Micro Heist Challenge Winners

Heists, at least according to what we've seen in movies, require so many different sets of skills. (We assume that's why heists have crews.) And yet, the one skill that is necessary above all else is precision. A sloppy heist is often a busted heist. Without a ticking clock, without prying eyes, without danger, is it really a heist or just a smash and grab job?

That's why we made this Challenge one of our most precise ever.

Write a microfiction story about a heist in exactly 200 words.

Not up to 200 words, not 199 or 201. Exactly 200 words.

We were thrilled to see how many people nailed our exacting prompt but also sad to see some amazing stories not make the cut because they missed the Challenge prompt by 1 word. 1 word! But isn't that the spirit of a heist? 1 breath, 1 step, 1 second and it's all busted.

This was a fun one.

Here are the winners of the Micro Heist Challenge and spotlight on one of the Runners-Up. You can check out the full list of winners HERE.

$500 Grand Prize Winner

Meredith Harmon for The Long Con

A twist, a twist, a twist. What a great twist! This Challenge brought out so many incredible stories with unexpected twists. But there was something about this story and how it moved from the first moment to the last that was the twistiest of all. We think the progatonist is ripping off her boss and that's the heist, a strong one at that, maneuvering silently for years, taking her time, growing the trust of her employers. And then, well, we'll let you see what happens.

This story was what doesn't make it into the movies. It's what happens when the inevitability of life wins, because we often think we're in control and we're told just as often that we're not! This story was creative and quick, clear and fun. Congratulations, Meredith Harmon!

$200 Second Place Winner

Nicky Frankly for The Hoist

We all know the setup. Striking woman approaches mediocre man. She's bursting with desire, he's pinching himself. They're talking and he grows more confident, convinced he's not as bad looking as he seems in the mirror. This is his true destiny, yes, the world has finally spun his way. But something's got to give, doesn't it? This can't really be happening. He knows this is too good to be true, there's got to be something dangerous about this woman.

This is one of those stories, but better. We won't say why but as one Creator commented, "Wow". Congratulations, Nicky Frankly!

Honorable Mention

Kevin Rolly for Orphan Source

We thoroughly enjoyed this story because, according to its author, this actually happens. Maybe not the ending, not in that way, but the fact that these bits of lethal material are out there, easily purchased, was scary enough to win us over. What we found most interesting about this story with regard to the Challenge itself was how this 'heist' was a reverse heist. The object was obtained legally and then removed legally-ish. But the whole thing left a strange taste in our mouths, like the government did something wrong but we couldn't quite put our finger on it. Well done, Kevin Rolly!

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