Flash Fiction Challenge: Find Your Favorite Opening Line


Last week’s challenge, I asked you to come up with an opening line for a story.

This week, you’re going to write a story based on one of those opening lines.

(Er, not your own, thanks.)

Look through them:

Choose one.

(Choose one that complies with the original mandate of keeping to 15 words or less.)

A lot of great options in there. (Though, to be fair, a surprising lot of not so great options in this batch. Lots of errors and over-the-limits. People: read your entries before you click SUBMIT. It’ll take you like, 30 extra seconds, I promise.)

Please identify in the comments below which opening line you’ll choose.

I’ll tally and, presuming there’s a winner, I’ll send that person The Kick-Ass Writer.

Then: you write 1000 words using your chosen line. Post at your online space and link back here.

I’ll choose one of the participants (by random) and toss you a copy of — well, I dunno what. I’ll grab something off my shelves and mail it to you. (Or, if you’re international, I’ll give you something digital.)

Due by noon EST on November 22nd.

Get your fingers tapping.


189 responses to “Flash Fiction Challenge: Find Your Favorite Opening Line”

    • I like this story – it’s truly intriguing, and unexpected. I was bewildered and satisfied all at once when it was through. But you need to edit! A solid block of text without any paragraph breaks is about as inviting to read as a clean brick wall (I know it sometimes formats like that when you copy-paste into a blog editor), and there’s some spelling/grammar mistakes in there too. There’s still a couple days before the week is out, plenty of time to tidy up.
      Keep writing, and I’ll keep reading!

    • I liked it. I actually think the wall-of-text approach works very well in this particular case – it reads as a disorganised stream of consciousness from someone not quite sure what to make of his experience.

      • I know what you mean Simon – as uninviting as it looks, I had no problem following the story, and despite no breaks, it isn’t rushed or confusing. The words do all the work and carry all the weight. I do like a good rule-breaking, when it works.

      • Thanks for the read! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It ended up being an origin story for my current project, which worked out great.

        Your version is awesome, I could see everything unfolding like a movie in my mind. The emotions were spot on, and I love the twist at the end. You built up to it nicely, it gave me the chills.

        Happy writing!

        • I, in turn, would like to also thank you for reading. I am just now rediscovering my lost love for writing and I am hoping to continue as writing is the one thing that gives balance to my world at this moment. I am so thankful for this web site and the chance to share and interact with people who are as passionate about words, story and character as I am. Continued and happy writing. Best of luck with your future work. I look forward to reading them.

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