So, I figure while I’m at Phoenix (presuming this challenge posts and doesn’t give me any issues), I think it’d be nice and thematic to stay with the Phoenix motif.
Except, forget the city.
Let’s go with the mythological creature.
Or, at least, the ideas or visuals or powers surrounding the Phoenix.
So: write 1000 words of fiction that ties in some way to the legend or theme of the Phoenix.
You can interpret this as loosely as you choose.
Story due in one week, by the following Friday at noon EST.
Post at your online space.
Link back here in the comments.
RISE AND BE REBORN, SQUAWKING FIRE BIRDS.
Mozette says:
Oh! Chuck! You sweet, sweet man! You posted this just in time for me right now in my life! I’ve had the busiest week in the history of my life this year… so far. Everything has worked out all week! And usually that means something – something! – has to go wrong! It did… a hall table I’ve bought just today was delivered to the store, I picked it up, got it home, struggled it up to the second storey where I was going to put the legs on it… only to find it was broken!!! Grrrr!
Then, you post this wonderful story idea… this prompt… to take my mind off my problems today. 😀
Thank you so much! 😀
June 6, 2014 — 12:08 AM
Mozette says:
Okay… it’s rather plain this one… but it’s a true story and happened over the last few months. 😀
http://youcantgoback-andotherimpossibilities.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/the-terrarium-phoenix.html
June 6, 2014 — 12:45 AM
Mr Urban Spaceman says:
Nice! I’d love a terrarium, but with a 4ft aquarium and huge parrot cage, I just don’t have the room. Plus, I’m sure I’d find a way of killing it. I’m terrible with plants 🙁
June 6, 2014 — 6:58 AM
Mozette says:
Aaahh… this is a great way to be good with plants and still not kill them. 🙂
And here’s the terrarium:
http://365project.org/mozette/365/2014-06-05
You can see why I wanted to write about it. I kill indoor plants with a thought – really I do – and terrariums are the best things for me. 😀
June 6, 2014 — 8:02 AM
Mr Urban Spaceman says:
Niiiice. Is your ship called Black Rock? Your terrarium totally reminds me of the LOST jungle.
June 6, 2014 — 11:49 AM
Mozette says:
Hey! I might use that name! I’ve only called it ‘Shipwrecked’… sooo, Black Rock will give it a bit more identity. 😀
That is if you don’t mind me stealing it… 😉
June 6, 2014 — 7:16 PM
epbeaumont says:
Yes. The real deal. Nonfiction that reads like soul-distilled story, but full of nutritious facts.
June 14, 2014 — 7:25 PM
David Blackstone (@DavidWriting) says:
I sort of already did this one, lol. The story is a couple years old, but here’s my 500-w sf take on the phoenix myth.
http://www.agincourtdb.com/2012/08/after-kaschei.html
June 6, 2014 — 12:14 AM
Mr Urban Spaceman says:
Pretty cool. Your story makes me want to know more about this universe and its inhabitants.
June 6, 2014 — 7:02 AM
Catastrophe Jones says:
Would totally read a longer piece surrounding this guy and what the hell happened to him. Awesome piece.
June 6, 2014 — 2:45 PM
David Blackstone (@DavidWriting) says:
Thanks guys. 🙂 There are three or four more flashfic pieces with these characters on the blog… if you go to the tags menu and click on ‘Mays Rebbo and Elle’ you can read them. 🙂
June 6, 2014 — 4:02 PM
Mark Baron says:
I liked it, a lot. I love when a writer can do so much world building in so short a piece!
June 6, 2014 — 9:01 PM
David Blackstone (@DavidWriting) says:
Thanks 🙂
June 7, 2014 — 3:08 PM
Ebonstorm says:
Nicely done. Enjoyed the tone and tenor. Space opera for the win!
June 8, 2014 — 4:28 PM
David Blackstone (@DavidWriting) says:
Thanks very much 🙂
June 10, 2014 — 7:42 PM
epbeaumont says:
Story sucked me right in and then spat me out wondering what happened after.
June 14, 2014 — 7:28 PM
David Blackstone (@DavidWriting) says:
Thank you!
June 14, 2014 — 8:07 PM
Mark Gardner says:
Ooh! I get to think about this new all night.
June 6, 2014 — 12:32 AM
Mark Gardner says:
http://article94.wordpress.com/2014/06/05/ascent/
June 6, 2014 — 2:14 AM
Catastrophe Jones says:
Niiiicely done. I absolutely love angels. People with wings. Flying, fire, fear, — gets me every time. Great read. 🙂
June 6, 2014 — 2:42 PM
fadedglories says:
I enjoyed this very much. The idea is great. It’s powerfully written and almost too vivid in parts, but that makes the heroine’s love such a contrast to the people’s fear and hate. Thanks for letting this one loose.
