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 says:
Not Today Satan. Not today. https://cypheroftyr.com/2017/02/10/not-today-satan-for-chuckwendigs-flash-fiction-challenge/
February 10, 2017 — 1:01 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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.
February 11, 2017 — 5:31 AM
Beth Turnage says:
You’re right. There are some people in the world that needs no help from Satan. Sorta scary.
February 16, 2017 — 6:20 AM
Sertysh says:
So happy to see Guppy there.
February 10, 2017 — 1:09 PM
john freeter says:
Guppy must die though…
February 11, 2017 — 5:12 AM
Lisa says:
I might have taken the easy one. http://thoughtitwasgood.blogspot.com/
February 10, 2017 — 3:47 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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.
February 13, 2017 — 9:14 AM
Lisa Malaniak says:
Hey, thanks! I’m barely on speaking terms with blogger myself these days so I hear ya on the comments problem.
February 13, 2017 — 3:59 PM
Grymmlock says:
Oh my goodness, this was beautiful. Sad and devastating in its truth, but still beautiful. Brilliant writing!
February 16, 2017 — 5:00 PM
Lisa says:
*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!
February 16, 2017 — 5:11 PM
Christopher Slagle says:
Very nicely done!
February 17, 2017 — 10:34 AM
Lisa Malaniak says:
Thank you for reading it!
February 17, 2017 — 10:14 PM
Tj Geezer says:
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
February 10, 2017 — 8:57 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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.
February 13, 2017 — 4:49 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
“because in [many years] of being with this ISP…”
February 13, 2017 — 4:50 PM
Tj Geezer says:
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.
February 13, 2017 — 5:00 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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.
February 13, 2017 — 5:12 PM
keruin says:
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.
February 18, 2017 — 10:28 AM
The Urban Spaceman says:
“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/
February 11, 2017 — 5:24 AM
Beth Turnage says:
Great story. Had me chucking throughout.
February 16, 2017 — 5:06 PM
Mozette says:
The Gallows Girls… I liked it… I ran with it.
enjoy!
http://youcantgoback-andotherimpossibilities.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/the-gallows-girls.html
February 11, 2017 — 8:19 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
Ooh, a nice twist! I like how it blends first and second POV.
February 13, 2017 — 10:03 AM
Mozette says:
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. 🙂
February 13, 2017 — 7:58 PM
keruin says:
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.
February 18, 2017 — 10:23 AM
egoebelbecker says:
My very first humble offering. Hope you enjoy it. http://ericgoebelbecker.com/2017/02/not-today-satan/
February 11, 2017 — 9:42 PM
Lou Cadle says:
yay for your first offering! I like it-tension from the get-go.
February 13, 2017 — 10:55 AM
egoebelbecker says:
Thank you!
February 13, 2017 — 2:31 PM
Christopher Slagle says:
This was a lot of fun to read. Great job!
February 17, 2017 — 12:08 PM
egoebelbecker says:
Thanks!
February 17, 2017 — 12:11 PM
Mark Gardner says:
I’m a little heavy at 1234 words: http://wp.me/p4le2s-1N5
February 13, 2017 — 8:37 AM
Lou Cadle says:
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
February 13, 2017 — 10:52 AM
SHAGUN says:
Not Today, Satan
https://lovenlifeinsights.wordpress.com/2017/02/13/ruminations-of-a-burdened-soul-chapter-two/
February 13, 2017 — 12:24 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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.
February 13, 2017 — 5:12 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
This reply was supposed to be to TJ.
February 13, 2017 — 5:13 PM
Tj Geezer says:
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)_/¯
February 13, 2017 — 5:59 PM
Tj Geezer says:
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?
February 13, 2017 — 6:18 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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?
February 14, 2017 — 5:33 PM
Susan Monroe McGrath says:
The Gallows Girls. Enjoy.
https://susan-reads.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-gallows-girls.html
February 13, 2017 — 10:25 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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.
February 15, 2017 — 8:34 AM
andys says:
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/
February 14, 2017 — 5:14 AM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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!
February 15, 2017 — 8:46 AM
Skye says:
I liked this one. A little bit out-there, a little bit creepy. Good job!
February 16, 2017 — 2:20 PM
andys says:
Thank you both. And I think it’s safe to say that there’s no way this deal can be good.
February 16, 2017 — 9:35 PM
The Writer says:
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.
