October | 2019 | Lemon Shark

Four years ago, I wrote a post about a leaf. It was the last one on the tree outside my window.

And it would not let go.

Some people commented that it was possible the tree was the one who wouldn’t let go.

A few days ago, I was reminded of that post when I wrote a tweet about a tree anticipating the upcoming season. How the tree would be bare and vulnerable. How it had been through this before.

I’ve known this season. Danced with dying dreams. Watched bits of myself float away. Made myself bare and vulnerable, yet survived. Grown stronger.

The oak, anticipating winter, knows she will become more beautiful as she lets go. #FP

— Sarah Brentyn (@SarahBrentyn) October 4, 2019

So, yes, I’ve known this season.

Many seasons of losing bits of myself. Allowing the chlorophyll to seep away and show the world my true colors. Making myself vulnerable while being brave enough to bare leafless branches. Letting go of the leaves I’ve worked so hard to grow. Ones I thought I needed.

The leaves are just beginning to turn. They are changing. Dying. I need to remember there is beauty in these deaths.

I will survive. I can let go.

Dried-up dreams are getting caught in autumn breezes and whipping around my feet. I can let them scratch my ankles or I can dance with them.

🍃🍂

My Sunday thoughts in 200 words or less.

This tweet also inspired a response to Sue Vincent’s #WritePhoto over at Lemon Shark Reef. I love the way one, tiny thought can bloom into a flash, a poem, or a navel-gazing blog post (or even a book). It’s part of the magic and beauty of the writing process.

How about you, gentle readers? What is changing for you this season? Have you let go of anything recently?

Just a reminder: Hinting at Shadows is on sale for only 0.99 during October. 🎃
If you’d like to download a copy, here’s the link:
Hinting at Shadows 🖤

Universal Link

October is here again, my bloggy friends! 🎃 👻

Colorful leaves, crisp air, cotton sweaters, kick-ass boots, apple cider, pumpkin spice, Halloween… You get the idea.

I love October. It’s a beautiful time of year and I’m celebrating with my second annual autumn sale.

For all you Halloween fiends, this is a perfect time to enjoy some bite-sized morsels of delicious darkness. For those who want a collection of small stories to curl up with this fall, here’s your chance to grab a copy.

Hinting at Shadows, my first collection of flash, will be just $0.99 / £0.99 for the entire month of October.

Here’s what some people are saying about Hinting at Shadows (I am one happy & grateful writer here):

“Every story is a pearl. The writing is exquisite and full of pathos with a focus on the poignancy of the human condition.”

“beautifully and richly crafted. Brentyn has a skill with the written word that just leaves you breathless…”

“The author’s haunting prose very cleverly invokes strong images with the minimum of words. Sarah Brentyn delivers something quite different, written beautifully…”

“Hinting at Shadows…is sheer poetry in the garb of flash fiction.”

And a recent review (just in time for Halloween)…

“Brentyn is a master storyteller of the macabre…she weaves her stories into feelings that will make you embrace your own darkness…if you dare!”

I’ve just been informed of another review on Hinting (in the comments). Please check it out here:

“This is a book to be read over and again. These small stories are multifaceted and each reread will reveal something overlooked in previous reads, a marvel in fiction so short.”