AlyWrites is on a hiatus of sorts this week. Working three jobs in an already busy season is not conducive to doing much writing. Instead of a brilliant new piece of flash, I offer my dear readers four tiny stories in 30 words.
In a delightful Twitter challenge from Sumitra, a super talented writer I first connected with through Writers’ HQ, I’ve been writing a 30-word story each day. It’s been fun to spend just a few minutes wrangling words and reading others’ contributions. At least, this way, I don’t feel like I’ve totally given up on writing for now.
Day 1 – Village
They called it a village as if something could connect this slapdashery of houses that had nothing in common but a sense of transience and the lingering odor of damp.
Day 2 – Communicate
What’re you trying to say, you with those wishing-well eyes? What do you silently speak with your origami smile? Is it love you communicate, or mere raindrops on the sand?
Day 3 – Chief
I worked in a kitchen, once, where the boss wouldn’t answer to anything but Chef. ‘Paul!’ I hollered, but he pointedly ignored as the soufflé behind him burst into flames.
Day 4 – Gather
“Gather what’s left of your dignity,” I order the defeated stranger staring back from the mirror, “and…”
And what, though? What could I possibly construct from all these hapless shards?
So there you have it—the best I have to offer at the moment. Now what are you waiting for? Try a 30-word story yourself, and leave it for me in the comments so I know I’m not alone out here.
Aly Writes 