2023 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 3
Write a piece of flash fiction each day of February with the February Flash Fiction Challenge, led by Managing Editor Moriah Richard. Each day, receive a prompt, example story, and write your own. Today’s prompt is to employ as many senses as you can.
One of the easiest ways to draw a reader into a story is to make them feel the setting—whether by taste, touch, or smell, activating those parts of the reader's brain can help them to visualize your world more vividly. In this article from 2020, author Jonelle Patrick shares her expertise on how to create settings that will bring your reader in and make your characters shine.
For today’s prompt, employ as many senses as you can. This can be tricky based on how few words you can use, but try your best to bring your setting to life!
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. Fingers crossed there are no tech hiccups!)
Here’s my attempt at a story that employs the senses:
If They Asked Me to Describe You
I think I’d say, the warm sugar bite of bourbon spilling nostalgic and thick across the tongue on the first truly cold night of autumn. Or maybe, the crackling of a too-green log in the fireplace underneath the honey tones of Dinah Washington spinning, spinning, spinning on that old vinyl. Or even, dust glinting in the sunlight through the bookstore window, spines alighted on bowing oak shelves. Or better yet, when your blood is racing fire and you’re expecting a bite to the skin of your neck but it’s the softest kiss instead. But maybe most honestly: Mine, mine, mine.
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.
