avatarStephen Dalton

Summary

The website content presents a series of interconnected 100-word micro fiction stories set in an elevator, alongside other unrelated short stories and personal information about the author, Stephen Dalton.

Abstract

The "Love in the Elevator" series, consisting of four parts, is a collection of 100-word stories that unfold within the confines of an elevator. These stories explore the interactions and internal thoughts of characters during brief elevator rides, with a particular focus on an encounter between a man and a woman. The website also features other unrelated micro fiction pieces, each offering a quick and poignant narrative. Additionally, the author, Stephen Dalton, a retired US Army First Sergeant with a background in journalism, provides his professional credentials and contact information, inviting readers to subscribe to his newsletter and explore his portfolio.

Opinions

  • The author seems to enjoy playing with the themes of chance encounters and the unspoken tension between characters in close proximity, as evidenced by the recurring elevator setting and the physical descriptions of the characters' interactions.
  • There is an intentional juxtaposition of mundane elevator rides with the extraordinary, sometimes romantic, thoughts of the characters, suggesting a commentary on the hidden depths of everyday experiences.
  • The use of Aerosmith's "Livin' it Up" as a background soundtrack in one of the stories indicates a possible influence of music on the author's narrative style and the mood of the piece.
  • The author's choice to write in the micro fiction format demonstrates a preference for concise, impactful storytelling that delivers a complete narrative arc within a constrained word count.
  • By including a variety of micro fiction stories, the author showcases versatility in subject matter, ranging from the intimate to the reflective, and possibly catering to a diverse readership.
  • The inclusion of affiliate links and a call to subscribe to the newsletter suggests the author's interest in building a reader community and potentially monetizing his writing through various channels.
  • The personal touch of the "About Me" section, along with the invitation to connect on social media, indicates the author's desire to engage with his audience on a more personal level.

Going Down, Again

During three previous installments of “Love in the Elevator”, neither of our protagonists have spoken to each other. Could this time be different?

Photo by Samuel Zlatarev on Unsplash

100-Word Story #1 — a one-minute read!

100-Word Story #2 — Also, a one-minute read!

100-Word Story #3 — Also, a one-minute read!

Aerosmith album cover produced by Mark Ryden https://www.markryden.com/press/selected/artltd-july-aug-2014/index.html

As I’m riding a packed elevator, I’m listening to Aerosmith on my AirPods. I’m definitely “livin’ it up when I’m going down.” Then I hear, “2nd floor. Hardware, children’s wear, lady’s lingerie. Oh, good morning, Mr. Tyler, going down?”

As others try to get in, I am pinned with her breast against my arm. I cannot move. She twists so that my hand is trapped against her… Suddenly, the elevator stops with a lurch; the lights flicker and go out. She pulled my ear to her lips and whispered, “Hearts are often broken by words left unspoken.” The End.

Other 100-Word Micro Fictions

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure statement for additional information.

Subscribe to My Newsletter

About Me

Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. He is a freelance journalist currently living in the Philippines.

You can see his portfolio here. Email [email protected]

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Reddit

100wordstory
Microfiction
Aerosmith
Writing
Writing Challenge
Recommended from ReadMedium