RUCHARD
100 Words
I’ve never really worked out how to be a success as a writer, because it seems to me there are two options to choose from.
You either avoid the obvious, clichéd tropes, attempt something new and ground-breaking and hope there are people out there, bored of the same old themes and stories, who’ll give you a shot.
Alternatively, you can play it safe: Every story a cliché, every ending a happy one, sticking with the tried and tested formulae, in the hope that there’s still space on the market for you.
Or you could, just write wistful, hundred-word stories!
LIZZIE
“A perfect storm,” he said.
I replied “what comes around goes around”.
He nodded. “If walls could talk…”
“Yup, but sometimes ignorance is bliss.”
He nodded again.
There was a moment of silence while we looked at the sea.
“We must think outside the box.”
I replied, “but we must be careful not to open a can of worms.”
“True. Oh, well. It doesn’t matter anymore. He’s dead as a doornail.”
I smiled. “Good things come to those who wait.”
“And we did wait a long time,” he said.
“We did. My finger was freezing,” I replied, holding the gun.
TURA
Cliché
———
The Archeologist read out his translation of a clay tablet that the Explorer had retrieved from the ruins of an ancient palace.
“It’s a proclamation from the Emperor’s First Minister, about the invasion that within a few years would destroy the empire. It says, ‘To all that it may concern. The Emperor is taking all appropriate measures to deal with the current situation, and anticipates a favourable resolution of the matter in the near future.’”
“Is that all?” said the Explorer disgustedly.
“He was a politician,” replied the Archaeologist. “In five thousand years, did they ever not speak in clichés?”
SERENDIPIDY
Just because I’m not a cliché doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be afraid.
Because, if you think about it, to be a trendy, teenage vampire, with lots of friends, a sense of fun and pretty mean baseball skills is far better cover than lurking in the shadows, sleeping in coffins and displaying an unhealthy interest in all things gothic.
Let’s face it, that sort of behaviour just screams, ‘vampire’, and is going to invite all sorts of unwanted attention and the distinct possibility of waking up to find someone looming over you with a wooden stake.
So, be afraid…
Very afraid!
TOM
What Could GO Possibly Wrong 027
“What goes around comes around,” quipped Parker. “Not that witty, mate,” fired the Captain,” perhaps one less cliché is in order.” “Is that some sort of French chocolate?” ask Molly coated in power. “Round my dear, not ground.” stated Arnesto. Well as gods of time and space would have, it the ground did move (forgive yet another cliché ) “Something has gone to ground, “ said Ford. It was still a moment, then all hell broke loose. No one keep their footing. “Oh no not again,” droned the Captain. “Not if I can’t help it,” said a voice below Parker’s feet.
NORVAL JOE
The old woman ushered them to a corner while the rest of the young people enjoyed Sabrina’s caramel corn and other goodies.
Billbert folded his arms defiantly. “I didn’t want any of your snacks, anyway. They probably have ingredients like eye of newt, or wing of gnat.”
The witch rolled her eyes. “Don’t be cliche. If you understood what magic really is, you would recognize, as I have, that the two of you are the only ones with real power.”
“Sabrina has real magical power?” he asked.
“Yes,” the witch said. “This is why you two must become a couple.”
PLANET Z
Benny Baker is only spoken of in hushed whispers.
His file was taken from the school under armed guard and brought to the district office.
Nobody’s allowed to see it.
And when it was time to computerize all of the district’s records, Benny’s file was kept on paper.
If you search for it, all you’ll get is RESTRICTED.
There was a group of kids who tried to break into the district office to find Benny’s file.
They were never seen again.
So, what about Benny?
He’s buried in the school yard.
With all the other pet hamsters from the kindergarten.
