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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Saturday, July 31, 2010
Story: 234
Words: 69
Title: The End
It started with an earthquake. Not a really big one but a good shake nonetheless. He walked outside after the earth stopped moving. What caught his eye first was the bright orange glow over the horizon. Then came another big shake, this time accompanied by a delayed rumbling and a huge column of fire. He could see the pyroclastic flow coming at him and knew it was the end.
Words: 69
Title: The End
It started with an earthquake. Not a really big one but a good shake nonetheless. He walked outside after the earth stopped moving. What caught his eye first was the bright orange glow over the horizon. Then came another big shake, this time accompanied by a delayed rumbling and a huge column of fire. He could see the pyroclastic flow coming at him and knew it was the end.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Story: 233
Words: 52
Title: Mint Julep
It goes without saying that a good looking business man visiting Atlanta would be able to find a knockout southern belle for dinner and drinks.
“Mint julep?”
She handed him one and sat down next to him.
“Love to,” he said watching her eyes checking him out, her hand caressing his leg.
Words: 52
Title: Mint Julep
It goes without saying that a good looking business man visiting Atlanta would be able to find a knockout southern belle for dinner and drinks.
“Mint julep?”
She handed him one and sat down next to him.
“Love to,” he said watching her eyes checking him out, her hand caressing his leg.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Story: 230
Words: 61
Title: Bogie on Titan
The scientific research ship, Jingling, was in stationary orbit around Titan. They were using multiple-frequency, remote sensing equipment to plot the methane seas to a depth of 1200 meters. Jean was watching the monitor as the images were coming in. At 560 meters she could clearly see a mass moving slowly upstream.
“Sid,” she yelled, “we’ve got a bogie at 560!”
Words: 61
Title: Bogie on Titan
The scientific research ship, Jingling, was in stationary orbit around Titan. They were using multiple-frequency, remote sensing equipment to plot the methane seas to a depth of 1200 meters. Jean was watching the monitor as the images were coming in. At 560 meters she could clearly see a mass moving slowly upstream.
“Sid,” she yelled, “we’ve got a bogie at 560!”
Monday, July 26, 2010
Story: 229
Words: 93
Title: Synthia and Mitochondria
Synthia knew the quantum machine she needed. It must interface with the mitochondria of Slug’s wetnet-in fact, with his whole biological system. She know that mitochondria were the answer. It had been discovered that they have a structure that interfaces at the quantum level with an interdimensional plane that was outside of ordinary experience. If she could communicate with the plane then she might be able to instruct Slug’s mitochondria to enhance his native ability to pilot the Kröger. But she did have mitochondria in her systems. She would have to invent them.
Words: 93
Title: Synthia and Mitochondria
Synthia knew the quantum machine she needed. It must interface with the mitochondria of Slug’s wetnet-in fact, with his whole biological system. She know that mitochondria were the answer. It had been discovered that they have a structure that interfaces at the quantum level with an interdimensional plane that was outside of ordinary experience. If she could communicate with the plane then she might be able to instruct Slug’s mitochondria to enhance his native ability to pilot the Kröger. But she did have mitochondria in her systems. She would have to invent them.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Story: 228
Words: 74
Title: The Solution
The last words he heard before going unconscious were, “What’s his name?”
“Phil,” came the answer.
“Phil, follow the light. It will lead you to a solution. Listen closely.”
He followed the light and listened closely. Sure enough, there was a solution.
She called his name once more, “Phil, open your eyes.”
He opened his eyes and looked deeply into her eyes for a long time. The silence was beautiful.
“Marry me,” he said.
Words: 74
Title: The Solution
The last words he heard before going unconscious were, “What’s his name?”
“Phil,” came the answer.
“Phil, follow the light. It will lead you to a solution. Listen closely.”
He followed the light and listened closely. Sure enough, there was a solution.
She called his name once more, “Phil, open your eyes.”
He opened his eyes and looked deeply into her eyes for a long time. The silence was beautiful.
“Marry me,” he said.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Story: 227
Words: 68
Title: Encounter and Destiny
He had been walking for a few hours through the trees when he came to a large clearing. He walked to the center of it and turned around in a circle, taking in the energy. Suddenly his mind when quiet and he heard in his head, “I am the Archangel Michael.”
He was stunned by the power of the voice. He had been chosen at last. It begins.
Words: 68
Title: Encounter and Destiny
He had been walking for a few hours through the trees when he came to a large clearing. He walked to the center of it and turned around in a circle, taking in the energy. Suddenly his mind when quiet and he heard in his head, “I am the Archangel Michael.”
