Suspended Existence (flash fiction w/audio)

On By Michele LeeIn Audio, flash fiction, love, meditation, Poetic Prose, Writing

Her heart was cracked open to everything inside her – a deep yearning, a restless calling, a profound softness, a thunderous explosion. Her eyes were closed to everything around her – the golden sand, the blue sky, the rolling surf, the chirping birds. She didn’t want to look away; she wanted to fold herself into all of it. She needed to look away or that which her eyes could see, and her hands could touch would consume her. She did not want to be reminded of her ability to touch. Everything she could touch that wasn’t him destroyed her. One grain at a time, it rubbed against her. The rubbing brought pain. The pain reminded her that she was still alive, but she did not want to be reminded. She wanted to evaporate into the morning mist, no longer feeling the absence of his skin. Invisible. Formless. Floating. In a state of suspended existence…

Writer notes:

First, I want to acknowledge the writers and other creatives out there in bloggy land and beyond, not by name, but by their/your efforts and pursuits. Wherever you are in your creative journey, may it be revealing and rewarding and may your challenges be manageable.  

A bit about my featured flash fiction piece: This is the (first draft) beginning of a novella I am working on, inspired by my series of poems, titled, “Her Cottage by the Sea.” Much to the surprise of my academic brain, it turns out I quite enjoy writing sweet and sexy stories. Perhaps my desire to write these pieces is partly a rebuttal to having spent many years teaching stories that highlight destructive love and volatile relationships, like those found in Macbeth, The Great Gatsby, Brave New World, Of Mice and Men, and The Crucible. Drama, in the form of violence, death, greed, and obsessive lust, can make for interesting literature and endless high school English lessons (haha), however, these literary motifs do not define the type of nurturing and passionate love that I believe many people long for, if they don’t already have. I also realized several sweet and sexy poems ago, that I prefer to place parameters around expanding these shares on my blog, in both mature content and word count. Thus, the birth of my novella quest. I will share more when I have more to share.   

“He sketched her (flash fiction)”: Thank you to those who expressed interest in a continuation of this story. I will begin drafting this during the next full moon (February 6th) and will post it that week, along with a fresh moon photo. 🌚

My manuscript query process: I have received encouraging feedback from a few literary agents, but the right fit has yet to reveal itself. I trust everything will work out as it is supposed to. The process is time-consuming; it includes researching literary agents (their bios, the work they represent, and their specific submittal guidelines), and drafting and submitting personalized query letters to those who seem a suitable fit. I am leaning into the process and learning every step of the way. My manuscript, that introduces a nineteen-year-old female protagonist, falls into the category of literary fiction and could be described as edgy with sprinkles of fabulism and dark humor. If you are interested in my journey of turning a short story into a full-length novel, please visit my Writing Journal Page. Thank you!

Writing workshops: I have resumed my work with Sandra Marinella, teacher and author of The Story You Need to Tell. I am currently helping her with a writing workshop offered through Healing Journeys: an incredible organization making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer or other life-altering conditions. Their mission is to “support healing, activate hope, and promote thriving.” Marinella’s extensive research on the healing benefits of writing following her own cancer journey, her book, and her compassionate teaching style complement the goals of Healing Journeys.   

I share these notes, not to overshare, but it is my desire to inspire and maybe teach a thing or two.

Thank you for visiting, listening, and reading! Be well. 💗 Michele

Photo 1: by Elena Shchiplova Photo 2: my image, Solano Beach, California

© 2023 MyInspiredLife

128 thoughts on “Suspended Existence (flash fiction w/audio)”

  1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

    Good luck in your continued search for a publisher! Those writing workshops sound awesome, like a great way to give to the community! Blessings on this journey!

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    1. I greatly appreciate your encouragement, Tamara. I wish the best to you, with your pursuits. You offer many insightful gifts to the world. ✨ I am grateful to be learning and moving through the process. The writing workshops are intense at times, depending on the stories shared, but they are always rewarding and sometimes life-changing for people. I am honored by the opportunity and experience. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. 🌻

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      1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

        I’m smiling as I read your words, you have given me wonderful support and validation! Always a pleasure to share and help! I’ve given art and art healing workshops for cancer patients and people experiencing lifes problems, and have learned something each time from my students. I love those processes! Good for you!

