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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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Story: 203
Words: 58
Title: Katrina
The water was waist deep and getting deeper every minute. She looked at the ceiling, then the windows with the bars on the outside. The door was open enough for the water to flow in. She waded toward the door and pulled as hard as she could.
“Jean, are you in there?”
“Yes,” she screamed with profound relief.
Words: 58
Title: Katrina
The water was waist deep and getting deeper every minute. She looked at the ceiling, then the windows with the bars on the outside. The door was open enough for the water to flow in. She waded toward the door and pulled as hard as she could.
“Jean, are you in there?”
“Yes,” she screamed with profound relief.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Story: 202
Words: 69
Title: Mystery Surfer
Howard had broken his left foot. He wouldn’t tell anyone how it got broken. All we know is that it happened about three weeks ago when he was in Santa Cruz. We all figured he did it surfing since he was on the water more than land. But the mystery deepened when he said he also had sliced his upper arm. Howard kept the secret but never surfed again.
Words: 69
Title: Mystery Surfer
Howard had broken his left foot. He wouldn’t tell anyone how it got broken. All we know is that it happened about three weeks ago when he was in Santa Cruz. We all figured he did it surfing since he was on the water more than land. But the mystery deepened when he said he also had sliced his upper arm. Howard kept the secret but never surfed again.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Story: 201
Words: 76
Title: The Merchant of Main Street
As he did each morning, the clothing merchant looked over the racks and tables of goods neatly stacked and hung. He smiled to himself. The screech of brakes was unmistakable. He jumped to the wall to avoid the car as it careened into the store sending shirts and pants everywhere. He slipped to the floor, staring at the mess and started to cry. Then he stood, shook the dust from his pants and began cleaning up.
Words: 76
Title: The Merchant of Main Street
As he did each morning, the clothing merchant looked over the racks and tables of goods neatly stacked and hung. He smiled to himself. The screech of brakes was unmistakable. He jumped to the wall to avoid the car as it careened into the store sending shirts and pants everywhere. He slipped to the floor, staring at the mess and started to cry. Then he stood, shook the dust from his pants and began cleaning up.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Story: 200
Words: 66
Title: Dragon Fly
Dragon fly flew over the still surface of the pond. He watched his reflection in the water as it got larger and smaller. Suddenly he saw a very large reflection near his and made a sharp turn toward the reeds near the edge of the water. He flew into them and landed on stalk. His color blended in and he remained motionless for a long time.
Words: 66
Title: Dragon Fly
Dragon fly flew over the still surface of the pond. He watched his reflection in the water as it got larger and smaller. Suddenly he saw a very large reflection near his and made a sharp turn toward the reeds near the edge of the water. He flew into them and landed on stalk. His color blended in and he remained motionless for a long time.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Story: 198
Words: 87
Title: The Thief Negotiates for Help
Of course, how could he still be alive.
What do you want from me?
I want you to hack into Cybercity and remove the ban on my identity.
Is that all?
Yeah.
Nobody has succeeded in getting past the first two security levels-not even me.
So, you’re not up to the challenge?
Too much work for too little gain.
And how much gain would make it worth your time?
More than you have.
I'm a respected investor in the Cybercity underground. Start by checking out my rep.
Words: 87
Title: The Thief Negotiates for Help
Of course, how could he still be alive.
What do you want from me?
I want you to hack into Cybercity and remove the ban on my identity.
Is that all?
Yeah.
Nobody has succeeded in getting past the first two security levels-not even me.
So, you’re not up to the challenge?
Too much work for too little gain.
And how much gain would make it worth your time?
More than you have.
I'm a respected investor in the Cybercity underground. Start by checking out my rep.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Story: 197
Words: 82
Title: The Thief Seeks Help
If he had felt repentant that would be one thing, but he didn’t. He inquired around Luna Base Four until he found a bytehound; one of those rare, illusive genius’ that knew how to hack just about anything.
Can you hank into Cybercity?
Never tried. Too much work for too little gain. Besides, do you know who designed the security for it?
