will be #revealing how your sketchy past almost ended the world.' 'Sketchy?! Excuse me! Your snot-lasso antics & butterfly-fart insults will be going public too, Pixie.' Giggle. 'Can't wait.' #vss365 tinyurl.com/mrya4ntu

Jo sat cross-legged in the hall, singing All Things Bright & Beautiful. Lucy’s ponytail swished in front of her, so much fuller than her own lank locks. Jo’s hand twitched. “The ripe fruits in the garden…” She stroked Lucy’s hair #tenderly. Then reached for the scissors. #vss365

To the moon I ask #Reveal your inner secrets Maiden of silver #vss365 #haiku #poetry

Chapter 9 of Avalon Tales: The Girl With The White Hair has landed on my blog 🙂 tstpjm.blogspot.com/2026/07/182-... In this chapter we join Robyn who is ruminating on what she should do after Isabelle’s departure... #urbanfantasy #shortread #WritingCommunity #amreading

After her #revealing confession, Mavis passed out. The ambulance delivered her to the hospital where the doctor examined and interrogated her. Bert was in the room when they gave their prognosis. Seven months. Not long enough, he thought, to get used to the idea. #vss365

Cradled as #tenderly in my hands as a newly hatched chick, I admire the rich deep colour, the hint of magic that lurks below its skin. Gabe's shadow looms - obviously planning 'negotiations.' I hide it behind my back, grinning. No way he's getting this chocolate brownie. #vss365

"Oh baby, ya like dat don't ya? Ma #tenderly touch getz ya fire burnin don't it..." Riz said seductively. "I do worry me when you talk to money like that," I said glancing over to him and his piggy bank. "Ya ius jealous cuz dis is wat true luv looks like!" #vss365 #riztherogue

Day 6 of Summer Love, a romance in 15 days. Summer could last forever, as the light in their eyes can testify. Even critiquing each other’s drafts has become a joy. Beginning to fall in love, our couple treats each other sweetly and tenderly. The #vss365 #prompt for July 6, 2026 is #tenderly.

Nan never attended a funeral without her smelling salts. Someone always had a #swoon - usually her. At her own funeral, we passed her bottle round for old time’s sake. …and Nan sat bolt upright. The rest of us swooned. #vss365

"Watcha doin?" Riz asked. "Looking at these pictures Valarie took on our first holiday," I replied, awaiting the snarky remark. "Ya gunna #swoon fer dat? Pathetic! Wudnt catch me swoonin!" "You'd swoon over a vodka bottle!" "Dats different! It's alcohol!" #vss365 #riztherogue

Shaped a heart with wet fingertips upon her nape, spreading silver glitter tenderly over broken pieces. Smoke trails slowly… the orange wick flickers. ~rev #vss365 #tenderly

Dylan didn’t like others touching Magpie. He did most repairs himself, but he allowed Marin to give his ship a look over. She moved around Magpie, touching the bird almost #tenderly, and Dylan knew she would take good care of his ship. He couldn’t take his eyes off either of them at all. #vss365

Bert rushed to Mavis side. He laid her head #tenderly on his lap. As he groped for his phone to call emergency, her eyes flickered. You okay? He stroked her face. Should I call emergency? She frowned. I’m okay. Just fainted. I think… I think… I’m pregnant #vss365

She moves through the supermarket like her thoughts might be caught and judged, pretending to read labels while watching the handsome man in aisle five. His smile follows her, destiny nudging her cart closer to his. She feels a #swoon, maybe this is her moment. #vss365

The flowers #swoon in the field. Their white petals look like snow flutters as they blow in the wind. They're so beautiful, I need a closer look, so I climb the fence and step out into their blanket. They tickle my shins, at first. Then the closest ones turn from white to red as they bite. #vss365

The scent was Lagerfeld and something about it made her knees weak. Everyone wore heavy fragrances in the 80s, but she could still pick out which man had chosen her favorite. It became a bit embarrassing to #swoon at the most inappropriate times. #vss365

Day 5 of Summer Love, a romance in 15 days. Apology accepted! At an evening party, our lovely couple exercises forgiveness, and in showing their beautiful positive sides, with a little dancing, they cause each other to swoon. The #vss365 #prompt for July 5, 2026 is #swoon.