Maps are glorious things. With them we find treasure. We make our way across counties, states and countries. We use them to mark DANGER. Maps can be public, secret, or something interstitial. Maps can be magic or mundane.
Maps are cool.
So, you will write a piece of flash fiction that contains a map.
Not a literal, drawn map (though if you can do that, you’re extra-awesome). No, I mean, in the fiction itself, a map is a part of the story. That’s it. That’s the only stipulation besides the usuals:
Length: ~1000 words
Due by: Fri, June 10th, noon EST
Post at your online space. Give us a link in the comments. The end.
Kirk Decker says:
A helpful map for your map. http://xkcd.com/1688/
June 3, 2016 — 8:53 AM
karen j carlisle says:
love this!
June 9, 2016 — 8:24 PM
Mark Gardner says:
I wrote to the thousand words and ended it all cliff-hangery, but decided that it was too dark. An additional 267 words made it more hopeful: http://wp.me/p4le2s-1wh
June 3, 2016 — 10:51 AM
Mike Young says:
Your map ended at a cliff? Cool.
June 4, 2016 — 8:22 AM
Mozette says:
Love this! What a great suspenseful piece.
June 4, 2016 — 8:20 PM
Mark Gardner says:
Thanks, Moz! I’m glad you like it.
June 4, 2016 — 9:51 PM
Mozette says:
Wrote mine yesterday, but it’s waiting moderation… bummer. I wish it came through sooner.
June 4, 2016 — 10:14 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
Wow that was a powerful piece.
June 8, 2016 — 12:19 PM
Mark Gardner says:
Thanks!
June 9, 2016 — 10:19 PM
karen j carlisle says:
I do prefer the hopeful end. Thank you.
June 9, 2016 — 8:31 PM
Mark Gardner says:
I figured no one would mind that I went over since it’s a better story for it.
June 9, 2016 — 10:19 PM
legreene515 says:
Well done. Dark!
June 10, 2016 — 7:46 AM
Mark Gardner says:
Thanks, Lauren, I’m glad you liked it!
June 10, 2016 — 8:03 AM
Debs Carey says:
It’s such a great dark story, but I am glad you turned away at the last moment.
June 10, 2016 — 9:42 AM
Mozette says:
Mine is a little under the 1,000 word mark… which is a change for me. 😀
http://youcantgoback-andotherimpossibilities.blogspot.com.au/2016/06/the-tattoo.html
enjoy!
June 3, 2016 — 10:48 PM
The Writer says:
The Monastery – https://atcrump.com/2016/06/04/the-monastery/
, I had to reach deep into the bat-cave for this one.
-Enjoy.
June 4, 2016 — 5:27 AM
David Williams says:
Here’s my map
http://dswilliams.com/2016/06/04/flash-fiction-challenge-must-contain-a-map/
June 4, 2016 — 11:10 AM
Debs Carey says:
Gorgeously, wonderously creepy. And I love a bit of neuroscience 🙂
June 10, 2016 — 9:45 AM
Shyandretiring says:
I am a secret writer. I’m also English and therefore repressed. Oh, and I’m fairly old, so have no clue how to post my 1,000 words without friends and family seeing them (secret, see?). I have no website, only Facebook. Am I stuffed?
June 5, 2016 — 8:40 PM
thisdamkid says:
Hello, Shyandretiring.
Couple suggestions, you could make a free blog, and use that to spread links of what you write here.
Or you could use google docs, which is basically a word processor on the internet. But you can share it so readers can view it only and not edit it.
June 7, 2016 — 4:16 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
I’ve also need people post things on Facebook Notes, but that’s not very secret.
June 8, 2016 — 11:02 AM
christopherslagle says:
Hope you enjoy “The Writing on the Wall” https://christopherslagle.wordpress.com/2016/06/06/flash-fiction-the-writing-on-the-wall
June 6, 2016 — 12:06 AM
Dae says:
I really enjoyed this. Excellent pacing and dialogue.
June 7, 2016 — 5:31 PM
christopherslagle says:
Thanks so much!
June 7, 2016 — 5:37 PM
David Williams says:
Well done. It made me wish I had come in at the start of the mystery
June 8, 2016 — 9:19 AM
christopherslagle says:
Thank you!
