One Hundred-Word Wonders is a writing challenge that highlights 100-word micro-fiction, also known as drabbles. Writers create entire tales with only a few sentences. In this challenge, poetry and creative nonfiction are also accepted.
These tiny stories and poems prove how much can be written or implied with very few words. The depth and feeling that can be crammed into just a hundred words is surprising. How can a story truly come to life in such a small space? Let’s dive in and find out.
This year, we’re shaking things up a bit with our word prompts. Instead of the usual themes or random selections, every prompt will come directly from movie titles. It’s a fresh way to spark creativity and see stories and ideas from angles you might not expect.
Whether you’re a fan of classics, new releases, or hidden gems, something exciting awaits everyone. This month the movie is Say Anything, a 1989 Cameron Crowe teen romantic dramedy.
Today’s prompt is:
SAY ANYTHING
Write a story, poem, or creative non-fiction piece using exactly 100 words. The title doesn’t count toward the word limit. To make sure your work is exactly 100 words, you can use WordCounter or any writing software you prefer.
Copy and paste your 100-word piece, along with its title, into a comment below. If you want, feel free to share it on your own Substack site or Substack Notes, and include a link back to this page.
If a response touches you, don’t hesitate to tap the little hearts in the comment section.
There’s no deadline for these prompts.
You’ll find my own response below.
Scales
She got it at twenty-two, three months out of the hospital. Left shoulder blade, curling toward her spine.
The artist asked if she wanted color. She said black. Just black.
Her mother called it a mistake. Her boyfriend said ugly. Her therapist wrote self-expression in her notes, underlined it twice.
Every morning she twisted toward the bathroom mirror. Checked it the way you check a door you’ve already locked.
At twenty-nine she finally told someone the whole story. Not a person.
She pressed her fingers to her shoulder blade and talked until her voice gave out.
It never looked away.
Author's Note
Look for a new One Hundred-Word Wonders prompt every third Wednesday of the month.
Thanks very much for reading, subscribing, and sharing the stories, poetry, and essays in this space. If you like a story, poem, or essay, please click on the heart. Also if you are so moved, please leave a comment.
“Say what you will or don’t say anything. It’s all the same to me,” said Edna Ann fiercely.
Wilson noticed anger was building the moment from a small tempest into a full blown volcanic eruption. “C’mon Edna Ann. Are you sure you want to take this route? Chicken Salad Sandwiches.”
Edna Ann’s eyes softened. “I was spoiling for a good fight,” she intoned softly.
“It is a good thing that our safety words work. I had some doubts.”
Title: The Right to Remain Silent
"Tell me!" the thug shouted.
Still refusing to answer, the victim struggled with his binding, but it was no use.
"You're about to lose a finger!" the thug threatened. "I need to know who sent you."
His accomplice stretched it out, the thug using a cigar cutter to dismember it. He didn't even scream.
"Wow," the thug's accomplice remarked. "Tough guy."
"We'll get 'im to talk," the thug snarked.
"I dunno. Don't they take an oath or somethin'?"
Even after another finger, he remained silent, A tear rolled down his cheek, smearing the black line on his otherwise mimewhite makeup.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
“Say what you will or don’t say anything. It’s all the same to me,” said Edna Ann fiercely.
Wilson noticed anger was building the moment from a small tempest into a full blown volcanic eruption. “C’mon Edna Ann. Are you sure you want to take this route? Chicken Salad Sandwiches.”
Edna Ann’s eyes softened. “I was spoiling for a good fight,” she intoned softly.
“It is a good thing that our safety words work. I had some doubts.”
“Good thing I dislike Chicken Salad Sandwiches.”
“It’s quite nice that we are on the same page.”
Edna Ann nodded with conviction.