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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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Story: 265
Words: 72
Title: The Church Choir
The music got louder as he approached. The church choir was singing what must have been, if he understood it right, a hymn. He listened carefully to the classical form of the music. It had no particular meaning to him. He was accustomed to hearing a rhythmic sound that reflected the tempo of the earth; the sound of an intelligent mother guiding her progeny. He walked, his feet mindfully touching the ground.
Words: 72
Title: The Church Choir
The music got louder as he approached. The church choir was singing what must have been, if he understood it right, a hymn. He listened carefully to the classical form of the music. It had no particular meaning to him. He was accustomed to hearing a rhythmic sound that reflected the tempo of the earth; the sound of an intelligent mother guiding her progeny. He walked, his feet mindfully touching the ground.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Story: 264
Words: 87
Title: Maybe
What do you want to do?
I don’t know. How about a movie?
Do you mean go to a movie or watch one here?
Watch one here.
Come over here and huggle.
Maybe.
Want me to massage your back?
Maybe.
It’s easier if you take your shirt off.
Maybe.
That’s better. How does that feel?
Relaxing.
How about I massage your legs?
Maybe.
It’s easier if you take your pants off.
Maybe.
How does that feel?
Fantastic. Now I want to massage you all over.
OK, maybe.
Words: 87
Title: Maybe
What do you want to do?
I don’t know. How about a movie?
Do you mean go to a movie or watch one here?
Watch one here.
Come over here and huggle.
Maybe.
Want me to massage your back?
Maybe.
It’s easier if you take your shirt off.
Maybe.
That’s better. How does that feel?
Relaxing.
How about I massage your legs?
Maybe.
It’s easier if you take your pants off.
Maybe.
How does that feel?
Fantastic. Now I want to massage you all over.
OK, maybe.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Story: 262
Words: 62
Title: Reading tea leaves
The room was dark except for a table light. She watched as the young girl walked in and sat down. The tea was brewed and sipped. The remaining tea was poured out leaving the tea leaves.
“The leaves tell me you want to know the truth,” she said.
“Yes, always,” was the reply.
There was silence as she made up a story.
Words: 62
Title: Reading tea leaves
The room was dark except for a table light. She watched as the young girl walked in and sat down. The tea was brewed and sipped. The remaining tea was poured out leaving the tea leaves.
“The leaves tell me you want to know the truth,” she said.
“Yes, always,” was the reply.
There was silence as she made up a story.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Story: 260
Words: 95
Title: Ultra Violet
Violet was reflecting that she had been bowling for nearly 30 years as she approached the lane. She let that and all other thoughts go as she focused completely on the pins at the other end of the alley. She let the ball swing back and then drove it forward as she stepped toward the foul line, adding just the right amount of spin. She watched the ball curve toward the sweet spot and then saw the pins scatter. Strike! It was her 100th strike in a row and gained her the title “Ultra Violet.”
Words: 95
Title: Ultra Violet
Violet was reflecting that she had been bowling for nearly 30 years as she approached the lane. She let that and all other thoughts go as she focused completely on the pins at the other end of the alley. She let the ball swing back and then drove it forward as she stepped toward the foul line, adding just the right amount of spin. She watched the ball curve toward the sweet spot and then saw the pins scatter. Strike! It was her 100th strike in a row and gained her the title “Ultra Violet.”
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Story: 255
Words: 66
Title: The Broken Window
They had arrived home from dinner and a much earned evening to recharge from the chores of parenthood. Their fourteen year old son had been watching the two younger siblings and everyone was in bed asleep. They went into their bedroom to continue the evening and immediately noticed the broken window. Fear caught them breathless.
“Mom, sorry about the window,” their son’s voice dispelled the dread.
Words: 66
Title: The Broken Window
They had arrived home from dinner and a much earned evening to recharge from the chores of parenthood. Their fourteen year old son had been watching the two younger siblings and everyone was in bed asleep. They went into their bedroom to continue the evening and immediately noticed the broken window. Fear caught them breathless.
“Mom, sorry about the window,” their son’s voice dispelled the dread.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Story: 253
Words: 93
Title: A Matter of Semantics
It was simply a matter of semantics that brought them inexorably together. They had been talking about the brain and he had said, “The brain is the center of the mind.”
She had thought for a moment and countered, “But the brain doesn’t think, the mind does.”
“Hmm, then where is the center of the mind?” he asked.
“Silly, it doesn’t have a center,” she said.
They looked deeply into each other’s eyes, kissed, and made passionate love. One could say that semantics had become the center of their very long, loving relationship.