June 8, 2016 — 9:37 AM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
This was very well written.
June 8, 2016 — 12:43 PM
christopherslagle says:
Thanks!
June 8, 2016 — 12:46 PM
legreene515 says:
Chris–well done. Is this part of a larger story you’re writing? I enjoyed reading this and it made me want more.
June 9, 2016 — 7:51 AM
Chris says:
So glad you liked it! It was a stand-alone for this challenge, but if inspiration to write more of it strikes, who am I to deny the muses? 🙂
June 9, 2016 — 12:50 PM
Debs Carey says:
You know what, I feel the need to be all English and say “oh that was really super”, so I will. I’d love to read more if you decide to go there.
June 10, 2016 — 9:46 AM
Chris says:
Thank you!
June 10, 2016 — 11:04 AM
christopherslagle says:
I recommend starting your own website on a free platform like WordPress (a very common one). It’s very user-friendly, doesn’t require any knowledge of programming, and you can choose whether to plaster your real name all over it or give yourself an alias if your only goal is to link to your stories from here. And congrats on considering posting your work for others to read! I’m eager to see what you have in store for us, and I bet other people here are too 😉
June 6, 2016 — 8:54 AM
Shyandretiring says:
Thank you, all tips welcome, but a website? Haven’t got much to put on it yet. Would my 1,000 fit in the comments box, just for now? At the moment, because I’m not sure what I’m doing (or why, is it any good etc) , I’ve not let anyone read what I’ve written so would appreciate … impartial comment! I am grateful for your advice and encouragement, and will try to post my bit here. Enjoyed your piece, looking forward to reading others. Many thanks.
June 6, 2016 — 9:31 AM
Mozette says:
Blogger is another free platform as well. I’ve been working with Blogger for years – since 2008 – and it’s so easy to work with the backgrounds and fonts. However each blog platform is different, you have to pick your style and stick to it. 😀 And as Christopherslagle said, pick a screen name… I’ve been Mozette for a long time; over a decade and have plenty of blogs under my name as well as a few websites working on Wix.com too (which is a proper website-builder).
June 6, 2016 — 10:33 PM
thisdamkid says:
On the wordpress thing, it’s also super easy to import posts from your old free blog if you ever buy hosting or upgrade your plan on wordpress.
June 7, 2016 — 4:20 PM
christopherslagle says:
Oops, I replied to your question with a little advice and encouragement, but in the wrong place. Check a couple posts down!
June 6, 2016 — 8:56 AM
Dae says:
I always seem to know within 20 seconds of reading (or in the last case, looking at) a prompt whether or not I’m going to have something for it. This one jumped into my head pretty much all at once.
“Maps and Methodology (or, How To Draw a Map of Faerie)” – http://dreamerinsilico.tumblr.com/post/145533611752/maps-and-methodology-or-how-to-draw-a-map-of
June 6, 2016 — 8:59 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
I loved the tone of this. I’m ready for more.
June 8, 2016 — 12:54 PM
Dae says:
Thank you! Every once in a while my brain gets into “sound like you’re telling the story aloud by the hearth” mode and I just have to do something with it.
June 8, 2016 — 4:03 PM
karen j carlisle says:
Thank you. I enjoyed this.
June 9, 2016 — 8:50 PM
Matthew X. Gomez says:
I opted to continue my story from last week. https://mxgomez.wordpress.com/2016/06/07/the-serpents-map-a-chuck-wendig-challenge/
June 7, 2016 — 12:02 AM
christopherslagle says:
Another good one, and not what I was expecting the physician to be like at all! Think you might try for a third installment next week?
June 7, 2016 — 1:50 PM
Matthew X. Gomez says:
I’m not sure, as a lot of it depends on what the challenge is. I do plan to continue the story on the blog, however. Can’t promise it will be within the week, but definitely soon(ish)!
June 7, 2016 — 9:20 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
I love your female character, this is a good one.
June 8, 2016 — 1:00 PM
legreene515 says:
I went back and read your piece from last week and then the map piece. Engaging story. I love Vicktoria’s character. And I’m interested to know what happens to Graciano. I hope you’ll continue this.
