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, November 30, 2010
Story: 356
Words: 46
Title: Found and Lost
Extended virtual pleasure became the goal of many in the more advanced countries of Earth. They spent most of their time hooked up to the EVPnet and only ventured out to eat and defecate. After the electrical grid collapse, they became the nation of the lost.
Words: 46
Title: Found and Lost
Extended virtual pleasure became the goal of many in the more advanced countries of Earth. They spent most of their time hooked up to the EVPnet and only ventured out to eat and defecate. After the electrical grid collapse, they became the nation of the lost.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Story: 354
Words: 79
Title: Going Interdimensional
It’s a strange feeling going interdimensional. I never get accustomed to it. First the feeling of blacking out, then the sense of having no body, and then the floating in the void. Suddenly, normal body sensations return and its been but a quarter of a second. During the experience of the void I get the distinct feeling that I could hop off and stay there. Perhaps next time I will see what’s there. But how would I get back?
Words: 79
Title: Going Interdimensional
It’s a strange feeling going interdimensional. I never get accustomed to it. First the feeling of blacking out, then the sense of having no body, and then the floating in the void. Suddenly, normal body sensations return and its been but a quarter of a second. During the experience of the void I get the distinct feeling that I could hop off and stay there. Perhaps next time I will see what’s there. But how would I get back?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Story: 353
Words: 92
Title: CopBot
CopBot wandered through the crowded esplanade at Marsport City watching for trouble. And there was always trouble on the frontier. With its armored skin, it had handily beat the controversy about it shooting indiscriminately because it could be programmed to shoot second. Untiringly, it wanders around randomly issuing salutations and weather reports. A distraction from its inherent firepower and unblinking digital eye.
CopBot was pleased to be of service and enjoyed the solid surface beneath its tracks. With constant enthusiasm, it serves and protects humanity. It’s the very definition of singular purpose.
Words: 92
Title: CopBot
CopBot wandered through the crowded esplanade at Marsport City watching for trouble. And there was always trouble on the frontier. With its armored skin, it had handily beat the controversy about it shooting indiscriminately because it could be programmed to shoot second. Untiringly, it wanders around randomly issuing salutations and weather reports. A distraction from its inherent firepower and unblinking digital eye.
CopBot was pleased to be of service and enjoyed the solid surface beneath its tracks. With constant enthusiasm, it serves and protects humanity. It’s the very definition of singular purpose.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Story: 351
Words: 72
Title: Seclusion
Twenty-seven days in the wilderness can make one either long for civilization or give it up entirely. I wanted both so I built a house fifty miles from any city in the middle of the forest. Not wanting to give up civilization, I created a cyber-city of computers connected to the Internet. Now I have both and I don’t need or want to greet people in the flesh. Let the seclusion begin.
Words: 72
Title: Seclusion
Twenty-seven days in the wilderness can make one either long for civilization or give it up entirely. I wanted both so I built a house fifty miles from any city in the middle of the forest. Not wanting to give up civilization, I created a cyber-city of computers connected to the Internet. Now I have both and I don’t need or want to greet people in the flesh. Let the seclusion begin.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Story: 348
Words: 54
Title: Introspection
It was the last day of her life as she looked out over the city from the roof of her building. She looked back on her life as if watching a film about someone else. Looking over the edge of the building, she understood her journey. It was the first day of her life.
Words: 54
Title: Introspection
It was the last day of her life as she looked out over the city from the roof of her building. She looked back on her life as if watching a film about someone else. Looking over the edge of the building, she understood her journey. It was the first day of her life.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Story: 347
Words: 98
Title: The Fixer
Flight status, acceptable. Nearing Outer Comet Watch Sentinel. Preparing for rendezvous. Testing repair systems and external arms. My mission is heroic: find the Sentinel and affect repairs. Earth inhabitants will be pleased to know that the Sentinel has been restored and once more watching for errant comets undetectable from their world. I make contact with Sentinel intelligence. It is very much like my own. It updates me on its history of malfunctions. I prepare the necessary components for replacement. Soon it will be over and I will have fulfilled my mission. Then to sleep. Will I reawaken someday?
Words: 98
Title: The Fixer
Flight status, acceptable. Nearing Outer Comet Watch Sentinel. Preparing for rendezvous. Testing repair systems and external arms. My mission is heroic: find the Sentinel and affect repairs. Earth inhabitants will be pleased to know that the Sentinel has been restored and once more watching for errant comets undetectable from their world. I make contact with Sentinel intelligence. It is very much like my own. It updates me on its history of malfunctions. I prepare the necessary components for replacement. Soon it will be over and I will have fulfilled my mission. Then to sleep. Will I reawaken someday?