He was stunned by the power of the voice. He had been chosen at last. It begins.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Story: 223
Words: 80
Title: Synthia and the Quantum State
Back on the Kröger, Synthia was reviewing her research on quantum effects. She had determined that in order to interface with Slug’s wetnet she would have to do it at a quantum level. Since it had been discovered that superposition, that unintuitive state where matter is in two states simultaneously, could resolve into one state or the other, and that consciousness toggled it, she knew that a quantum machine was the answer. But how to adapt technology to build it.
Words: 80
Title: Synthia and the Quantum State
Back on the Kröger, Synthia was reviewing her research on quantum effects. She had determined that in order to interface with Slug’s wetnet she would have to do it at a quantum level. Since it had been discovered that superposition, that unintuitive state where matter is in two states simultaneously, could resolve into one state or the other, and that consciousness toggled it, she knew that a quantum machine was the answer. But how to adapt technology to build it.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Story: 222
Words: 79
Title: Cat
He watched the cat walk by him without a sound. She jumped onto the window sill with so little effort that it astounded him even though he had seen the feat many times. He thought that it was like cats have this secret agreement with the earth that they can ignore gravity. That they are privileged in some way and he wanted that freedom to decide which physical laws to ignore. He sighed, his bones creaking as he rose.
Words: 79
Title: Cat
He watched the cat walk by him without a sound. She jumped onto the window sill with so little effort that it astounded him even though he had seen the feat many times. He thought that it was like cats have this secret agreement with the earth that they can ignore gravity. That they are privileged in some way and he wanted that freedom to decide which physical laws to ignore. He sighed, his bones creaking as he rose.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Story: 220
Words: 75
Title: Saturn Pioneer 2
The bright side of Saturn presented its bands of clouds and cast a black shadow on its rings. If she watched carefully she thought she could see the rings change as they orbited the planet. They were studying resonance patterns in the rings that tricked the eye into seeing luminous events that weren’t there. As a child, she would have called them fairies. She let her mind wander in that magical realm, indulging great joy.
Words: 75
Title: Saturn Pioneer 2
The bright side of Saturn presented its bands of clouds and cast a black shadow on its rings. If she watched carefully she thought she could see the rings change as they orbited the planet. They were studying resonance patterns in the rings that tricked the eye into seeing luminous events that weren’t there. As a child, she would have called them fairies. She let her mind wander in that magical realm, indulging great joy.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Story: 218
Words: 50
Title: Reflection
It was mid-morning, he was walking downtown and noticed two guys he had seen before hanging out on the corner. Seemed like they were always just hanging around. He thought to himself, what the hell is wrong with those two? Can’t they find a job? Then he noticed himself walking.
Words: 50
Title: Reflection
It was mid-morning, he was walking downtown and noticed two guys he had seen before hanging out on the corner. Seemed like they were always just hanging around. He thought to himself, what the hell is wrong with those two? Can’t they find a job? Then he noticed himself walking.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Story: 215
Words: 70
Title: Desert Sunset
It was hot. Very hot. He took the last few steps to the mine, walked in, and turned around to look at the sizzling desert. Dust devils were forming as the sun ended its travels across the sky and it created red and orange mirages out to the horizon. He sat down and took a long drink of water. He could feel the cool behind him. It invited him in.
Words: 70
Title: Desert Sunset
It was hot. Very hot. He took the last few steps to the mine, walked in, and turned around to look at the sizzling desert. Dust devils were forming as the sun ended its travels across the sky and it created red and orange mirages out to the horizon. He sat down and took a long drink of water. He could feel the cool behind him. It invited him in.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Story: 214
Words: 60
Title: A Marsport History Lesson
That the Rover Monument could lead to androids was a marvel of nano-technology and rapid advances in artificial intelligence that were driven by profit motive and entrepreneurial opportunities. Mars became the new frontier. Not only for its mineral riches but as a launching pad for the exploration of the solar system. Humans had joined androids in the quest for knowledge.
