Chuck Wendig is a novelist, screenwriter, and game designer. This is his blog. He talks a lot about writing. And food. And the madness of toddlers. He uses lots of naughty language. NSFW. Probably NSFL. Be advised.

Flash Fiction Challenge: Photos Of Impossible Places

Last week’s challenge? Spin the Wheel 2.

This week a really fascinating link went around, and in it were 25 (er, 24) real world photos of places that looked entirely otherworldly. Click that link. Take a peek.

Now, I want you to use one of those photos as inspiration for your story.

That doesn’t mean you need to use the exact setting of the photo (though you can).

But inspiration, definitely.

When posting the story link below, don’t forget to identify which pic you used.

You have 1000 words.

You have one week to do it (due by 1/25, noon EST).

Any genre will do.

Write the story at your online space, then link back here.

Now go visit some strange and impossible places, will you?

113 comments

Maggie

January 18, 2013 at 10:00 AM // Reply

Interestingly, we live about an hour or so from Berry Head Arch, but I’ve never been there.

Might have to rectify that.
tigs (@syzara)

January 18, 2013 at 11:06 AM // Reply

Amazing photographs. I’m very tempted.

Except for the little detail that the URL says 25 pictures, but the text says 24 (and there are just 24 pictures).

/nitpicky
- terribleminds
  
  January 18, 2013 at 11:11 AM // Reply
  
  Yeah, I based that off the URL. Fixed. — c.
  - tigs (@syzara)
    
    January 18, 2013 at 8:55 PM // Reply
    
    Thank you!
Riley Hill

January 18, 2013 at 12:12 PM // Reply

I picked TULIP FIELDS – LISSE, NETHERLANDS. http://authorrileyhill.com
- lwpatricks
  
  January 20, 2013 at 1:12 PM // Reply
  
  Nice story Riley! I’m digging your writing style. Polished and with a distinct voice. Good reads
  - Riley Hill
    
    January 20, 2013 at 4:35 PM // Reply
    
    Hey, thanks much. Looking forward to yours!
- Michael
  
  January 21, 2013 at 1:35 AM // Reply
  
  *SPOILERS*
  
  So, the truth behind crop circles is revealed! Great story.
Alan John

January 19, 2013 at 12:15 AM // Reply

Thank you, Chuck. I am a new follower but enthusiastic! I wrote about the trees in Namibia. Riley, your story inspired mine. Alan John / http://alanjohnpresents.wordpress.com/read/ / Click on the orange sky.
- Riley Hill
  
  January 19, 2013 at 12:16 PM // Reply
  
  Ha! Nice work, Alan.
- Michael
  
  January 21, 2013 at 1:46 AM // Reply
  
  Hi Alan, I enjoyed the interplay between the mother and grandfather in relation the the children. Grandparents, always making up outlandish things…
  - Alan John
    
    January 23, 2013 at 12:15 AM // Reply
    
    Thanks, Michael. I have been writing a lot of absurd juvenile fiction lately and have to check myself pitting everyone against the parents, time and again. It’s likely a piece of my baggage but it’s also a strong chapter out of the book of Roald Dahl. I appreciate your reading and commenting!
Efing Glorious

January 19, 2013 at 2:03 AM // Reply

@Riley Hill I really enjoyed your story! I’m linking it to my facebook, hope you don’t mind.
- Riley Hill
  
  January 19, 2013 at 12:15 PM // Reply
  
  thanks Elfing
Dave @dd_opco

January 19, 2013 at 5:14 AM // Reply

I picked Door to Hell

http://opcomedia.blogspot.co.uk/
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 2:27 PM // Reply
  
  Nice urban tale.
  - Dave @dd_opco
    
    January 22, 2013 at 7:56 PM // Reply
    
    Thank you! I enjoyed your crossed wires.
Sam Hume

January 19, 2013 at 11:36 AM // Reply

Very interesting idea.
S.W. Sondheimer

January 19, 2013 at 11:28 PM // Reply

I was triggered — er, inspired — by Gullfoss, Iceland.
http://swsondheimer.wordpress.com/this-just-in/gullfoss/
- Riley Hill
  
  January 20, 2013 at 4:42 PM // Reply
  
  Imaginative and somehow poetic. Especially in the beginning, the cadence is nice if you read it aloud.
  - S.W. Sondheimer
    