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Story: 346
Words: 68
Title: Days End Libation
He pulled up a bar stool and ordered a Stella. Not the taste he wanted. He wanted a good, dark ale. He quaffed down the Stella and ordered a Newcastle. Better, still not it. After finishing most of that, he ordered a Dogfish Head 120
IPA. The best ever. Lots of bitter and a clean, robust finish. Great way to end a day and prepare for the freeway.
Words: 68
Title: Days End Libation
He pulled up a bar stool and ordered a Stella. Not the taste he wanted. He wanted a good, dark ale. He quaffed down the Stella and ordered a Newcastle. Better, still not it. After finishing most of that, he ordered a Dogfish Head 120
IPA. The best ever. Lots of bitter and a clean, robust finish. Great way to end a day and prepare for the freeway.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Story: 345
Words: 90
Title: Fixed Gaze
It was Gene’s birthday at the Black Mushroom and I sat across from Mory. I looked at his nose and there on the end was a glistening globe of snot. As he moved his head it jerked from one side to another but never dripped off. I looked away and started a conversation with Frank who was next to Mory. Do you think I could stop looking at the snot ball? No way, my eyes kept coming back to it. I stopped looking when it finally dropped onto his carrots.
Words: 90
Title: Fixed Gaze
It was Gene’s birthday at the Black Mushroom and I sat across from Mory. I looked at his nose and there on the end was a glistening globe of snot. As he moved his head it jerked from one side to another but never dripped off. I looked away and started a conversation with Frank who was next to Mory. Do you think I could stop looking at the snot ball? No way, my eyes kept coming back to it. I stopped looking when it finally dropped onto his carrots.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Story: 344
Words: 87
Title: Bear
The forest was quiet. So quiet that I could hear the wind caressing the leaves. The snap of the twig under my foot made me stop instantly and look around. The bear cub looked right at me as if to say, “Come play.” I took a cautionary step backward, looking for the mother but she was frighteningly not within site. I continued my backward journey until I felt something hard on my back. I stopped as fear took me over and turned to face but a tree.
Words: 87
Title: Bear
The forest was quiet. So quiet that I could hear the wind caressing the leaves. The snap of the twig under my foot made me stop instantly and look around. The bear cub looked right at me as if to say, “Come play.” I took a cautionary step backward, looking for the mother but she was frighteningly not within site. I continued my backward journey until I felt something hard on my back. I stopped as fear took me over and turned to face but a tree.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Story: 340
Words: 73
Title: To Die For
To die for, but not literally, or so I thought. Last I saw of him was a murky shadow crossing a dark street up Maple Avenue. Then the awful thud and something flying through the air into the park. I turned and went home. The outcome was in fate’s hands besides. What’s to die for, anyway? Money, a broad, save a dog? Whatever. Not worth being stupid, if you know what I mean.
Comment: Only 25 stories left. Anyone want to suggest some titles? I will fashion a story around it.
Words: 73
Title: To Die For
To die for, but not literally, or so I thought. Last I saw of him was a murky shadow crossing a dark street up Maple Avenue. Then the awful thud and something flying through the air into the park. I turned and went home. The outcome was in fate’s hands besides. What’s to die for, anyway? Money, a broad, save a dog? Whatever. Not worth being stupid, if you know what I mean.
Comment: Only 25 stories left. Anyone want to suggest some titles? I will fashion a story around it.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Story: 339
Words: 76
Title: Short Story
When you take everything into consideration, I guess it was a good thing. Didn’t seem that way at first. That son of a bitch just took it away. Now what was I supposed to do without a car. Learned to ride that mother fuchin’ bus, that’s what I did. Had time to think on that piece of shit. Decided to make some changes. Got straight, took my job serious, and bought me another car. Story end.
Words: 76
Title: Short Story
When you take everything into consideration, I guess it was a good thing. Didn’t seem that way at first. That son of a bitch just took it away. Now what was I supposed to do without a car. Learned to ride that mother fuchin’ bus, that’s what I did. Had time to think on that piece of shit. Decided to make some changes. Got straight, took my job serious, and bought me another car. Story end.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Story: 336
Words: 16
Title: Who’s Talking Now
Reaching for the can of peaches, I brushed the hot tea kettle. “Ouch,” it said apologetically.
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Story: 335
Words: 79
Title: Galactic Peace
We stood against the railing of the promenade watching the delegations from the Many Worlds greeting the station captain on the deck below. It wasn’t just protocol. The captain had forged peace out of the diverse and resolute positions of all the known post-warp civilizations in the galaxy. They meet here on Peace2 every 5 Earth years to caucus and refine their many and varied relationships. Today the torch passes to a new captain and inaugurates many new opportunities.
