I’ve decided to do the first campaign challenge for my Wednesday blog- the rules are below. I’ve never done any flash fiction because my grammar is so poor I get horribly nervous posting anything that hasn’t been reviewed several times over- but I don’t have a blog for today so here we go 🙂
Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: “the door swung shut.” (also included in the word count)
For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!
The door swung open. For a moment Zopher wondered whether this was a good idea. The room was disgusting. Filth and vermin covered every surface. The young man he’d come for shook as he knelt naked on the floor, his bruised, yellow, body barely more then a skeleton.
Zopher stepped out of the light and into Scott Hillman’s personal hell. “Could you please put the syringe down so we may speak?”
Blood-shot eye slowly raised, taking in Zopher’s translucent form. “Am I already dead?” Scott pulled the rusted needle from his arm, leaving a trickle of blood.
Zopher smiled and knelt on the floor. “No you are not, although your soul cries out for death.”
“I do. I want to die.”
“I have a deal for you. Let me have your life.”
“Like a vampire?”
Zopher chuckled. “No, Scott. I will enter your body and you will walk through that doorway. I will accept all your karma from this life, and you will move on.”
“Will it hurt?”
“No.”
“Do it.”
Zopher slid into the body. As pain and stench assaulted him Zopher wondered if he’d made the right choice, but it was too late. The door swung shut.
Here it is- hope you enjoying, and it’s exactly 200 words.
Okay I couldn’t leave you without something wacky- so here is a literal video- if you haven’t seen these before I hope you enjoy it- it cracked me up.
Alica, that was hysterical! At first I thought it was the real song and then it struck me that it was a farce. Wow! Great laugh!
Patti
OMG. i want so more of the story. 🙂
Heather you are so sweet! It’s an interesting story bopping around in my head.
That video is hilarious.
And your story is gripping. How creepy is that? Take my karma? Yikes! Now I want to know how that works and where the story is headed. Great job, Alica! 🙂
Thank you so much! I was really nervous posting it. I love literal videos- they crack me up.
This is very nice. I’d be interested in reading this as an extended story.
Thank you! I’ll have to add it to my list of stories to be written. LOL
Hi Alica!
I have to be honest, only read your flash fiction up to the word “vermin.” (I promise to check it out later.) I’m eating dinner while I catch up on my blog reading. I watched the literal video, however, and it was HYSTERICAL! Thanks so much for making my Wednesday more wacky and wonderful. 😛
Thanks- I understand I can only read or watch certain things when I’m eating. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video- I cried I laughed so hard the first time I watched it.
Now this is something interesting that makes you want to know what more happens.
Thank you!
Quite interesting because a lot of think we could actually trade lives with other people. It would be interesting to see what kinda karma evolves as a result here.
It could be quiet the karmic mess- thanks for stopping in.
OMG woman you never cease to amaze me.
You’re too sweet
Its an interesting story, thanks for posting it on FB and it IS good, I am too embarrassed to mention I wrote a story for the Campaign on Fb, just too scared,
I also like the name of your blog . 🙂
Thanks I’m glad you liked it. You should post it! What number are you? I got through the first 200- but it’s all blending together at this point.
Wow, your flash piece was amazing… totally different from anything I’ve read so far. Love all the details! Fantastic job. 🙂
Thank you so much!
What a great little story! I’m thinking Scott got the raw end of that deal!
Thank you- I guess I have to write the rest to find out- lol.
An unusual story. …great entry for the challenge.
Would like to invite you to The Rule of Three Blogfest —a month-long extravaganza in the fictional town of Renaissance this October, with some great prizes, comment love, and of course, a lot of exposure for your writing.
Zopher and Scott could come to the town of Renaissance, and fit right in! 🙂
Thank you- I’ll pop over and check it out right now- thanks for the invite.
Alica,
Powerful story. To take on someone else’s karma, WOW! This is amazing!
Patricia T.
Thank you so much! Taking on some one’s karma would be a huge thing he must be desperate!
I want the backstory. Nicely done. Mine is #72
Thank you- I made it through the first 200 today so I know I read yours. Thanks for stopping by!
Dark and intriguing! Like how you incorporated the senses.
Thank you so much! My critique group calls me a description whore- I”m glad I didn’t over do it.
Dude, I really like the name Zopher. Great job!
Zopher was an ancestor of mine from the civil war 🙂
That’s a very interesting story! It’s good like this, but I think it bears expansion, even into novel length.
Thank you! I have a few requests I’ll have to figure out what happens next.
Lots of vivid imagery, and definitely another one of these mini-stories I can see being extended into a longer version.
And the literal videos always make me giggle!
Thank you so much. And I’m glad you liked the video.
How creepy! Very good imagery. This would make a great beginning for a longer story.
Thank you so much- I’ll have to mull it over who knows what happens next.
Fascinating story. It makes me wonder what type of being Zopher. Scott is certainly in a dark place. Zopher may be in for more than he bargained for.
Zopher certainly has his work cut out for him. Thanks for stopping by.
First of all, I love the name Zopher — a perfect fit for a character as strange and as curious as he is! There’s a grittiness to this story that I approve of. I love reading dirty, earthy fiction!
Good work, Alica! Don’t be nervous about showing the world your writing — that’s the only way any of us will ever get better. 🙂
Thank you so much- Zopher is actually an ancestors name- it has always stuck with me.
Nicely done! It’s imaginative and original.
Great voice and interesting premise. Well done.
Hi, thought I’d nip by, we’re in Urban Fantasy group together.
I like your flash fiction piece. Dark…very dark. 😉
Thank you- and very glad to meet you.
HI, Alica,
I really enjoyed your story…. Since I am a judge, I gently want to point out there were a few grammar errors. However, your story did make my top five list. Congratulations, and good luck with the rest of the challenge.
Thank you so much for looking past my grammar- it is my greatest weakness- would I be able to fix it beofre the final round of judging? I am thrilled to be chosen either way, and I’ll have someone look over my work before I post next time.
Hi Alicia!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love that we’re getting a scene from a “walk in” and the odd sort of flavor to it.
Thank you- I’m glad you enjoyed it.
OMG I loved that story. It really held me and I want more. Kudos!!!!!
Well that was interesintg – I thught it was Scott who had to choose – then it was actually Zopher. Nice work!
AliB
I totally want to find out more! That was a very cool entry. Good job!!