Last Week’s Challenge: Find Your Favorite Opening Line
Administrative head’s up — still tallying which of the opening lines were used the most in the last challenge (unless, ahem, anyone feels like taking that bullet for me).
This week is going to be the start of a five-part challenge that should take us up to and through Christmas. This is a bit of an experiment, so, who the hell knows if it’s going to work? But it is what it is and hey, I wanna try this out, see what happens.
I want you to write the first 200 words of a story.
This will not be a complete story.
Again: this is just the start of a story.
This is, in fact, 1/5th of a story.
You will finish this by noon EST on the following Friday, which is the 29th of November.
Then — and I’ll remind you of this next Friday — you’ll take someone else’s 200 words and continue that story for 200 more (for a total of 400 words). The goal being to end up with a 1000-word story after five total challenges. Each time around you’ll grab someone else’s story and add 200 words to it. We’ll play this weird narrative whisper-down-the-lane variant until roughly the end of the year. So, for right now…
Post your 200 words at your blog.
Link back here. (That part is critical, obviously.)
You’ve got a week.
Go write!
Justice says:
Here’s my piece, “Graduation Day.” Enjoy 🙂
http://erinmjustice.com/2013/11/24/flash-fiction-challenge-graduation-day/
November 24, 2013 — 5:34 PM
Josee De Angelis says:
How will we know which story to continue?
November 24, 2013 — 5:55 PM
paulfny says:
I’m wondering this myself. I’m assuming Chuck will match people up with a story to continue, but considering the number of entries, that’s going to be a job and a half. Alternatively, we pick which one we want to do, but the pitfall there being, what if loads pick the same stories and others don’t get picked at all? I’m sure we’ll find out on Friday… 🙂
November 24, 2013 — 6:53 PM
Josee De Angelis says:
Here’s my contribution. Is it normal to be this excited about this?
http://joseedeangelis.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/terribleminds-flash-fiction-challenge/
November 24, 2013 — 6:17 PM
Liz Neering says:
It really is! I’ve chosen yours to continue. It has so much promise. I’ll post again as soon as my continuation is complete!
November 30, 2013 — 1:09 AM
Josee De Angelis says:
Yay! Can’t wait to read it!
November 30, 2013 — 2:12 PM
Liz Neering says:
Here you go!
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/5308122-200-words-at-a-time-part-two
November 30, 2013 — 1:37 AM
Josee says:
It’s great! I never would have taken it there, it’s so cool to see where it’s going!
I think you should link it on Chuck’s post No. 2 of November 29th also.
December 1, 2013 — 11:08 AM
Liz Neering says:
I’mso glad you like it! It’s posted to the new blog now. I’m excited to see where someone else takes it!
December 1, 2013 — 6:22 PM
Paul Baughman says:
Ok, here’s mine. Listening Post. Exactly 200 words.
I haven’t done one of these for several months. I’m gonna have to make a tree of the results, if anyone picks mine. That could be interesting in itself.
November 24, 2013 — 6:50 PM
Paul Baughman says:
This is SciFi, BTW.
November 24, 2013 — 7:47 PM
Ilona the Rose says:
I’m getting a ‘page not found’ message and I can’t find this from your home page either. Did you remove it?
November 24, 2013 — 8:50 PM
Paul Baughman says:
Sorry about that. Try it now.
-Paul
November 25, 2013 — 12:28 PM
mirymom says:
Interestingly, you are blocked by our internet filters here at school as a “malicious website.” I guess I’ll have to read yours at home.
November 25, 2013 — 3:46 PM
Paul Baughman says:
Malicious? Really? Looking back, I can see some fiction I’ve posted there that might not pass someone’s ‘adult filter’ (for various values of adult), but to my knowledge, nothing there is malicious, as in malware, viruses, etc.
BTW, if anyone is wondering, this story has no adult content. Well, other than the characters. They are adults.
November 25, 2013 — 8:29 PM
Nicole Matthews says:
Here is my 200 words. It’s the first time I’ve done a challenge like this so…who knows.
http://tressden1.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/chuck-wendigs-flash-fiction-challenge-200-words/
November 24, 2013 — 7:03 PM
murgatroid98 says:
I’m getting “Page Not found”.
November 25, 2013 — 2:50 PM
mirymom says:
I got a “Page not found” when I tried to read yours.
