Nov
25
2011
Being new to NaNoWriMo means I’m also new to the fans, other writers, and motivational resources. In my social interaction I came across a website titled Terribleminds. This guy tells it like he sees it and doesn’t hold back the profanity. I like him and will most likely check in on his blog for years to come. He recently put out a challenge for a 100 word flash fictions with a focus on the writers choice of using one of these five words; frog, powder, seagull, tower, and scissors. I thought, why not, and gave it a try. I quickly picked a word and went to town. I’ve never written flash fiction before, but doing this challenge enlightened my day, so I did more the next day and then the day after that. I did this until all five words were used; the last entry was Black Friday morning. Mr. Chuck Wendig, author of terribleminds.com, offered up a winning prize for what he believes is the best one. I would be thrilled if one of my five made it, but I wouldn’t be a bit sad if they didn’t. I enjoy every second I spent on these little stories, that was my ultimate reward.
This Flash Fiction has inspired me to consider adding a weekly flash fiction to my blog. Once NaNoWriMo finishes up I will figure out how I’m going to do this and how you can contribute (writer or not, just have fun).
Here are my entries:
(First entry) – Scissors
Denna looked at the forbidden scissors in her right hand. Her mother banished all of the dangerous cutting blades from the house four years ago. Denna could remember that day clearly now with the weapon in her hand, right down to the rotting smell.
She found her mother rocking back and forth curled in a ball on the floor, with scissors in her right hand. Lying on the floor, next to her was Denna’s father. His body frozen and yet he was still creating a mess on the carpet.
Denna clinched the scissors tightly and grinned. “The bastard deserved it.”
(Second entry) – Tower
Andrew gazed up at the tall dark brick wall before him. He believed in his cause whole-heartedly as he reached out to find a sturdy ledge to hold his weight. At about twenty-two feet up he began feeling the pain rising in his arms and thighs, but he pushed himself further up with thoughts of victory and freedom for his people. In thirty feet he could have climbed over the rail to release the down weight for the front gate, but instead pain entered his left shoulder blade and his world faded into the darkness that is the Black Tower.
(Third entry) – Seagull
Two Seagulls, a Cricket, and a Planted Idea.
The cricket threw up his thin arms and scream with urgency “WAIT! Don’t eat me.”
The first seagull flapped his wings in protest “Now, why can’t I eat you?”
The cricket responded “Haven’t you heard of ‘Mad Cricket Disease’?”
“No, what is that?” another frustrated flap and then he tucked his wing in to get closer.
“It causes stiff joints, makes your brain numb, you do strange things, and…”
The second seagull asked “Why did you eat him, you’ll get sick?”
“That’s just stupid.” The first seagull searched for more dinner.
(Fourth entry) – Powder
The grey powder left behind in the dragons passing had blurred his vision. He tried to focus his eyes on the aftermath. His band of misfits had been caught inside the tavern while celebrating their successful raid on the dragon’s den. He quickly searched for Shawna. Everyone looked the same, their bodies covered by powder.
“Looks like you’ll have a few new scars.” She called from behind him.
Relief flashed through him as he turned towards her. The combination of her presence and his near death experience made her irresistible. He pulled her closer and gave her a passionate kiss.
(Last entry) – Frog
The frog who wasn’t a prince
sat on the log outside
as a lost girl approached and winced
he had no place to hide.
He stared at her with big eyes
as she knelt down to cry
she let loose a jumble of flies
and he caught with his tongue one fly.
His time was running out
and he would soon change form
as he watched her pout
he felt the rising storm.
The frog grew and shifted
into exactly what was required
for he was one of the gifted
a puppy that was inspired.
The lost girl was happy.