Category Archives: Flash Fiction

Until Further Notice: Fiction Friday

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9

The Friday Fictioneer Challenge: Write a 100-word story based on the photo.

Photo copyright Ted Strutz

Photo copyright Ted Strutz

Until Further Notice

Kate hadn’t seen another scavenger hunter in more than an hour. She looked at the clue once more: Four on the floor, stillness amidst the flow of time.

Turning towards the sound of running water, Kate eventually exited the woods, coming to the creek. I only need the last item! She flipped an imaginary coin, turning upstream, soon spotting the chair. She trotted into the water, hoping she was first. She found a note taped underneath the seat.

“Until further notice, celebrate everything.”

Smiling, Kate returned the note to its envelope, deciding to share the sentiment with those who followed.

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To read other Friday Fictioneer stories based on this photo, select the smiley blue frog.

First Day: Fiction Friday

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11

The Friday Fictioneer Challenge: Write a 100-word story based on the photo.

Photo copyright Roger Bultot

Photo copyright Roger Bultot

First Day

“What’s that white stuff?”

Aloe sighed, looking up at Orchid, his bloom newly opened. Aloe had been on that window sill for as long as she could remember. Orchid had been there a long time, too, but his memory faded each time his last bloom withered. He never remembered the snow, the rain, the sunshine. Today really is the first day of the rest of his life, Aloe thought.

With true kindness, Aloe said, “It’s snow,” and started to describe the weather and the world they would see pass by them as they looked out the window together, as always.

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To read other Friday Fictioneer stories based on this photo, select the smiley blue frog.

A Journey (2): Fiction Friday

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9

The Friday Fictioneer Challenge: Write a 100-word story based on the photo. This week, our host inadvertently posted a photo already used. We have the choice to post our original story or write a new one. I re-read my story from February 2016. I liked it; I’m using it.

Photo copyright Al Forbes

Photo copyright Al Forbes

A Journey

You either knew or you didn’t, Jordan thought. Anyone asking him a question starting with “Why do you?” usually didn’t understand his answer. How do you explain passion to someone who lacks it? It is invisible to them, even when right in front of their eyes.

He earned his living as a mechanic, classic cars his specialty. He loved the freedom to follow the road, to go when and where he wanted. His prized possessions in tow, Jordan merged onto the highway. Something just over the next hill was always beckoning. He enjoyed life as a journey, not a destination.

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To read other Friday Fictioneer stories based on this photo, select the smiley blue frog.

Rembrandt Rustlers: Fiction Friday

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5

The Friday Fictioneer Challenge: Write a 100-word story based on the photo.

Photo copyright Dale Rogerson

Photo copyright Dale Rogerson

Rembrandt Rustlers

No one thought it would ever come to this: an underground art gallery. Underground in both senses of the word: the physical location and secret, hidden from the officials.

The Rembrandt Rustlers fashioned themselves after the Rose Rustlers who search for old roses, risking life and limb to steal a cutting. Only their target was art from galleries and museums shattered by the bombs.

They believed in art as a defining, necessary aspect of civilization; saw themselves in a race to preserve a part of humanity that seeks out joy and beauty. When the dust settled above, they’d be ready.

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To read other Friday Fictioneer stories based on this photo, select the smiley blue frog.

Once Upon A Time: Fiction Friday

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7

The Friday Fictioneer Challenge: Write a 100-word story based on the photo.

Photo copyright Sandra Crook

Photo copyright Sandra Crook

Once Upon A Time

From behind the face of the tower clock, the village looked small. Maureen remembered always being fascinated with the mechanical timepiece, abandoned long ago.

She dreamt of whirling gears and cogs. “Did it used to work?” she asked her parents.

“Once upon a time,” they said, “but we don’t need it now. We have electricity.”

That was before the war. Now, no one had electricity, anywhere. The war took too many lives, broke most technology chains. Turns out time can run backwards, Maureen thought. She finished oiling the clock and started it back up. Once upon a time was now.

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The photographer, Sandra Crook, is also a Friday Fictioneer writer. Here is her story, The History Man.

To read other Friday Fictioneer stories based on this photo, select the smiley blue frog.