Flash Fiction or the short-short story is popular with writers now. Lengths vary between competitions but are generally less than 1000 words. It’s a skilful process to tell a tale with such brevity.
Through Writers Forum magazine, I discovered the Fusilli Writing website and although almost a stranger to ‘Flash’, decided to have a go. My first attempt was short-listed (September 2022.) please see below.
It’s a rewarding process so, have a go.
- Visit- fusilliwriting.com
- Maximum word count is 200.
- The theme is open but must have a twist ending.
- Entry is free-so nothing to lose.
- There are no prizes, but the winner of each comp. is published on the website. Shortlisted entrants get a mention.
Tap into your imagination.
My attempt-
Pawn to Knight
The last day before the school holidays. There were no lessons so the boys brought board games, record players and all sorts of stuff. I swaggered in with my guitar over my shoulder. ‘Haven’t you got a case for that, Elvis?’ Funny comment from the usual big mouth.
A small group gathered around me when I started to play, clicking their fingers and stumbling over the words. My heart sank as one by one they drifted off to play games or to listen to Cliff or Eddie Cochran records. I was having trouble with ‘Johnny B. Goode,’ so went out into the corridor to practice.
When I got back, they’d settled down, there was a chess tournament going on and the PE teacher had come in to control us.
‘I’m back fans,’ I said as I climbed on a desk. It felt great looking down on the small crowd and it made me play better.
‘Shut up, we’re trying to play chess here,’ he was joined by a chorus of ‘shut up’ from the rest of them.
The teacher butted in too. ‘Get off the desk McCartney and do something worthwhile instead of making that noise.’
Copyright © 2023 by Ken Tracey
(196 words)
Ken Tracey 