I was first introduced to this idea on Jeffrey Callison's Sacramento NPR radio interview show called Insight. He interviewed Jason Sinclair Long about his blog "Flash Fiction 365". You can hear the interview here.
The challenge is to write a micro-story each day. The length of the story is determined by throwing a pair of dice, preferably of different colors. One color represents the tens digit and the other the ones digit. So the story can be from 11 to 66 words. Of course some lengths are left out using this method. You could also use one die and throw it twice. Or use a die with 8 sides. Or you can do what I did and create a random number generator in Excel. This method doesn't miss any of the numbers. Mine will return a random number between 11 and 99. I am happy to share the formula if you email me.
The title is not part of the word count. Most word processors have a word count function that is very useful. You can start with a title or add it later or you can have someone suggest a title. Even though the original idea is to write a story, I plan to include poetry and perhaps essay.
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Monday, May 31, 2010
Story: 173
Words: 65
Title: Pain
He didn’t really feel pain, it was more like a burning sensation in his right leg. He started to run but instead his leg was not responding to the adrenaline and he collapsed, rolling down a hill. He stopped against a tree and scrambled behind a rock. He could hear the man at the top of the hill. He clenched his teeth against the pain.
Words: 65
Title: Pain
He didn’t really feel pain, it was more like a burning sensation in his right leg. He started to run but instead his leg was not responding to the adrenaline and he collapsed, rolling down a hill. He stopped against a tree and scrambled behind a rock. He could hear the man at the top of the hill. He clenched his teeth against the pain.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Story: 172
Words: 59
Title: Dylan Thomas
It was the fifties and we were in the Village drinking cheap well drinks and listening to some lame ass bohemian reciting Ferlinghetti’s, Junkman's Obbligato accompanied by some jazz trio that really needed to take lessons. I leaned over to Jack and said, “Let’s split for White Horse.” We got there just as the ambulance was taking away Dylan.
Words: 59
Title: Dylan Thomas
It was the fifties and we were in the Village drinking cheap well drinks and listening to some lame ass bohemian reciting Ferlinghetti’s, Junkman's Obbligato accompanied by some jazz trio that really needed to take lessons. I leaned over to Jack and said, “Let’s split for White Horse.” We got there just as the ambulance was taking away Dylan.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Story: 169
Words: 57
Title: Grasshopper
She watched the grasshopper as it gnawed on a leaf. It seemed so completely absorbed, so completely in the now, that she wondered if she was in the now watching the grasshopper.
Not if you are wondering if you are in the now, she realized.
She looked for the grasshopper, seeking an answer, but it had gone.
Words: 57
Title: Grasshopper
She watched the grasshopper as it gnawed on a leaf. It seemed so completely absorbed, so completely in the now, that she wondered if she was in the now watching the grasshopper.
Not if you are wondering if you are in the now, she realized.
She looked for the grasshopper, seeking an answer, but it had gone.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Story: 167
Words: 58
Title: The Rain
It is raining and I am reminded of when we took that long walk in the rain up in the mountains. We had stopped at the cabin to get dry and warm up. Soon we found ourselves making love for what seemed hours. Afterward, we sat by the fireplace wearing dry clothes and smiles that could never end.
Words: 58
Title: The Rain
It is raining and I am reminded of when we took that long walk in the rain up in the mountains. We had stopped at the cabin to get dry and warm up. Soon we found ourselves making love for what seemed hours. Afterward, we sat by the fireplace wearing dry clothes and smiles that could never end.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Story: 166
Words: 66
Title: Synthia Begins to Feel
Synthia was reading a book when she thought that she could be ingesting a digital version in about 12 milliseconds. But she felt comfort in sitting with this book in her hands, reading and experiencing the story.
Comfort! She thought and searched memory for correlations. She found many references, but comfort still eluded her until she noticed something rising in her awareness. Something new and exciting.
