The creative writing instructor challenged the class to write a 100-word story. Too easy I thought as I completed the assignment. On my own, I challenged myself further to write a story using 100 single syllable words.
Still easy for me because I’ve always enjoyed writing short stories. How could I make the challenge even harder? Could one hundred, non-repeating single syllable words tell a story? My story, “Stilled Voice,” answers that question.
Stilled Voice
When Bill Gray learned that Joan might die in less than three months, his heart sank. Tests dashed hope she’d see their girl’s new boy. He wished to hear her sing babe’s first song.
Each night they cried and prayed the staff was wrong. God’s dawn brought joy. Breast lumps grew but death closed its eyes.
June tenth, just past noon, cries were heard. Cheers filled Room Five.
“Big C, you did not win. I am Gram at last. Love kept me here this long.” She held him, rocked, sang, took one breath, looked up, then died with a smile.
Fellow writers, are you ready to try a 100-word writing challenge? See the tags.
It is quite a challenge to write 100 words every day.
Yes, it is quite a challenge. My new challenge is to complete a much longer manuscript, hopefully, for publication.
Excellent story, Barbara. If anyone can rise to a writing challenge it’s you. How do you feel about a nonfiction attempt with the same requirements?
Thank you, Kelly. I’ve never considered a nonfiction piece with the same requirements. Something interesting to consider.
I’m impressed. 100 words. Not easy to do. Congratulations!
Claire, thank you for your positive comment. It wasn’t easy, but it was fun to do.