    January 20, 2013 at 4:44 PM // Reply
    
    Many thanks!
  - S.W. Sondheimer
    
    January 20, 2013 at 5:00 PM // Reply
    
    Tried to leave a comment on yours as well, but it didn’t seem to be working. Surprising little tale, I enjoyed it!
- Michael
  
  January 21, 2013 at 1:58 AM // Reply
  
  Surreal. And what Riley said: poetic. Are those Icelandic or Norse gods?
  - S.W. Sondheimer
    
    January 21, 2013 at 7:20 AM // Reply
    
    Odin, Loki, and Baldr are Norse gods, but my understanding (which may be incorrect) is that they were also worshipped in Iceland.
    
    That particular incarnation of Death is my own creation.
    
    I’m glad you enjoyed!
- lwpatricks
  
  January 22, 2013 at 10:30 PM // Reply
  
  Nice story, my interpretation is the endless cycle of Ragnarok that the Norse Gods must endure. Well written and I enjoy the elegance of Odin with the youthful personality of Death.
  - S.W. Sondheimer
    
    January 23, 2013 at 7:22 AM // Reply
    
    thanks! You interpreted perfectly
Jim Franklin

January 20, 2013 at 2:12 AM // Reply

I used the Crystal Caves in Skaftafell, Iceland, which somehow became a tin mine in 50′s middle America

This is Sparks of Guilt – http://writewayround.wordpress.com/2013/01/20/flash-fiction-sparks-of-guilt/
- Riley Hill
  
  January 20, 2013 at 4:22 PM // Reply
  
  Nice and creepy. Really creepy. And original.
  - Jim Franklin
    
    January 21, 2013 at 9:01 AM // Reply
    
    Thanks
- Michael
  
  January 21, 2013 at 2:10 AM // Reply
  
  Do you read Stephen King, Jim? I find it reminiscent. Keep it up!
  - Jim Franklin
    
    January 21, 2013 at 9:00 AM // Reply
    
    Haven’t yet no, only seen a few of the films; It, Stand by Me, Shawshank etc. I’m a big fan of stuff like Tales of the Unexpected and Twilight Zone though.
    
    Thanks, I hope to.
- lwpatricks
  
  January 22, 2013 at 10:40 PM // Reply
  
  I never knew sprites could be so evil and dangerous. Nice job!
  - Jim Franklin
    
    January 23, 2013 at 2:53 AM // Reply
    
    Thanks
unsquare

January 20, 2013 at 2:30 AM // Reply

I used the Tunnel of Love in Kleven, Ukraine:

http://unsquare.com/dance/2013/01/20/tracks/
- Riley Hill
  
  January 20, 2013 at 4:35 PM // Reply
  
  Liked the inventive fantasy elements. Looked like the start of what could be a longer piece.
  - unsquare
    
    January 22, 2013 at 8:10 PM // Reply
    
    Thanks! Honestly, I only stopped where I did because I hit 1000 words. Not sure where it’d go from there, though.
- Michael
  
  January 21, 2013 at 2:17 AM // Reply
  
  It reminded me a bit of Alice in Wonderland. I enjoyed it.
Eva T

January 20, 2013 at 5:50 AM // Reply

I thought about doing Chand Baori, but in the end I could not abstract from the fact that one of my favourite Bollywood music videos is set there. So anyway, I ended up using the Tunnel of Love in Kleven. http://evathereseebert.wordpress.com/2013/01/20/flash-fiction-challenge-photos-of-impossible-places/
- Riley Hill
  
  January 20, 2013 at 4:40 PM // Reply
  
  I really liked your story. Nice development of mystery, tension, resolution.
- Michael
  
  January 21, 2013 at 2:23 AM // Reply
  
  I get a paranormal/mystery vibe from this story. I’m trying to decide whether Amelia is experiencing a flash of a near-death experience or real time travel. Great read.
Christine Frost (@Shahrazad1001)

January 20, 2013 at 2:22 PM // Reply

Best weekend afternoon distraction ever, thank you! I chose the Wave in Arizona.

http://www.herravendomain.com/?page_id=319
- Riley Hill
  
  January 20, 2013 at 4:46 PM // Reply
  
  Wonderful story! You really captured the mood.
- Michael
  
  January 21, 2013 at 2:40 AM // Reply
  
  Reading Western flash is a great way to spend a weekend evening. Especially one with the epithet adulterous slattern!
- lwpatricks
  
