Writing Challenges:
Full details about the 81 word writing challenge and the world record attempt can be found on the main 81words writing challenge page.
Most of the third collection of 100 stories (stories 201 to 300) received via the 81 words writing challenge was removed from this website on 27th May 2021. I have left all the contributing author names on this page - you can see a list below.
I have also left a few of the stories on the page for you to enjoy. I hope they will encourage you to purchase the anthology :-) Every book sold generates money for a very worthy charitable cause.
You can learn more about the 81 Words Flash Fiction Anthology here.
Story 201:
TIME BOMB
by Shaun Clarke
She’d found him strewn over the bath, pacified, motionless.
“Tim?” She panicked, before telling herself he’s a joker.
“Tim?” she enquired, standing back, smiling hysterically.
She frowned…
“Timmy Sharpe, stop it now.” Then she spotted the telling blood.
He was announced dead on arrival at hospital.
When she learned he’d died of liver cancer, she remembered he’d complained about a pain which they never took seriously. She closed her eyes in absolute agony. There was always something more important to do.
Story 205:
PRIVACY POLICY
by Chris Cantor
Every effort has been taken to provide the freshest possible story for your entertainment. Please consider the suitability of the subject matter for your tastes. The story contains an exciting section and readers with nervous predispositions should consider this carefully, as we accept no liability for causation or exacerbations of health problems. The story should not be read whilst driving or operating dangerous machinery.
If you prefer to read our privacy policy instead of the story it is available at www…
Story 221:
MY PET HATE
by Johanna McDonald
I like writing. I have submitted some of my stories to competitions and enjoy writing for themed challenges. There is, however, one thing that I cannot abide and that’s a writing challenge that specifies a set number of words.
An exact word count is my pet hate. “Use this many words, no more, no less.” Whatever happened to freedom of choice? It’s like living in a dictatorship. Nothing stifles creativity more and I absolutely refuse to participate in such restrictive challenges.
Story 240:
REINCARNATION
by Chris Tattersall
I was once so full of life. I felt healthy but, in a devastating turn, it ended too soon.
My death came quickly and, thankfully, without pain, but it saddened me that nobody cared. I grieved for my own demise with a journey through the five arduous stages of loss – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and, finally, acceptance that my life was over. Yet again.
I had to wait. Soon, I would be rewarded with a new life. Candy Crush does that.
Story 269:
SECOND BEDROOM
by Gillian M Seed
They painted the room sunflower yellow. Back when they still hoped, she would stand inside and imagine what the future would be like. Crayon marks on the paintwork, juice spilled on the carpet. He caught her in there once and laughed, but it was indulgent laughter. Sharing her dreams.
He paints the room magnolia. Neutral, sensible magnolia. A blank canvas, according to those interminable property programmes they watch instead of talking.
They tell themselves having a spare room will be useful.
Story 300:
THE SOUND OF SILENCE
by Jackie Batteiger
She sits, alone, just enjoying the peace and quiet. With closed eyes, she lets her breath flow in and out. She just enjoys the silence. Restorative silence. She realises that old song is true: ‘You don’t know what you got till it’s gone.’
Gently, nodding her head, a power ballad from the ’90s fills her mind. She dares not sing out loud and break the silence.
“Mummy, where are you?”
And with a deep sigh, she stands and flushes the toilet.
Here is a list of the third pen of 100 contributing authors, listed in the order their stories appear in the book:
Leave your comments
Please use the form below to leave your comments. All comments will be reviewed so won't appear on the page instantly. I will not share your details with anyone else. Most recent comments appear at the bottom of the page, oldest at the top.