Character Development
Truth or Dare
By the time the impromptu foursome made it to the green, the tension was tighter than a Delta blues combo in a New Orleans dive bar. Masie missed her birdie putt on purpose so that Ben could ask Josh for a truth instead of her. After Josh sank his bogey, she said, “Why don’t you ride with Marty and let Ben ride with me? Otherwise, I’ll walk the course.”
By Harper Lewis 4 months ago in Critique
Independence
Today, Americans all around the country will be smiling and happy. Maybe not content; after all, who could be, in the world we live in these days? But for this entire day, people will forget their woes and those of the world, and they will engage in merriment, sunshine, and good times.
By Alexandra Grant4 months ago in Critique
The Birth, Dissection & Evolution of a Story Never Written
For as long as I’ve had the desire to entertain readers with creative fiction writing, I’ve had a mermaid tale in my mind, just dying to come to life. It started out as a simple story idea, but has gradually evolved into something much greater.
By Justiss Goode4 months ago in Critique
The Story that Knew Better. Honorable Mention in Not Quite There Yet Challenge.
I don’t have any idea of the crime, the clues or even the protagonist. But I have everything I need to begin. I stared at the old man thoughtfully and waited. He sat in a faded blue armchair puffing on a long wooden tobacco pipe, which he held with long white fingers. This made his large ring stand out all the more obvious. The band was intricately shaped like a dragon which coiled around a large blue opal. It sparkled in the light as he moved, clearly something he kept polished and cared for greatly. My eyes continued past his hand and rested on the surface of the chair beneath his arm which was discolored and stood out from the rest.
By Adam Kolozetti4 months ago in Critique
Imposter Syndrome. Runner-Up in Not Quite There Yet Challenge.
Indecisive. That’s what I am. What should we have for dinner? What film should we watch? Don’t ask me. It’s not that I don’t have an opinion, especially when it comes to writing a story – In fact, I have so many ideas it's the equivalent of spinning countless metaphorical plates. But choosing one? Well, I might as well be Greek.
By Sian N. Clutton4 months ago in Critique
The Story Behind Ben Boa. Runner-Up in Not Quite There Yet Challenge.
At the start of this year, I told myself this is the year to make it happen. “Let’s make it a New Year’s resolution that you will do it,” I told myself and then did a reality check. "Let's not get too excited or go too far."
By Calvin London4 months ago in Critique
Gone Fishing
This idea for a micro fiction piece was borne from the fact that I grew up fishing the rivers and lakes of Minnesota. Being that it will soon be the second anniversary of my father’s passing, and that my brother continued to fish with him until his car accident, I wanted to make this piece about a father and son. The story itself is purely fictional.
By Julie Lacksonen4 months ago in Critique
A- B Disconnect
The roads were busier than usual as the barriers kept rising. The metal vehicles buzzed all over as the barriers rose and fell. Built for collision, not comfort, the full-metal vehicles rattled along the roads to the city of Altronia. Elizabeth could feel her stomach shift as the vehicle sped past the barriers, and the traffic without humans was as bad as when they drove. The A-B competition was the one thing Elizabeth had selected for the event, hoping to make the A team, the best team, but playing for the B team if necessary. The yearly multi-sport event that teens would compete for dominance in physical sports. Elizabeth was running late. The event of the year was running on time. The ride there jolted as she grabbed the vomit bag in the back, emptying her stomach for the second time. The competition was only miles away, and yet the traffic was crazy between all the other cars. A stream of light flashed as the car came to a sudden stop. The wall stood up as Elizabeth flung forward. The wall lowered as the car sped to the event center. Looking at her watch, she saw the time had gone by quickly, and she was going to be late. This could cost her a chance to make the A team despite leaving so early. As the large building came into view, Elizabeth hoped she could finally check in. Another slam on the brakes left her holding on for her life.
By Sarah Danaher4 months ago in Critique
Digital Innovation Is Transforming the Future. Content Warning. AI-Generated.
Technology is changing faster than ever before. Every year, new inventions and digital tools improve the way people live, work, study, and communicate. From artificial intelligence to smart devices, digital innovation is shaping modern life in many powerful ways. Businesses, schools, hospitals, and even small startups are using advanced technology to solve problems and create better experiences for users.
By Bruwn Bruton4 months ago in Critique
