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.
Today’s prompt is:
BUT WHAT DO I KNOW?
Write in exactly 100 words, a story, poem, or creative non-fiction in any genre, based on the prompt. 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 or Substack Notes 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.
Resolve
I sharpen a blade in the kitchen’s dim light, the edge glinting like my thoughts.
He thinks I don’t see the way he smiles at his phone, the way his fingers caress, linger over the keypad.
Every night stretches into hours, my heart heavy with betrayal. Each tick of the clock a reminder of the life we built, now cracked and crumbling.
But what do I know? It might just be an innocent flirtation.
Yet, every slice of the knife through the mini cucumbers convinces me otherwise; I've seen evidence.
The verdict is in and a dangerous resolve takes root.
Author's Note
Look for a new One Hundred-Word Wonders prompt every third Wednesday of the month except for next month, October 2025.
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.
What Do I Know?
"Once we’ve made the pivot, things will be so much more efficient.”
It’s the seventh change in two years. How can that much disruption make things better? I share this observation with the coworker beside me.
The trainer appears to understand my thought.
“Change is difficult, but we should remain open to innovation.” It’s a stab at the people with experience.
I resume work, ignoring the mandated change as much as possible, until the supervisors schedule the next training.
I could have told them it wouldn’t work. I’ve only been doing this for twenty years, but what do I know?
Writing Prompt: But What Do I Know?
(Exactly 100 words without the title)
Heard on a Porch Swing, by C.J. Heck
“Hi, Mommy.”
“You girls done coloring?”
“Yeah. We’ve been wondering, how many likes are in a love?”
“I don’t understand.”
“Tommy was in our sandbox and threw sand. We made him leave. He’s a mad with no love or
likes!”
“I understand." (But what do I know?)
“We know like is smaller than love. But, how many likes in a love?”
“It’s who you like, or love. You love Grandma. There’s hundreds of likes in that love! For your teacher, only a few likes in that love.
Does that help?”
“Yeah. Mommy?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you more!”