February 14, 2017 — 6:22 AM
keruin says:
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/
February 14, 2017 — 12:33 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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.
February 14, 2017 — 5:43 PM
Skye says:
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/
February 14, 2017 — 3:56 PM
Matthew X. Gomez says:
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/
February 14, 2017 — 4:22 PM
Beth Turnage says:
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!
February 14, 2017 — 8:34 PM
The Urban Spaceman says:
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!
February 15, 2017 — 9:01 AM
Beth Turnage says:
Thank you. 🙂
February 15, 2017 — 9:11 AM
Beth Turnage says:
http://bethturnage.com/?p=910
February 14, 2017 — 8:35 PM
Sam Brady says:
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/
February 14, 2017 — 9:02 PM
dcxli says:
All Flags Fall
https://dcxli.wordpress.com/2017/02/14/all-flags-fall/
Enjoy and critique away!
February 14, 2017 — 11:15 PM
keruin says:
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!
February 18, 2017 — 10:32 AM
dcxli says:
Thank you!
February 18, 2017 — 1:39 PM
P.J. Post says:
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. 🙂
February 15, 2017 — 3:40 AM
dhippensteel says:
Not Tonight, Honey – http://wp.me/p41CL6-WT
February 15, 2017 — 9:50 AM
Helene says:
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/
February 15, 2017 — 10:05 AM
Shana says:
I liked The Gallows Girls. It just clicked. Might become a prologue. http://slwhshorts.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-gallows-girls.html
February 15, 2017 — 10:15 AM
William Walker says:
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/
February 15, 2017 — 4:36 PM
William Walker says:
…might just *think* it’s about them. Jesus. My editor is Betsy DeVos.
February 15, 2017 — 7:47 PM
Beth Turnage says:
“My editor is Betsy DeVos.” ~ Have you thought about an exorcism? Might help. 😉
February 16, 2017 — 6:10 AM
William Walker says:
That could be a whole other book. Thanks. 🙂
February 16, 2017 — 12:29 PM
keruin says:
Like! You’ve written a very urgent voice into this person’s mind, making it all the more compelling. Good job!
February 18, 2017 — 10:37 AM
Christopher Slagle says:
My vengeance-drenched take on The Gallows Girls: https://christopherslagle.wordpress.com/2017/02/15/flash-fiction-the-gallows-girls
February 15, 2017 — 9:56 PM
Vicente L Ruiz says:
Almost late, but here it is. I chose “All Flags Fall” by lbstribling:
https://medium.com/@VicenteLRuiz/all-flags-fall-b8138c8df683#.6x82n1rok
February 16, 2017 — 3:11 AM
kim blades, writer says:
I’ve written on Alisa Russell’s title ‘Long Way Home’
https://wordpress.com/post/kim153.wordpress.com/2087
February 16, 2017 — 10:03 AM
curioushart says:
I could not get to this link.
February 17, 2017 — 6:54 PM
boundbeautifunk says:
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/
February 16, 2017 — 3:00 PM
Grymmlock says:
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/
February 16, 2017 — 3:50 PM
Sertysh says:
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/
February 16, 2017 — 4:19 PM
Michelle Baillargeon says:
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/
February 16, 2017 — 4:51 PM
Rebecca Douglass says:
Long Way Home here, too.
http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/2017/02/friday-flash-long-way-home.html
February 16, 2017 — 5:50 PM
Allison Maruska says:
I rolled Long Way Home.
https://allisonmaruska.com/2017/02/16/flash-fiction-long-way-home/
February 16, 2017 — 7:17 PM
Jemima Pett says:
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/
February 17, 2017 — 4:22 AM
curioushart says:
Here is my one thousand word story titled “Long Way Home.”
https://curioushart.wordpress.com/2017/02/17/long-way-home/
February 17, 2017 — 10:47 AM
Helen O'Loughlin says:
Hope you enjoy things going wrong in One Fell Swoop. 🙂 https://helenoloughlin.com/2017/02/17/one-fell-swoop/
February 17, 2017 — 10:51 AM
Martin says:
Missed the Friday deadline.
Here is my piece on Guppy Must Die
http://mywrite.martinperlin.com/2017/02/guppy-must-die.html
February 18, 2017 — 5:44 PM
Josh Neff says:
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/
February 27, 2017 — 11:45 AM