Short Story | Writing Challenge | Fiction
Charlie and Chantelle— Short Story Challenge
A strange love story
Background
OK, so this is the first time I am launching a writing challenge, and some of my fellow writers on this platform will know that I rarely respond to other people’s challenges (what a hypocrite!). I am never short of ideas but get very little time to write for pleasure. When I do, I want to expand on them.
I was chatting with one of Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Poems’ very talented poets, Block Wife. What started as a discussion about using emojis evolved into a chat about the part swear words can play in communication. To make a point, I came up with the following snippet:
Charlie pulled the knife out of the side of his head. How he was still able to think and speak was beyond him. ‘Paula, we’ve done so much harm to each other over the years in this dreadfully toxic relationship of ours. But after everything that’s happened — the murders, the affairs, the violence — you stabbed me in the head because I burnt the fucking toast! What the fuck is wrong with you?’
I really enjoy making up snippets. My mind is random, and I can conjure up crazy stuff on demand, anytime and anywhere. It’s as though my head is full of this nonsense. All I have to do is take a peak, and as soon as the door opens a crack, lines spill out.
Do other authors share this ability or is it a bit of a quirk, I wondered. This gave me an idea. Introducing…
The Expansion Challenge
Your task is to expand on the snippet above.
You can either delve back in time and write a story about the main character, Charlie, and his partner, Chantelle, and lead the reader up to the point he was stabbed.
Then you would either finish with the snippet supplied or go a little further. Or you could start with the snippet and develop the story from there.
Rules:
The story must be between 750 and 2000 words as per Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Short Story guidelines.
Publish where you like, but it would be nice if you submit it to Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Short Stories.
Copy and paste the snippet, challenge and rules from this post, and share it at the end of your story. Please mention that the challenge was launched by me at Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Short Stories. (Can’t beat a bit of self-promotion — something I don’t do enough of, to be honest.)
Ask others to take part.
I don’t usually tag people into posts, but I am going to make an exception here:
Harry Hogg Twisted Tales to be Read Before Bed Vera-Marie Landi Nerdishwrites Suzy Jacobson Cherry Veronica Maitland Nevena Pascaleva Eden Dawson
If your name is tagged, it is because it was on the first page of BBSS or I managed to remember it! There is no pressure to take part, but you are all excellent writers. I’d love to see what you do with it. There is plenty of scope for you to stick to your distinctive writing styles and still include the snippet.
Happy writing.
Martin Morrison — English writer