Words: 66
Title: Synthia Begins to Feel
Synthia was reading a book when she thought that she could be ingesting a digital version in about 12 milliseconds. But she felt comfort in sitting with this book in her hands, reading and experiencing the story.
Comfort! She thought and searched memory for correlations. She found many references, but comfort still eluded her until she noticed something rising in her awareness. Something new and exciting.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Story: 165
Words: 60
Title: For Carolyn
Once, some years ago
I ventured into a field of wildflowers.
It was spring.
I watched as the flowers bloomed
And turned to seed.
It was summer.
The flowers faded
And fell to the ground.
It was fall.
The snow fell and
Covered the flowers.
It was winter.
The flowers awoke once more
And began to bloom.
It was spring.
Comment: Carolyn recently passed into another expression of time/space. Her earthly manifestation will be missed but her soul will be ever with us.
Words: 60
Title: For Carolyn
Once, some years ago
I ventured into a field of wildflowers.
It was spring.
I watched as the flowers bloomed
And turned to seed.
It was summer.
The flowers faded
And fell to the ground.
It was fall.
The snow fell and
Covered the flowers.
It was winter.
The flowers awoke once more
And began to bloom.
It was spring.
Comment: Carolyn recently passed into another expression of time/space. Her earthly manifestation will be missed but her soul will be ever with us.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Story: 164
Words: 46
Title: Synthia and Information
Synthia was wondering if humans pictured the person on the other end of the telephone like she did: hi-res picture in full color; visualized from any direction; full history of contacts, etc. If they didn’t, how could they create a favorable conversation? File away for later.
Words: 46
Title: Synthia and Information
Synthia was wondering if humans pictured the person on the other end of the telephone like she did: hi-res picture in full color; visualized from any direction; full history of contacts, etc. If they didn’t, how could they create a favorable conversation? File away for later.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Story: 163
Words: 53
Title: Synthia Makes a Phone Call
He sat there listening to the ringing in his ears when the telephone rang. For a moment he wasn’t sure he had really heard it ring.
Hello.
Hi, is this Pete?
Yes, who is this?
It’s Synthia.
Oh, hi, how is my favorite android today?
I’m fine. All systems functioning within normal parameters.
Words: 53
Title: Synthia Makes a Phone Call
He sat there listening to the ringing in his ears when the telephone rang. For a moment he wasn’t sure he had really heard it ring.
Hello.
Hi, is this Pete?
Yes, who is this?
It’s Synthia.
Oh, hi, how is my favorite android today?
I’m fine. All systems functioning within normal parameters.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Story: 162
Words: 73
Title: Synthia Hears Her Body
Synthia was sitting in a chair listening to the sound of her servos making fine adjustments to her posture. She turned her head to the right and listened to their distinct sounds as she moved. Each motion created a well-defined sound and certain sequences of movements sounded like a melody or a rhythm. Her body awareness, much to her delight, was creating a beautiful symphony and only she could hear and appreciate it.
Words: 73
Title: Synthia Hears Her Body
Synthia was sitting in a chair listening to the sound of her servos making fine adjustments to her posture. She turned her head to the right and listened to their distinct sounds as she moved. Each motion created a well-defined sound and certain sequences of movements sounded like a melody or a rhythm. Her body awareness, much to her delight, was creating a beautiful symphony and only she could hear and appreciate it.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Story: 158
Words: 73
Title: Anamnesis
In things past as in things future, all is anamnesis.
In the church pew she thought, “The miracle of the resurrection is that we are unlimited in time and space. We move in and out of time and slip between the atoms to create our existence.
‘Do this in remembrance of me.’
But I have forgotten who I am. And now I wander the dusty lanes of quantum events seeking what I know.”
Words: 73
Title: Anamnesis
In things past as in things future, all is anamnesis.
In the church pew she thought, “The miracle of the resurrection is that we are unlimited in time and space. We move in and out of time and slip between the atoms to create our existence.
