Okay, so, a couple weeks ago I asked you guys to come up with three-word titles, and you did, in spectacular fashion. It fueled last week’s challenge.
And, because you were prolific and I am nothing if not a tremendously lazy human being, I’m going to dip back into the well for another ten titles. Pick one or use a random number generator to choose, then write a piece of short fiction to go along with the title.
One change this time around is my picks for title are not random —
I’m hand-picking ten that sound interesting.
Also, we’ll up the word count a little.
Get writing, word-nerds.
Length: ~1500 words
Due by: Friday, Feb 24th, noon EST
Post online, give us a link in the comments.
Your ten titles to choose from (title creators in parentheses) are:
- She Broke Gods (thomasmhewlett)
- Gunslinger Ridge Experiment (EGUW)
- Wolves of Sorrow (powerjacob)
- Tomorrow’s Mirror Today (stephen cowles)
- Stars That Bleed (kirajessup)
- To Forbidden Passengers (lydie h)
- The Porcelain Cat (d.moulou)
- It Wants In (mollons)
- Sincerely, Your Mortician (AN)
- Burr Edge Jitterbug (m. oniker)
M. Oniker says:
My typo or yours? Burr Edge *Jitterbug* (as in the dance). 🙂
February 17, 2017 — 12:44 PM
terribleminds says:
Mine! Fixed. 🙂
February 17, 2017 — 1:09 PM
Allison Maruska says:
I combined this with a challenge that allows only 99 words, so I’m WAY under the limit. LOL. I chose The Porcelain Cat.
https://allisonmaruska.com/2017/02/17/flash-fiction-the-porcelain-cat/
February 17, 2017 — 1:21 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Like Allison, I went WAY under the limit—249 words. The title picked for me was It Wants In.
https://theurbanspaceman.net/2017/02/17/it-wants-in-flash-fiction/
February 17, 2017 — 5:33 PM
curioushart says:
I like your story. It shows reflection and self-awareness–an examined life worth living.
February 20, 2017 — 10:40 AM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Thanks!
February 21, 2017 — 9:04 AM
Irreverent says:
I love the writing style in this piece, and I’m impressed at how vividly you captured the essence of the darkness in each of us in so few words. I had no trouble visualizing the frightening, paralyzing inner demon that I think is far scarier than the monster’s we’re taught to fear. Great stuff!
February 24, 2017 — 1:11 AM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Thanks! I was hoping this piece would be evocative to some readers despite the brevity, so I’m glad it worked for you.
February 24, 2017 — 9:12 AM
Elaina Roberts says:
I chose powerjacob’s Wolves of Sorrow.
https://emroberts.blog/2017/02/18/flash-fiction-wolves-of-sorrow/
February 17, 2017 — 9:01 PM
curioushart says:
Great story!
February 20, 2017 — 10:45 AM
Elaina Roberts says:
Thank you!
February 20, 2017 — 1:18 PM
Mozette says:
http://youcantgoback-andotherimpossibilities.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/sincerely-your-mortician.html
Slightly over the 1,500 words, but not by much.
enjoy!
February 18, 2017 — 7:01 AM
Sharon M Hart says:
A lovely, tender story.
February 24, 2017 — 5:43 PM
Andrew Hickey says:
She Broke Gods: https://andrewhickey.info/2017/02/19/she-broke-gods/
February 18, 2017 — 8:44 PM
Sharon M Hart says:
I think this story has multiple layers; I will probably visit it again and sit with it. Thanks for sharing.
February 24, 2017 — 5:49 PM
Andrew Hickey says:
“She Broke Gods”
https://andrewhickey.info/2017/02/19/she-broke-gods/
February 18, 2017 — 8:50 PM
Irreverent says:
I enjoyed this story a lot! It touches on some of my favourite themes, and you did a great job of conveying a mythological allegory to the questions of existence and the inevitability of human civilization’s evolution. Nicely done!