  January 22, 2013 at 10:55 PM // Reply
  
  Well written story! Fine piece of polished writing which I enjoyed. I’m also a fan of westerns
Samantha Holloway (@pirategirljack)

January 20, 2013 at 4:16 PM // Reply

I’ve got the Door to Hell, here: http://www.samanthaholloway.com/2013/01/friday-flash-door-to-hell.html
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 2:21 PM // Reply
  
  Wow! Loved it! Great descriptions and tale.
  - Samantha Holloway (@pirategirljack)
    
    January 22, 2013 at 5:53 PM // Reply
    
    Thank you!
    ~:D
- lwpatricks
  
  January 22, 2013 at 10:59 PM // Reply
  
  I flew through this captivating story. Very original! Fishing in the oceans of hell!
keithbwalters

January 20, 2013 at 6:40 PM // Reply

Many thanks for a great idea – and great images too.
I used ‘The Tunnel of Love’ image from Kleven, Ukraine for my piece ‘The Path’ which you can read here: http://wp.me/p2K3fC-2o http://keithbwalters.wordpress.com Thanks again.
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 2:15 PM // Reply
  
  I liked your use of the silence in this short. It really added to the overall mood.
- lwpatricks
  
  January 22, 2013 at 11:03 PM // Reply
  
  Well written and interesting! Sticks with you for a while.
Michael

January 21, 2013 at 1:37 AM // Reply

I chose the floating island-looking thing from Venezuela for “Big Daddy vs. The Machine.”

http://michaelallison.blogspot.ca/2013/01/big-daddy-vs-machine.html
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 1:40 PM // Reply
  
  Entertaining–on several levels. The twist at the end was unexpected and apropos.
  - Michael
    
    January 22, 2013 at 11:13 PM // Reply
    
    Thank you, Riley.
- lwpatricks
  
  January 22, 2013 at 11:08 PM // Reply
  
  Teenagers…lol. You have a wonderful knack for writing thrillers! Keeps a reader reading, which is the ultimate goal of any writer
- Alan John
  
  January 25, 2013 at 12:43 PM // Reply
  
  Michael, I really like it. I commented on your page but wasn’t sure it took. The idea of the daughter at home eating popcorn and later being angry with her father for ruining her party is intense. Is this the direction we’re headed, are we already there?
Jeff Xilon

January 21, 2013 at 1:50 AM // Reply

I picked Mt. Roraima, Venezuela and crafted a Korean-influenced wuxiaesque showdown between a witch-warrior and a Lovecraftian demon. Find it here: http://www.jeffxilon.com/flash-fiction-challenge-inspiration-from-unreal-looking-real-places/
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 1:46 PM // Reply
  
  Some really fine imagery here. The pacing was balanced and the tone excellent. Good voicing. Enjoyed.
- lwpatricks
  
  January 22, 2013 at 11:13 PM // Reply
  
  Entertaining fantasy tale! I love martial arts. Not enough Wuxia stories out there.
- Jeff Xilon
  
  January 23, 2013 at 11:01 PM // Reply
  
  Thanks Riley and lwpatricks. I’m glad you liked the story.
Josh Loomis

January 21, 2013 at 8:20 AM // Reply

This ended up being a bit short, but I think it works. I chose Hang Son Doong Cave in Vietnam for ‘The Journal of the Cave’. http://wp.me/pTjOb-bUi
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 1:28 PM // Reply
  
  Loved this! This would make an intriguing start to a full novel that I’d really enjoy.
Rebecca Ralston

January 21, 2013 at 2:33 PM // Reply

I picked Mt. Roraima, Venezuela. My composition is called ‘The Mist.’

http://rebeccaralstonwriter-com.webnode.com/news/flash-fiction-challenge-photos-of-impossible-places-for-terribleminds-com/
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 1:52 PM // Reply
  
  Spoiler alert: I didn’t really expect the full experience of the mist in this tale and was pleasantly surprised. The cadence you used felt like the mist. A nice reading experience.
joeturner87

January 21, 2013 at 5:25 PM // Reply

I chose Door To Hell – Turkmenistan. Really enjoyed this challenge, thanks Chuck. Anyway here it is

http://joetblogs.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/terribleminds-flash-fiction-challenge-photos-of-impossible-places/
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 2:05 PM // Reply
  