Words: 93
Title: A Matter of Semantics
It was simply a matter of semantics that brought them inexorably together. They had been talking about the brain and he had said, “The brain is the center of the mind.”
She had thought for a moment and countered, “But the brain doesn’t think, the mind does.”
“Hmm, then where is the center of the mind?” he asked.
“Silly, it doesn’t have a center,” she said.
They looked deeply into each other’s eyes, kissed, and made passionate love. One could say that semantics had become the center of their very long, loving relationship.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Story: 251
Words: 66
Title: Too Loud
The constant booming, the relentless thundering that shook the very earth, made the rat very afraid. It huddled in its nest of paper, leaves and bits of old shirts. Its eyes stared into the dark as one relentless crash after another bombarded its world. Its long tail flicked nervously.
Above ground the revelers swayed to and fro their fists pumping to the sound of Black Sabbath.
Words: 66
Title: Too Loud
The constant booming, the relentless thundering that shook the very earth, made the rat very afraid. It huddled in its nest of paper, leaves and bits of old shirts. Its eyes stared into the dark as one relentless crash after another bombarded its world. Its long tail flicked nervously.
Above ground the revelers swayed to and fro their fists pumping to the sound of Black Sabbath.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Story: 250
Words: 78
Title: The Fly Without Food
They watched the fly that was caught between two windows. It buzzed frantically, not understanding that it couldn’t get through the glass. It had no concept of transparency.
“Just kill it,” she said flapping her hands as if to make it go away.
“It’ll die in a couple of days without food,” he said watching it buzz ever louder.
“It’s torture,” she said and then screamed, “Kill it, please!”
He looked at her quizzically and let it go.
Words: 78
Title: The Fly Without Food
They watched the fly that was caught between two windows. It buzzed frantically, not understanding that it couldn’t get through the glass. It had no concept of transparency.
“Just kill it,” she said flapping her hands as if to make it go away.
“It’ll die in a couple of days without food,” he said watching it buzz ever louder.
“It’s torture,” she said and then screamed, “Kill it, please!”
He looked at her quizzically and let it go.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Story: 248
Date: August 14, 2010
Words: 11
Title: Trees
Walking and the trees are alive greeting me with deep energy.
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Story: 249
Date: August 15, 2010
Words: 60
Title: The Waterfall
He listened to the sound of the waterfall as it cascaded over the verdant cliffs. He was transported to another place in space/time where he met a master.
“What does the sound of the waterfall mean,” he asked.
“It is the sound of your own being, beating in the heart of the Earth,” the master replied.
Silence filled that being.
Date: August 14, 2010
Words: 11
Title: Trees
Walking and the trees are alive greeting me with deep energy.
_______________________________________
Story: 249
Date: August 15, 2010
Words: 60
Title: The Waterfall
He listened to the sound of the waterfall as it cascaded over the verdant cliffs. He was transported to another place in space/time where he met a master.
“What does the sound of the waterfall mean,” he asked.
“It is the sound of your own being, beating in the heart of the Earth,” the master replied.
Silence filled that being.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Story: 247
Words: 66
Title: The Open Door
“Have you looked down the hall?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” she questioned.
“I mean, well, the last door down the hall is always open,” she said, peeking out her open door.
The other looked around the door jam and said, “Oh, yeah, it’s open.”
“Nobody ever comes in or out,” she said and looked the other way down the hall expecting to see someone.
Words: 66
Title: The Open Door
“Have you looked down the hall?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” she questioned.
“I mean, well, the last door down the hall is always open,” she said, peeking out her open door.
The other looked around the door jam and said, “Oh, yeah, it’s open.”
“Nobody ever comes in or out,” she said and looked the other way down the hall expecting to see someone.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Story: 245
Words: 43
Title: Nightfall
Nightfall brought Phobos into view, racing across the Martian sky, and the plodding Deimos rising in the East. Slug Johnson was watching through the Marsport skyview window dreaming of piloting the Kröger on a sling to Titan and enjoying the excitement and anticipation.
Words: 43
Title: Nightfall
Nightfall brought Phobos into view, racing across the Martian sky, and the plodding Deimos rising in the East. Slug Johnson was watching through the Marsport skyview window dreaming of piloting the Kröger on a sling to Titan and enjoying the excitement and anticipation.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Story: 244
Date: August 10, 2010
Words: 17
Title: Green Fruit
Green blueberries taste horrible, but the taste of green papaya, now that’s something to look forward to.
Comment: Two days today since I missed yesterday.