February 24, 2017 — 1:00 AM
Andrew Hickey says:
Thanks!
(And apologies to others for not having been very good at doing similar critiques/praise this week. Been a hard week)
February 24, 2017 — 11:18 AM
andys says:
So, here’s a story that feels like it might be a part of a longer story, but it’d be a pretty nasty story. She Broke Gods – http://andreaspeed.com/2017/flash-fic-challenge-she-broke-gods/
February 19, 2017 — 5:52 AM
The Urban Spaceman says:
A harsh but fitting end to cretins who deserved no less. It read very fluidly; I was surprised when I came to the end of the piece.
February 21, 2017 — 9:26 AM
Eva says:
mine is also, WAY under the limit. oh well.
http://bek516.deviantart.com/art/Sincerely-Your-Mortician-664594903
February 19, 2017 — 8:03 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Have to admit, I found the opening few paragraphs confusing with all the different characters and themes, but the twist at the end was nice, and helped to clarify some of my initial confusion.
February 21, 2017 — 9:31 AM
Mark Gardner says:
I’m still running my superhero web serial. I went with “To Forbidden Passengers:” http://wp.me/p4le2s-1Nw
February 20, 2017 — 9:21 AM
curioushart says:
Here is my 1500 word story inspired by Zane Grey, “Paint Your Wagon”, and alternative facts.
https://curioushart.wordpress.com/2017/02/20/gunslinger-ridge-experiment/
February 20, 2017 — 10:38 AM
David Lewis says:
Reads like a parable in the best way. Self-contained and an interesting ending.
February 22, 2017 — 6:56 AM
Sharon M Hart says:
Thank you.
February 24, 2017 — 5:55 PM
Martin says:
Very moving like a parable. The characters really stood out and cleverly delivered a powerful message.
February 25, 2017 — 3:56 PM
caramckee says:
I’m joining the way under the limit gang with ‘She Broke Gods:’
http://caralmckee.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/she-broke-gods-flash-fiction-post.html
February 20, 2017 — 12:51 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Brilliant! I like how the physical act of destroying the statues corresponds to the metaphysical act of bringing down centuries (or more) of oppression and antiquated beliefs.
Not that I see parallels, or anything……..
February 20, 2017 — 2:51 PM
rhythmandcrime says:
I had to go with Stars That Bleed. It inspired the beginning of a Hollywood detective story. Serial Killer. Steampunk. Snark. Can’t help myself.
https://rhythmandcrime.wordpress.com/2017/02/21/stars-that-bleed/
February 21, 2017 — 1:32 AM
David Lewis says:
Really enjoyed the noir-ness of this in the modern world. There’s some great lines in here as well, It’s a good start to the story, would like to read more.
February 22, 2017 — 6:53 AM
Martin says:
Great setting and exciting way you set up the prompt. Didn’t even imagine it like that when I saw the title, but then your story was a great depiction for this title.
February 25, 2017 — 5:05 PM
egoebelbecker says:
Sincerely, Your Mortician called to me.
http://ericgoebelbecker.com/2017/02/sincerely-your-mortician/
February 21, 2017 — 12:06 PM
mollons says:
This. This is great.
February 23, 2017 — 3:40 PM
egoebelbecker says:
Thank you very much!
February 24, 2017 — 9:17 AM
GuyOHarrison says:
I chose ‘Sincerely, Your Mortician’ as the title of my story, but included the porcelain cat as inspiration.
https://guyoharrison.wordpress.com/2017/02/21/sincerely-your-mortician/
February 21, 2017 — 4:57 PM
dcxli says:
To Unwanted Passengers
Continuing the story from last week, but it can hopefully stand alone.
https://dcxli.wordpress.com/2017/02/22/to-unwanted-passengers/
February 22, 2017 — 3:16 AM
David Lewis says:
I went with To Forbidden Passengers from lydie h. Turned into a sci-fi short that sort of about refugees. It’s roughly 1500 words long. Here you go: http://davidralphlewis.co.uk/my-writing/to-forbidden-passengers/
February 22, 2017 — 6:49 AM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Just wanted to say, these are some excellent titles. In fact, I’m already in the process of writing another flash fic for the “Gunslinger Ridge Experiment” title. The others also have a lot of potential… I could definitely see me using at least half of them.
