One Hundred-Word Wonders is a writing prompt that celebrates the marvel of storytelling in a concise form. Within the realm of micro-fiction, writers have mastered the art of crafting complete narratives in just a few sentences.
These bite-sized pieces should showcase the power of brevity, leaving readers in awe of the vast landscapes painted within a mere hundred words. 😏 So, how can a story be effectively told in such a limited space? Let's explore the possibilities together.
Themes for the first seven months this year come from one of the seven deadly sins, along with its antonym. Choose ONE of today’s themes for your 100-word piece.
Themes today are:
PRIDE, HUMILITY
The prompt today is the word:
RACE
Write in exactly 100 words, a story, poem, or creative non-fiction in any genre, choosing ONE theme and using the word prompt as many times as you wish but exactly as is. The 100-word count does not include the title. Please use WordCounter or your writing software to ensure your piece is exactly 100 words.
The theme word does not have to be included in your piece but should reflect it in some way.
Place (copy and paste) your 100-word response to the prompt with its title in a comment below. If you’d like, also publish on your own site with a link back to this page.
Tap those little hearts on responses in the comment section, if you are moved to do so.
Lucas sat down to complete the form but hesitated when he reached the question about his race. The options provided didn’t encompass his multiethnic heritage, of which he was very proud.
He thought about his First Nations grandmother, a member of the Abenaki tribe, and his Scottish grandfather, who defied everyone’s disapproval to marry. He remembered stories of their enduring love against all odds. On his father’s side, his Honduran grandmother and mixed ethnicity of his Jamaican grandfather added to his rich multicultural identity.
With confidence, he selected Other, thinking these forms would one day no longer include these questions.
Author’s Note
Look for a new One Hundred-Word Wonders prompt every third Wednesday in a 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.
So, here's my story below. As I mentioned, I don't think I've got the themes right but I felt compelled to write this about this boys race for his life. The story is called Lost Boys : -
"The boys approached at the bus stop, asking for money. Instead of acquiescing, he was a smart arse. When the knife came out, he realised his mistake and the race was on.
Legs pumping, heart hammering and breath wheezing from aching lungs, Jake cursed his hastily spoken words.
Make it to the police station and he’d be safe. It wasn’t far, but he was tired. So tired.
Leaning against the tree, Jake struggled to stay awake. His hand held to the wound was sticky with blood. Body numb and throat dry, he whispered for his mum, and closed his eyes."
I know it's a bit bleak. I think I'm going to publish it today but with this explanation underneath : -
"Knife crime is a heart breaking tragedy here in the UK. Particularly as each weekend you hear more and more stories of teenagers losing their lives to this terrible crime that, as a parent of a teenage boy, is always on my mind whenever he goes out.
This story is just a reflection of how quickly the wrong words or actions can lead to horrific consequences."
Hi Caro, So, I’ve written my story which is about a tragic race but I’m not sure if I’ve highlighted the theme of pride enough. However, I quite like what I’ve done. Do you still want me to post it here?
Hi Caro,
So, here's my story below. As I mentioned, I don't think I've got the themes right but I felt compelled to write this about this boys race for his life. The story is called Lost Boys : -
"The boys approached at the bus stop, asking for money. Instead of acquiescing, he was a smart arse. When the knife came out, he realised his mistake and the race was on.
Legs pumping, heart hammering and breath wheezing from aching lungs, Jake cursed his hastily spoken words.
Make it to the police station and he’d be safe. It wasn’t far, but he was tired. So tired.
Leaning against the tree, Jake struggled to stay awake. His hand held to the wound was sticky with blood. Body numb and throat dry, he whispered for his mum, and closed his eyes."
I know it's a bit bleak. I think I'm going to publish it today but with this explanation underneath : -
"Knife crime is a heart breaking tragedy here in the UK. Particularly as each weekend you hear more and more stories of teenagers losing their lives to this terrible crime that, as a parent of a teenage boy, is always on my mind whenever he goes out.
This story is just a reflection of how quickly the wrong words or actions can lead to horrific consequences."
Let me know. Thanks very much. Regards
Hi Caro, So, I’ve written my story which is about a tragic race but I’m not sure if I’ve highlighted the theme of pride enough. However, I quite like what I’ve done. Do you still want me to post it here?