Ice
You are no doubt aware by now that I’m participating in this year’s A-to-Z Blogging Challenge. As in years past, I’m writing 100-word flash fiction stories. Unlike years past, however, I have not written these stories weeks in advance. These stories are inspired by commenter prompts given the day before. For the letter “I” I have chosen one of AJ Blythe‘s suggestions. AJ lives in Australia and is clearly looking forward to their cold season which is fast approaching. So, without further ado…
ICE
“Are you sure?”
Jacob scratched his beard as he peered over the edge. Ice crystals had formed on the wooden rail. Below, the streets, paths, and parks merged into a single white field, with snow frosted trees poking through. Swimming pools and lakes were sheets of glass.
They came to rest on a rooftop and unloaded.
“Are you really sure, boss?” Jacob said.
“Of course! Look at all the snow!”
“But there are no decorations.”
“Sad, but not unexpected. Bound to happen eventually.”
“And it’s Florida!”
“Your GPS is wrong.”
“And it’s JULY!”
Santa scratched his beard.
“Are you sure?”
Tomorrow’s letter is J. What prompt ideas do you have for me? Thanks for keeping the suggestions coming! 🙂
P.S.: If you’re enjoying my stories and have a Twitter account, check out the daily Very Short Stories I’m writing for the “vss365” year-long Twitter challenge. Search for the hashtag #vss365.
I’m so enjoying the stories! You are certainly being so creative. I loved this one. So clever with the twist at the end! Well done.
Jammy dodgers!
Thank you so much, Jane. I’m pleased you’re enjoying them. They’re fun to write, even under these self-imposed stressful conditions!
Mmmm… Jammy Dodgers!! Are you suggesting a prompt or trying to tempt us back for a visit? 😉
Definitely tempting you back for a visit. It’s been too long! !! Love to you and April
Poor Santa! Can’t even enjoy his summer vacation.
J is for Just HOW are you able to write so many flash stories so quickly?! Jumanji. Jambalaya. Jelly donuts.
Dena
https://denapawling.blogspot.com/
According to my records, I’ve entered 95 of Janet’s 100-word flash fiction contests, so I ought to at least be used to them. 🙂 However, unlike Janet’s contests, all of these stories are exactly 100 words in length–no more, no less. AND I have to be willing to sacrifice quality, and possibly write some “not quite a story” ones (and some “not really very good” ones) to get them in on time. So this may well be quantity over quality. But thanks for the encouragement! 🙂
And thanks for the prompts! Hmmm… challenging. 🙂
Jaundice, jelly-legs, juicy?
Jelly-legs! Ha! That might make an interesting prompt. Thanks, Claire. 🙂
Yeah, I’m feeling for Santa too 🙂
Jeremiah, jacaranda, jockey (not the underwear!)
A-Zing this year at:
FictionCanBeFun
Normally found at:
DebsDespatches
Santa just needs to chill (har har) for another five months. He’ll be fine.
Good words. Jeremiah–bullfrog, maybe? 😉
Poor Santa. I know how he feels because this year is screaming past (first school term of the year is usually slow and it builds from there – rather worried what the rest of the year will bring!). And yes, school holidays for 2 weeks come 3pm Friday =)
It is amazing to think we’re nearly half-way through April already. The cold spring here doesn’t help shake the feeling winter hasn’t really left. Here in North Carolina, we’ve had some spring-like days. But the cold doesn’t seem to want to leave. Enjoy the school holidays!
Santa being confused by the weather… sooo cute this!
This one and the gorgeous gnome are my favorites so far.
For tomorrow: Jesus, Janet! (What have you taught Colin to make him this good at flash fiction…? We will all lose to him in the new competition. 😉 )
I’m actually quite surprised with how many of these have turned out not so bad. I was expecting, given the short time frame, they would all be train wrecks. The month’s not over yet, though. There’s still time… 🙂
Thanks, OneOfUs! And no, I don’t think anyone need fear losing to me in any of Janet’s contests anytime soon. Of the 95 that I’ve entered, I’ve won 3. Do the math. That’s not a big percentage. There’s some amazing talent in that little group of blog readers.