Flash Fiction Challenge: Ten Titles From You
THE CHOICES HAVE BEEN CHOSEN.
Last week I said, hey, gimme a three-word title, and a lot of you complied. I randomly chose ten, and here are those ten (in parentheses is the creator of the title).
- All Flags Fall (lbstribling)
- The Gallows Girls (travishall)
- Discount Skin Ticket (boydstun215)
- The Last American (mags)
- Guppy Must Die (jeanette hubbard)
- Omen of Seven (stella winters)
- Not Tonight, Honey (squeg)
- One Fell Swoop (kaitlyn)
- Not Today, Satan (momgoth)
- Long Way Home (alisa russell)
Your job now:
Choose one either freely or with a random number generator.
Then, write a story using that title.
Length: ~1000 words
Due by: 2/17, noon EST.
Post at your online space. Give a link in the comments so we can read it.
Go write.
cypheroftyr
February 10, 2017 at 1:01 PM //
Not Today Satan. Not today. https://cypheroftyr.com/2017/02/10/not-today-satan-for-chuckwendigs-flash-fiction-challenge/
The Urban Spaceman
February 11, 2017 at 5:31 AM //
Haha, I like that there are some things even Satan is above doing. I’d love to be a fly on the wall where those imps are producing missives.
Beth Turnage
February 16, 2017 at 6:20 AM //
You’re right. There are some people in the world that needs no help from Satan. Sorta scary.
Sertysh
February 10, 2017 at 1:09 PM //
So happy to see Guppy there.
john freeter
February 11, 2017 at 5:12 AM //
Guppy must die though…
Lisa
February 10, 2017 at 3:47 PM //
I might have taken the easy one. http://thoughtitwasgood.blogspot.com/
The Urban Spaceman
February 13, 2017 at 9:14 AM //
I don’t think my comment got through on your site (it’s a well-known fact that blogger hates me) so, here’s roughly what I tried to say:
Great story, and very poignant! It’s a very powerful message to put out there, and I only wish all people were capable of hearing it.
Lisa Malaniak
February 13, 2017 at 3:59 PM //
Hey, thanks! I’m barely on speaking terms with blogger myself these days so I hear ya on the comments problem.
Grymmlock
February 16, 2017 at 5:00 PM //
Oh my goodness, this was beautiful. Sad and devastating in its truth, but still beautiful. Brilliant writing!
Lisa
February 16, 2017 at 5:11 PM //
*blushes* Thank you for taking the time not only to read it, but to give me the gift of an amazing comment. I appreciate you!
Christopher Slagle
February 17, 2017 at 10:34 AM //
Very nicely done!
Lisa Malaniak
February 17, 2017 at 10:14 PM //
Thank you for reading it!
Tj Geezer
February 10, 2017 at 8:57 PM //
Sometimes a loser follows Teh BEST Prezident’s example and makes a lot of money, so much money, a bundle of money, it’s beautiful, from other people’s disasters. It’s true, believe me. For your flash fic challenge and actually just for the hell of it:
http://filebin.ca/3ByPuR2USc5M/TheGallowsGirlsChuckWendigflashficchallenge.txt
The Urban Spaceman
February 13, 2017 at 4:49 PM //
My ISP very helpfully blocked your link because it thinks it contains things which are harmful to me or my computer. Which is odd, because in of being with this ISP, it’s never done that before. Sadly, my excellent AV software is feeling redundant, and very left out of the party.
The Urban Spaceman
February 13, 2017 at 4:50 PM //
“because in [many years] of being with this ISP…”
Tj Geezer
February 13, 2017 at 5:00 PM //
Interesting – it’s a straight text file. Not even any RTF formatting. Filebin isn’t a hotbed of hacking and nefarious hijinks as far as I’ve heard. I wonder if there’s a less suspicious place to post it. I had fun writing it; be a shame if the only one who wanted to read it couldn’t even get to it.
The Urban Spaceman
February 13, 2017 at 5:12 PM //
Could be my ISP trying to be overprotective, but I’ve never seen it do that before (and I’ve been to some pretty dodgy places). If it helps, the message I got was “Look out! Virus Safe has blocked this site” and a link to internetmatters.org as well as my own ISP.
keruin
February 18, 2017 at 10:28 AM //
Wow. Scary in its lightheartedness, poor grammar paralleling the Orange One, cavalier attitude about so many things. Parental respect losing ground is something that would really go against the best president’s voting base. Got me thinking. Nice work.