No.
None other than Stan Kubrick.
You mean the film director from last century?
No, he just took that name.
Words: 82
Title: The Thief Seeks Help
If he had felt repentant that would be one thing, but he didn’t. He inquired around Luna Base Four until he found a bytehound; one of those rare, illusive genius’ that knew how to hack just about anything.
Can you hank into Cybercity?
Never tried. Too much work for too little gain. Besides, do you know who designed the security for it?
No.
None other than Stan Kubrick.
You mean the film director from last century?
No, he just took that name.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Story: 196
Words: 58
Title: Lament for a Thief
The end result was that he could never go back to Cybercity again. Once you were tagged as a virtual thief by the City, you were banned for life. The City would forever remember you-it was that smart. He walked to the transport for the last time, got a ticket to Luna Base Four, and boarded the shuttle.
Words: 58
Title: Lament for a Thief
The end result was that he could never go back to Cybercity again. Once you were tagged as a virtual thief by the City, you were banned for life. The City would forever remember you-it was that smart. He walked to the transport for the last time, got a ticket to Luna Base Four, and boarded the shuttle.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Story: 195
Words: 74
Title: Synthia Considers the Wetnet
Wetnet. Synthia retrieved the info from the research that had been running in the unconscious part of her cyberbrain. Some attempts and lots of failures dominated the results. She would have to create it from scratch. There was, of course, no doubt or apprehension about achieving the desired result. For her it would either work or not work. She would simply begin with the outcome in mind. Synthia didn’t worry about what might be.
Words: 74
Title: Synthia Considers the Wetnet
Wetnet. Synthia retrieved the info from the research that had been running in the unconscious part of her cyberbrain. Some attempts and lots of failures dominated the results. She would have to create it from scratch. There was, of course, no doubt or apprehension about achieving the desired result. For her it would either work or not work. She would simply begin with the outcome in mind. Synthia didn’t worry about what might be.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Story: 194
Words: 75
Title: Synthia Solves the Problem
Synthia began formulating what the interface would look like. The biggest problem was how to interface with a human nervous system—how to connect to a wet-net. She created a subprogram in her synthetic brain to research how to do this and returned to musing about what it would be like to enter into Slug’s wet-net; to see what the universe looked like through his perceptual apparatus. The symbiosis of the two would be unbeatable.
Words: 75
Title: Synthia Solves the Problem
Synthia began formulating what the interface would look like. The biggest problem was how to interface with a human nervous system—how to connect to a wet-net. She created a subprogram in her synthetic brain to research how to do this and returned to musing about what it would be like to enter into Slug’s wet-net; to see what the universe looked like through his perceptual apparatus. The symbiosis of the two would be unbeatable.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Story: 192
Words: 50
Title: Gilbert's Fantasy
Gilbert listened intently to the night sounds through the open window of his bedroom. He could hear cars and trucks; the wail of a siren; an occasional horn; and the wind that carried them. He imagined the driver of a car hearing the sirens and visualized himself behind the wheel.
Words: 50
Title: Gilbert's Fantasy
Gilbert listened intently to the night sounds through the open window of his bedroom. He could hear cars and trucks; the wail of a siren; an occasional horn; and the wind that carried them. He imagined the driver of a car hearing the sirens and visualized himself behind the wheel.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Story: 191
Words: 79
Title: Nothing Happened
He took a sip of beer and put his glass down on the coaster thinking of the day and that nothing happened really, nothing at all. How could a whole day go by and nothing happen? He thought of the woman in the grocery store who had smiled at him and the dog that kept smelling his feet. Then there were the two pennies he found on the street. Nothing really had happened today so he took another sip.