  Joe, I’ve gotta say, I was taken in from the start with some of your colorful description. The bar scene was really well developed (and oozing). I liked the story twist and development, but felt like it was just getting going when it was over. I’d like to read this as a longer piece.
  - joeturner87
    
    January 22, 2013 at 3:53 PM // Reply
    
    Thanks Riley, glad you found something to like about it. I must admit I struggle with short stories. The short part always eludes me, and I just end up with a scene of an expanding idea :S
    I have to commend you for your feedback, you’ve taken the time to reply to everyone; you can’t hear it, but I’m giving you a round of applause.
    
    P.S – Oh and by the way, well done on converting crop circles from tinfoil hat conspiracy into tongue in cheek comedy. Nice.
whirlingnerdish (@whirlingnerdish)

January 21, 2013 at 7:43 PM // Reply

I picked Namibia. At 1000 words exactly (whew), I call it “Shadewood.”

http://whirlingnerdish.blogspot.com/2013/01/flash-fiction-challenge-shadewood.html
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 2:10 PM // Reply
  
  Amazing the number of emotions I went through reading this. Very fine and well-written.
- Max
  
  January 22, 2013 at 6:44 PM // Reply
  
  Nice, albeit sad. Thanks for sharing.
  - whirlingnerdish (@whirlingnerdish)
    
    January 22, 2013 at 8:39 PM // Reply
    
    Thank you to you both! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Anthony Elmore

January 22, 2013 at 10:37 AM // Reply

What if the stairway to Hell takes you neither up or down? http://www.barelyok.com/terrible-minds-flash-fiction-challenge-photos-of-impossible-places.html
- Anthony Elmore
  
  January 22, 2013 at 10:53 AM // Reply
  
  Forgot to add: Both the Chand Baori and Door to Hell inspired me.
- Riley Hill
  
  January 22, 2013 at 1:33 PM // Reply
  
  Got some great chuckles here. I’ve had days like this…
Max

January 22, 2013 at 6:38 PM // Reply

Thanks for the link, really awesome photos, would’ve missed it if not for your blog. Em… So no SPECIAL SPECIAL prize for these, huh? Ah, what the hell, might as well give it a try anyway…
lwpatricks

January 22, 2013 at 7:45 PM // Reply

Here’s my entry. Inspired by The Tunnel of Love in Kleven, Ukraine, I present to you:

Return to Eden – An Environmentally Friendly Apocalyptic Story.

Take a walk through Mother Nature’s v***na.

http://lwpatricks.com/publications/flash-fiction-return-to-eden-an-environmentally-friendly-apocalyptic-story/
Beth L.

January 22, 2013 at 11:49 PM // Reply

“The Way Station”, inspired by the picture of The Metro, Stockholm. and somehow I couldn’t stop listening to Casey Driessen’s song The Heartbeat Kid when I worked on it. Presented for your perusal.
David Grigg

January 22, 2013 at 11:59 PM // Reply

Here’s my story, inspired by the image from MORAVIA, CZECH REPUBLIC. Not at all the image I thought I would end up using! It’s also inspired by a true news story I read last year.

It’s called “Not All Those Who Wander” and it’s here: http://narratorium.com/2013/01/23/not-all-those-who-wander/
Rhalina

January 23, 2013 at 11:53 AM // Reply

Hi Chuck. New reader (well 4 day old reader) and first time poster. I took a shot at the challenge and had a lot of fun.

http://manuscriptsofamentalpatient.blogspot.com/2013/01/flash-fiction.html
srmurdoch

January 23, 2013 at 4:30 PM // Reply

I chose Namibia.

http://srmurdoch.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/flash-fiction-challenge-photos-of-impossible-places-namibia/
normalitybytes

January 24, 2013 at 1:20 AM // Reply

Managed to crank this out through my vodka-infused haze. This first-timer’s rather proud of herself.

http://normalitybytes.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/i-did-it/
Louise Sorensen

January 24, 2013 at 11:46 AM // Reply

HI All. It’s January 24. When I clicked on the link last Friday for my story prompt, it worked. Now, it seems not to. Will post story when I find a similar pic.
- The Monkey Bellhop
  