November 25, 2013 — 3:43 PM
Nicole Matthews says:
Okay attempt 2. maybe the technology gods will like my offering and let me participate today.
http://tressden1.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=41&action=edit&message=6&postpost=v2
November 25, 2013 — 4:14 PM
Rebecca B. says:
My entry – no title so as not to pigeon hole for the next author – 199 words.
http://girlbooksblog.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/friday-flash-200-words-at-a-time-part-one/
This one’s a little on the super hero fantasy side so far.
November 24, 2013 — 11:07 PM
momdude says:
That’s interesting – I think I’ll take this for my week two project. Thanks!
December 5, 2013 — 11:47 PM
Jeremy Podolski says:
My 200 word entry begins: “Pressed against the horizon, the sun seemed to lacerate the distant treeline, blood-red rays of light spilling in quiet reflection on Lake Montague.”
Read the rest at http://jeremypodolski.com/200-words-at-a-time-terrible-minds-flash-fiction-challenge/
Tag. You’re it.
November 25, 2013 — 12:19 AM
hpetterson says:
Alright I gave it my best shot….really enjoyed your imagery…but man that was tough…I wasn’t sure where to go so I am going to let you fly with it…if you want? cheers Hank click on my name and scroll.
December 6, 2013 — 11:44 AM
Kirsten Bruce says:
http://benteight.tumblr.com/post/67927905552/200-words-for-a-story-someone-else-will-write-this-is
November 25, 2013 — 1:16 AM
Josee says:
I’m taking this tone. See you in part 2!
December 1, 2013 — 11:14 AM
Josee says:
Here it is Kirsten, I hope you like it.
I’ll post it in Part Two as well, so someone can continue it.
December 2, 2013 — 1:52 PM
Kirsten Bruce says:
I’m really bad at going back in time and checking all these links… I indeed did love it and thanks for carrying it on!
December 19, 2013 — 9:11 PM
Josh Loomis says:
“This is never going to work.”
http://www.blueinkalchemy.com/2013/11/25/flash-fiction-within-the-church/
What happens next?
November 25, 2013 — 8:07 AM
murgatroid98 says:
I like this one. I’ll do my best to have the next 200 words up this weekend.
November 29, 2013 — 4:16 PM
KVeldman says:
199 words. I left this one pretty wide open.
http://strangeworldsblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at.html
November 25, 2013 — 10:16 AM
Strange Corners says:
204 words. You can interpret this any way you like. It’s got wolves and knives.
http://vidacruz.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/200-words-at-a-time-knifework/
November 25, 2013 — 11:20 AM
mckkenzie says:
Okay, you got me with the wolves. I have to make something happen with that. Thanks for it! 🙂
November 30, 2013 — 8:38 PM
Strange Corners says:
Yay, thanks! Although I think someone else was gonna work on this too? But I guess that’s okay, isn’t it?
December 1, 2013 — 8:01 AM
mckkenzie says:
Too late now since we both did it! But my understanding is it’s all up for grabs – any story can be not chosen at all or chosen multiple times like the opening line thing two weeks ago. It’s more fun that way anyway, right? Your story has gone in two very different directions!
December 1, 2013 — 9:32 AM
Strange Corners says:
Oh, well, you’re right. Thank you very much for taking mine up!
December 1, 2013 — 8:06 PM
mirymom says:
Fun 🙂 Here’s mine. 268 words. I lost count.
http://samanthadunawaybryant.blogspot.com/2013/11/chuck-wendigs-flash-fiction-challenge.html?_sm_au_=iHVfFwvqnDkqtSNv
November 25, 2013 — 11:41 AM
Mildred Achoch says:
Oh! I like this one! 🙂
November 25, 2013 — 12:46 PM
authordjdavis says:
Okay, sounds fun. Here’s mine, dropping in at 198 words.
http://www.authordjdavis.com/?p=97
November 25, 2013 — 11:55 AM
hpetterson says:
I just added a couple hundred to your great opening. Now to see if I can post it so it’s accessible. Cheers Hank
December 4, 2013 — 12:25 PM
Jon Jefferson says:
Here is my starter Devoted Eyes sits at roughly 220 words or so.
http://jonjeffersonauthor.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/devoted-eyes/
November 25, 2013 — 12:59 PM
benjaminryant says:
Hi Jon. I’m just giving you heads up that I chose your story to work on. You can find the additions at: http://brtwrites.com/2013/12/05/flash-fiction-thursday-devoted-eyes/
Hope you enjoy it.
