The Prompt: Choose a song that mattered to you at sixteen (or invent one, if you prefer). Write a braided piece (900–1,100 words) that alternates between: You may quote no more than one lyric, and it must be six words or fewer. Include one sentence that appears exactly three times in the piece, unchanged each time. (Place it … Read moreCar Wash
A Green Giant Jamba Juice precariously jammed in the crook of her arm, her purse and keys in one hand, and her phone in the other, Jenny scrolled distractedly before she entered the elevator. The AI voice announced, “Doors are closing” and asked, “Where would you like to go?” The voice had a youthful, relaxed … Read moreReboot
The writing prompt: write a one-page scene in the style of the “Valley Heat” podcast, but set in your own neighborhood (or an imagined one). Keep the tone deadpan, hyper-local, and lightly absurd. The narrator should be convinced that a small, mundane neighborhood issue is part of a much larger and deeply important investigation. Include at least … Read moreMoth Pie
The Prompt: Choose an old street photographs below. Write a scene of no more than 250 words. Halfway through, the central figure notices that their reflection no longer appears in a window or mirror. People still move around them, but no one registers their presence. End the scene at the exact moment they decide to test their reality. Corbin and … Read moreThe Color of Roses
It was mid-December, and the morning announcements spoke of a lunch hour pep rally for the upcoming basketball game. They also mentioned the judging of the annual Christmas Door Decorating Contest at the end of the week in which each homeroom decorated their door to reflect a Christmas theme. My homeroom was choir, and my … Read morePep Rally Poison
The end of December brings my birthday and the annual notable deaths wrap-up of expired celebrities, scientists, politicians, and famous ne’er-do-wells. I usually forgot most were still alive. I check the ages, and most are reassuringly far from mine. But some are much too close. Will my life merit a notable death? Do I have … Read moreAnother Annual Review
The Facebook like. The happy birthday text. The ghost of a relationship long passed. Who are you now? No idea, really. When I knew you a million years ago the friendship seemed important and possibly meaningful. School-enforced proximity brought daily sightings, hellos, jokes, sometimes lunches, and always parties. Now? An itch of guilt soothed by … Read moreWeed of Loyalty
I never knew terror until her arrival. People exaggerated, I thought. The fat rolls and giggling, then crawling with gusto. A smile so sweet, never before seen on earth. Then, sitting at the table unafraid of any food, refusing help to leave her chair. Pigtails and running with glee on tiptoes to foil the Tickle … Read moreThe Gooey Center
Call me Ishmael, or Ishy for short. Winter is tough for me. I always feel a little down, which aggravates my acid reflux. I’d like to get away somewhere with a sunny beach, but I’m between gigs and unemployment won’t fund a vacation. I saw ads for work on a fishing boat, which sounds perfect. … Read moremobydick@ishmael.com
“How’s his mood tonight?” The sword swallower asked, nervously fiddling with his knives and blades. “Does it matter? Do your act, get the hell off the stage, and be grateful,” the juggler lamented. “It beats digging potatoes out in the snow.” “How’s the Fool doing? Many laughs?” the swallower asked. “I hear laughing, but it … Read moreYour Leg Should be Breaking