2021 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 22
Write a piece of flash fiction each day of February with the February Flash Fiction Challenge, led by editor Moriah Richard. Each day, receive a prompt, example story, and write your own. Today’s prompt is to play with form.
Have you ever thought of a form of a story? Most often, I’ve seen stories laid out in letters, diaries, or poems. But I’ve known writers who use social media or even a series of photographs to create a narrative.
Today’s prompt is to play with the form of your story.
Remember: These prompts are just starting points; you have the freedom to go wherever your flash of inspiration takes you.
(Note: If you happen to run into any issues posting, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.)
Here’s my attempt at playing with form:
The Day They Came
Hi! You’ve reached Wendy Nelson’s cell phone. Obviously, I’m not here right now, but if you leave your contact info, I’ll get back to you ASAP!
[7:00 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Joann Miller] Hey, Wendy! It’s Jo. Listen, I’m sorry to call you so early, but I was wondering if you’ve seen the news? I’m closing the office down until they figure out what’s going on. Hope you’re not already on your way in! Talk to you soon. Bye.
[8:00 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Mama] Wendy? It’s Mom. The things they’re saying on the news … are you and Rob at home? I need you to call me back as soon as possible. Love you. Stay safe.
[8:02 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Rob Nelson] Wendy, your mother just called me. Did you make it into the office? If not, try and come back to the apartment. Everything’s shutting down, and I’m worried they’ll close the roadways. If we go into lockdown or something, I want us to be together. Call me back.
[8:30 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Rob Nelson]
[8:50 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Rob Nelson]
[9:14 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Abby Stein] Hey, it’s Abby. Rob said he can’t get ahold of you, but I was hoping you’d pick up for me. It looks like things are getting kind of crazy out there, so if you can’t call, please just send a text. Love you, bye.
[9:20 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Rob Nelson]
[9:30 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Rob Nelson]
[9:36 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Mama]
[10:07 a.m. EST—Incoming call: Rob Nelson] Wend, they’re [background noise] down into the subways. God, I hope you can hear me. Don’t come back to the [background noise] real, actual aliens! I wouldn’t have believed it if we didn’t see it. Listen, if we don’t [background noise] alive, you have made me the happiest man on the planet. You changed my life, and I love you. I love you so much, Wendy, and if we—[background noise] [Call failed]
[2 a.m. EST—Outgoing call: Rob Nelson] [Call failed]
[2:04 a.m. EST—Outgoing call: Rob Nelson] [Call failed]
[2:08 a.m. EST—Outgoing call: Rob Nelson] [Call failed]
Since obtaining her MFA in fiction, Moriah Richard has worked with over 100 authors to help them achieve their publication dreams. As the managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine, she spearheads the world-building column Building Better Worlds, a 2023 Eddie & Ozzie Award winner. She also runs the Flash Fiction February Challenge on the WD blog, encouraging writers to pen one microstory a day over the course of the month and share their work with other participants. As a reader, Moriah is most interested in horror, fantasy, and romance, although she will read just about anything with a great hook.
Learn more about Moriah on her personal website.