December 5, 2013 — 10:35 PM
JDFitch says:
OK, I’m in. Here’s the link to my blog, with my 200 words. Let’s see what happens. 😉
http://jdfitchauthor.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/well-it-has-been-a-while-hasnt-it/
November 25, 2013 — 1:12 PM
Doreen Queen says:
I’m going to work on this one – unpredictable magic!
November 30, 2013 — 12:10 PM
Doreen Queen says:
Here’s my addition – http://dragonfyreediting.blogspot.com/2013_12_01_archive.html
December 4, 2013 — 11:30 AM
Joanna Horrocks says:
I took over for week 4 – lots of fun! I posted parts 1-4 here: http://joannahorrocks.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/flash-fiction-challenge-week-four/
Thanks!
December 14, 2013 — 12:32 AM
Andy Decker says:
Part one of ‘Delmer’s Fiddle’.
http://jonah2eight.blogspot.com/2013/11/delmers-fiddle.html
November 25, 2013 — 1:18 PM
Mozette says:
As much as I hate this one… it won’t leave me alone. So, I’ll have a go at this one.
November 26, 2013 — 1:13 AM
Mozette says:
I’ll put this up on Friday – when I get the time – but here it is for you Andy… it’s on my blog now. 🙂
http://youcantgoback-andotherimpossibilities.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/delmers-fiddle-part-two.html
enjoy.
November 26, 2013 — 1:33 AM
Andy Decker says:
Never thought my writing would invoke hatred. But yeah, reaching into my southern gothic roots. Thanks!
November 29, 2013 — 1:56 PM
JDFitch says:
auguris, my contribution to the story you started.
November 25, 2013 — 2:14 PM
JDFitch says:
Sorry, auguris. Here’s the link. Stupid WordPress.
http://jdfitchauthor.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/more-of-the-200-word-challenge/
November 25, 2013 — 2:15 PM
Joyce Juzwik says:
This is an amazing challenge. I can’t wait to see where they all go. Here’s my starter, which comes in at 198 words. It’s called Reunion.
http://jfjuzwik.blogspot.com/2013/11/terrible-minds-flash-fiction-challenge_25.html
November 25, 2013 — 3:26 PM
prettysemmy says:
I’d like to grab this one for the next 200. Thanks!
November 29, 2013 — 11:50 PM
Joyce Juzwik says:
Cool. I can’t wait to see where you take it.
November 30, 2013 — 1:05 PM
rccross says:
Back from the dead.
first one in some time. good to be back in the chair again.
this one’s untitled, as it’s only 1/5 of a story.
http://apocryptica.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/390/
November 25, 2013 — 3:46 PM
boydstun215 says:
I chose to add 200 word’s to rccross’s entry, which I thought had great potential. It has a lot of mood, a spooky setting, and a pair of characters who clearly want different things. Someone please add!
Here’s the link: http://jeremiahboydstun.com/2013/12/06/another-200-words-12613/
December 5, 2013 — 8:08 PM
C. E. Konicki says:
I continued it also: http://carlthenomad.blogspot.com
December 6, 2013 — 11:32 PM
Ashley says:
First-timer, here! Just started a tumblr for this… thought it was 250 whoops!
http://creativeshri.tumblr.com/post/68095936414/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-pt-1
November 25, 2013 — 4:38 PM
Tony Taylor says:
Ashley….no worries on the 250…love your start. I missed the first week so I’m picking yours up now. I will let you know when I have something. Again…love the start and WELCOME ABOARD!!!!!
December 1, 2013 — 10:01 AM
Tony Taylor says:
We have a missing child in a busy grocery store…let’s continue the story. Ashley, hope you like it.
http://taylormaderandomwrites.blogspot.com/2013/12/200-word-challenge-untitled.html
December 2, 2013 — 2:16 PM
Ashley says:
This is great! Sorry, I’ve been MIA for a while and am only now catching up!! 🙂
December 10, 2013 — 9:41 AM
Lynna Landstreet says:
Ashley, in case you’re keeping track of where the story eventually went, here’s my part 4: http://lynnalandstreet.com/stories/missing
December 15, 2013 — 4:48 PM
murgatroid98 says:
I figured I’d throw a few words into the mix. No title. 199 words.
http://murgatroid-98.livejournal.com/2391.html
November 25, 2013 — 5:27 PM
LC Hu says:
Oooh this gives me so many ideas. Totally taking this one on! Will link my next part when it’s done 🙂
November 30, 2013 — 11:47 AM
murgatroid98 says:
Thank you, thank you. I can hardly wait to see where you take it.