June 9, 2016 — 11:32 AM
Skye says:
Viktoria is an intriguing character. Would love to read more about her.
June 9, 2016 — 6:35 PM
Debs Carey says:
Yup, I’ve been really enjoying this sequence. I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping the next prompt can be worked to follow on.
June 10, 2016 — 9:40 AM
Vicente L Ruiz says:
This week I had several ideas to work with, but they were either too obvious, or I didn’t really like them. I decided then that I didn’t want a traditional map, and explored several options.
In the end I came up with this story, where the map is really different and I preferred to leave many things unsaid.
Here’s Microneural Affirmation Protocol:
https://medium.com/@VicenteLRuiz/microneural-affirmation-protocol-9ca5ceee70ca
June 7, 2016 — 4:52 AM
legreene515 says:
I really enjoyed this. An unusual take on the prompt.
June 9, 2016 — 10:57 AM
Vicente L Ruiz says:
Thanks! Happy to hear that, it’s what I was aiming for.
June 9, 2016 — 11:37 AM
karen j carlisle says:
Interesting take. Map could be innocent … or malevolent.
June 9, 2016 — 8:56 PM
Vicente L Ruiz says:
Many thanks. The same goes for Cobb, really… 😉
June 10, 2016 — 4:31 AM
Debs Carey says:
My map is more in the way of a memoir than fiction …
http://www.bunnyandthebloke.com/blog/flash-fiction-maps
June 7, 2016 — 12:27 PM
jademwong says:
I too hate maps! Lol, I think the story can pass for fiction. Love the voice of the narrator/main character. Made me laugh throughout the story.
June 8, 2016 — 2:02 PM
Debs Carey says:
Thanks Jade, so glad it made you laugh 🙂
June 11, 2016 — 5:54 AM
legreene515 says:
I really liked how you used this prompt in a memoir.
June 9, 2016 — 10:43 AM
Debs Carey says:
Thanks Lauren, I started several other stories, but they didn’t feel right.
June 11, 2016 — 5:56 AM
thisdamkid says:
http://itsthesedammedkids.com/index.php/2016/06/07/mapped-out/ Here you go, new site, by the way.
June 7, 2016 — 2:16 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
This was touching. (FYI The Twitter link in your footer doesn’t work.)
June 8, 2016 — 1:14 PM
thisdamkid says:
Thanks, and thanks for pointing out the twitter button failure.
June 8, 2016 — 3:11 PM
jademwong says:
Sometimes, the literal way is a great way to go. Loved your story!
June 8, 2016 — 2:01 PM
thisdamkid says:
Thanks!
June 8, 2016 — 3:12 PM
legreene515 says:
Emotive. Well done. I enjoyed this.
June 9, 2016 — 9:54 AM
thisdamkid says:
Thanks a bunch.
June 9, 2016 — 6:38 PM
conniecockrell says:
Loved the prompt. Titled mine, unimaginatively, as “The Map”. It’ll be open to see on Friday (Flash Fiction Friday on my blog): http://wp.me/p6LAko-Il
June 7, 2016 — 5:38 PM
legreene515 says:
Page not found. Has it not posted yet?
June 9, 2016 — 9:42 AM
karen j carlisle says:
The link doesn’t work for me either. Sorry
June 9, 2016 — 8:57 PM
legreene515 says:
I liked this. I love the “heat,” being from the South. And the little girl being left out from the boys. Well done.
June 10, 2016 — 7:36 AM
Chris says:
Lovely, great scene-setting that sucked me right in. Wasn’t expecting the ending, either!
June 10, 2016 — 8:34 AM
Debs Carey says:
Oh my, lovely scene setting and that ending – perfect 🙂
June 10, 2016 — 9:39 AM
chacha1 says:
I kind of wanted to do the “bang” one but Life happened. This one was easier:
http://www.ombailamos.com/ombailamos/2016/06/flash-fiction-challenge-map-quest.html
June 7, 2016 — 6:38 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
Aww it ended.
June 8, 2016 — 1:26 PM
jademwong says:
Like you, I wanted to do the “bang” one, and I even got the story started, but Life happened lol. I’m glad we both managed to knock out a Map story 😀
I cracked up at your last line. Nicely done!
June 8, 2016 — 1:54 PM
chacha1 says:
thanks!
