Tag: writing competition

“Presentation is an important part of elegant dining,” Margo said.

I looked at the stupid little bird made out of some sort of vegetable I’d never eat under any circumstances nestled among other food I didn’t want.

In fact, considering the spread was for my birthday party, there was nothing here I wanted. It was classic Margo. “It’s a goofy-looking little bird. What’s elegant about that?” I grumbled at her.

“It’s whimsical,” she smiled at me, oblivious to my disappointment, as always.

I shrugged in resignation. There was just no winning this kind of discussion with Margo. There would be guests I didn’t want, standing around making small-talk I wasn’t interested in.

At least, I thought that’s how it was going to be. As it turns out, I underestimated Margo.

Continue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge: A Night to Remember”

It was another cold, dreary day in the city. The drizzle had washed away the light confection of snow that had fallen during the night.

Benny sighed. Every day was like this to him. Perhaps because it was like this the day he died.

So he stood on the corner, trying to sell umbrellas to passersby. Of course, no one could ever see him. Such is the plight of a spirit among the living. It had been much like this when he was alive. The afterlife had taken on the gray sameness of his life, so Benny didn’t really notice much difference.

Yet, today would be very different…

Continue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge: Rainy Days”

That’s Maureen peeking from between the trees there. She’s a little bit of a Christmas cookie fiend.

Every Christmas, Maureen follows old Santa on his route, and if he doesn’t eat all the cookies left behind for him, Maureen comes in and cleans up any remainders.

She always figured there was no harm in it and she was sure the old elf knew anyway. He always seemed to leave one or two cookies untouched.

One year, as Maureen was following along well behind the sleigh, she noticed Santa’s sack had developed a tear and some of the toys were falling out. Oh no! Santa didn’t seem to notice. Some of the children might not get their presents! Continue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge: Maureen the Christmas Moose”

The herd had moved on and left the old bull buffalo behind. He had seen many seasons and fought many battles.

He was tired. The cold made his bones ache. His breath came raw and hard. The food had been scarce and he was weak from hunger long before the killing snow came.

From the edge of the woods, he could hear the familiar footfall of a predator. He turned his head, only half-caring. He would not fight again. It was time for the long sleep.

In the distance stood an old wolf, left behind by her pack. She was limping badly and near her end as well.

In 250 words or less, tell us a story incorporating the elements in the picture. 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. Continue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge: The Long Sleep”