June 7, 2014 — 10:08 AM
Mark Gardner says:
Thanks. I’m glad it turned out well since I wrote it at stupid o’clock in the morning.
June 7, 2014 — 5:14 PM
conniecockrell says:
Well done, Mark. I loved the story.
June 10, 2014 — 8:12 PM
L says:
Sadness and ‘splosions and forgiveness. Sigh. Thanks for this.
June 13, 2014 — 3:23 PM
epbeaumont says:
The sensory detail keeps us anchored even as the story goes transcendent and steps out of ordinary reality.
June 14, 2014 — 7:32 PM
angelacavanaugh says:
I took the “You can interpret this as loosely as you choose” to heart in my story: Ashes
http://angelacavanaugh.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/flash-fiction-friday-ashes/
June 6, 2014 — 4:20 AM
physicsjenn says:
I really like this one. I have a friend who died of an aneurysm last summer, so it hit a little close to home, but in a good way.
June 6, 2014 — 8:45 AM
angelacavanaugh says:
Thanks 🙂
June 8, 2014 — 5:34 AM
Mark Gardner says:
I liked this one. You could’ve gone so many ways and I like the one you chose.
June 6, 2014 — 11:28 AM
angelacavanaugh says:
Thank you. I was trying to stay away from the literal bird legend, but still wanted to have a rebirth from ashes. This was what came to me. I’m glad you liked it.
June 8, 2014 — 5:36 AM
Mr Urban Spaceman says:
Grim, but very apt. I wonder how long it takes for the old memories to fade, replaced by experiences of the new life? I thought you brought the circle of life around very nicely; Elton John would be proud. I’m not sure what a converyor belt is, but then, I’ve only been to one funeral/cremation, and that was a long time ago.
June 6, 2014 — 2:25 PM
angelacavanaugh says:
Not sure how long it would take for the new memories to over ride the old. I was going to have it happen almost immediately in the story, but I was out of words. lol The conveyor belt is the thing that would move the body into the actual furnace where the cremation takes place. Thanks for reading it. Glad you liked it.
June 8, 2014 — 5:37 AM
Catastrophe Jones says:
My wife’s greatest fear is that we remain able to experience things after we die. This short would’ve *terrified* her. Nice job.
June 6, 2014 — 2:38 PM
angelacavanaugh says:
lol thanks 🙂
June 8, 2014 — 5:38 AM
JP Juniper says:
Oh gods, this is high-octane nightmare fuel. Well done!
June 6, 2014 — 3:20 PM
angelacavanaugh says:
Thank you. Maybe I should have put a disclaimer? lol
June 8, 2014 — 5:38 AM
conniecockrell says:
Very powerful. I almost stopped reading at the horror of it.
June 10, 2014 — 8:16 PM
cjkeats says:
Yes, in essence the phoenix is a reincarnation myth. Well written, Angela!
June 13, 2014 — 2:56 AM
epbeaumont says:
Perfect structure and a pretty darn close to classical phoenix, less the feathers.
June 14, 2014 — 7:35 PM
Natalie Maddalena says:
I thought this was going to be about Conchita Wurst, the Austrian bearded lady who won Eurovision with the song “Rise Like a Phoenix”. But I forgot, you probably don’t see Eurovision in the US.
June 6, 2014 — 5:02 AM
Pavowski says:
I used to be a little bit fixated with the Phoenix; hope I can do this one justice.
June 6, 2014 — 6:38 AM
Pavowski says:
This is a sort of return to form for me, as I’ve gone back to short stories which are ultimately pretty depressing and horrifying. So there’s that. That said, I enjoyed this one. It was inspired by equal parts Groundhog Day and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, with the comedy extracted and a dash of Final Destination thrown in.
Anyway, here are 1000 words. Exactly. I had to trim a bit when I got to the end.
“This Time I’ll Drown” is here: https://pavorisms.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/this-time-ill-drown/
June 6, 2014 — 10:07 PM
fadedglories says:
I love this. It has a kind of horrid inevitability and I found myself hoping for an cheat ending, but you were true to your story and it’s all the better for that.
Your descriptive writing is excellent too and you conveyed so much in a thousand words.
Great stuff.
June 7, 2014 — 9:58 AM
epbeaumont says:
This one really captures the horror of reincarnation, that not-so-merry-go-round the Buddhists call the wheel of death and rebirth.
