Killing Perfect Prompt #4

Sometimes authors will start their story in the middle, to throw the reader right into the action. Begin your next horror story somewhere in the middle, preferably someplace terrible. In Media Res In Media Res, when used correctly, can be a great way to build tension. Done right, it not only makes the reader question…Read more Killing Perfect Prompt #4

Killing Perfect Prompt #3

In a sci-fi world, your hero's phaser broke in the third chapter, write the worst possible payoff.

Killing Perfect Prompt #2

You're writing a detective story. The story opens just after the murder of your main character's wife. Write a terrible narrative hook for this story.

#Killing Perfect Prompt 1

The object to your right is now a McGuffin that could destroy the universe: Go.

Kill Your Perfectionism

Perfectionism is something that has dogged many writers for most of their careers. Writing is so intensely personal, so expressive, that anything short of perfection can feel like an existential failure.

Leave Your Guns At Home

Outside the two-bit two-street town a sign sat askew in the sand. “Leave your guns at home.” The Bounty Hunter smiled to himself. Where, exactly, is that meant to be? Ah well, can’t leave ‘em here, and a man needs a drink in the desert. With mock resolve he pulled his belt up and trod…Read more Leave Your Guns At Home

Scavenger

The slight in and out hiss filling the absence of sound in space is quite calming. It reminds me of Star Wars. Darth Vader. Maybe not the most calming of presences, but it reminds me of a better time. Sitting in my orbital pod, warm and cozy, hooked into internet I was siphoning off a…Read more Scavenger

Perfect Game

I imagine this must feel somewhat like skydiving. Standing on the edge of a precipice, somewhere between glory and oblivion. No going back. No quitting while ahead. All you can do is jump.

Terra 6

I tell ya, after 37 years on the force, you think nothing can really surprise you anymore. You start getting comfortable in your desk chair, waiting for the next call to come in. Couple homicides before lunch. Enjoy a minestrone while catching up on the news for an hour. Maybe spend the afternoon working on…Read more Terra 6

A Bottle

The painted lettering has worn off the side. Unintelligible smudges of blue ink remains. It smears off with the sweat from my hands. Flat sides, easy grip. Flick off the cap and the little strip of plastic holds it on. The spout is covered with little ridges from it knocking against my teeth. It’s recyclable,…Read more A Bottle