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A 50-Word Story Challenge
Can you tell a story in fifty words?
Way back at MarsCon 2023, the Three Moms of the Apocalypse challenged their fellow con goers to write a story in fifty words—no more, no less. They handed out image prompts to anyone who wanted to take up the gauntlet.
The enthusiastic reaction to this resulted in a series of Postcard Stories featuring the very best fifty word submissions.
In the tradition of Fredric Brown (the most brilliant short story writer in existence) we wanted to revive the fun of fifty word stories by offering you a prompt inspired by our latest anthology From the Brim to the Dregs:
Traditionally hyphenated words count as one word, like “forty-two.” But “Gobbolishous-ferf-’n-munge-IPA” is still multiple stinkin’ words.
Working a short bit of flash fiction can help develop concise storytelling, and focuses on essential elements of story like plot, character, and setting. Exercise your skills in succinctness, clarity, and creativity!
Submit your fifty word story in the comments below. Comment, encourage, challenge each other!
Mr. Black’s Miracle Brew
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“Yessir, Mr. Black’s Miracle Brew cures all! Rheumatism, mumps, measles, acne - any ailment!”
Coins clinked into the tophat.
The crowd dispersed.
The wagon door opened, revealing goblins busy filling bottles with a dark brew.
“Sold Fourteen bottles, boys,” Black grinned maliciously.
The goblins cackled.
Soul harvest was good that night.
“What did you say to that old hag, Griff?”
“What do you mean, what did I say? You’re the one that just had to point and make rude comments about the wart on her nose.”
“Whatever. Do you think the spell will wear off soon? I have a date tonight.”