June 14, 2014 — 7:38 PM
Mr Urban Spaceman says:
Linking two previous flash-fics, my story, Time and Time Again: http://mrurbanspaceman.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/time-and-time-again-a-flash-fiction-piece/
June 6, 2014 — 6:54 AM
conniecockrell says:
Interesting. Good luck with it.
June 10, 2014 — 8:24 PM
epbeaumont says:
Reads equally well as a stand-alone story or an episode in an ongoing tale — except for the evil cliffhanger. Evil, evil cliffhanger.
June 14, 2014 — 7:48 PM
wildcatbrass79 says:
Maybe I could write a story about rising up from my current state of depression at being stuck here this weekend, growing wings, and flying to Phoenix for the con….because yeah….that’s where my head’s at right now.
June 6, 2014 — 9:11 AM
Mark Baron says:
You know, this gives me the perfect idea for continuing last week’s story… http://wp.me/p4AFse-8K
June 6, 2014 — 11:52 AM
Mark Gardner says:
Nice. Keep tis up and you’ll have a short story in no time.
June 6, 2014 — 12:23 PM
Catastrophe Jones says:
Hot damn, Baron — *REALLY* Enjoyed this installment.
June 6, 2014 — 2:30 PM
C. E. Coburn says:
Nice work Mark! B-dubs…I want a warp-bike now. I’m making you responsible for bringing it to fruition.
June 6, 2014 — 4:38 PM
conniecockrell says:
Well done.
June 10, 2014 — 8:27 PM
Mark Baron says:
Thank you! 🙂
June 10, 2014 — 8:57 PM
epbeaumont says:
Scary critters, with best features of several traditional nightmares. LIke this twist on the phoenix, yes, and it’s not out of the range of (exo)biological possibility.
June 14, 2014 — 7:54 PM
JP Juniper says:
Got a little fancy and added a cover image and everything this time: http://www.jpjuniper.com/stories/2014/6/6/once-again-lorelei
Also a pretty loose interpretation of the challenge theme.
June 6, 2014 — 12:39 PM
Mr Urban Spaceman says:
Nicely done! You captured so many emotions in this piece, wielding them like a knife rather than sledge-hammer. The phoenix theme was subtle but had a presence throughout the whole fic.
June 6, 2014 — 2:18 PM
Catastrophe Jones says:
The ache, from this one, the sort of thrumming misery and reaching desperation in this piece is *brilliant*. 1000 words and you carve them into my heart with loss and rebirth. Definitely a wonderful read. Loved it — thank you for sharing.
June 6, 2014 — 2:35 PM
Ben Dodge says:
Bravo. Very well done. Will definitely be adding your blog to my favourites folder.
June 6, 2014 — 2:42 PM
C. E. Coburn says:
Wonderful. Read and commented on your blog.
June 6, 2014 — 4:56 PM
JP Juniper says:
Thanks for the kind words, everyone. They are very, very much appreciated.
June 6, 2014 — 5:27 PM
conniecockrell says:
Interesting take. Nicely done.
June 10, 2014 — 8:31 PM
L says:
Fantastic work. Simple and touching.
June 12, 2014 — 2:13 AM
cjkeats says:
Glad I didn’t read this before Istarted mine,I would have not bothered, you take the prize on this one. Beautifully done! I felt every emotion of your character, and with hardly an adverb in sight.
June 13, 2014 — 3:03 AM
epbeaumont says:
Billy’s real — a real shit. And the story implies a huge shift in life, a handing-off of the baton to a next generation but not at all in the usual order.
June 14, 2014 — 7:58 PM
Kristine McKinley says:
I wrote from the point of view of the Phoenix. My second bit of flash fiction all thanks to Chuck
http://blog.kmckinley.net/2014/06/06/flash-fiction-challenge-rise-of-the-phoenix/
June 6, 2014 — 2:45 PM
fadedglories says:
I liked your story. Your hero is a curious bird, perhaps that’s why he was captured in the first place? He also seems kind hearted. I’d enjoy reading more about him, however I think there might be bigger disadvantages for a captive Phoenix than eating pizza crust.
June 7, 2014 — 9:30 AM
Kristine McKinley says:
I like to think he let himself get captured and dealt with all the horribleness of captivity because he loved pizza crust so much. But after a while even it’s awesomeness couldn’t counter act the downside so he left because he’s a Phoenix and is powerful enough to leave whenever he wanted.
I’m glad you liked it and thanks so much for the feedback. 🙂
June 7, 2014 — 6:36 PM
conniecockrell says:
Awesome and positive story. I enjoyed it.
June 10, 2014 — 8:34 PM
Kristine McKinley says:
Thanks!
