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 seventh collection of 100 stories (stories 601 to 700) received via the 81 words writing challenge was removed from this website on 28th 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 601:
THE RIGHT INGREDIENT
by Kent Raddatz
“Life isn’t all pop tarts and gravy, ya know.”
As he imagined that horrible combination of flavours in his mouth, she went on.
“Sometimes you need some spice to make the magic.”
“I just wanted to know if I should ask her out.”
“I know what you wanted.”
“Well then, is she the pop tart or the gravy? Please don’t say both.”
“She’s the spice.”
“So I’m like gravy – boring?”
“Call her.”
He shrugged. He called. And nothing was tasteless again.
Story 644:
BLUEBELLS
by Susan Wickham
The police car stopped. She stumbled out into the vast blueness. It overwhelmed her and the tears fell. It wasn’t the cruelness that she had suffered all these months that finally broke her down, it was the compassion.
They had found him and then her. She had been in his flat all this time. She just wanted to wallow in the fragrance, the wonder of the bluebells. The colour reminded her of her mother’s eyes. She was free. She could smell.
Story 655:
KEY, KEY RING AND FREEDOM
by Roshna Rusiniya
The bedroom door opened with a squeak, much to Lyla’s chagrin. Her husband’s snores were still loud, resembling the growling of a predatory animal. She lifted the suitcase with her uninjured hand and glanced around the room, brightly smiling at the sight of overflowing laundry and dirty plates.
She stepped out into the warm night and pulled the hoodie of the jacket down, so her bruised cheeks were hidden. The key in her hand glowed, free from the key ring, finally.
Story 670:
GROWING UP
by Valerie J Shay
Diane’s life was never the same after she pulled the trigger. For three years, she tried to forget that night, tried to bury it in the recesses of her memory. She refused to talk about it. She forced herself to pretend it never happened. Diane loved Jeffrey, but she loved her freedom, her sanity and her friends even more.
Jeffrey needed to go. She’d outgrown him. He no longer served his purpose. Mother was right, imaginary friends are not real. Mostly.
Story 678:
FOR THE LOVE OF A GHOST
by Veena Rah
“You did this to me,” she whispers, fidgeting.
I knew this, of course. I was selfish and weak. I left.
I trace the path of her tear with my finger. Almost imperceptibly, she shudders.
She’ll be angry with me forever, but it won’t matter, she’ll be with me again.
“Don’t worry, dear. It won’t hurt,” I lie as she tilts her head back and throws a handful of those little pills down her throat. “Trust me.”
She’ll be with me again.
Story 685:
JUST 81 WORDS
by Thomas O’Mara
So good to be accurate, neat and precise,
My writing a passioned, explicit device.
Apt comments found where there are phrases to spare,
Hurtling and flowing with dashes of flare.
Take care with the counting; take care not to fail,
Just 81 words must my story entail.
A word hurtle train, all engine and coaches,
My work gallops on as the ending approaches.
Some final adjustments, some last minute changes,
I’m just about there by the seat of my breaches.
The—
Story 689:
DINNER AND A MOVIE…
by Lumen Ros
“Would you like dinner out tonight, dear?”
“Let’s eat in.”
“Sure. Italian?”
“We’ve had that three times this week. How about Moroccan?”
“Excellent suggestion. I’ll pick it up. Let’s catch a movie after.”
As I finished getting dressed, the front door opened.
“I’m back, love.”
I was so hungry, I flew down the steps.
There he stood, dinner in hand. After 500 years, the gleam in his fangs still sent a jolt of lust to my carotid.
“Darling, this is Nadia.”
Story 700:
THE BOOK
by Don Bartlome
I stood beside the desk, looking down at an ancient book I’d been seeing for fifty years, with gold lettering no one could translate.
Even with the threat of punishment, the book was comfortable in my withered hands, like a long lost lover. I opened the book, feeling its warmth on my palm.
“Billy,” Mother shrieked. “Leave it. You’re only ten years old.” I looked into the mirror behind the desk and saw myself; a young boy with small soft hands.
Here is a list of the seventh pen of 100 contributing authors, listed in the order their stories appear in the book:
Peter
S
Thanks Chris, I enjoyed reading through some of the other stories. Your website is easy to use, and inspirational. Very many thanks.
Chris Fielden
That’s great to hear, thanks Peter :-)
Stephen PT
Hi, thank you for publishing my story 'Holding Out Against The Zombie Apocalypse' (number 631). Is always a thrill to see your name in print! However, can you correct the small typo on the first line? "abatin.," should read "abating,"
Chris Fielden
Sorry about that, Stephen - my bad.
Fixed for you :-)
Jessica B
Hello, Chris! Thank you so much for adding my story to the list! I'll definitely be buying this book, too, once it's published.
Chris Fielden
Fab stuff, thanks Jessica :-)
Roshna R
Thank you so much for adding my story(no. 655). It feels great to see my name in print! :)
Chris Fielden
No problem, Roshna, thank you for submitting :-)
John L
I wanted to thank you for allowing me to submit story number 658 ('The Visit'). This was definitely a positive experience and an encouragement to budding writers. It was so enjoyable, as a member of Scribophile, I shared the website with one of the groups. Thanks again.
Chris Fielden
No problem, John. Thanks for submitting.
And thanks for sharing with your Scribophile group too - much appreciated.
Toni G
Chris, thank you for publishing my story 'A Modern-Day Mona Lisa' number 661. I hope to spend more time on this site reading the interesting stories.
Chris Fielden
No problem, Toni. Thank you for submitting :-)
NT F
Toni, 'A Modern-Day Mona Lisa' is brilliant.
Don B
Thanks, Chris, for including my story, 'The Book' (700). I have enjoyed reading several of them and writing my own. I saw the challenge and said to myself, I can do this.
Chris Fielden
No problem, thanks Don :-)
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.