Today I’m thinking about tension. What’s something that would add natural tension to your story—and your characters—without a ton of explanation needed? For today’s prompt, let’s make things tense by writing about someone being somewhere they shouldn’t be. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.) Here’s my attempt at writing about someone being somewhere they shouldn’t be: […]

I’m a big fan of love in all forms—familial, friendly, platonic—but as this is February, romance is a little more on the forefront of my mind. However, romance doesn’t always mean chocolate and flowers; everyone has quirks that their partners have to discover to best woo them. For today’s prompt, write something romantic. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction […]

I’ve always thought regifting to be an interesting subject; sometimes, something that meant little to you can be very meaningful to someone else. Sometimes, you accidentally give someone something that they’d given you, and it can cause hurt feelings. And if you have hoarders in your life like I do, sometimes the gifts that come your way can be truly wacky. For today’s prompt, let’s write about something being regifted. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into […]

For today’s prompt, let’s write about the grim reaper. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.) Here’s my attempt at writing about the grim reaper: Not Today She’s laying on the couch tonight. It’s late. Dark. The reflection of the TV makes her eyes look wet, though they’re blank. I take my usual spot on the floor […]

Yesterday, we focused on character. Today, let’s focus on plot. For today’s prompt, write about a workplace drama. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.) Here’s my attempt at writing a workplace drama: Reconciliation “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.” I can’t remember my first confession. It’s not totally unusual—when you get to be my age, […]

For today’s prompt, let’s focus on character and character motivations. This past fall, our Editor, Michael Woodson, wrote a wonderful article about the pitfall of the characterless character. This got me thinking about character motivations; and when you only have a maximum of 1,500 words, it’s important that those motivations are clear to the reader if you’re writing a character-driven piece. For today’s prompt, write about a character attempting to be heartfelt. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to […]

I hope this challenge is serving you well! I’ve been finding some of the prompts a little bit difficult, but hopefully the further we go, the easier the stories will come! For today’s prompt, let’s get mysterious! Whether it’s a mystery about to be solved, one that will never be solved, or one that’s just beginning, let’s dive right in. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at […]

As always, if you’re on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram (or anywhere else), don’t forget to use the #FlashFictionFeb hashtag.  For today’s prompt, let’s write about a dream coming true. Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.) Here’s my attempt at making dreams come true: Ever After Jay paused in the doorway, the takeout bags bumping gently against […]

Let’s keep this going! If you’re on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram (or anywhere else), be sure use the #FlashFictionFeb hashtag.  For today’s prompt, write something based on the dialogue “Where does this lead?” “Nowhere good.” Remember: As mentioned yesterday, these prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you. (Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.) Here’s my attempt at writing based on a snippet of dialogue: Place Your Bets When […]