June 11, 2014 — 9:22 AM
epbeaumont says:
“There’s only so many times you can live in a cage and be poked and prodded and experimented on before the joy of pizza crust wears off.” Loved this line. Something about this slightly off-kilter remark brought the whole story to life.
June 14, 2014 — 8:00 PM
Kristine McKinley says:
Thanks, so glad you enjoyed it
June 15, 2014 — 12:07 PM
Andy Decker says:
Ok – here’s mine. Honest feedback is always appreciated. And thanks for the opportunity.
http://jonah2eight.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-terrible-creature-and-poorly-drawn.html
June 6, 2014 — 5:56 PM
epbeaumont says:
Really like the thing left unspoken at the end. Nameless horrors are the best horrors.
June 14, 2014 — 8:04 PM
Free Jack Klugman says:
One of my favorite hobbies is composing flash fiction pieces that are exactly 200 words, and this challenge challenge seemed like a great opportunity to indulge. You can find my piece, The Fireman, here: http://freejackklugman.com/ultra-shorts/the-fireman/
Enjoy!
June 6, 2014 — 9:40 PM
Jon Stoffel says:
A lot of ideas in just 200 words. I’d be interested to learn more about this fireman. Well done!
June 8, 2014 — 3:12 PM
epbeaumont says:
“Happy warrior” is the phrase that comes to mind. Wildly evocative of a whole novel, that I want to read.
June 14, 2014 — 8:10 PM
underastarlitsky says:
Here’s mine. From the Ashes: http://underastarlitsky.wordpress.com/
June 6, 2014 — 11:46 PM
epbeaumont says:
Eternal recurrence, like a lot of things, is a whole lot less glamorous close up.
June 14, 2014 — 8:19 PM
deinafurth says:
Here is mine: http://deinafurth.com/2014/06/06/the-guide-flash-fiction/. Glad to participate!
June 6, 2014 — 11:48 PM
epbeaumont says:
” It sounded the way gold looks.” And the whole piece kept up the trippy synesthesia and am-I-dreaming that this sentence promised.
June 14, 2014 — 8:22 PM
William Grit says:
http://williamgrit.com/2014/06/07/karate-class-3/
June 7, 2014 — 3:31 AM
fadedglories says:
The legends say that Sinbad the Sailor made seven fabulous voyages. They’re wrong. There was one more………….http://nanowrimoroman.blogspot.co.uk/?zx=1e06b1d3e3c04efa
June 7, 2014 — 5:02 AM
Raven Blackburn says:
On Monday I had to make the incredibly hard decision to let my baby go. This is my week so far, disturbingly fitting for this week’s challenge.
Please be kind in the comments.
http://ravenblackburn.blogspot.de/2014/06/from-ashes.html
June 7, 2014 — 6:24 AM
gekkegina says:
http://word-addicted.blogspot.com/2014/06/flash-fiction-challenge-phoenix.html
I went entirely out of my comfort zone, i’m usually more sci-fi than fantasy. But who knows? I’m still learning. This is 750 words of intensity, thanks for reading (if you do).
June 7, 2014 — 12:02 PM
cjkeats says:
I found it hard to read in your presentation but think it was worth the effort.
June 12, 2014 — 4:44 AM
Ebonstorm says:
Clifford Engram, paranormal investigator is close to making an arrest; as soon as he can get free of the zombies, cultists and dead gods attempting to lay claim to his soul…: http://30cubedsf.wordpress.com/2014/06/08/cryptic/
June 7, 2014 — 8:49 PM
Jon Stoffel says:
I could not for the life of me figure out how to use this theme. Then, yesterday, I found myself in a sour mood and found the story. I present:
Phoenix Down
http://www.jdstoffel.com/2014/06/flash-fiction-phoenix-down/
June 8, 2014 — 3:09 PM
L says:
VERY cool concept.
June 13, 2014 — 3:39 PM
Jon Stoffel says:
Many thanks! I’m working on expanding the story to include stuff I cut to narrowly make the 1000 word limit.