The Urban Spaceman
February 11, 2017 at 5:24 AM //
“Guppy Must Die” was very kindly picked for me. I get the feeling Guppy’s going to be popular. I took this one very literally.
https://theurbanspaceman.net/2017/02/11/guppy-must-die/
Beth Turnage
February 16, 2017 at 5:06 PM //
Great story. Had me chucking throughout.
Mozette
February 11, 2017 at 8:19 PM //
The Gallows Girls… I liked it… I ran with it.
enjoy!
http://youcantgoback-andotherimpossibilities.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/the-gallows-girls.html
The Urban Spaceman
February 13, 2017 at 10:03 AM //
Ooh, a nice twist! I like how it blends first and second POV.
Mozette
February 13, 2017 at 7:58 PM //
Oh! Thank you! I thought to turn a mainly male-dominated job back in those days into something quite different and very disturbing. 🙂 Well, I thought it was disturbing the next day when I read it. 🙂
keruin
February 18, 2017 at 10:23 AM //
Super creepy! I got goose bumps. I wonder if you could repeat (at the end) just a line or two from the opening, rather than all of it – it might be even more “atmospheric” that way. Nice job.
egoebelbecker
February 11, 2017 at 9:42 PM //
My very first humble offering. Hope you enjoy it. http://ericgoebelbecker.com/2017/02/not-today-satan/
Lou Cadle
February 13, 2017 at 10:55 AM //
yay for your first offering! I like it-tension from the get-go.
egoebelbecker
February 13, 2017 at 2:31 PM //
Thank you!
Christopher Slagle
February 17, 2017 at 12:08 PM //
This was a lot of fun to read. Great job!
egoebelbecker
February 17, 2017 at 12:11 PM //
Thanks!
Mark Gardner
February 13, 2017 at 8:37 AM //
I’m a little heavy at 1234 words: http://wp.me/p4le2s-1N5
Lou Cadle
February 13, 2017 at 10:52 AM //
Like Mark ^ I couldn’t hold it to 1000. My grocery lists approach that length. I chose Guppy but wrote a tale that made it impossible to title it that, were it to go out to a magazine. Still, inspiration is good enough. 🙂
http://www.loucadle.com/2017/02/guppy-must-die-short-story.html
SHAGUN
February 13, 2017 at 12:24 PM //
Not Today, Satan
https://lovenlifeinsights.wordpress.com/2017/02/13/ruminations-of-a-burdened-soul-chapter-two/
The Urban Spaceman
February 13, 2017 at 5:12 PM //
Could be my ISP trying to be overprotective, but I’ve never seen it do that before (and I’ve been to some pretty dodgy places). If it helps, the message I got was “Look out! Virus Safe has blocked this site” and a link to internetmatters.org as well as my own ISP.
The Urban Spaceman
February 13, 2017 at 5:13 PM //
This reply was supposed to be to TJ.
Tj Geezer
February 13, 2017 at 5:59 PM //
Ah! FIlebin is just that – a digital “bin” where anyone can upload any file they like. No doubt some files are far from any kind of norm. I went to InternetMatters.org where I saw its motto: “Helping parents keep their children safe online”. I guess you’re under 13 and can’t read about cheerleaders making hay out of other people’s disasters. Sorry…
Seriously, anybody know where a plain text file containing a 1K-word flash fic story will simply be displayed in a browser? Don’t say “Facebook” I don’t know how to use it. Anyone wanna display it for me on their site? It ain’t great fiction but hey, one person wanted to read it. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Tj Geezer
February 13, 2017 at 6:18 PM //
I found another public site that, on a test with another browser, displayed rather than downloaded the terxt file. Try this: http://txt.do/d1fe3
Goes to textuploader.com and displays rather than downloads. Let mie know when you put me in for the Nobel Prize of Literature. Or heck, the Pulitzer Prize would do. One star on Amazon? Anything?
The Urban Spaceman
February 14, 2017 at 5:33 PM //
That was a frighteningly realistic teenage girl voice. Reminds me of that episode of X-Files, dunno if you’ve seen it, with the two teenage girls who have the birthday on the same day, and they go crazy and kill Ryan Reynolds?
Anyway, great story! Very realistic. And I’m glad you finally found somewhere to accept your text file, and that you were able to safeguard all us pure, innocent thirteen year olds from… what was it, making hay?