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  2. I think it’s great that you like to write “sweet and sexy stories,” as opposed to what your academic brain might tell you to do. It is often freeing and surprising when we allow our personalities to shine and follow our true inclinations and desires. I wish you a happy and creative weekend!

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    1. Thank you for affirming my “sweet and sexy.” 😊 My academic brain had a good run. 😂 Of course, we need all aspects of our brain, and then some, when we are pursuing creative endeavors. The entire creative journey has been freeing and surprising, and delightful! Thank you so much! Wishing the same for you.

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    1. I am encouraged by your reaction to this piece. Thanks so much, Nicole! 😊 I don’t know about doing “big” things, but I am keeping busy doing somethings. 😁 I do appreciate your thoughts about my writer journey. May yours be enriching and elevating!

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    1. Why thank you very much! Going places? Sounds exciting… mostly I can be found in my office. 😆 Endurance is an excellent word choice for long term goals. 🤩 May my endurance and stories strengthen as the years lengthen! I trust they will. I value your feedback. 🙏🏻 Best wishes to you!

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      1. Poetpas

        Welcome 🤗 Yes, to the pc and back 😂 Endurance is a great word. It’s needed for some sort of accomplishment. Its one of my 5 a day words. You’re welcome…always 😁

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      2. 😂 Not exactly to the moon and back. Thank goodness for the gift of imagination. That can take us anywhere! 🚀 Endurance is a good one to have on your short list. Bravo, you! 🙌🏻 Thank you, always! 😁

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  8. What a vivid and wonderful flash fiction! Thank you for sharing this excerpt, your encouragements, and your updates on your journey. Sending alllll my best wishes with the querying process! And I also hope you have fun with your new novella! ♡

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    1. I love learning that! I appreciate you! Sharing is my pleasure and privilege. 😊 I hope you learned something helpful. Wishing you the best on your writing journey, Samantha. ✨ I may be having too much fun with my novella. 😁 Thank you!

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    1. I am thrilled by your response, Luisa. That is encouraging. Thank you for that and for sharing a bit about your own writing journey. 😊 If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be writing these types of stories, I would have laughed. I am sure you can relate. I do love it! 💗 Wishing you all the best and I hope you had a lovely birthday celebration. 😘

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  11. Thank you, Michele, for sharing your flash fiction piece. I’m so glad that you’re following your intuition about your novella and all of the writing that comes through you, including the parts that are sexy and sweet. I think writing allows us to embrace more of ourselves…fully; without running from the shadows of what we might think is acceptable.

    As for your manuscript, I hope that you’ll continue to visualize the results that you deisre. This is taught so clearly in books such as “The Power of Awareness” by Neville Goddard. From a law of attraction point, we must embrace what we desire–first–in Consciousness, before we will experience it in the world of form. I can see you…signing copies of your work. 🙏🏻🙂

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    1. Thank you, Art, for reading and commenting. It is greatly appreciated! You’ve eloquently stated your thoughts about intuition, writing, and embracing ourselves, which includes embracing our shadows. Wonderful! Thanks too for the reminders and tips on the power of visualization. ✨ We should all be doing that, as you promote. I am inspired by your closing comment. Thank you! Wishing you joy and abundance in all that you pursue!

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      1. You’re very welcome, Michele. Thank you for your wonderful comments, and shared insights, too. For so long, I lived under the heavy weight of my ego, which strictly limited expression. I’m so much freer now.

        You’re welcome about the power of visualization. Years ago, I didn’t realize it’s importance. I found one of the keys to the Truth related to creation through the following quote from “The Law of Success,” by Paramahansa Yogananda: “The mind is the creator of everything.” This is why that visualization is so important.
        Thank you for your kind wishes! They mean so much!

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    1. A delightful description! Thank you, Rebecca. I will use any excuse to write about the beach. 😁 I am grateful for the connection to you and appreciate your interest and encouragement. Thank you for the beauty you share and for organizing collaborative poetry prompts that are highly engaging. I enjoy reading the responses.

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    1. Thanks for catching that. 🙏🏻 Very gracious of you to respond with kind words. I don’t know what I am doing day to day, like I did with teaching, but I do feel on purpose, so I suppose I shall keep walking this beautiful path. Wonderful to connect with you and thank you for your gorgeous artistic shares and engaging words.