Words: 79
Title: Nothing Happened
He took a sip of beer and put his glass down on the coaster thinking of the day and that nothing happened really, nothing at all. How could a whole day go by and nothing happen? He thought of the woman in the grocery store who had smiled at him and the dog that kept smelling his feet. Then there were the two pennies he found on the street. Nothing really had happened today so he took another sip.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Story: 190
Words: 75
Title: Rabbit
Rabbit peaked out through the grass, nose twitching, taking in the scents of morning. He poked his head out a bit further and scanned for shadows of hawk. Now his shoulders are out, his ears high, listening for fox. One hop and then another took him to fresh grass and breakfast. Suddenly, a shadow made him feel cold, he turned, ran back into the grass, his heart beating quickly. Rabbit peaked out at the cloud.
Words: 75
Title: Rabbit
Rabbit peaked out through the grass, nose twitching, taking in the scents of morning. He poked his head out a bit further and scanned for shadows of hawk. Now his shoulders are out, his ears high, listening for fox. One hop and then another took him to fresh grass and breakfast. Suddenly, a shadow made him feel cold, he turned, ran back into the grass, his heart beating quickly. Rabbit peaked out at the cloud.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Story: 188
Words: 95
Title: Synthia Reflects About Piloting
Synthia had been piloting the Kröger long enough for Slug Johnson to gain the reputation of the best cargo pilot in Marsport. She felt a sense of pride in knowing the role she played in his triumph. She was constantly refining her skills and shaving seconds off the transit time of each sling. Each second helped solidify Slug’s reputation. But she knew that those seconds were coming less and less often and soon there would be no more improvement. Something needed to be done to keep his edge. In a flash she knew the answer.
Words: 95
Title: Synthia Reflects About Piloting
Synthia had been piloting the Kröger long enough for Slug Johnson to gain the reputation of the best cargo pilot in Marsport. She felt a sense of pride in knowing the role she played in his triumph. She was constantly refining her skills and shaving seconds off the transit time of each sling. Each second helped solidify Slug’s reputation. But she knew that those seconds were coming less and less often and soon there would be no more improvement. Something needed to be done to keep his edge. In a flash she knew the answer.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Story: 183
Words: 71
Title: The Road
The cool air coming through the window and the sound of traffic on the freeway reminded him of places and times past. It was like traveling down a road but the scenery was events in his life. He wondered among them, in control now, being able to select which ones he saw. He stops the motion, watches himself as a child playing and humming so purely. Where did that innocence go?
Words: 71
Title: The Road
The cool air coming through the window and the sound of traffic on the freeway reminded him of places and times past. It was like traveling down a road but the scenery was events in his life. He wondered among them, in control now, being able to select which ones he saw. He stops the motion, watches himself as a child playing and humming so purely. Where did that innocence go?
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Story: 182
Words: 94
Title: Synthia Pilots the Cargo Ship
Synthia enjoyed the helm very much. Slug Johnson just sat in the seat next to her and smiled like it was the first time he had seen the rings of Saturn. He knew that each time she made the sling from Marsport, their transit time would decrease.
She felt the controls in her hands and the many computers that responded to her precise movements. It was as if her awareness extended into the ship’s circuitry and that the ship had awareness that extended into her. This was more than a partnership, it was symbiosis.
Words: 94
Title: Synthia Pilots the Cargo Ship
Synthia enjoyed the helm very much. Slug Johnson just sat in the seat next to her and smiled like it was the first time he had seen the rings of Saturn. He knew that each time she made the sling from Marsport, their transit time would decrease.
She felt the controls in her hands and the many computers that responded to her precise movements. It was as if her awareness extended into the ship’s circuitry and that the ship had awareness that extended into her. This was more than a partnership, it was symbiosis.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Monday, June 07, 2010
Story: 180
Words: 89
Title: Flower
The flower could not think,
At least in human terms,
But somehow, someway
In its chemical reactions
It could find the sun
And point to it.
Hydraulic-neuromatics
Working to cause movement;
Tracking the sun all day
To maximize its efficiency
And minimize its effort
To hold Earth energy.
And who is to say if the flower
Knows if the flower knows,
Or if the flower enjoys
Being the carrier of life
In its leaves, roots, and blooms.
To sense Earth’s communication.
It is one flower
It is one Earth.
