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I’ve been to Needles, CA. I had one of the more strange breakfasts of my life there, on an overnight (read: allnighter) from CA to AZ. It felt alien in every sense of the word; we ordered food that had no taste to it, served by a waitress who seemed to be more ghost than human. There were truckers in there, but none of them were talking to anybody, even the ones sitting together. I am going to have to use that scene in a story sometime… to remember it so well after 30 years is just telling me something… — s.

Welcome to Flash Challenge!


What is Flash Challenge? A challenge to write, to produce. Maybe you have the writing chops but can't seem to get motivated to write, like Jim W., of Illinois. Maybe you've never written before but want to give it a try, like Hannah C., of central Texas. Maybe you just make up funny names, like Wendell K., of Wales. What do you do with a gift like that? You write flash fiction! Yeah! Okay! Why not!

- Aphrodite, February 8, 2010

would be hard labor but we all die to this life body fully grown

» Today's Prompt | What is The Exquisite ‘Ku?

What should you write today? Get a random (but still official)
SMYL Prompt! »

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  Flash Challenge #42 prompts are up!

Come join the parade. Participate in our regular weekly Flash Challenge where you will be competing for glory, worldwide fame, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the coveted jester cap doubloon. Log in any time between now and Tuesday night to get this week’s prompt. Don’t check the prompt, though, until you’re ready to write uninterruptedly for 90 minutes. The timer starts as soon as you hit the link. If you haven’t registered yet, you still have time to do so and compete in this week’s contest. It’s off the tip, yo.

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By Richard | October 1, 2008

Dear SMYL,

I want to write a novel but I have absolutely no discipline or motivation.  None, whatsoever…

See just there?  I almost stopped writing this letter.  That’s how bad it is.  I should go back to bed.  What can I do?

Indifferently,

Lazy in N.Dak.

Dear Lazy,

Participate in our 100 Word-a-Day Novel Writing Challenge!

- SMYL

Dear SMYL,

I am constantly revising-

I am continually revising-

I can’t make it past my first line!  Help!

Sincerely,

Insecure in Oklahoma

Dear Insecure,

Participate in our 100 Word-a-Day Novel Writing Challenge!

- SMYL


Flash Challenge #61: January 31, 2010

  • turn
  • The Right Honourable gentleman is indebted to his memory for his jests and to his imagination for his facts. ~Sheridan Richard Brinsley

Best of the Best:

Of Gentlemen, and Mansions, and Little Boys by Errid

Best Flash:

Of Gentlemen, and Mansions, and Little Boys by Errid
September by Cezarija Abartis

Best Narrative Voice:

Of Gentlemen, and Mansions, and Little Boys by Errid
September by Cezarija Abartis
Untitled by WallisCooke

Best Characterization:

Of Gentlemen, and Mansions, and Little Boys by Errid
Untitled by WallisCooke
Memoirs of a Practikal Witch by RomanWilderness

Best Setting Development:

Of Gentlemen, and Mansions, and Little Boys by Errid
Turner by fayfran
Cedar Hill by Mark DeMoss

Best Dialogue:

Of Gentlemen, and Mansions, and Little Boys by Errid
September by Cezarija Abartis

Best Use of Topic:

Turner by fayfran
September by Cezarija Abartis
Cedar Hill by Mark DeMoss
Untitled by WallisCooke
The Conflagration by V V Saichek
The Folks of Rhynedale by GK Adams

Previous winners »



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