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Writing Contest - Issue 13

Below you will find all stories that were submitted for this contest.

Long Live the King

February 1, 2016

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The darkness reeked of eldritch gravitas and incense. Thirteen figures, in black hooded robes, stood in a circle, barely visible in the candlelight’s flicker. No faces were visible in the deep shadow of the hoods, each pulled far forward. Anonymity was important when plotting to kill a King.

“He brought the world to the brink of nuclear annihilation. He doesn’t follow orders like the others,” whispered one of the hoods.

“And you propose?” Another shadow queried.

“Remove him from the game board.” The whisper, smooth and hard as a katana. “Arrangements have been made.”

“Oh?”

“November 22nd, Dallas.”

It was 1963.

— DeRicki Johnson

Filed Under: All Stories, Writing Contest - Issue 13

Ultimate Sale

February 1, 2016

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Mid-life crisis beckoning, approaching forty.

Emotionally bankrupt and flat broke, I tried to sell my soul.

The bank didn’t see a viable investment—“But do take out a loan at an unaffordable rate of interest?” they begged.

Detroit and Motown didn’t want it—“You’ve not enough of it,” they grooved.

Social Media mocked the idea—“What a loser!” they trolled.

#Soulless—they tweeted.

Politicians showed interest—“Would take it (in return for a vote),” they argued. And lied.

Religion vied for it—“Not radical, needy or committed enough,” they preached.

Death just laughed. “It’s mine in the future anyway,” he assured.

— Jon Nixon

Filed Under: All Stories, Writing Contest - Issue 13

A Dash of Salt

February 1, 2016

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Just hold a bit of ire inside.

A dash of salt makes all the difference.

Allow it to pulse within, but not overwhelm.

After all, life always offers something to be enraged about.

Why not use it to one’s advantage?

Table salt preserves food and makes it all the more palatable.

Spite can work the same way.

Retain some for that jolt of determined drive.

Likewise, perspective can be gained from its presence.

Even among rage, love remains.

Just as salt refines flavor, hatred allows kindness to shine.

Together, they season the world and make existence a dish to be appreciated.

— Michelle Vongkaysone

Filed Under: All Stories, Writing Contest - Issue 13

But Still…

February 1, 2016

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Twnyara slips off the red-soled, high-heeled fashionable nay faddish steppers (the required kit for her executive assistant position in the uptown office).

She puts each shoe in a felt bag that she places in her huge carrying pouch, from whence she removes her cross trainers.

Twnyara dons the comfortable walking apparel, but still…

She catches an uptown bus.

The only vacant seat is next to the window side. A squeeze beside the obese woman on the aisle side, but still…

She transfers.

On the subway a handsome man flashes an inviting smile, and then gallantly allows Twnyara his seat, but still…

— Jeffrey A. Paolano

Filed Under: All Stories, Writing Contest - Issue 13

Coaster

February 1, 2016

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Moving slowly up track. Click. Click. Click. Old wooden coaster swayed as it rose in azure sky. Up ahead, ocean flowing like a cocktail dress on a beautiful woman. Click. She took my photo with her phone. Click Click. My watch swallowed time like cotton candy disappearing before it ever got anywhere. Arrival top. Could see so far into the horizon that we thought we could see the future. She raised her hands surrendering to her destiny. I held safety bar. Started down. Everyone screamed. Time stopped. It made a signature in the air as of an angel signing an autograph.

— Richard Edenfield

Filed Under: All Stories, Writing Contest - Issue 13

Writing Contest – Issue 13

January 24, 2016

Submissions for this contest have ended. Check the Writing Contest page for the most recent information.

Are you an Author? Wanna win stuff with your words?

Here’s the deal, cupcake. It’s quite simple.

  • Write a great story. You got this!!
  • Does it have 101 Words?
  • Edit it. What did your friend say?
  • Edit it again! Editing makes you better!
  • Make sure it has 101 Words. Count ’em.
  • Submit it to us for review.
  • You get some valuable feedback!
  • If it makes the cut, you get published.
  • If you make the second round, you get Featured.
  • The best story wins Editors’ Choice.
  • Now you are a winner!

Editors Choice — $25 Amazon Gift Card

Amazon Gift Card

Monthly Book Review / Bonus Prize — Peek by Paul Beckman

Every month we are going to review one book. Many of these books will be written by authors published on 101 Words. If you have a book and want to participate, get in touch: shannon@101words.org.

In addition to the Amazon Gift Card, you will receive a copy of Peek by Paul Beckman. Paul is a regular contributor to 101 Words.

Read the review of Peek

Weekly Book Prize

If you want a chance to win more free books, join us on Flash Fiction Daily. We give away one book every week.

If you know how to check your email, then you have a chance at winning.

I Want Free Books!

Questions?

If you have any questions, please send them to shannon@101words.org.

Filed Under: Writing Contest - Issue 13, Writing Contests

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