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:
Gluttony, Temperance
The word prompt today is:
FIREFLY
Write in exactly 100 words, a story, poem, or creative non-fiction in any genre, choosing ONE theme and using the prompt word or its plural, as many times as you wish. 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, publish on your own Substack 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.
These prompts don’t have a deadline.
My responses using the gluttony theme are included below.
Fireflies flickered like tiny lanterns in the warm summer night. Two friends, Lucie and Chrissy, sat on the porch, their bellies full from a feast of fried chicken and apple pie.
Chrissy sighed contentedly. “I can't believe how much I ate. I’m such a gormandizer.”
Lucie chuckled, her eyes sparkling. “Well, we all have our vices. But remember, gluttony can also be a form of appreciation. We devour life's pleasures, savoring every bite.”
Chrissy smiled. “That’s right, Lucie. Life is short, and sometimes it's okay to indulge a little.”
They sat in silence, watching the fireflies dance, embracing their indulgence.
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When I ponder temperance, intemperance and Aunt Bena (Sabina) comes to mind. Temperance Union leader in Canada during the 1920s, she continued decades beyond U.S. prohibition. Sturdy stern Lutheran, longest serving post-mistress in Canada (ran Outram, SK Post Office for decades), married a Watkins products traveling salesman, Bena had five ‘temperate’ children. One became a Lutheran college president (longest serving college president in Canada.) Her 11 siblings, included my alcoholic dad. He recovered. I became a drunk in my 30s too, now sober 36 years. Temperance has touched our family; it’s good in moderation, but ruins lives, according to Bena.
When I ponder temperance, intemperance and Aunt Bena (Sabina) comes to mind. Temperance Union leader in Canada during the 1920s, she continued decades beyond U.S. prohibition. Sturdy stern Lutheran, longest serving post-mistress in Canada (ran Outram, SK Post Office for decades), married a Watkins products traveling salesman, Bena had five ‘temperate’ children. One became a Lutheran college president (longest serving college president in Canada.) Her 11 siblings, included my alcoholic dad. He recovered. I became a drunk in my 30s too, now sober 36 years. Temperance has touched our family; it’s good in moderation, but ruins lives, according to Bena.
Caro, your stories leave me craving more.