because it was so much fun last time, I decided to do Rachael's challenges again. Here is the first one:
Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:
- end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)
- include the word "orange" in the story
- write in the same genre you normally write
- make your story 200 words exactly!
Here is my try. It fulfills all added challenges. Enjoy:
Another world
Shadows crept across the wall, it grew dark. The orange wallpaper turned grey. Jude pressed his eyes close trying to fall asleep, but no matter how much he had romped around during the day, he wasn't tired enough.
He curled up into a ball. From below his covers, he peaked at the wall beside the door. A glowing line appeared and widened to an arch.
Clonk, clonk – the central heating rumbled. Now, his last chance of sleeping was gone. Soft steps came closer, and Jude did his best to feign slumber. He didn't need to look at the monster. His memory from the first encounter was still vivid. The fanged beast with the green fur had begged him for three nights to follow it. If only it didn't look so dangerous.
A soft paw caressed his cheek. "Please, Jude, come. I promise you'll be back before morning." The monster sounded like a singing angel. "You're the only one who can help me free the princess."
Jude thought. Here was his chance to be a hero. Was he to chicken to help a monster? He gathered his courage, got out of bed, and followed the monster through the arch. Everything faded.
I hope you liked it,
Cat
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45 comments:
Cool premise! A boy helping a monster save a princess? That's unexpected! Great job! I love it!
I'm entry #19
I really like this. It's a great beginning.
I think it's 'Was he too chicken to help a monster?' :)
Good work!
P.S.: I like the look of your blog and enjoyed reading about you. I lived in Germany for awhile when I was young. Augsburg. I was born in Neu Ulm. It's nice to meet you.
A summons to rescue the princess. What young lad wouldn't jump on a chance like that? Then again, if there is a monster involved ...
Nice one! :)
Very interesting. This almost seems to fit middle grade readers. It would be a wonderful story! Great job!
I do like it! I've already assigned a judge to take a look at it so I wish you luck!
Interesting idea. It leaves me wondering though, did the monster really need help, or was it a ploy to get the boy to follow?
Thanks, and the to-too issue is one of my favorite spelling mistakes. I'll change it asap.
@S.P. I don't really know. I would need to "research" the monsters first to find out how it ticks. Is it an only monster or is it from a whole tribe of monsters? Why did it choose Jude, why not someone older, stronger? What is Jude's family life like? Why didn't he tell his parents about this "nightmare"?
Oh dear, I can see yet another novel idea pop up -- and I have so little time as it is. ;-)
Intriguing! I want more. :)
Wait.. I must know if the monster is good or evil. Really liked it.
Nice, you make me want to read more! :) great job!
I'm #37
This could be the start of a wonderful fantasy story. :) Very nice!
I feel like this could be a cool, ever-lasting story like "Where the Wild Things Are!" I can totally see it illustrated! Great job!
Great job! I liked where you took the story, only I want to read more. This could be a fabulous fantasy or adventure story, something like Labyrinth or Neverending Story - well done :)
Thanks for the praise. I'll do my best to turn this into a longer story some time soon.
Perhaps the monster is a 'gentle giant' or somebody stuck in a monster's body and needs to save the princess to save himself - so many unanswered questions. Nice that it leaves me wanting to know more.
helping a monster? great concept!
A fun one! Nicely done.
Nice post! Stopping by to say hi as I make my way through the challenge posts. I'm #62 if you want to stop by my blog! I see on your blog that you were born in the same year I was. That was a good year. :)
Whoa.So what happens next? I'm waiting...
Loved it - great MG feel!
Very nice indeed.
Cool! Love the monster.
Fun! Fun! I'm at the end #111.
Aw, this story took my imagination for a ride, imagining what the monster looks like and the adventure before them. Great piece.
Good for Jude, starting on an adventure. I hope I'd have similar courage if given the chance.
This is really cool. It reminds me a bit of monsters inc, how there are monsters in our world. But this really would be an awesome story!
This is such a cute start! And who wouldn't want to go on an adventure like that? Good job!
More!!
Very clever story. I enjoyed it very much!
Cute story that kids would definitely love. I just hope Jude doesn't come to a sticky end!
A monster that might not really be a monster...I'm curious to know what happens next!
Hi fellow campaigner - you've just been tagged :-)
WOW, so many new comments in such a short time! Thanks a ton.
Congratulations! Your story has been shortlisted and you're moving on to stage 2!! Good luck!
I did, I did like! Haven't seen much MG in the challenge. Good job! I'm a new follower and entry #96.
This would be a good trailer or synopsis of a novel. Are you going to expand the premise. It is a good one. I really enjoyed this.
I'm #88. Comments welcome.
Richard Alan
Thanks for shortlisting. And yes, I'm thinking about expanding this story but not anytime soon. I've got too much on my plate at the moment as it is.
Great and it seems just taken out of a fairy tale :)
A typo I just come across "His memory from the fist (first) encounter was still vivid."
Liked it a lot :)
oops. I'll change it right now.
This was awesome Cat! Who woulda thought a boy and a monster could team up to save a princess?
Your imagination rocks! :D
Cute story, left me wanting more!
A boy and his monster!! Damsels, be ready!!
Tale Spinning, #58
My son's name is Jude. :) Nice work. I'm a new follower from the campaign.
Really enjoyed this, very clever. Can't wait to read more.
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