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Story: 243
Date: August 9, 2010
Words: 94
Title: Diary Entry 167
Dear diary, she started and then thought, how long has that phrase been around? OK then, dear journal or whatever.
She wrote: Today (Saturday) started out with a beautiful blue sky with lots of those puffy white clouds. The kind of day that brings on feelings of hope and wonder. God, that sounds so hokey. But it really did. Bob suggested going on a picnic down by River Bend park, one of my favorite places in the whole world. The leaf creatures came to visit us. How rare and wonderful to receiver their blessing.
Date: August 10, 2010
Words: 17
Title: Green Fruit
Green blueberries taste horrible, but the taste of green papaya, now that’s something to look forward to.
Comment: Two days today since I missed yesterday.
--------------------------------------
Story: 243
Date: August 9, 2010
Words: 94
Title: Diary Entry 167
Dear diary, she started and then thought, how long has that phrase been around? OK then, dear journal or whatever.
She wrote: Today (Saturday) started out with a beautiful blue sky with lots of those puffy white clouds. The kind of day that brings on feelings of hope and wonder. God, that sounds so hokey. But it really did. Bob suggested going on a picnic down by River Bend park, one of my favorite places in the whole world. The leaf creatures came to visit us. How rare and wonderful to receiver their blessing.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Story: 241
Words: 90
Title: The Haircut
Since he was not a Hasidic Jew, Isaiah went to the local barber to get a haircut. He sat down and removed his yamaka, reminding himself that it symbolized the humbling relationship between man and God.
“Trim it up, I need to look good tonight,” he said.
“Going to the theatre?” the barber asked.
“No, having dinner with the enemy,” he said.
The barber was confused and asked, “The enemy?”
“Yes, he belongs to Hamas,” he said uneasily and then, “He killed my brother.”
The barber was consumed with silence.
Words: 90
Title: The Haircut
Since he was not a Hasidic Jew, Isaiah went to the local barber to get a haircut. He sat down and removed his yamaka, reminding himself that it symbolized the humbling relationship between man and God.
“Trim it up, I need to look good tonight,” he said.
“Going to the theatre?” the barber asked.
“No, having dinner with the enemy,” he said.
The barber was confused and asked, “The enemy?”
“Yes, he belongs to Hamas,” he said uneasily and then, “He killed my brother.”
The barber was consumed with silence.
Friday, August 06, 2010
Story: 240
Words: 58
Title: The Mink Coat
They where living in a homeless shelter when their son became ill. She let her cyber friends know through a succession of graphic emails detailing his struggle and their faith that he would survive. Somehow their courage emerged dominant. He died despite their hopes and they buried him in a mink coat that was their most cherished possession.
Comment: This is based on a true story.
Words: 58
Title: The Mink Coat
They where living in a homeless shelter when their son became ill. She let her cyber friends know through a succession of graphic emails detailing his struggle and their faith that he would survive. Somehow their courage emerged dominant. He died despite their hopes and they buried him in a mink coat that was their most cherished possession.
Comment: This is based on a true story.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Monday, August 02, 2010
Story: 236
Words: 87
Title: The Storm
It was a long walk up the trail to the top of the mountain. From there he could see a squall line about a mile away. It had been hidden from his view and was heading for him. At this elevation these squalls can suddenly develop into fierce storms that can blow you right off the mountain. He looked for shelter and saw a rock overhang just large enough. As he approached he heard a low growl. The ferocious storm blew him over like a paper bag.
Words: 87
Title: The Storm
It was a long walk up the trail to the top of the mountain. From there he could see a squall line about a mile away. It had been hidden from his view and was heading for him. At this elevation these squalls can suddenly develop into fierce storms that can blow you right off the mountain. He looked for shelter and saw a rock overhang just large enough. As he approached he heard a low growl. The ferocious storm blew him over like a paper bag.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Story: 235
Words: 81
Title: Ink
Twice, no maybe three or four times, she had gone to the tattoo parlor to look at designs. She so wanted a tattoo on her right ankle. Most of her friends had one, but she was having trouble getting to the decision point.
“I really like this one,” she said to the tattoo artist.
“That’s a really cool one. And I can do that deep red on the rose peddles no problem,” he said.
“OK. I will call you,” she said.
Words: 81
Title: Ink
Twice, no maybe three or four times, she had gone to the tattoo parlor to look at designs. She so wanted a tattoo on her right ankle. Most of her friends had one, but she was having trouble getting to the decision point.
“I really like this one,” she said to the tattoo artist.
“That’s a really cool one. And I can do that deep red on the rose peddles no problem,” he said.
“OK. I will call you,” she said.
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