June 8, 2016 — 5:23 PM
legreene515 says:
I liked this. We took similar approaches to the prompt. I left a comment on your blog.
June 9, 2016 — 9:39 AM
lpstribling says:
Just scheduled mine to post tomorrow. Thanks for the prompt.
June 7, 2016 — 8:52 PM
jademwong says:
Did a silly little Tolkien-inspired flash fiction with this prompt. Word Count: 200, and references galore! ~> https://jademwong.wordpress.com/2016/06/07/flash-fiction-lost-in-the-shire/
Thanks for another fun prompt, Chuck!
June 7, 2016 — 11:59 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
Tee hee this was cute.
June 8, 2016 — 1:31 PM
jademwong says:
Hee hee thanks! ^_^
June 8, 2016 — 1:47 PM
legreene515 says:
Funny! Nice job.
June 9, 2016 — 9:26 AM
Debs Carey says:
Lovely – it left me smiling 🙂
June 10, 2016 — 9:41 AM
jademwong says:
Then, that is a job well done on my part. I’m glad you left with a smile 🙂
June 10, 2016 — 10:23 AM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
The Problem of Annie’s Map http://www.mdflyn.com/the-problem-of-annies-map-original-flash-fiction/ (quick and dirty but feedback welcome)
June 8, 2016 — 11:01 AM
christopherslagle says:
Great writing, and intriguing story! Definitely want to read more of it.
June 8, 2016 — 2:23 PM
Dae says:
I love the world-building here; really makes me curious about what the overall situation’s like (other than apparently dismal).
June 8, 2016 — 4:07 PM
Debs Carey says:
Yes, this exactly, I was right there with them.
June 10, 2016 — 9:28 AM
legreene515 says:
I loved this. Really reminded me of The Road, with things seeming to have gone terribly wrong. Great story-telling, and I felt like I could relate to the characters. One suggestion: Turn the questions into ideas or thoughts. So instead of him asking himself “Should I kidnap her?,” he could think, “If I kidnapped her I could get to water.” This just would make it flow better. Questions remind the reader it’s a story instead of pulling them into the world of words.
June 9, 2016 — 7:43 AM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
There were a bunch of places I wanted to fix but I was already over on my words. The temptation to go back is terrible.
June 9, 2016 — 7:44 AM
Debs Carey says:
It may not be my work, but thank you for the advice. Every little bit of it helps out a newbie 🙂
June 10, 2016 — 9:29 AM
lpstribling says:
Maps and Attics: http://www.lpstribling.com/?p=3060
June 8, 2016 — 6:36 PM
legreene515 says:
Harlan does not like GPS. Lost and Found. https://laurengreenewrites.com/2016/06/09/lost-and-found/
June 9, 2016 — 7:35 AM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
I like this character, he has a lot of depth.
June 9, 2016 — 9:56 PM
legreene515 says:
Thanks! I had a lot of fun with him.
June 9, 2016 — 10:00 PM
Debs Carey says:
Love it Lauren and aren’t we all cheering for Cheree 🙂
June 10, 2016 — 9:14 AM
Jemima Pett says:
Given mine always ends up in moderation I’m posting this a bit early – it’ll be live on my site around 7pm Thursday EST.
It’s an alien debate about which path to take…
http://jemimapett.com/blog/2016/06/10/fridayflash-fiction-towards-an-exodendrite-nirvana/
June 9, 2016 — 8:50 AM
legreene515 says:
Jemima–this led to a page not found page.
June 9, 2016 — 11:53 AM
Jemima Pett says:
Yeah – 7pm Thursday EST….
June 9, 2016 — 6:27 PM
Jemima Pett says:
Well, er, okay, I’m dyslexic too…
http://jemimapett.com/blog/2016/06/10/flashfriday-fiction-towards-an-exodentrite-nirvana/
June 10, 2016 — 4:47 AM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
There’s a typo, that’s why it’s not working. Scroll down to the most recent posts and you get http://jemimapett.com/blog/2016/06/10/flashfriday-fiction-towards-an-exodentrite-nirvana/
June 9, 2016 — 9:48 PM
Jemima Pett says:
Transpose the words friday and flash in that link, please 😉 Should be flashfriday Sigh, that means my tagline won’t work, either. Maybe I should just give up… it’s all getting too much for me. Maybe I just need caffeine and a weekend break?