June 23, 2014 — 5:56 PM
deinafurth says:
Okay, I tried to post here before, but a whole shitstorm happened with my site this weekend, and everything disappeared for 24 hours. So I’m reposting my link now. I promise it works this time–I just checked it and moderated a comment. *fingers crossed*
http://deinafurth.com/2014/06/06/the-guide-flash-fiction/
June 8, 2014 — 5:41 PM
Josh Loomis says:
I had a little help with this one. A friend inspired me. To Rise Again, One Must Fall.
http://www.blueinkalchemy.com/2014/06/09/flash-fiction-to-rise-again-one-must-fall/
June 9, 2014 — 8:30 AM
Helen Espinosa says:
When I read this on Friday morning, I laughed out loud because it was too perfect. My sister and I had an appointment to get tattoos on Friday at noon and she was planning on getting a Phoenix. It’s pretty literal, I suppose, but her tattoo was forefront in my head and the words just sort-of happened.
https://helenespinosa.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/rising-free/
June 9, 2014 — 1:32 PM
Bree Salyer says:
I had every intention of capturing the story I clearly envisioned in my head. Sadly, I fell flat and for that I apologize. However, even a failed attempt is an attempt, so here it is:
http://saidbree.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/out-of-the-ashes/
June 9, 2014 — 8:58 PM
L says:
Not flat at all! Nice emotion you packed into 500 words, I thought.
June 13, 2014 — 3:07 PM
Jon Jefferson says:
http://www.10thdaypublishing.com/silent-past/
This is going to be bigger than originally intended. First installment.
June 9, 2014 — 11:27 PM
Lawerence Hawkins says:
Challenge accepted – part of an ongoing June theme for my daily writing practice – sci-fi titanomachy.
http://apromptripost.com/post/88343776149/playing-with-fire
June 10, 2014 — 12:15 AM
Lisa says:
Hey that was pretty badass. Wonderful rhythm you have going there.
June 11, 2014 — 7:10 PM
Lawerence Hawkins says:
Thanks very much!
June 23, 2014 — 6:11 PM
cjkeats says:
Imagination sparked. Wanted more. Could be a really great short story when/if fleshed out.
June 12, 2014 — 4:41 AM
Lawerence Hawkins says:
That’s the best thing I can hear. I’m doing related pieces throughout the month of June – should be a link on the piece itself. Thanks!
June 23, 2014 — 6:11 PM
melorajohnson says:
A silly little 50 word flash fiction is my contribution. http://melorajohnson.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-phoenix-a-flash-fiction/
June 10, 2014 — 10:01 AM
Matthew X. Gomez says:
http://mxgomez.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/contingency-a-chuck-wending-challege/
A somewhat dark, somewhat silly urban fantasy piece from the POV of the bad guy: Contigency
June 10, 2014 — 11:29 AM
Hannah says:
http://secondstaronther.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/arising/
Such a hard time sticking to wordcount with this one…I could have gone on much longer
June 10, 2014 — 11:40 AM
L says:
LOVED this. Super strong voice and really well-executed.
June 12, 2014 — 2:22 AM
Hannah says:
Thank you so much! I’m always glad to hear that my first person pieces work out–I avoided writing first person for so long. Thanks for reading!
June 12, 2014 — 9:04 AM
knuckleslurve (Brian) says:
That was well done. I could see this one going further like you mentioned. I really liked this.
June 13, 2014 — 1:21 AM
Hannah says:
Thank you! I ran out of words rather than steam for once! Thanks for reading.
June 13, 2014 — 9:20 AM
conniecockrell says:
A fun exercise. Here’s mine, Out of the Ashes. http://wp.me/p2AyuM-lr
June 10, 2014 — 8:02 PM
knuckleslurve says:
My first attempt at one of these writing thingies. Mines “Headaches and Heart” http://wp.me/p4Ie4W-7
June 10, 2014 — 11:12 PM
Cody Rock says:
Here’s mine. Entitled “From one face to another…” http://contradictionparadox.blogspot.com/
June 11, 2014 — 7:55 AM
Lisa says:
I liked this. The vignettes are really well-drawn and interesting.
June 11, 2014 — 6:55 PM
Lisa says:
I am late to to the party, but here is mine: https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/6448697-flash-fiction—purgatory
June 11, 2014 — 6:45 PM
cjkeats says:
Very nice. I am not a big reader of YA but to me your character sounded believable as a teen. Your descriptions were just unique enough. Only crit for me was I felt the last line didn’t fit, like you jarred me from the joke to tell me the punchline
June 12, 2014 — 4:32 AM
Lisa says:
Thanks! Totally legit criticism. I’m not a big writer of YA, either. Still working through the rulebook.
June 12, 2014 — 11:55 AM
cjkeats says:
I am even later to the party, as I didn’t have a writing place, yet. So this is my first attempt here. All comments welcomed.
http://colinjkeats.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/one-night-in-arizona/
June 12, 2014 — 3:45 AM
Lisa says:
Fun read – the two styles of the interior monologue vs the exterior dialog is a good choice I think. It sort of conceals the info dump. I liked the detail of the stuff all piled up and then burning downward. Cool idea.
June 12, 2014 — 1:25 PM
cjkeats says:
Thanks!
June 13, 2014 — 3:10 AM