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  16. what a wonderful piece of flash fiction Michele! Love the feel and lyrical feel of expression and beauty so relatable. Congrats on all of your endeavors and your novella in progress. I can’t wait to hear more and celebrate your next steps that are always rich with honest and loving pursuits.
    Keep shinning! 💞

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  17. “she wanted to fold herself into all of it” This is beautiful, and I total get it; it pairs perfectly with the formlessness at the end of the prose. A lovely write, Michele. Wishing you all the best with your book, it will come! Happy weekend! 💖🌳

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  28. Very touching and fascinating story, so pretty photos and sweet voice too dear friend 🌷🙏♥️👍🏻
    Enjoyed the beauty of life’s love and hate story wrote very well dear loved by so many people 👏
    Grace wishes dear friend 🌷🙏♥️🙏

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      3. Thank you so much for this lovely concern 🌹🙏🌹💕 After shifting KL I’m so busy 👏
        Arrange things (before big home, this smaller) so things arrange one side , relatives
        And friends visit every day all ,now no time for me !! Happy because my children
        Near by only 😀✌️ All The Best 🙏my wishes to you my friend 💕

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  29. Beautiful story and I love hearing about your literary journey. I plan on embarking on the query process in the spring and it’s quite overwhelming. I’m grateful to writers who share the process openly and write about the struggles as well as the wins.

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    1. Thank you, Bridgett, for sharing your thoughts about my post and your plan to launch your own query process in the spring. 🌸 I am far from an expert; however, I’ve learned a few things. If you have any questions, please ask. Best wishes to you!

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      1. Thank you, Michele. I’m taking a class in March and hopefully it will give me a good blueprint on how to move forward, but I appreciate your willingness to answer my questions. I have the feeling I’m Alice about to leap after the white rabbit.

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    1. You’re so gracious and kind to me. Thank you very much, Yassy. 💗 Cinematic – I rather like the sound and feel of that! 🎬 You do have a talent for capturing and describing the essence of things. You have lifted my wings! 🌟 Wishing you a joyful week. May you continue to gift humanity with your giving heart and your dazzling lyrical style! ✨

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  31. Freeing the creative shackles that bind us is all part of the journey. Captivating story and I love the process notes! Thank you for sharing, and also gorgeous photo as always! Truly stunning! xo <33

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    1. I am doing well, thank you. A happy February to you! Writing that paragraph felt a visceral experience. I am pleased that you found it compelling. 🙏🏻 The story is being written; however, I will share that the character’s being alone for some time may soon change. 💞 Thanks for the helpful feedback.

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  33. Danielle

    Love this piece! You have such a way of writing that draws the reader in! Wishing you luck finding the right agent I know it’s a lengthy process and requires finding the right fit, I’m an avid reader and your words draw me right in! Can’t wait to see where your writing leads you ❤️

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    1. I love your feedback, Danielle! I am most grateful for your sincerity and valued response to my words. 💗 The next post I have that is nature related, I would like to mention your blog. Are you cool with that? What is your blog name? When I click on your link it shows invalid. Thanks again. Have a beautiful week! 🌻

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      1. Danielle

        Oh I can’t wait to read your piece on nature, you are a talented writer! You are very sweet of course I’m totally fine with that. Wonder what is going on with my link, hopefully it was just a hiccup and I don’t have to get tech savvy over here. Let me know if this doesn’t work.

        https://theintrovertedhomesteader.com/

        Have a beautiful week as well!

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    1. Thank you, Belladonna. 😊 I enjoyed writing it.

      Do tell! That is excellent! It is a challenging process, but I also love how much I am learning, and I am proud of myself for doing it. I am sure you can relate. It does take a level of commitment and dedication. Best wishes to you and your daughter. 🌟

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      1. Hi, Michele Lee, I just offered gratitude on your behalf to the lovely Laura who read my review of your book and ordered it right away. Yay. She’s so cool. Just wanted you to know that you have a new sale and that I thanked her for you 😜 👏
        Keep shining. Stay blessed. 🤗

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    1. Perfect timing and every writer, given the nature of the beast, needs encouragement, so I say thank you very much, Conny 🙏🏻 It is a powerful and challenging project that I enjoy working on. If only my longer “finished” project could query itself. 😅 Best to you!

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