Susan Monroe McGrath
February 13, 2017 at 10:25 PM //
The Gallows Girls. Enjoy.
https://susan-reads.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-gallows-girls.html
The Urban Spaceman
February 15, 2017 at 8:34 AM //
Blogspot still hates me. Here’s what I tried to comment on your site:
Great use of language and voice in this piece! I really felt connected to the unnamed protagonist. It really does show how one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. Or in this case, woman’s.
andys
February 14, 2017 at 5:14 AM //
A brief little horror story. As I said, a sort of passing wave at Clive Barker. http://andreaspeed.com/2017/flash-fic-challenge-discount-skin-ticket/
The Urban Spaceman
February 15, 2017 at 8:46 AM //
Eerie, creepy… lovely! I love the blend of horror and mystery. The cliffhanger ending was also a nice touch; I’m left with the feeling that he won’t be getting Bryan’s life as he expects it. It has a very ‘deal with the devil’ feel about it. Good job!
Skye
February 16, 2017 at 2:20 PM //
I liked this one. A little bit out-there, a little bit creepy. Good job!
andys
February 16, 2017 at 9:35 PM //
Thank you both. And I think it’s safe to say that there’s no way this deal can be good.
The Writer
February 14, 2017 at 6:22 AM //
Not Tonight, Honey. I had fun with this one. Enjoy! Feedback is much appreciated and returned.
https://atcrump.com/2017/02/14/not-tonight-honey/
Thanks Chuck and Squeg.
keruin
February 14, 2017 at 12:33 PM //
Long way home. First flash fiction going up on my blog. I have tried a few, but in my dark, pre-internet cave. This one is a little shoot, pushing up out of the dirt.
http://wednesdaymissives.com/random-assemblage-of-written-words-practice-purgatory/
The Urban Spaceman
February 14, 2017 at 5:43 PM //
Can’t seem to comment on your blog, so… great story! You really captured April’s world very beautifully, including the horrors and trials. It felt like part of a larger work, but was descriptive and details enough that I fell into it easily.
Skye
February 14, 2017 at 3:56 PM //
Here is “The Gallows Girls.” I tried to incorporate as many of these titles into my story as well. Please to enjoy: http://runnerskye.ca/flash-fiction-challenge-gallows-girls/
Matthew X. Gomez
February 14, 2017 at 4:22 PM //
Okay, touch over 1k. And a bit of horror. Thanks squeg!
https://mxgomez.wordpress.com/2017/02/14/not-tonight-honey-a-chuck-wendig-challenge/
Beth Turnage
February 14, 2017 at 8:34 PM //
So many great titles. The one I chose fit well with my ongoing space opera serial, Pirate’s Luck, but the piece should read well enough as a stand alone.
Discount Skin Ticket–http://bethturnage.com/?p=910
Thanks in advance for reading!
The Urban Spaceman
February 15, 2017 at 9:01 AM //
You’re right, it does read well enough as stand-alone. And very well done, too. I really could imagine myself walking through that slave market, listening to your characters talk. Nice take on the prompt, as well!
Beth Turnage
February 15, 2017 at 9:11 AM //
Thank you. 🙂
Beth Turnage
February 14, 2017 at 8:35 PM //
http://bethturnage.com/?p=910
Sam Brady
February 14, 2017 at 9:02 PM //
I chose “The Last American”. I’m not sure it’s all that and a McRib sandwich, but please to enjoy nonetheless.
https://sambrady.wordpress.com/2017/02/14/chuck-wendig-the-last-american/
dcxli
February 14, 2017 at 11:15 PM //
All Flags Fall
https://dcxli.wordpress.com/2017/02/14/all-flags-fall/
Enjoy and critique away!
keruin
February 18, 2017 at 10:32 AM //
This was fun! I was a bit worried at the start, as several of the stories I’ve randomly picked so far have been about public executions… but this one got fun, fast. I really like the characterizations of captain and first mate – with just a few insights into the difference between them (in terms of optimism), they are both really lively in their roles!
dcxli
February 18, 2017 at 1:39 PM //
Thank you!
