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!
302 responses to “Flash Fiction Challenge: 200 Words At A Time, Part One”
[…] it’s a writing challenge piece! This one is for Chuck Wendig’s current writing challenge, which is the first in a five-part challenge. Participants write 200 words as the start of the […]
Here’s my piece, “Graduation Day.” Enjoy 🙂
http://erinmjustice.com/2013/11/24/flash-fiction-challenge-graduation-day/
How will we know which story to continue?
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… 🙂
[…] http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/11/22/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-part-one/ […]
Here’s my contribution. Is it normal to be this excited about this?
http://joseedeangelis.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/terribleminds-flash-fiction-challenge/
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!
Yay! Can’t wait to read it!
Here you go!
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/5308122-200-words-at-a-time-part-two
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.
I’mso glad you like it! It’s posted to the new blog now. I’m excited to see where someone else takes it!
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.
This is SciFi, BTW.
I’m getting a ‘page not found’ message and I can’t find this from your home page either. Did you remove it?
Sorry about that. Try it now.
-Paul
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.
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.
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/
I’m getting “Page Not found”.
I got a “Page not found” when I tried to read yours.
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
[…] my new favorite thing. Chuck’s TerribleMinds blog has a new one up for this week – 200 words at a time. This challenge is to write 200 words (duh) to be the start of a piece for next week. Next Friday […]
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.
That’s interesting – I think I’ll take this for my week two project. Thanks!
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.
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.
http://benteight.tumblr.com/post/67927905552/200-words-for-a-story-someone-else-will-write-this-is
I’m taking this tone. See you in part 2!
Here it is Kirsten, I hope you like it.
I’ll post it in Part Two as well, so someone can continue it.
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!
[…] the Terribleminds Flash Fiction challenge “200 Words At A Time: Part One” – I’m curious to see what people make of […]
“This is never going to work.”
http://www.blueinkalchemy.com/2013/11/25/flash-fiction-within-the-church/
What happens next?
I like this one. I’ll do my best to have the next 200 words up this weekend.
199 words. I left this one pretty wide open.
http://strangeworldsblog.blogspot.com/2013/11/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at.html
[…] For Chuck Wendig’s Flash Fiction Challenge. […]
[…] For Chuck Wendig’s Flash Fiction Challenge. […]
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/
Okay, you got me with the wolves. I have to make something happen with that. Thanks for it! 🙂
Yay, thanks! Although I think someone else was gonna work on this too? But I guess that’s okay, isn’t it?
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!
Oh, well, you’re right. Thank you very much for taking mine up!
Fun 🙂 Here’s mine. 268 words. I lost count.
http://samanthadunawaybryant.blogspot.com/2013/11/chuck-wendigs-flash-fiction-challenge.html?_sm_au_=iHVfFwvqnDkqtSNv
Oh! I like this one! 🙂
[…] this week’s challenge over on Chuck Wendig’s blog is 200 Words at a Time, Part One, where you write the beginning to a story, 200 words or less, and then next week, everyone chooses […]
Okay, sounds fun. Here’s mine, dropping in at 198 words.
http://www.authordjdavis.com/?p=97
I just added a couple hundred to your great opening. Now to see if I can post it so it’s accessible. Cheers Hank
[…] Chuck Wendig Terrible Minds prompt this week is an odd one. Picture a story, doesn’t matter what one you go with. Now picture […]
Here is my starter Devoted Eyes sits at roughly 220 words or so.
http://jonjeffersonauthor.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/devoted-eyes/
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.
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/
I’m going to work on this one – unpredictable magic!
Here’s my addition – http://dragonfyreediting.blogspot.com/2013_12_01_archive.html
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!
Part one of ‘Delmer’s Fiddle’.
http://jonah2eight.blogspot.com/2013/11/delmers-fiddle.html
As much as I hate this one… it won’t leave me alone. So, I’ll have a go at this one.
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.
Never thought my writing would invoke hatred. But yeah, reaching into my southern gothic roots. Thanks!
auguris, my contribution to the story you started.
Sorry, auguris. Here’s the link. Stupid WordPress.
http://jdfitchauthor.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/more-of-the-200-word-challenge/
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
I’d like to grab this one for the next 200. Thanks!
Cool. I can’t wait to see where you take it.
