I’m at it again. I’m taking part in another flash fiction challenge. My hope is that these challenges will help me build my writing muscles.
Writing about myself day in and day out is ‘easy’, whereas trying to create a fictitious story is hard (for me). Oh, and did I mention the fact that, during Christmas my brother made a comment to me about my writing? Yeah, I took his comment to mean something along the lines of, “If you are telling stories about yourself, it’s not really writing.”
I think a part of me believes him, so I am looking to build muscles where flab currently exists. (FYI: I hate exercising.)
The challenge, write a flash fiction story with no less than 100 words and nor more than 250 words, including a prompt specified by the challenger, Siobhan Muir. For this challenge the prompt to include was: “His name was Milo Scaggins.” Just like the last challenge I entered, I am suppose to submit my entry in the comments section of Siobhan’s post. Well, I did that – and now I am sharing the story with you.
.: His name was Milo Scaggins :.
SLAM!
She spun around to see who slammed her door. “Jack! What are you doing?”
“I’ve been trying to call you all day. I am tired of being ignored, Beth.”
“Well, rest assured, your entrance was noticed by many.”
She hated the lack of privacy that came with the so-called stylishly modern glass paneled offices. The slam itself was enough to turn heads, and the windows gave everyone a front row seat to the show.
“Look,” he began. “What happened last night was a mistake.”
“You embarrassed me in front of the Board of Directors, Jack. You knew damn well what you were doing.”
“The guy was going to back out of the deal, Beth. I had to stop you before you claimed it was closed.”
“Yeah, well – your timing sucked.”
“I’m sorry. Really.”
“Jack, the Board wants me to submit a report, explaining my full intentions. What the hell am I going to tell them?”
“I don’t know, but we’ll think of something.”
“You need to call your contact and get his ass here right now. I’m tired of him working in the shadows.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Beth.”
“What?! What do you mean?! It’s his fault the deal didn’t close. Give me his name, I’ll find him.”
“His name was Milo Scaggins.”
“Was?”
“Milo was murdered.”
“What?!”
“Seems we have opened a door that was meant to stay closed.”
.|.
Lenore's Thoughts Exactly 
Whodunit? LOL Flex those writing muscles, girl!
I am trying; I am trying. Thanks for the motivation, Patti.
Seriously you ROCK at these. I totally want more!! AWESOMESAUCE (said in a sing-song fashion)!
Wow! You have a lovely sing-song voice! Thanks for the serenade.
These challenges kick my butt, Kim. I sweat while trying to write stuff, then my stomach remains in knots after I publish it to the blog. Even now, I’m nervous know it is ‘out there’. Yep, this is not within my comfort zone, but I think that is a good thing. THANK YOU!
Whoa! You’re well-muscled in surprise endings, Lenore! Way to go!
I do like surprise endings, Priya. As I wrote to Kim, this kind of writing makes me nervous from start to finish. I sincerely appreciate your kindness. Thank you!
I tried my hand at flash fiction today too, I think any fiction writing will help in the long run. Well done on yours, I enjoyed it!
I agree, Vix. I believe going where I am not comfortable will help me become stronger overall. I am glad you liked it. Here’s to you and I building muscle!
Lenore you are doing wonderful job, with whatever challenges you are taking. And if you can then please write a long story, based on fiction. It will be a treat to read that one.
Thanks, Arindam. I am going the slow and steady route – we’ll see what comes of it. I appreciate your vote of confidence.
Oh, my gosh! See! I told you!! You are really good! You leave me wanting more!!
Yes, well – you deserve credit for motivating me, Tracy. Thank you very much for encouraging me to push myself. (And I sincerely appreciate your support.)
Good story line, Lenore. As a fiction novelist, I know how hard it is to fill an empty page. Give yourself a pat on back.
Blessings – Maxi
I realize I am preaching to the choir, Maxi – but it is tough! I knew it would be tough, too – which is why I avoided it in the past. Thank you for your kind words.
You’ve got style “a la LD”. I keep reading and know you won’t let me down, that there’s something in store until the end. Nicely done and thank you.
Oh, you’re welcome, Georgette. I appreciate your words of encouragement and vote of confidence. Thank YOU!
Excellent, Lenore! I loved this and please, please keep on writing fiction. I know every time you do, I am in for a real treat. 😀
Thank you, Darla. Here’s hoping my nerves are up to the challenge. As I have already said, this is outside my comfort zone.
Your brother is wrong.
Great story:)
I tried to tell him the same thing, Bridget. He never listens to me. (smile) Plus, his comment inspired me to push myself, but I will not share that bit of news with him. HA! Thanks for the compliment. I am glad you liked it!
Well done. These flash fiction bites are great ways to stretch the flabby fiction muscle. I admire your bravery!
Thank you, Linda. I am genuinely nervous about this journey, because I am truly challenging myself. As I told Darla, sit-ups are easier.
Lenore, this suits you. It’s smooth, active, the reader has a place to picture and it’s clear who’s speaking.
Amy, I appreciate this comment so very much. Thank you for specifically noting the reader had a place to picture and it was clear to understand who was speaking. Those are two things I need to keep in mind, as I continue to build my muscle. Thank you!