Words: 16
Title: Who’s Talking Now
Reaching for the can of peaches, I brushed the hot tea kettle. “Ouch,” it said apologetically.
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Story: 335
Words: 79
Title: Galactic Peace
We stood against the railing of the promenade watching the delegations from the Many Worlds greeting the station captain on the deck below. It wasn’t just protocol. The captain had forged peace out of the diverse and resolute positions of all the known post-warp civilizations in the galaxy. They meet here on Peace2 every 5 Earth years to caucus and refine their many and varied relationships. Today the torch passes to a new captain and inaugurates many new opportunities.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Story: 334
Words: 61
Title: What If?
What if everything is truly alive? What if rocks just think very, very slow? And bees are totally single minded? What if horses want to win race? What if atoms have consciousness? And quarks as questions about purpose? What if trees touched each others roots and laughed? And water was the universal solvent? What if humans could truly love one another?
Words: 61
Title: What If?
What if everything is truly alive? What if rocks just think very, very slow? And bees are totally single minded? What if horses want to win race? What if atoms have consciousness? And quarks as questions about purpose? What if trees touched each others roots and laughed? And water was the universal solvent? What if humans could truly love one another?
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Story: 333
Words: 82
Title: The Impulse Buy
I reached for the iPad, took it off the shelf, and walked to the cashier. Soon it was mine and I had had no control whether I would buy it or not. This is beyond impulse buying. It goes right into a real sickness about compulsion; a real live neurosis.
At home, I unpacked the thing, staring at it. I hate computers. What will I use this techno-rock for? I’ll sell it on eBay. Or I could just return it. Too embarrassing.
Words: 82
Title: The Impulse Buy
I reached for the iPad, took it off the shelf, and walked to the cashier. Soon it was mine and I had had no control whether I would buy it or not. This is beyond impulse buying. It goes right into a real sickness about compulsion; a real live neurosis.
At home, I unpacked the thing, staring at it. I hate computers. What will I use this techno-rock for? I’ll sell it on eBay. Or I could just return it. Too embarrassing.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Story: 332
Words: 70
Title: Mars Gliding
I waited for the sun to initiate a new sol on Mars and could feel the glider begin to tremble like an animal that was born to fly. The thermal tides continued building in the thin atmosphere and the glider was catapulted into its flight.
The thermals are easier to navigate than on Earth. It’s like they have emotion. The ride was like flowing silk on the verge of madness.
Words: 70
Title: Mars Gliding
I waited for the sun to initiate a new sol on Mars and could feel the glider begin to tremble like an animal that was born to fly. The thermal tides continued building in the thin atmosphere and the glider was catapulted into its flight.
The thermals are easier to navigate than on Earth. It’s like they have emotion. The ride was like flowing silk on the verge of madness.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Story: 330
Words: 87
Title: The Drowning Dream
He felt himself falling deeper and deeper into the cold water. He tried to swim to the surface but couldn’t feel his arms to make them move. He desperately needed to breath but didn’t dare. He knew that breath would be his last. Everything became dark around him. Knowing it would mean his death, he gasped for air.
He heard his loud gasping sounds and realized he was alive. His sleeping bag was soaked and water was pouring into the tent. He gave a sigh of relief.
Words: 87
Title: The Drowning Dream
He felt himself falling deeper and deeper into the cold water. He tried to swim to the surface but couldn’t feel his arms to make them move. He desperately needed to breath but didn’t dare. He knew that breath would be his last. Everything became dark around him. Knowing it would mean his death, he gasped for air.
He heard his loud gasping sounds and realized he was alive. His sleeping bag was soaked and water was pouring into the tent. He gave a sigh of relief.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Story: 328
Words: 75
Title: Mars Reflection
I had read about the Mars Rover Opportunity as a child, but it was completely different standing here in Eagle Crater looking at the tracks it had made in the Martian soil. The protected area is where the “blueberries” had first been discovered. Composed of hematite, they require water to form; the first real evidence suggesting that Mars once had lots of water. Now we live here and mine its rich bounty of valuable minerals.
Words: 75
Title: Mars Reflection
I had read about the Mars Rover Opportunity as a child, but it was completely different standing here in Eagle Crater looking at the tracks it had made in the Martian soil. The protected area is where the “blueberries” had first been discovered. Composed of hematite, they require water to form; the first real evidence suggesting that Mars once had lots of water. Now we live here and mine its rich bounty of valuable minerals.
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