Category: IU Flash Fiction Challenge

Bryson topped the ridge and looked down at the valley, stunned for a moment at the beauty of the resplendent colors.

The air was biting cold and the first snow would not be far off. Bryson knew he would likely die before he could find help, but he had to try.

On the far ridge, he could just make out a thin trail of smoke. In this country, it was as likely to be foe as friend, but he knew he had to do something. His daughter was still with the wagon train. Soon, the convoy would run out of food and the alternatives were grim, though Bryson suspected it wouldn’t be the first time the wagon-master had tasted human flesh.

In 250 words or less, write a story incorporating the elements in the picture and/or the written prompt above. Do not include the prompt in your entry. The 250 word limit will be strictly enforced.

Please keep language and subject matter to a PG-13 level.

Use the comment section below to submit your entry. Entries will be accepted until Tuesday at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. No political or religious entries, please.

On Wednesday afternoon, we will open voting to the public with an online poll for the best writing entry accompanying the photo. Voting will be open until 5:00 PM Thursday.

On Friday afternoon, the winner will be recognized as we post the winning entry along with the picture as a feature. Then, at year end, the winners will be featured in an anthology like this one. Best of luck to you all in your writing!

Entries only in the comment section. Other comments will be deleted. See HERE for additional information and terms.