Welcome to the new series of Posts from Your Archives in 2020 and if you would like to participate with two of your posts from 2019, you will find all the details in this post: New series of Posts from Your Archives 2020
This is the second post by author Diana Wallace Peach and it is another short story in response to the Sue Vincent’s magical #writephoto prompt.
Sign by D. Wallace Peach.
Belladonna Shadowbend climbed the creaky stairs of her dead aunt’s ancient Victorian home. Gossamer cobwebs draped the corners like grayed wedding veils. The eyeballs in the portraits tracked her progress, and a transparent child hissed from the next landing. Belladonna rolled her eyes and blew out a sigh. Honestly, so cliched.
Witchcraft had become so trendy among modern teenagers that Belladonna considered it passé. Gone were the glorious days when witches drowned tied to chairs or sizzled at the stake.
Was she feeling sorry for herself? Probably. Her dreams of building an online clearinghouse for magical accessories had shattered. She’d believed people wanted quality over crap and would pay for it, but Amazon was a start-up’s nightmare. Cheap magic wands, love potions, and cursed amulets were as popular as iphones. Everyone owned at least one, and the local bodegas sold them beside the tabloids and gum.
Her options were limited. No one was making any money in fortune telling, casting hexes, or selling souls. The white witches complained about global warming and saving the bees, but few listened to them. They needed a little help from the devil if they wanted someone to pay serious attention. She chuckled at the thought. An unexpected visit to hell would do wonders in Washington.
No, selling the old place with it’s slamming doors and undulating curtains would buy her some time while she figured out her next venture.
Another staircase led to the attic, a rat’s nest of iron-strapped trunks, twig brooms, and garment bags stuffed with black capes. Shelves along one wall held dozens of peaked hats. She picked one up, brushed off the brim, and coughed in the cloud of dust. The stuff appeared authentic, but what the heck? How many hats did one old witch need? She half expected a stash of pointy shoes and blurted a laugh when she flipped the lid on a trunk and found them. Cleaning the place out would take a year. Generations of witches in her family and her legacy amounted to a house full of vintage… oh… oh my…
Belladonna smiled. All she needed was a sign.
© D.Wallace Peach 2019
About D. Wallace Peach
I didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit. Tolkien … literally changed my life.
I love writing, and have the privilege to pursue my passion full time. I’m still exploring the fantasy genre, trying out new points of view, creating optimistic works with light-hearted endings, and delving into the grim and gritty what-ifs of a post-apocalyptic world. Forgive me if I seem untethered in my offering of reads. Perhaps one day, I’ll settle into something more reliable. For now, it’s simply an uncharted journey, and I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as I.
A selection of books by D.Wallace Peach
A recent review for Caitling’s Bane
I really enjoyed Catling’s bane, the prose is excellent and so are many of the characters, with quality varying upon how much time was devoted to them. Catling, in particular, is good, as her personality evolves as she matures and experiences the various events of her life.
The plot itself is also excellent, with its core foundation revolving around the morality of emotionally influencing people for ‘the greater good.’ This provided a wealth of depth to the world, plot, and characters because the author doesn’t simplify the moral conflict. We are introduced to heinous, middling and benevolent characters performing this mental abuse, many of them truly believing in their cause while acknowledging the reality that they’re oppressive and abusive. I loved this moral core of the narrative.
However, speaking the narrative, there are stretches where not much happens. I never found the story boring, in part because of the prose and character’s excellence, and these inactive sections do have a purpose in the story, the narrative just doesn’t progress. It’s particularly prevalent in one of the POV characters, who, despite having emotional nucleus and goals, spent most of their chapters floundering through the story and not really interacting with or affecting events meaningfully.
That one, minor, qualm aside, I really enjoyed the book.
Read the reviews for buy the books: Amazon US
And Amazon UK: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Diana: Goodreads
Connect to Diana
Blog: Myths of the Mirror
Facebook: Myths of the Mirror
Twitter: @Dwallacepeach
My thanks to Diana for sharing this lovely story and I must head up to the attic…where I know I have stored a trunk or two… thanks for dropping in and we would love to hear from you.. thanks Sally.
