So Robert Swartwood had a call out for Hint Fiction for an anthology he was putting together. What is Hint Fiction you ask? The longer essay about it is here, but it’s essentially a story in 25 words or less, excluding title.

“Fails” usually refer to one person accusing others of failing in some regard, but I decided to turn it around a bit and refer to my own “fail”s; that is, the two entries of mine which failed to make the anthology cut. I know it’s not usual for people to tell of failures but, to be honest, I’m now so enamoured of hint fiction that I thought, what the hell. Even if mine weren’t quite what Robert was looking for, at least you’ll have some examples to get your own brain juices flowing. And, who knows, with the way the world’s going, you may even win the Nobel Prize for Literature for it! Onto my two entries.

(I’ve edited the first one). In the field of fantasy:

CONFRONTING THE DEMON

They said it was unkillable. It cried near the end, as if human, but I didn’t hesitate. Now if only that scratch would heal.

and romance:

A LOVE STORY

His words are feathers, his kisses are promises. So long, so lonely. No longer. Oh, an SMS? “Leanne”? Don’t know that name.

I’d like to extend my heartiest congratulations to those whose entries will be included in the collection. I’d also like to thank Robert, who said he’d get the rejections out by mid-October and — dammit! — he did. I admire someone who keeps his word. It was a tough comp and, from Robert’s rejection email, 2,400+ stories were submitted. I don’t care how short they are, that’s still a lot of submissions to get through, so well done.

All the best, Robert, and thanks for the opportunity. And for you, stalwart reader, why not have a go at some hint fiction yourself? How much can you pack into 25 words? If you’re working, why not get inspiration from a billboard or advertisement you pass on your way to work? If you’re a student, why not suggest making a classroom project from it? And, most of all, have some fun! Have a great weekend and I’ll catch y’all next week.