Bits of Fun

Six fiction stories under 100 words each

I’ve learned so much about writing in the process of crafting and querying two novels. And what nugget of wisdom did I undercover in this process? I discovered I still have much to learn about writing. No surprise there. Do any of us really think there is an end to this business of expanding and growing our craft?

My notebook filled with scribbles as I worked out the plot for my second novel.

Last week, I started looking into other formats and mediums that leaned into the art of brevity. After writing two novels, I need a break from being so long-winded. I found a prompt list for micro-fiction (I’ve never written micro-fiction) and I’ve dutifully followed it each day, typing out a small piece of fiction.

I hope you enjoy my little bits of words!

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June 18 / Day 4: The story of how your parents met, transposed in a Victorian era.

He smelled of sea salt and oaken barrels, and had a small heart tattooed on his upper arm. I found him quite handsome in his Navy uniform. When he slid me a small glass of whiskey and spoke of his love of reading, I was smitten.

June 19 / Day 5: His wife was having tea with the king and he didn’t even know about it.

Surprised seemed like a lackluster word to describe how Ricardo felt after reading his wife’s note. In fact, he debated the merits of divorce and considered visiting the brothel. That was until he remembered the king was his wife’s brother.

June 20 / Day 6: A balloon, a ball, and balustrades.

As Lucile bounced a ball, bored and sweating on a humid summer day, she wondered how many balloons it would take for her to float up and over the second-floor balustrade.

June 21 / Day 7: A language class for aliens.

The room was awash with colors from neon blue to hazy purple. Some had eyes on their hands, some had none, one had a single orb which felt like it peer into my soul. I knew being a first year teacher would be challenging, but I was not expecting this.

June 22 / Day 8: ‘She liked to fit people into the world like puzzle pieces”.

I didn’t heed my mother’s warning to avoid the overgrown trail leading into the dark wood, a place which seemed to swallow the

light. It was at the small, run-down shack I met my fate, trapped by the witch and turned into a child’s play-thing.

June 23 / Day 9: Someone goes to extreme lengths to return something they borrowed.

The vast expanse of the rocky desert lay far below me. I hungrily snapped photos from my position in the hot-air balloon until I heard someone shouting my name. I looked up, and there was Joseph, my childhood friend, sky-diving alongside me with my old Walkman in his hand.