[…] http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/11/22/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-part-one/ […]
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/
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/
I continued it also: http://carlthenomad.blogspot.com
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
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!!!!!
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
This is great! Sorry, I’ve been MIA for a while and am only now catching up!! 🙂
Ashley, in case you’re keeping track of where the story eventually went, here’s my part 4: http://lynnalandstreet.com/stories/missing
I figured I’d throw a few words into the mix. No title. 199 words.
http://murgatroid-98.livejournal.com/2391.html
Oooh this gives me so many ideas. Totally taking this one on! Will link my next part when it’s done 🙂
Thank you, thank you. I can hardly wait to see where you take it.
My part 2 is here! Hope it’s entertaining… http://elsiewho.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/200-words-at-a-time-continued/
I continued this story (Part 3) here. Great writing ya’ll: http://jeremypodolski.com/200-words-at-a-time-terrible-minds-flash-fiction-challenge/
Oh I love the twist! I hope someone continues it, I want to know where it goes! Nicely done!
[…] Chuck Wendig challenge classic is pretty awesome. Each week you write a 200 hundred word part of a flash […]
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/
Ooh, I pick this one to add to 🙂
Thanks! Of course, now I want to finish it.
So finish it 😉 No harm in having 2 versions. I’ll probably finish mine, too, ’cause I’m already invested in the characters.
True, just so many things to do during the holidays.
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.
[…] blog, Terrible Minds, and the in-your-face writing advice he dispenses. So how could I resist his 200 Words at a Time challenge? The idea: each Friday over the next 5 Fridays, participants write 200 words of a 1000 […]
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/
I picked yours. I’ll have part two up by Friday.
Oh wow, thank you! I can’t wait to see. I need to decide which one to continue…
Also love your opening btw!
Here’s what I did:
http://jonah2eight.blogspot.com/2013/11/flash-fiction-challenge-part-2.html
Oooh! Interesting developments! I hope someone continues it next week because I definitely want to know where this goes :). Thanks so much!
Here we go. 205 words I think.
http://joebrewing.wordpress.com/2013/11/25/another-flash-fiction/
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.
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
[…] http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/11/22/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-part-one/ Share this:TwitterFacebookGoogleLike this:Like Loading… […]
[…] This is part of the Terrible Minds 200 word story intro challenge. It is 199 words. http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/11/22/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-part-one/ […]
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!
Hey nitromidget! I am going to give yours a go. 🙂
Here it is!
http://prose.smoph.org/2013/12/01/threads-of-time-part-ii/
[…] is 2/5 of the Terrible Minds 200 word Challenge: http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/11/22/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-part-one/comm… On to […]
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
This one is right up my alley–I think I’ll give the next 200 words a crack!
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/
I added some to this also:
http://pbaughman.com/blog/2013/12/06/fiction/
My 200 words. Then I can start looking for the next story.
http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2013/11/wendig-challenge-first-200-words.html
I’ve been searching through all of the story starts and finally narrowed it down to yours. Hope I can do your start justice.
Have fun! I’m still looking for which one I continue. I run a PG blog, so it’s sometimes tricky around here. ..
[…] trying something a little different and giving Chuck Wendig’s story challenge a shot; here’s my 200 word starter […]
I want to play! 200 words, no title, no waiting.
http://www.emmyjackson.com/challenges/chuck-wendig-story-challenge/
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
Ha! Love it!
[…] the latest Terribleminds challenge, we have to write a story 200 words at a time. So I write 200 words and then next week I take […]
Here’s my 199. I hope someone tells me what’s in the corner! http://wp.me/p3McUV-21
I think I shall continue this one.
Great, looking forward to seeing what happens 🙂
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!
Nice, thank you! I like how you can only see it on the cat’s level.
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/
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
I’ve got to take this one. Monsters!
And here it is: http://andreaspeed.com/2013/flash-fic-challenge-round-robin-part-2/
Oh I LOVE what you did with this. Tense, beautiful, and exactly the tone I was going for.
Thank you! I think there’s a great story potential here. But I would.
[…] http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/11/22/flash-fiction-challenge-200-words-at-a-time-part-one/ […]
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/
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/
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
I do believe I’ll give this one a shot.
Cool, thanks 🙂
Here it is.
http://dangerdean.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/flash-fiction-200-words-at-a-time-part-two/