February 22, 2017 — 8:43 AM
Helene says:
The Porcelain Cat (under the intro in French) became an accessory to explore the voice of a teenage girl. Took me far from my comfort zone; not satisfied but I’ll let it rest so it can tell me more later. http://www.campagnonades.com/fiction-le-chat-de-porcelaine/
February 22, 2017 — 9:43 AM
David Lewis says:
I really, really liked this. Strong voice from the teenage girl, slightly creepy with the porcelain cat. You get a lot of emotional depth through understatement, which is fantastic. I’d be interested to see you develop it further, feels like it’s the start of a longer story.
February 23, 2017 — 5:54 AM
Cameron Mount says:
Dead moms leaving porcelain cats seems to have been a wavelength vibe as I had the same impetus (though vastly different results).
February 23, 2017 — 3:36 PM
Irreverent says:
This story has a wonderful narrative voice and pacing that was a pleasure to read. The ominous presence of the cat was creepy and a fitting symbol of this dysfunctional family. It gave me the sense that the narrator fears becoming like her mother, and grandmother, and turning the cat around at the end was her way of trying to reject that fate. Bravo, et merci de partager!
February 24, 2017 — 1:29 AM
Sam Brady says:
I actually combined two of the titles to come up with “The Porcelain Cat Wants In” and then my story became a poem. I initially thought it was going to be an homage to “The Raven” but I was wrong (as usual). It’s only 183 words so I am also in the Way Under The Limit club this week. Please to enjoy, and please comment if you get a chance. I haven’t written a poem in years. I’ll be curious to know what you think of it.
https://sambrady.wordpress.com/2017/02/22/chuck-wendig-the-porcelain-cat-wants-in/
February 22, 2017 — 10:32 AM
Vicente L Ruiz says:
Busy busy week for me, but here’s a short crime story with a twist: “The Porcelain Cat”, with thanks to d.moulou for the title.
https://medium.com/@VicenteLRuiz/the-porcelain-cat-bc821e09af88#.7jtuyvivy
February 22, 2017 — 10:35 AM
Brennan says:
Hey, all. Here’s mine: http://brennanmcmahon.com/gunslinger-ridge-flash-fiction-story/
Didn’t quite do 1500 words, but enjoy anyway!
February 22, 2017 — 1:37 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Quite amusing! Poor Jerry. Lady Luck is a fickle mistress, isn’t she?
February 24, 2017 — 9:50 AM
Brennan says:
Ha, she is! Glad you liked the story!
February 25, 2017 — 5:36 PM
Sharon M Hart says:
I agree with Urban Spaceman–amusing story.
February 24, 2017 — 6:01 PM
Brennan says:
Thank you!
February 25, 2017 — 5:37 PM
jakashadows says:
Here’s mine: She Broke Gods https://jakashadows.wordpress.com/2017/02/22/flash-fiction-she-broke-gods/
February 22, 2017 — 7:03 PM
Beth Turnage says:
Another chapter of the space opera, action adventure (how’s that for keywords?) Pirate’s Luck with the chapter title To Forbidden Passengers. We pick up the action from last week but you should be able to read this as a stand alone. If not, let me know. http://bethturnage.com/?p=947
February 23, 2017 — 4:40 AM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Great continuation from last week! Always good to see a couple of antiheroes sticking it to the law.
February 24, 2017 — 10:52 AM
dhippensteel says:
Things can get rough on the playground.
https://cornedbeefhashtag.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/the-porcelain-cat/
February 23, 2017 — 9:28 AM
Matthew X. Gomez says:
Thank you powerjacob for the title: https://mxgomez.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/wolves-of-sorrow-a-chuck-wendig-challenge/
Mecha space-opera action is go!