Words: 60
Title: A Marsport History Lesson
That the Rover Monument could lead to androids was a marvel of nano-technology and rapid advances in artificial intelligence that were driven by profit motive and entrepreneurial opportunities. Mars became the new frontier. Not only for its mineral riches but as a launching pad for the exploration of the solar system. Humans had joined androids in the quest for knowledge.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Story: 212
Date: July 9, 2010
Words: 86
Title: The Rover Monument
One of the few times that Synthia left the Kröger, she and Slug took a shuttle from Marsport to the NASA Rover Spirit Monument. Slug reflected in silence remembering the story about how the twin rovers began the colonization of Mars. How a succession of remotely controlled vehicles led to the discovery of water and a fortune in minerals. Then came the businesses to support the mining and Marsport became a city. Soon this led to the development of androids and the beginning of Synthia’s lineage.
Comment: Oops! Missed a day, so here are two stories.
Story: 213
Date: July 10, 2010
Words: 38
Title: Synthia Reflects on the Rover Monument
Synthia watched Slug and knew by his body language that he was emotionally engaged with the Rover Monument. She felt an indefinable connection to the machine with its solar panels, spiral wheels, lack of intelligence and primitive abilities.
Date: July 9, 2010
Words: 86
Title: The Rover Monument
One of the few times that Synthia left the Kröger, she and Slug took a shuttle from Marsport to the NASA Rover Spirit Monument. Slug reflected in silence remembering the story about how the twin rovers began the colonization of Mars. How a succession of remotely controlled vehicles led to the discovery of water and a fortune in minerals. Then came the businesses to support the mining and Marsport became a city. Soon this led to the development of androids and the beginning of Synthia’s lineage.
Comment: Oops! Missed a day, so here are two stories.
Story: 213
Date: July 10, 2010
Words: 38
Title: Synthia Reflects on the Rover Monument
Synthia watched Slug and knew by his body language that he was emotionally engaged with the Rover Monument. She felt an indefinable connection to the machine with its solar panels, spiral wheels, lack of intelligence and primitive abilities.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Story: 210
Words: 36
Title: Love Found
Where is love hiding?
Is it behind a tree,
Hidden in my mind,
Lost in a book,
High in the sky,
Intertwined with passion,
In the lush jungle?
No, it’s everywhere.
I’m just blind to it.
Comment: Being a poet at heart, I must give in to my muse and write a poem. Yet, within this little poem one can find plot, characters, conflict and resolution. Interesting.
Words: 36
Title: Love Found
Where is love hiding?
Is it behind a tree,
Hidden in my mind,
Lost in a book,
High in the sky,
Intertwined with passion,
In the lush jungle?
No, it’s everywhere.
I’m just blind to it.
Comment: Being a poet at heart, I must give in to my muse and write a poem. Yet, within this little poem one can find plot, characters, conflict and resolution. Interesting.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Story: 209
Words: 58
Title: War and Peace
Eight men broke ranks with the 2nd Cavalry and headed up the Delaware into Lenni Lenape territory. The captain had sent them to the Lenape for food and supplies. They were exhausted after several demanding campaigns against the Confederate and happy to be away from the fighting. The Lenape welcomed them and their peaceful ways won them over.
Words: 58
Title: War and Peace
Eight men broke ranks with the 2nd Cavalry and headed up the Delaware into Lenni Lenape territory. The captain had sent them to the Lenape for food and supplies. They were exhausted after several demanding campaigns against the Confederate and happy to be away from the fighting. The Lenape welcomed them and their peaceful ways won them over.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Story: 207
Words: 53
Title: Peace
The fireworks shot stars and comets into the sky with thundering ovation. I watched and reflected on how they reminded me of war and killing. Then I got it. Humans are warring creatures. As I was leaving, I noticed a child reach out and hug a soldier. So that’s how peace will come.
Words: 53
Title: Peace
The fireworks shot stars and comets into the sky with thundering ovation. I watched and reflected on how they reminded me of war and killing. Then I got it. Humans are warring creatures. As I was leaving, I noticed a child reach out and hug a soldier. So that’s how peace will come.
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Story: 206
Words: 67
Title: In a Funk
Diana Krall is singing Cry Me a River. I have a glass of 18 year old Glenfiddich in my hand that I have been nursing for about twenty minutes. It’s the third scotch I have had this evening and I’m feeling lonely and disheartened since she left me for that bohemian sluggard. Oh, well may as well switch to beer, hip hop with Blowfly rapping Funk You.
Words: 67
Title: In a Funk
Diana Krall is singing Cry Me a River. I have a glass of 18 year old Glenfiddich in my hand that I have been nursing for about twenty minutes. It’s the third scotch I have had this evening and I’m feeling lonely and disheartened since she left me for that bohemian sluggard. Oh, well may as well switch to beer, hip hop with Blowfly rapping Funk You.
Friday, July 02, 2010
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