I haven’t – to my shame – read any of Diana’s wonderful books, but if she sent me her shopping lists, I know they would be riveting…I love her short stories! Hugs xx
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for the lovely comment, Joy. My books, for the most part, are dark and bloody, not like my short stories. I just don’t want you to be misled by these shares. I love humor, but only seem to be able to write it in small doses. Lol. Thanks so much for the visit. Have a wonderful week! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Joy and I am sure her shopping lists are a joy to read too…xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Myths of the Mirror and commented:
A second magical story from my archives shared by the lovely Sally Cronin, blogger extraordinaire. I hope you enjoy this bit of flash fiction. If you visit, take a moment to check out her amazing blog. Have a great week. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
A wonderful story Diana and thanks for the intro.. much appreciated.♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for sharing another post from the archives, Sally. This has been super fun. 🙂 Have an awesome day. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Diana.. delighted to share and looks like everyone else is too…hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
BRAVO!!! That was fantastic, Diana! I absolutely loved it. Thanks for starting my day with a huge grin, and many thanks to Sally for sharing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Mae. It was fun playing with all the cliches. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely week. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You, too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Mae..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed the story, Diana. Thanks, Sally for the feature today.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you John.. glad you enjoyed.. hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, John. And for giving me a big smile. 🙂 Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicely done, Diana! I enjoy this. Thanks for sharing, Sally.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for stopping by to read, Jill. I’m so glad you enjoyed the funny little story. It was fun to write. Have a wonderful week, my friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I can tell you had fun! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jill. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great story, Diana. I seem to have missed this one, somehow. I enjoyed it a great deal.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for taking the time to read, Robbie. It’s a couple years old, I think. One of Sue’s prompts that I had a lot of fun with. It’s wonderful to see it getting a little new life. Happy Writing, my friend. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Robbie..xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another wonderful Diana Peach story. There’s something about how you connect the dots that is exactly how I want to read.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Jacqui. What a lovely comment. I really enjoy flash fiction and can be a little more light-hearted than I am with my books. Somewhere in my dark soul, I have a bit of lightness. Thank goodness. Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jacqui and with you on that..xx
LikeLike
Lovely to read this one again.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It was a magical prompt, Sue, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks for the visit and have a wonderful week, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It elicited some great tales, I recall 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like a great prompt Sue.xx
LikeLike
There were some wonderful stories for this one 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for another delightful story Diana. It’s hell being a witch! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ha ha ha. Your comments crack me up, Brad. Belladonna stumbled on a goldmine though. She’s got it made. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by to read. Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe there is still hope for the wonky witch clan. Brooms away! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is…
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely story, Diana… But why are your short stories so different to your main fiction? Do you have a dual personality?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha. Yes, you’re right about that. And I have no idea why. My short stories are almost always light-hearted or poignant, and my books are all bloody, torturous, and full of suffering. (??) Beats me. I need to see a shrink. Thanks so much for reading. 😀 And for making me laugh.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Any time, Diana…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
And thank you so much for sharing, Jaye Marie and Anita. Your kindness is much appreciated. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
We love to share the good stuff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing Jaye…xxx
LikeLike
Love it, Diana! 🙂 Fits perfectly into thepolitical foray… “They needed a little help from the devil if they wanted someone to pay serious attention. She chuckled at the thought. An unexpected visit to hell would do wonders in Washington.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
I had to sneak that one in there, Bette. So apropos, don’t you think? Thanks so much for stopping by to read. I’m tickled that you enjoyed the story. 🙂 Have a lovely week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Bette…spot on.. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fantastical story from a photo! And loved the name of the character, so apropos! 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Debby. The name Belladonna fit, didn’t it? BTW, I just used the word “apropos” above, a word I almost never use, and here, you used it too. Weird. We’re in sync. Lol. Thanks for the visit!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The universe is syncing us! Lol. I don’t use it a lot either, but felt it was ‘apropos’ here LOL 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree Debby.. loved it. ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just stumbled onto this one and love it. Have you ever considered publishing a volume or series of five minute pick-me-ups? This one made me smile from ear to bloomin’ ear. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Andrea. I have considered pulling together stories and poems written for the blog over the last 6 years. I have over 100 pages worth of material. Maybe at the end of 2020 since it would all need rewriting and editing, etc. I have a trilogy to get out first! I appreciate the kind comment, my friend. I have to get writing some more stories!
