Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.
Dear Journal,
Okay, I did it. I had to give it a try. No, I’m NOT entering the flash fiction challenge, but here’s my example of a story in 200 words. It started out at least 300, so I’m surprised I could get it under the goal, but it was fun to write! And that was the point. Something different to focus on besides the news.
I hope folks will give it a shot! Whether you consider yourself “a writer” or not, flash fiction is a fun challenge. And thank you in advance to everyone who enters for the gift of sharing your words. A reminder:
Who: Everyone! All ages welcome.
What: A short story, 200 words or less. Any genre. Any topic. Poetry too! Must be family friendly. Selected stories will be printed in The Daily World. You retain all rights to your story.
When: Stories are due Thursday, April 23.
Where: The Daily World Flash Fiction Challenge
Email: karenharristully@gmail.com; Subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge
Volunteer judges will be yours truly, Karen Harris Tully, and a loyal reader of The Daily World, Corby Varness.
How: Need a story prompt to get started? Try: The Writing Prompt Generator, https://thestoryshack.com/tools/writing-prompt-generator/ Click the Generate button. Use as much of the prompt as you want, it’s just to get you going. Remember the goal: 200 words. And have some fun with it!
Here’s my example. Enjoy 😉
Super Karen
Newcomer Bre parked at the soccer field and stared at the sky, agape. A minivan emblazoned with the words Live, Laugh, Love, somehow flew overhead, before coming in for a landing. Out piled a dozen kids.
“Oh, that’s just Super Karen.” A dad-type said next to Bre, stepping out of a Subaru.
“Who?” Bre stared as the woman exited her minivan, flipped her chunky highlights out of her eyes, and scowled across the field. She stomped over to inspect a goal net.
“Her minivan flies?”
“Well, she thinks she’s an astrophysicist.”
Bre shook her head, confused.
Across the field, Karen got on her phone and ranted at someone, drinking a stream of dark liquid from a sports bottle.
“What’s that?”
“Espresso. Or wine. Could go either way.” They watched as maintenance arrived in a minute flat and replaced the net, despite it being after five.
“Good catch, Karen!” the man yelled. “Pizza after the game?”
Karen nodded. “Marco’s! I’m friends with the manager.”
“Great!” He spoke to Bre out the side of his mouth. “They’re not friends. But hey, you in for free pizza?” Bre gave him a look.
“What? Every team needs a Super Karen.”
Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.