P.J. Post
February 15, 2017 at 3:40 AM //
Discount Skin Ticket:
A Cyberpunk Beginning
Jake Miles needs on last job, one last turn through the Carousel, one last run through the neon back alleys of Lower Sugarland Key, but first he needs a favor: a new chip set, and new skin.
https://pjpost.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/discount-skin-ticket/
Thanks for taking the time to read. I hope it’s time well spent. 🙂
dhippensteel
February 15, 2017 at 9:50 AM //
Not Tonight, Honey – http://wp.me/p41CL6-WT
Helene
February 15, 2017 at 10:05 AM //
After the intro in French. And I’m not saying which theme I used, as it would reveal too much! 🙂
http://www.campagnonades.com/fiction-invasion/
Shana
February 15, 2017 at 10:15 AM //
I liked The Gallows Girls. It just clicked. Might become a prologue. http://slwhshorts.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-gallows-girls.html
William Walker
February 15, 2017 at 4:36 PM //
Dammit, this never happened. It’s flash fiction. But folks in my town might just thing it’s about them. Fuck em.
http://www.playininthedirt.com/2017/02/15/not-today-satan/
William Walker
February 15, 2017 at 7:47 PM //
…might just *think* it’s about them. Jesus. My editor is Betsy DeVos.
Beth Turnage
February 16, 2017 at 6:10 AM //
“My editor is Betsy DeVos.” ~ Have you thought about an exorcism? Might help. 😉
William Walker
February 16, 2017 at 12:29 PM //
That could be a whole other book. Thanks. 🙂
keruin
February 18, 2017 at 10:37 AM //
Like! You’ve written a very urgent voice into this person’s mind, making it all the more compelling. Good job!
Christopher Slagle
February 15, 2017 at 9:56 PM //
My vengeance-drenched take on The Gallows Girls: https://christopherslagle.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/flash-fiction-the-gallows-girls
Vicente L Ruiz
February 16, 2017 at 3:11 AM //
Almost late, but here it is. I chose “All Flags Fall” by lbstribling:
https://medium.com/@VicenteLRuiz/all-flags-fall-b8138c8df683#.6x82n1rok
kim blades, writer
February 16, 2017 at 10:03 AM //
I’ve written on Alisa Russell’s title ‘Long Way Home’
https://wordpress.com/post/kim153.wordpress.com/2087
curioushart
February 17, 2017 at 6:54 PM //
I could not get to this link.
boundbeautifunk
February 16, 2017 at 3:00 PM //
Not Tonight, Honey
I always do much better with these if I *don’t* think at all before beginning. This one I simmered on since Friday. After six days, my brain wanted it to be much longer. Also, my brain wanted a hero.
https://cheesywriterblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/16/not-tonight-honey/
Grymmlock
February 16, 2017 at 3:50 PM //
I got Omen of Seven. It’s been too long since I’ve done one of these.
https://grymmramblings.wordpress.com/2017/02/16/flash-fiction-omen-of-seven/
Sertysh
February 16, 2017 at 4:19 PM //
Am I the only one that saw “discount skin ticket” and thought… Hey! That’s another term for “a cheap ticket for which one could redeem to witness naked skin”?
https://hikelylads.wordpress.com/2017/02/16/flash-fiction-ten-titles-challenge/
Michelle Baillargeon
February 16, 2017 at 4:51 PM //
For most of the week I thought I was going to write about the “Long Way Home” but it turns out that I was supposed to write “Not Tonight, Honey” instead. I hope you enjoy it.
https://michelle-wordplay.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Douglass
February 16, 2017 at 5:50 PM //
Long Way Home here, too.
http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2017/02/friday-flash-long-way-home.html
Allison Maruska
February 16, 2017 at 7:17 PM //
I rolled Long Way Home.
https://allisonmaruska.com/2017/02/16/flash-fiction-long-way-home/
Jemima Pett
February 17, 2017 at 4:22 AM //
Love these so much I may work my way through them… Today – All Flags Fall. My thanks to lbstribling 🙂
http://jemimapett.com/blog/2017/02/17/fridayflash-fiction-all-flags-fall/
curioushart
February 17, 2017 at 10:47 AM //
Here is my one thousand word story titled “Long Way Home.”
https://curioushart.wordpress.com/2017/02/17/long-way-home/
Helen O'Loughlin
February 17, 2017 at 10:51 AM //
Hope you enjoy things going wrong in One Fell Swoop. 🙂 https://helenoloughlin.com/2017/02/17/one-fell-swoop/
Martin
February 18, 2017 at 5:44 PM //
Missed the Friday deadline.
Here is my piece on Guppy Must Die
http://mywrite.martinperlin.com/2017/02/guppy-must-die.html
Josh Neff
February 27, 2017 at 11:45 AM //
I wrote something when I woke up this morning and needing a title, I chose one from this list. So even though it’s a well over a week late and well under 1000 words, here’s “Long Way Home”: http://www.goblin-cartoons.com/2017/02/27/long-way-home/