June 10, 2016 — 4:48 AM
Debs Carey says:
Hi Jemima, tried that and it still doesn’t seem to work. Hope you’ve had your caffeine 🙂
June 10, 2016 — 9:26 AM
Chris says:
In a pinch, just search for “nirvana” (a word from the story’s title” on Jemima’s blog. The story should come right up. And it’s totally worth the search!
June 10, 2016 — 10:00 AM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
Chocolate
June 10, 2016 — 2:17 PM
Jemima Pett says:
Good idea…. I also thought of putting a post up with the ‘wrong’ link to redirect…
June 10, 2016 — 3:15 PM
C. Rasmussen says:
Not overly satisfied and I feel a little like I’ve plagiarised the ending… But here’s in my entry, and on time this week.
https://comradecharlie.wordpress.com/2016/06/09/simple-is-better/
June 9, 2016 — 4:32 PM
Skye Overall says:
Here’s my entry: http://runnerskye.ca/flash-fiction-challenge-lost/
June 9, 2016 — 7:05 PM
Chris says:
Yikes! Nice job!
June 10, 2016 — 11:19 AM
Skye Overall says:
Thanks!
June 10, 2016 — 5:58 PM
karen j carlisle says:
Must have map? Huzzah! I love drawing maps… thanks for this challenge. Here’s my story (and I made it under the 1000 words this time). At Sun’s End: http://karenjcarlisle.com/2016/06/10/friday-flash-fiction-challenge-at-suns-end/
(and yes, I attached a copy of the map)
June 9, 2016 — 8:23 PM
Skye Overall says:
Good story. And I love the drawing 🙂
June 10, 2016 — 6:03 PM
karen j carlisle says:
Thank you
June 11, 2016 — 12:23 AM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
Yesss! You made a map! You should get extra credit.
June 10, 2016 — 10:08 PM
karen j carlisle says:
Thanks. I love drawing maps. (too much D&D DM’ing?)
June 11, 2016 — 12:24 AM
Rebecca Douglass says:
“For Want of a Map.” Just a little tale of a dayhike, in which no characters at any time behave like any real people known to the author. No, they do not.
http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2016/06/flash-fiction-friday-for-want-of-map.html
June 9, 2016 — 8:47 PM
Adam Hughes says:
My map led to “Destiny Falls” …
http://adamhugheswriter.com/destiny-falls/
June 9, 2016 — 10:31 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
This was a really good one, the suspense was terrible.
June 10, 2016 — 2:34 PM
Adam Hughes says:
Thanks, M.D. Glad you enjoyed … fun to write.
June 11, 2016 — 8:36 PM
Nick Barron (@nbarron) says:
Enjoying reading everyone’s submissions. First time poster…https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_1NlIJLkkj_Vv68QwPiS0q8EMkVtnPoNhRm35SPSL5U/edit?usp=sharing
June 10, 2016 — 2:55 AM
Rebecca Douglass says:
Interesting story, but kind of painful. Having once been burgled by someone after a fix, I sort of hope she gets caught.
June 11, 2016 — 1:03 AM
Genevieve says:
I gave this one a go, because I’m hoping to get back into writing a little. I went with pirates and mermaids, and maps on the skin. Just a little over 1K words: http://genevievesaint.blogspot.com.au/2016/06/flash-fiction-must-contain-map.html
June 10, 2016 — 5:23 AM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
Oooh I liked this one. The tone is great.
June 10, 2016 — 2:23 PM
Genevieve says:
Thank you! I liked the world you set yours in; the POV character worked really well to illuminate it.
June 12, 2016 — 7:30 AM
Shyandretiring says:
This is too late I know but tried to post before and totally blew it. Just glad to have sorted the problem. http://shyandretiring.weebly.com/a-thankless-task.html.
June 15, 2016 — 6:28 PM
M. D. Flyn (@mdflynwriter) says:
There were some good ones in here, maybe worthy of submission? http://www.sffworld.com/2016/07/call-for-submissions-deadline-extended/
July 17, 2016 — 1:32 PM