December 1, 2013 — 7:50 AM
LC Hu says:
My part 2 is here! Hope it’s entertaining… http://elsiewho.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/200-words-at-a-time-continued/
December 6, 2013 — 1:27 AM
Jeremy Podolski says:
I continued this story (Part 3) here. Great writing ya’ll: http://jeremypodolski.com/200-words-at-a-time-terrible-minds-flash-fiction-challenge/
December 13, 2013 — 10:41 AM
LC Hu says:
Oh I love the twist! I hope someone continues it, I want to know where it goes! Nicely done!
December 13, 2013 — 5:43 PM
Fatma Alici says:
197 Words, not title. Two mercenaries drinking and waiting on a job.
http://naharavensari.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/200-words-at-a-time-part-one/
November 25, 2013 — 5:49 PM
Athena says:
Ooh, I pick this one to add to 🙂
November 27, 2013 — 8:25 PM
Fatma Alici says:
Thanks! Of course, now I want to finish it.
November 27, 2013 — 9:17 PM
Athena says:
So finish it 😉 No harm in having 2 versions. I’ll probably finish mine, too, ’cause I’m already invested in the characters.
November 28, 2013 — 4:45 PM
Fatma Alici says:
True, just so many things to do during the holidays.
November 28, 2013 — 5:13 PM
Athena says:
I know what you mean. Nothing saying you have to do it right away, but they’re your words; I certainly won’t be offended if you carry them on in the direction you imagined.
November 29, 2013 — 1:21 PM
LC Hu says:
Love this — thanks so much for doing this! Here’s mine. 199 words!
http://elsiewho.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/200-words-at-a-time-part-one-nails/
November 25, 2013 — 5:59 PM
Andy says:
I picked yours. I’ll have part two up by Friday.
November 26, 2013 — 9:44 PM
LC Hu says:
Oh wow, thank you! I can’t wait to see. I need to decide which one to continue…
November 27, 2013 — 9:58 AM
LC Hu says:
Also love your opening btw!
November 27, 2013 — 9:58 AM
Andy Decker says:
Here’s what I did:
http://jonah2eight.blogspot.com/2013/11/flash-fiction-challenge-part-2.html
November 29, 2013 — 1:58 PM
LC Hu says:
Oooh! Interesting developments! I hope someone continues it next week because I definitely want to know where this goes :). Thanks so much!
December 6, 2013 — 1:26 AM
Joe Donahue says:
Here we go. 205 words I think.
http://joebrewing.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/another-flash-fiction/
November 25, 2013 — 11:26 PM
morag donnachie says:
Oooh, I like this one I think I could go somewhere with it, but I’m having an operation tomorrow so I don’t know if I can come up with the goods before Friday. I’m gonna do my best though it might be late.
December 1, 2013 — 7:53 AM
morag donnachie says:
Ok, here it is. It’s not the best I’ve ever written but I hope you like the direction I’ve taken it.
http://confusinmusing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/well-i-did-it.html
December 6, 2013 — 9:16 AM
nitromidget says:
199 words, http://nitromidget.wordpress.com/2013/11/26/terrible-minds-challenge-200-words-thread-of-time/ Hopefully it doesn’t suck since it’s inspired by long nights at work, hah!
November 26, 2013 — 2:11 PM
Smoph says:
Hey nitromidget! I am going to give yours a go. 🙂
December 1, 2013 — 3:45 AM
Smoph says:
Here it is!
http://prose.smoph.org/2013/12/01/threads-of-time-part-ii/
December 7, 2013 — 2:41 AM
Meagan Wilson says:
200 words, even. A disinterested demon, inept summoners, and a martini. Can’t wait to see what you make of it!
http://burntgraphite.net/Fiction1
November 26, 2013 — 10:19 PM
Wanderer says:
This one is right up my alley–I think I’ll give the next 200 words a crack!