  January 24, 2013 at 5:26 PM // Reply
  
  Same deal, here’s another link if you haven’t found it already… http://ikeepsit100.com/2013/01/21/24-places-that-look-not-normal-but-are-actually-real/
Kelly

January 24, 2013 at 1:28 PM // Reply

Inspired by Chand Baori. Thanks for the challenge!

http://countlesslives.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-next-step.html
- normalitybytes
  
  January 24, 2013 at 6:05 PM // Reply
  
  I enjoyed this. Well done!
S.M. Hutchins

January 24, 2013 at 2:27 PM // Reply

Hi, Chuck and fellow visitors, It’s my first time taking part in this challenge (long time reader of the blog, though). Here’s my story based on the photo of the hilly field in Czech Republic:

http://www.livewonderstruck.com/flash-fiction-the-field/
Tracy

January 24, 2013 at 3:46 PM // Reply

I picked the Naval Shipyards in Vallejo, and envisioned it as the entry to a flooded lab…
http://kaeldra.blogspot.com/2013/01/flash-fiction-impossible-place_24.html
cats17

January 24, 2013 at 11:47 PM // Reply

Catherine Sonnier

The pink lake, Lake Retba, inspired a story of isolation and desperation.

http://cathywritesdotnet.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/pink-matter-grey-turmoil/
Allyson

January 25, 2013 at 12:15 AM // Reply

I ended up going in a different direction and picking a spot in Texas. I had a great deal of fun with this.

http://allysonmwhipple.wordpress.com/2013/01/24/flash-fiction-challenge-photos-of-impossible-places/
jreinmiller

January 25, 2013 at 12:48 AM // Reply

I went with Chand Baori. Those were all some great photos though.

Here’s a link to the same photo set as the link on above isn’t working.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/miniusanotnormal/25-places-that-look-not-normal-but-are-actually-r-7lct

And then a link to my story:

http://www.jqpdx.com/2013/01/25/stairs/
G!

January 25, 2013 at 2:34 AM // Reply

I picked Gullfoss. Here’s my entry: http://welltemperedwriter.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/fosse-grim/
SigilSigil

January 25, 2013 at 7:16 AM // Reply

Far too long, but I don’t mind, for I loved the topic and it made me write.

The Stone Forest.

http://imaginedrealms.typepad.com/writing/2013/01/the-stone-forest.html
Ryan

January 25, 2013 at 10:33 AM // Reply

Just in time! On my website, there is my science fiction story based off the Metro picture.

Click my name to see it.

Thanks!
Louise Sorensen

January 25, 2013 at 11:04 AM // Reply

I chose the Stone Forest. The photo link is in the post.
Red Spiders of the Stone Forest http://wp.me/p1BAlV-3R
Dave Scott

January 25, 2013 at 12:00 PM // Reply

Just made it in TIME! I picked the one that was called “Red Rock Escalators by Henrik Sundholm” – as we saw the links are all down now.

Anyway – here is “Down to go Up…”
http://www.cf.frickbat.com/davescott/?p=352

- Thanks in advance
The Monkey Bellhop

January 25, 2013 at 12:15 PM // Reply

I’m a little late but I can get a doctor’s note. I didn’t start writing this until 10:30 this morning, so what are you going to do? I selected the Lake Retba, Senegal photo with the pink lake:

http://monkeybellhop.com/2013/01/25/chuck-wendigs-flash-fiction-challenge/
Jennifer

January 25, 2013 at 12:47 PM // Reply

This is my first time trying your Friday challenge. I chose The Wave in Arizona. “Desert Storm” is a piece of what will be (hopefully) a novel, someday. Thinking about setting helped me figure out how to move the plot forward from this scene.
http://www.punkeroo.ca/
Max

April 19, 2013 at 12:26 PM // Reply

So, on January 22, 2013 at 6:38 PM I said I might give this a try. Now is April the 19th, and I’ve finally finished the damn thing. No wonder I haven’t finished a single book yet, hehehe! Except it’s not really a flash fiction piece… It’s a hypertext story, but still very much inspired by that photograph I liked.

If you’re using MS Word you have to hold Ctrl when you click the links.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-dxdHpBsyG8bWF3bTU0ZWwxSTg/edit?usp=sharing

(You’ll have to save the Word .doc locally and access it like that, otherwise the links won’t work)

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