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.
The theme and word prompt today are the same:
BARTENDER
Write in exactly 100 words, a story, poem, or creative non-fiction in any genre, using the prompt word or theme. The 100-word count does not include the title. Please use WordCounter or your writing software to ensure your piece is exactly 100 words.
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 response is included below.
Very Dry
Bar at The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado | Photo by Caro Henry
The bartender wiped the counter, his movements slow and deliberate, as if each stroke held a hidden message.
A guest approached, his eyes darting from side to side.
“I need a drink that will chase away the ghosts," the guest said, with a tinge of desperation.
“Anything in particular?” the bartender asked.
“A very dry martini,” the guest said.
The bartender poured the drink, a silent offering to the abyss.
"Drink this, but beware," he said.
"What do you mean?" the guest asked, fear creeping into his voice.
"That way madness lies," he said, a warning lost in the shadows.
Any trip around the Boulder/Denver area should include a visit to Estes Park and The Stanley Hotel, whose website proclaims: [The hotel] might have eventually succumbed to the wrecking ball, if not for a fortuitous visit by author Stephen King. A stay of one night was enough to inspire his third major work and first hardcover bestseller The Shining, which remains a landmark masterpiece in a long and well-known list of novels.
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.
Here is my 100 - not with a twist, but with a different view - with healthy respect for, and keeping my distance from the proverbial bartender type, I typed this:
Sober, bartender-averse for over 36 years, I’ve had some weak-kneed-need moments. While alcohol plays a big role in our social fabric, generating revenue for many industries, the bartender is just a worker, fulfilling a role—one who doesn’t argue, doesn’t judge, and isn’t incented to tell you when to go home. The bartender isn’t the guardian of the swirling drain, but they’re definitely the washroom attendant, ensuring you're flushed, without possibility of return. Bartenders are unsafe at any speed, but not as dangerous as when alcoholic's keep booze in their homes; we don’t have a bartender standing-by to cut us off.
“…you get what you pay for.” For sure! Mixologist or therapist. The price of a drink or the price of a session. You’ve packed a lot in this! Good job!
Here is my 100 - not with a twist, but with a different view - with healthy respect for, and keeping my distance from the proverbial bartender type, I typed this:
Sober, bartender-averse for over 36 years, I’ve had some weak-kneed-need moments. While alcohol plays a big role in our social fabric, generating revenue for many industries, the bartender is just a worker, fulfilling a role—one who doesn’t argue, doesn’t judge, and isn’t incented to tell you when to go home. The bartender isn’t the guardian of the swirling drain, but they’re definitely the washroom attendant, ensuring you're flushed, without possibility of return. Bartenders are unsafe at any speed, but not as dangerous as when alcoholic's keep booze in their homes; we don’t have a bartender standing-by to cut us off.