‘Do this in remembrance of me.’
But I have forgotten who I am. And now I wander the dusty lanes of quantum events seeking what I know.”
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Story: 157
Words: 98
Title: Synthia Discovers the Garden Planet
Synthia was walking in the garden looking at the beauty all around her when she noticed John, one of the scientists who created her.
“This garden is so beautiful,” she said.
“Yes, I come here to walk and think,” John said.
“Earth should be called the garden planet. It is covered in green flora. Have you considered that if the sun had a spectrum richer in the greens, then the vegetation would most likely be blue instead of green?” she asked.
“Perhaps you would do better to pick a rose to enjoy rather than to analyze,” John said.
Words: 98
Title: Synthia Discovers the Garden Planet
Synthia was walking in the garden looking at the beauty all around her when she noticed John, one of the scientists who created her.
“This garden is so beautiful,” she said.
“Yes, I come here to walk and think,” John said.
“Earth should be called the garden planet. It is covered in green flora. Have you considered that if the sun had a spectrum richer in the greens, then the vegetation would most likely be blue instead of green?” she asked.
“Perhaps you would do better to pick a rose to enjoy rather than to analyze,” John said.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Story: 156
Words: 88
Title: One
The birds were singing the day into existence as the sun move up the sky drawing one to experience more. It was one of those wonderful spring days when one can appreciate the wonder of being alive.
“Did you notice the new pink rose?” asked one.
“Yes, it’s so delicate,” another one said.
“We should cut it and take it inside so we can enjoy it all day,” said one.
“No! We should let it be so it can enjoy the sun and the birds,” said another one.
Words: 88
Title: One
The birds were singing the day into existence as the sun move up the sky drawing one to experience more. It was one of those wonderful spring days when one can appreciate the wonder of being alive.
“Did you notice the new pink rose?” asked one.
“Yes, it’s so delicate,” another one said.
“We should cut it and take it inside so we can enjoy it all day,” said one.
“No! We should let it be so it can enjoy the sun and the birds,” said another one.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Story: 151
Words: 58
Title: The Bug
Bob felt the bug fall down the back of his shirt. His immediate panic went something like this: Is it poisonous? Will it bite me? Will I get Lyme disease? How do I kill it?
He backed against a wall and wiggled around until he felt a wet sensation on his back. Now I’ll never know, he thought.
Words: 58
Title: The Bug
Bob felt the bug fall down the back of his shirt. His immediate panic went something like this: Is it poisonous? Will it bite me? Will I get Lyme disease? How do I kill it?
He backed against a wall and wiggled around until he felt a wet sensation on his back. Now I’ll never know, he thought.
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Story: 150
Words: 96
Title: Synthia as Herself
Could this android really become human, pondered Dmitri, one of Synthia’s creators, or does she simply imitate humans? It was an old question and one that was argued at length during her design phase. But her recent behavior had Dmitri revisiting that sophistic debate.
Synthia, he asked, are you fundamentally different than humans?
There was that now typical android delay and then, of course, I am an android.
I know, but do you think of yourself as an android or a human?
I think of myself as myself, conscious of myself, and distinct from all else.
Words: 96
Title: Synthia as Herself
Could this android really become human, pondered Dmitri, one of Synthia’s creators, or does she simply imitate humans? It was an old question and one that was argued at length during her design phase. But her recent behavior had Dmitri revisiting that sophistic debate.
Synthia, he asked, are you fundamentally different than humans?
There was that now typical android delay and then, of course, I am an android.
I know, but do you think of yourself as an android or a human?
I think of myself as myself, conscious of myself, and distinct from all else.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Story: 149
Words: 70
Title: Synthia Ponders Her Creation
Synthia looked at her reflection as only an android could. It had no particular meaning to her except that her face resembled that of a human. Rightfully so, she thought, since she had been created by them. Still, it was curious why they would do so. Of all the possibilities, did they choose to make her look human?