Words: 89
Title: Flower
The flower could not think,
At least in human terms,
But somehow, someway
In its chemical reactions
It could find the sun
And point to it.
Hydraulic-neuromatics
Working to cause movement;
Tracking the sun all day
To maximize its efficiency
And minimize its effort
To hold Earth energy.
And who is to say if the flower
Knows if the flower knows,
Or if the flower enjoys
Being the carrier of life
In its leaves, roots, and blooms.
To sense Earth’s communication.
It is one flower
It is one Earth.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Story: 179
Words: 91
Title: Slug Johnson 5
The next day brought a big haul back to Marsport. Slug rose to the annoying sound the ship made to awaken him. He made his way to the helm and greeted his copilot, “Morning Synth,” he said.
“Strictly speaking, Slug, morning and night have no meaning here but greetings anyway,” Synthia said, “The ship is ready when you are.”
Soon they were in transit with Synthia at the helm. Slug smiled, thinking about his ingenious technique of using an android as a pilot. Those cargo jockeys would never figure it out.
Words: 91
Title: Slug Johnson 5
The next day brought a big haul back to Marsport. Slug rose to the annoying sound the ship made to awaken him. He made his way to the helm and greeted his copilot, “Morning Synth,” he said.
“Strictly speaking, Slug, morning and night have no meaning here but greetings anyway,” Synthia said, “The ship is ready when you are.”
Soon they were in transit with Synthia at the helm. Slug smiled, thinking about his ingenious technique of using an android as a pilot. Those cargo jockeys would never figure it out.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Friday, June 04, 2010
Story: 177
Words: 62
Title: Slug Johnson 3
Imagine the sound of eight cargo jockeys getting pissed off. Slug just smiled, took his drink, and walked to a corner booth to join his friends.
They’ll never figure it out, said Slug, Never in a thousand Marsport loops.
His friends new better than to ask about his legendary accomplishments or even to discuss them. Maybe that’s why they remained his friends.
Words: 62
Title: Slug Johnson 3
Imagine the sound of eight cargo jockeys getting pissed off. Slug just smiled, took his drink, and walked to a corner booth to join his friends.
They’ll never figure it out, said Slug, Never in a thousand Marsport loops.
His friends new better than to ask about his legendary accomplishments or even to discuss them. Maybe that’s why they remained his friends.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Story: 175
Words: 76
Title: Slug Johnson 1
Slug Johnson was known for one thing-he could make the sling from Marsport One to Sat12 around Io in less time than anyone. No one knew exactly how he managed that feat but some suspected that he had installed some kind of illegal proton booster to his ship and that he was using the minimum energy lanes rather than the standard cargo lanes. Problem was that he wasn’t. So nobody really knew how he accomplished it.
Words: 76
Title: Slug Johnson 1
Slug Johnson was known for one thing-he could make the sling from Marsport One to Sat12 around Io in less time than anyone. No one knew exactly how he managed that feat but some suspected that he had installed some kind of illegal proton booster to his ship and that he was using the minimum energy lanes rather than the standard cargo lanes. Problem was that he wasn’t. So nobody really knew how he accomplished it.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Story: 174
Words: 88
Title: Synthia Makes a Mistake
Synthia was helping set up for lunch. The lab was having a get together to celebrate her successes and give her experience with social niceties. Suddenly, there was a crash as Synthia knocked over a large pitcher of water. She stopped and stared at the shards of broken glass in the pool of water on the floor.
How could this have happened, she thought, my sense of where I am in relation to nearby objects is nearly perfect. Had she made a mistake? Could she make a mistake?
Words: 88
Title: Synthia Makes a Mistake
Synthia was helping set up for lunch. The lab was having a get together to celebrate her successes and give her experience with social niceties. Suddenly, there was a crash as Synthia knocked over a large pitcher of water. She stopped and stared at the shards of broken glass in the pool of water on the floor.
How could this have happened, she thought, my sense of where I am in relation to nearby objects is nearly perfect. Had she made a mistake? Could she make a mistake?
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