Since I've had a little more time to write and promote lately, I decided to have some fun and gear up for NYC Midnight's Flash Fiction Contest. That contest requires 1000, so for some warm ups, I'm looking to Midwestern Gothic and Cracked Fiction for some short summer contests.
I never got around to writing MG's this week, so I'll look for their next week's prompt.
But here is what I wrote for Cracked Fiction. The link to the original contest post is here, but each Saturday you're given a prompt that must begin a story of no more than 300 words. You can alter the prompt but not change it beyond recognition.
This week's prompt:
"I need to talk to a human," he demanded.
My story, coming in at exactly 300 words (though it was 500 or so in the first draft) is below.
Check out the link above for other entries too. Since they're submitted as comments, you can read right away!
I did a bit of research for this one and it's on a topic I don't normally cover, but I'm satisfied with the results. The Sumatran tiger is actually now an endangered species. The story takes place in Indonesia prior to their decline. I tried to highlight some of the other unique animals there as much as I could in 300 words.
“I need to talk to a human.” The Sumatran tiger pounded his paws.
The clearing fell silent, except for the crickets. They never knew when to stop. This was a special hearing, and the representative member from each species was present.
Finally, the Komodo Dragon spoke.
“It is forbidden. Has been for generations.”
The tiger paced in irritation. “What good has our silent treatment brought? Humans become more incomprehensible every generation. My bloodline’s end has been prophesied by their hand. We must act.”
“That same prophecy also saw them as your saviors.”
The tiger gave a short, angry growl. The herbivores took a step back. “Saviors? Can they earn such a title when they are also our destruction? I wish to avoid such a need. My species is not the only one that faces problems. They’ll come for us all soon.”
The dragon hissed. “Humans are nothing we can’t handle.”
The Muntjac tilted its wide, heavy antlers forward, a defensive position and habit around such as the tiger and dragon. “What harm do we risk? Just one human? If the tiger—”
The rhinoceros scoffed. “Of course you’d consider it. Their precious barking deer. Humans play favorites, but don’t be fooled. They care not. They deserve their banishment.”
A roar of whispers filled the clearing.
The tiger growled. “This is not about forgiveness. Not about inviting them back. I only need one to listen.”
“A unanimous vote is required,” said the dragon. “I vote no. Fend for yourself as we all must.”
Hours later, as the sun sliced the horizon, the tiger waited at the water’s edge. The same spot he’d seen the girl countless times before, gathering water. No longer surprised by one another, they met at a distance.
He would be outcasted for this.
But he had to try.
I never got around to writing MG's this week, so I'll look for their next week's prompt.
But here is what I wrote for Cracked Fiction. The link to the original contest post is here, but each Saturday you're given a prompt that must begin a story of no more than 300 words. You can alter the prompt but not change it beyond recognition.
This week's prompt:
"I need to talk to a human," he demanded.
My story, coming in at exactly 300 words (though it was 500 or so in the first draft) is below.
Check out the link above for other entries too. Since they're submitted as comments, you can read right away!
I did a bit of research for this one and it's on a topic I don't normally cover, but I'm satisfied with the results. The Sumatran tiger is actually now an endangered species. The story takes place in Indonesia prior to their decline. I tried to highlight some of the other unique animals there as much as I could in 300 words.
"An Imperative Decision"
“I need to talk to a human.” The Sumatran tiger pounded his paws.
The clearing fell silent, except for the crickets. They never knew when to stop. This was a special hearing, and the representative member from each species was present.
Finally, the Komodo Dragon spoke.
“It is forbidden. Has been for generations.”
The tiger paced in irritation. “What good has our silent treatment brought? Humans become more incomprehensible every generation. My bloodline’s end has been prophesied by their hand. We must act.”
“That same prophecy also saw them as your saviors.”
The tiger gave a short, angry growl. The herbivores took a step back. “Saviors? Can they earn such a title when they are also our destruction? I wish to avoid such a need. My species is not the only one that faces problems. They’ll come for us all soon.”
The dragon hissed. “Humans are nothing we can’t handle.”
The Muntjac tilted its wide, heavy antlers forward, a defensive position and habit around such as the tiger and dragon. “What harm do we risk? Just one human? If the tiger—”
The rhinoceros scoffed. “Of course you’d consider it. Their precious barking deer. Humans play favorites, but don’t be fooled. They care not. They deserve their banishment.”
A roar of whispers filled the clearing.
The tiger growled. “This is not about forgiveness. Not about inviting them back. I only need one to listen.”
“A unanimous vote is required,” said the dragon. “I vote no. Fend for yourself as we all must.”
Hours later, as the sun sliced the horizon, the tiger waited at the water’s edge. The same spot he’d seen the girl countless times before, gathering water. No longer surprised by one another, they met at a distance.
He would be outcasted for this.
But he had to try.
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