There’s something oh-so satisfying about finishing a complete story in just one sitting. Flash fiction is perfect for that. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure you’re hitting your weekly writing goals.
If you’re looking for a new direction for your fiction today, dive into these prompts. They’re designed to get your pen moving immediately.
Pick your length and roll with the prompt to get your creative process started. And if you publish your fiction online, please link back to this page. Thanks!
100-word prompt
Write a short story in any genre that’s 100 words or less and includes the following three words: window, select, deeply
Advanced Challenge: Make your story drabble. Drabble is exactly 100 words, including the title.
500-word prompt
Write a short story in any genre that’s 500 words or less and includes the following elements:
Location: Somewhere temporary
Item: A ballpoint pen
Character: Someone who is convinced they are being followed by a ghost
Feel free to get creative with how you include the elements. The story doesn’t have to be trapped in the location, for example. The way you interpret the character summary can be as unconventional as you like.
Just make sure you touch on each.
Advanced Challenge: Make your story microfiction. Microfiction is 300 words or less.
1,200-word prompt
Write a short story in any genre that’s 1,200 words or less and uses the following situation as a starting point:
Your character’s phone rings. When they answer it, they don’t hear a voice. Just heavy breathing.
Advanced Challenge: Include the three words from the 100-word prompt.
Happy writing!