November 27, 2013 — 6:25 PM
Napmonkey says:
I nabbed this and wrote more stuff.
http://napmonkey.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/chuck-wendig-is-squeezing-my-brain-and-stuff-is-coming-out/
November 30, 2013 — 7:53 PM
Paul Baughman says:
I added some to this also:
http://pbaughman.com/blog/2013/12/06/fiction/
December 6, 2013 — 12:05 PM
Rebecca Douglass says:
My 200 words. Then I can start looking for the next story.
http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2013/11/wendig-challenge-first-200-words.html
November 26, 2013 — 11:52 PM
conniecockrell says:
I’ve been searching through all of the story starts and finally narrowed it down to yours. Hope I can do your start justice.
November 29, 2013 — 5:43 PM
Rebecca Douglass says:
Have fun! I’m still looking for which one I continue. I run a PG blog, so it’s sometimes tricky around here. ..
November 30, 2013 — 2:44 PM
Emmy Jackson says:
I want to play! 200 words, no title, no waiting.
http://www.emmyjackson.com/challenges/chuck-wendig-story-challenge/
November 27, 2013 — 12:32 AM
Kirsten says:
I chose this one! Can’t wait to see what happens. I’m super new to both writing and blog posting so, I hope I did this right…
http://benteight.tumblr.com/post/68509076445/flash-fiction-part-two
November 29, 2013 — 7:36 PM
Emmy Jackson says:
Ha! Love it!
December 6, 2013 — 4:57 PM
Heather Milne Johnson says:
Here’s my 199. I hope someone tells me what’s in the corner! http://wp.me/p3McUV-21
November 27, 2013 — 6:59 AM
Emmy Jackson says:
I think I shall continue this one.
November 29, 2013 — 9:47 PM
Heather Milne Johnson says:
Great, looking forward to seeing what happens 🙂
November 30, 2013 — 8:37 PM
Emmy Jackson says:
Here’s the next bit! http://www.emmyjackson.com/uncategorized/chuck-wendig-story-challenge-part-2/
I linked to your blog in my post, hope that’s okay!
December 6, 2013 — 4:55 PM
Heather Milne Johnson says:
Nice, thank you! I like how you can only see it on the cat’s level.
December 6, 2013 — 11:47 PM
susanpen says:
I picked this one. Hopefully it’s ok if two of us do it. It will be interesting to see where it goes.
http://susanpenland.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-part-two/
December 4, 2013 — 12:12 AM
Liz Neering says:
What a lovely idea! 219 words here. I can’t wait to see what someone makes of this.
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/5294833-200-words-at-a-time
November 27, 2013 — 11:17 AM
aspeed says:
I’ve got to take this one. Monsters!
November 29, 2013 — 7:00 PM
aspeed says:
And here it is: http://andreaspeed.com/2013/flash-fic-challenge-round-robin-part-2/
November 29, 2013 — 7:40 PM
Liz Neering says:
Oh I LOVE what you did with this. Tense, beautiful, and exactly the tone I was going for.
November 30, 2013 — 12:47 AM
andreaspeed says:
Thank you! I think there’s a great story potential here. But I would.
November 30, 2013 — 3:52 AM
Kate Baker says:
Despite playing with many shiny things while I dealt with the terror of this challenge, I did manage to write something for the challenge. May I present 200 words: http://www.anaedream.com/2013/11/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-part-one/
November 27, 2013 — 6:56 PM
hpetterson says:
This was the most difficult to add to…so beautifully crafted..hope you don’t mind the direction I went with it. Cheers Hank
http://hpetterson.wordpress.com/2013/12/07/continuation-of-kate-bakers-masterpiece-worth-a-read-then-i-added-to-it/
December 7, 2013 — 1:31 PM
Athena says:
Here’s mine. A nun caught in an explosion… or implosion, perhaps. 200 words, no title. http://devereauxcourt.blogspot.ca/2013/11/terrible-minds-flash-fiction-challenge.html
November 27, 2013 — 8:17 PM
dangerdean says:
I do believe I’ll give this one a shot.
November 28, 2013 — 1:25 AM
Athena says:
Cool, thanks 🙂
November 28, 2013 — 4:46 PM
dangerdean says:
Here it is.
http://dangerdean.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/flash-fiction-200-words-at-a-time-part-two/
November 29, 2013 — 4:39 PM