Congratulations to Dick Waters, winner of this week’s Flash Fiction competition. Thanks also to everyone who participated – excellent entries!
The winning entry is rewarded with a special feature here today and a place in our collection of winners which will be published as an e-book at year end.
Without further ado, here’s the winning entry:
Playing with Fire
by Dick C. Waters
My grandfather kept telling me not to play with matches, and warning, ‘If you play with fire you will get burned.’
I was sick and tired of being somebody’s punching bag. At least once a month they would search me out. There was no talking my way out of it…they were hell bent on making a mess of me.
All through high school, Butch and his friends would literally get their kicks into someone like me. The school authorities looked the other way, they did not have any proof. It was our word against theirs.
However, lately their routine was getting much too volatile. Last week they took me over to the deserted house on Church Creek. They doused me with gas and said to say my prayers. I thought it was all over. They got their kicks, and then they left me tied up and naked.
Two days later a student was found burned to death down at Baker’s pond.
Yesterday, they abducted my younger sister and took her over to the deserted house. She said they let her go, but I knew there was much more to the story.
Butch made two big mistakes; taking my younger sister, and taking me today. I was more than prepared. They tried their routine again. All I felt was the heat. I could make out the distant wailing sirens, while the old building groaned and crackled.
I hope my grandfather forgives me…I played with matches today.
Congratulations. A win much deserved. I thought all of the entries were good.
Thank you Barbara. It still amazes me how varied the entries are. I enjoy reading all of them.
I told you I’d be congratulating you soon! 😛 Good show.
Thank you Ben. Keep up your good work.
It would be very interesting when there are many more entries and a thousand votes.
If you dream it…it will happen.
Powerful short! Bullies inspire such awful acts…
Congratulations, Dick. Great entry. Thanks to everyone who voted for me in my first attempt. It really means a lot to me. I might even try again!
Thank you Lynda,
Please do all of us a favor and try it again. I for one enjoy reading the entries, and I’m sure I’m not alone.
Many of us have entered, and entered again. Last year at one point, I too gave up. However, several of my entries will be in the 2012 Anthology. If it wasn’t for the comments by one of the IU staff at the right time…I would have given up.
This week there were many great entries. They didn’t really lose; they just didn’t get the right amount of support/votes.
Indies Unlimited is a good place to be, with many supporters.
Knowing you wrote a good entry has its own rewards.
Thank you for your encouraging words, Dick.
Lona, I can’t say my act was as bad as my entry.
However, I was new to a town, and twins were constantly on my case.
One memorable day I had had enough.
I thought Dad was going to be upset with me when he got home.
Instead, he told me he was proud of me.
I guess we all have our limits and can only be pushed so far.
Congratulations Dick!
AC, Thank you very much..
Congratulations Dick! You were brave enough to step outside of the box. Job well done, it was a pleasure sharing space with you. I also want to congratulate everyone who entered, brilliance everywhere. This was my first; my knees were knocking, but I think I’m over the stage fright. Once again great win! How exciting to read the talent from such a great community!
Thank you very much Aron.
Now that your stage fright is over, keep going. It can only get better. Many people read these entries, and it’s only a matter of a few entries and the spotlight will be shining on your entry.
You’re right about the community as well. consider it your extended writing family.
A well deserved congratulations, Dick. Playing With Fire is powerful and nicely written flash fiction. I look forward to reading more of your work – and others – in this community.
Thank you Carolyn. I appreciate the nice words.
You sound new to Indies Unlimited. You might not know that all 38 authors who won in last year’s flash fiction will be published soon in an Anthology. There were many great entries including many that didn’t win.
That Anthology will be published in print version and e-Book.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment.
Welcome to a great home away from home.
Dick.
There were some very good entries this week and yours deserved to win. Well written Dick. Many congratulations.
Thank you Carole. This week’s should be interesting.