February 23, 2017 — 1:56 PM
Christopher says:
I picked “It Wants In” by Mollons. I thought it sounded like a classic horror title. I tried to do it justice. Enjoy.
https://roktyping.blogspot.com/2017/02/it-wants-in-wendig-flash-10-more-titles.html
February 23, 2017 — 2:10 PM
mollons says:
I started out with my own title (“It Wants In”) but as I was writing things changed from what I set out to write. “Sincerely, Your Mortician” by AN seemed to tickle that nerve that kept saying “tell the story THIS way instead.” “It” in the story changed to “He”, and things just felt better.
http://flash.scottmollon.com/sincerely.html
February 23, 2017 — 3:32 PM
Michelle Baillargeon says:
I find that some of my stories have a mind of their own, too. Still getting used to that.
I enjoyed your story very much, it flowed very nicely and I liked the way you ended it.
February 24, 2017 — 2:40 PM
Cameron Mount says:
The Porcelain Cat – horror, but really more like unsettling creep than outright horror.
https://cameronamount.wordpress.com/2017/02/23/the-porcelain-cat-a-wendig-weekly-challenge/
February 23, 2017 — 3:34 PM
Matthew X. Gomez says:
I really enjoyed this piece.
February 24, 2017 — 12:12 PM
john5cole says:
I picked “The Porcelain Cat”. I hope you enjoy. Please let me know what you think (good or bad).
http://thecolemind.com/the-porcelain-cat/
February 23, 2017 — 5:10 PM
Christine Frost says:
Okay, powerjacob’s Wolves of Sorrow leapt off the page and ran away with my imagination…
http://www.herravendomain.com/2017/02/wolves-of-sorrow.html
February 23, 2017 — 9:12 PM
M.J. Diedrich says:
I had a hard time choosing, so turned to my significant other for a decision. The result: Sincerely, Your Mortician.
https://mjdiedrich.com/2017/02/23/sincerely-your-mortician/
February 23, 2017 — 10:17 PM
Irreverent says:
First time poster here, and I picked “Tomorrow’s Mirror Today”. It’s a great title that lends itself to interpretation in so many different ways, which allowed me to rework a backstory segment I had to cut from a novel draft. Fun stuff!
https://addictedtowriting.ca/2017/02/23/tomorrows-mirror-today/
February 24, 2017 — 12:19 AM
Martin says:
Here is my take on The Gunslinger Ridge Experiment. I like that title and really got my imagination running. It took me in a few different directions when I started trying out ideas about gunfights that went wrong, but then found a totally different approach
Here is my piece http://mywrite.martinperlin.com/2017/02/flash-fiction-gunslinger-ridge.html
February 24, 2017 — 8:22 AM
Sharon M Hart says:
A sad story; it builds hope and then ends with a surprise. It reminds me of an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
February 24, 2017 — 6:07 PM
Matt Boren says:
I could not resist “Sincerely, Your Mortician”. Did mine epistolary style.
https://pathofthecrab.wordpress.com/2017/02/24/flash-fiction-challenge-sincerely-your-mortician/
February 24, 2017 — 8:41 AM
Helen O'Loughlin says:
I had to do Wolves of Sorrow. Enjoy! https://helenoloughlin.com/2017/02/24/wolves-of-sorrow/
February 24, 2017 — 9:27 AM
FictionExtends says:
Hey guys. Sorry if I’m late.
Anyway, my entry – Wolves of Sorrow.
https://thefictionextends.wordpress.com/flash-fiction-wolves-of-sorrow/
February 24, 2017 — 10:23 AM
Michelle Baillargeon says:
Just in under the wire! This one put up a fight, but I think I got it. My first attempt at second person POV. I went with “It Wants In”
https://michelle-wordplay.blogspot.com
February 24, 2017 — 11:54 AM