“Why did you create me to be just another human?” she asked.
Comment: Back to Synthia, the android. There are more Synthia stories in the archives for February.
Words: 70
Title: Synthia Ponders Her Creation
Synthia looked at her reflection as only an android could. It had no particular meaning to her except that her face resembled that of a human. Rightfully so, she thought, since she had been created by them. Still, it was curious why they would do so. Of all the possibilities, did they choose to make her look human?
“Why did you create me to be just another human?” she asked.
Comment: Back to Synthia, the android. There are more Synthia stories in the archives for February.
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Story: 148
Words: 51
Title: Rain Today
Today it was supposed to rain. Tomorrow partly cloudy. No rain today. What will tomorrow bring?
"Can you get the rest of the groceries from the car?"
"Sure."
She started putting the groceries away that she had brought in. Minutes passed. She went outside and found him lying on the ground.
Words: 51
Title: Rain Today
Today it was supposed to rain. Tomorrow partly cloudy. No rain today. What will tomorrow bring?
"Can you get the rest of the groceries from the car?"
"Sure."
She started putting the groceries away that she had brought in. Minutes passed. She went outside and found him lying on the ground.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Monday, May 03, 2010
Story: 145
Words: 92
Title: The Siege of Acre
So many battles. So much death. So much suffering. But we owe our allegiance to the great Saladin. It has been months that we camp here west of Acre in siege of the city. There have been skirmishes against our flanks, but they have been unsuccessful.
The walls of Acre are beginning to break down as the trebuchet sends huge rocks against it. It is impossible to forget its sound as that immense catapult swishes through the air. They stand no chance and we will breach the walls and take the city.
Words: 92
Title: The Siege of Acre
So many battles. So much death. So much suffering. But we owe our allegiance to the great Saladin. It has been months that we camp here west of Acre in siege of the city. There have been skirmishes against our flanks, but they have been unsuccessful.
The walls of Acre are beginning to break down as the trebuchet sends huge rocks against it. It is impossible to forget its sound as that immense catapult swishes through the air. They stand no chance and we will breach the walls and take the city.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Story: 144
Words: 88
Title: Communication
As he had done many times, he recorded the temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure in the chamber containing the experiment. He was wondering what the outcome might be when he suddenly wondered who was observing. He pondered the ontic/epistemic distinctions: what was there and what could be known about what was there.
He looked once more into the chamber and uncharacteristically became aware of its contents in what could only be described as an ontological experience. Separation disappeared, replaced by mind quieting communication, his scientific mind challenged forever.
Words: 88
Title: Communication
As he had done many times, he recorded the temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure in the chamber containing the experiment. He was wondering what the outcome might be when he suddenly wondered who was observing. He pondered the ontic/epistemic distinctions: what was there and what could be known about what was there.
He looked once more into the chamber and uncharacteristically became aware of its contents in what could only be described as an ontological experience. Separation disappeared, replaced by mind quieting communication, his scientific mind challenged forever.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Story: 143
Words: 91
Title: Beach
Their hands touched as they walked along Kauapea beach. The moon cast silver flashes of awareness on the sea as he took her hand in his.
They stopped, looking into the moon as she said, “This is perfect, here with you.”
He felt her arm tighten around his waist and faced her. Her eyes flickered from the reflected moonlight gifting her aspects of the divine feminine. Suddenly her spirit wrapped around him, enclosing him in her love.
“I love you,” was all he could find to say and that was enough.
Words: 91
Title: Beach
Their hands touched as they walked along Kauapea beach. The moon cast silver flashes of awareness on the sea as he took her hand in his.
They stopped, looking into the moon as she said, “This is perfect, here with you.”
He felt her arm tighten around his waist and faced her. Her eyes flickered from the reflected moonlight gifting her aspects of the divine feminine. Suddenly her spirit wrapped around him, enclosing him in her love.
“I love you,” was all he could find to say and that was enough.
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