Happy Writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great idea Diana…xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀 Someday I’ll get around to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow…that’s huge. You definitely have to make the short stories a project! That said, the long form is my favourite so… back to work! Mwahahahaha….-cough-
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a fun story! I loved it!! (The story had me at “Belladonna Shadowbend.”) I appreciated the sly social commentary, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Liz. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I want to change my name to Belladonna Shadowbend. Wouldn’t that be cool? And yes, a bit of commentary in there about the lost souls in Washington. Hee hee. Have a wonderful week, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Diana! I hope you have a good week as well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Liz.. love that name…xx
LikeLike
Diana has long been one of my favorite writers. Her style is unique and mesmerizing, and it’s always a pleasure to read her. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Steven for adding your recommendation..
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. Thanks for the opportunity. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you for the sweet comment, Steven. I can honestly say the same of you and your work. You started my day off all warm and fuzzy, my friend. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so glad, it was my pleasure. Have a great day/week, Diana. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love it. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Adele..♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Adele. I appreciate the visit. 🙂 Have a lovely day ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice one Sally, Great to see Diana featured here. I wasn’t aware you were doing another post from the archives series… Missed it somehow. Would love to contribute. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great Kevin this series is for posts from 2019… https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/01/01/new-series-of-posts-from-your-archives-2020-two-of-your-posts-from-the-last-12-months/ look forward to hearing from you..xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the link Sally. Have left comment on post. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sally always seems to find a way for us to contribute, Kevin. Thanks so much for visiting, and I hope to read something from your archives soon. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Diana.. delighted to have Kevin feature again.. always great posts.. hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Diana. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! What a great story, Diana!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jan..xx
LikeLike
Thanks, Jan. A bit of modern witchery. 🙂 It’s been a blast re-sharing these stories on Sally’s blog. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – 26th January to 1st February 2020 – West Side Story, A-Z of Food, Guests, Funny moments and Books Galore | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
This is one of my favorites! Great story, Diana. Thank you, Sally.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jennie..hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Sally. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for the visit and kind comment, Jennie. It was fun imagining a modern-day witch trying to make a living in retail! Ha ha. Have a wonderful Sunday and week ahead. If you enjoy the Superbowl, “Go team!”
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Diana. And it was fun. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course you know I LOVED this story! So cute! I wonder what she found? ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
A little bit of everything including eye of toad, Colleen. She’s inherited a gold mine of vintage witch paraphernalia. Thanks for stopping by to read! Have a great week, my friend. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
It would be fun to add to this story and pass it along. 🔮😂🧹
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely. Go for it! I’d be so tickled, Colleen. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m just all talk at the moment, Diana. It would be great fun but, I’m in the middle of writing a book about syllabic poetry. We should try and do this at another time through. How cool would that be? ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I heard about your book, Colleen. You definitely have the knowledge and skills. I’m in the midst of crazy writing too after having taken a year off to handle parent-emergencies, so I get the need to prioritize. Happy writing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Diana. We’ll revisit this fun idea at another time. Happy writing to you also, my dear friend. 😍❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Definitely a treasure trove.. ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Opening a brick-and-mortar apothecary in the age of Amazon! Brilliant story idea — wish I’d thought of it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Glad you enjoyed Sean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha. But do you have the inventory of authentic brooms and hats inherited from your dead aunt? That’s key, Sean. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by to read, and for making me laugh. Have a great evening, my friend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have neither the wiccan paraphernalia nor your fertile imagination, Diana, but I have great interest in the former and profound appreciation for the latter.
LikeLiked by 2 people