The really fun things about timed writing are that you don’t have to finish it and it doesn’t have to make sense. Freedom!
The prompt for this flash fiction? At the Library
The library was not open late due to budget cuts, and Jerry dashed in to quickly get a book he needed for his paper. Due tomorrow, of course. “Damn,” thought Jerry, looking again at the scrap of paper in his hand. “It shouldn’t be this hard to find a book, when you have the call numbers.” He had located the bookcase with the correct numbering prefix, but it ended before his number.
The librarian floated by quietly “ Five minutes,” she said. Jerry turned to ask about the missing numbers but she was already gone. It was then he noticed a tall bookcase against the wall. It had no numbers on it, and he felt a chill when he stepped over to it. It was darker over here, and he had to look closely at the books on an eye level shelf to see the numbers on the book binding.
Wow. It was his number and title. In fact all the books that he could see were that same title and number. “Creepy. Well, I only need one,” he thought as he tried to pull out a book. It didn’t budge. He tried another and another. “This is crazy, what is going on here?” he thought as he pulled on the last book in the row. The whole case turned inward like a door. He moved quickly to get out of the way, and stood where the bookcase had been. He could see a long tunnel, he smelled coffee, heard laughter, voices and music. He stared down the glowing tunnel. “What the heck is this? Where is this?”
Curious, he took a few steps into the tunnel. He knew he should go back, and turned around just in time to see the door close. He stood still for a moment, more curious than frightened. Things like this just never happened to him. Then he headed for the light he saw at the end of the tunnel.
So–is there a light at the end of your tunnel? Is there coffee and music? Maybe a little Malbec?
About Karen
Love it! And I’ll be keeping my eyes open during my next library trip.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it–writing fast is fun, because you haven’t really invested much in it. And bam–sometimes you get something you can use. Best, Karen
Loved the story. Go toward the light, there’s coffee and fun.
I think coffee should be everywhere–but I’m not addicted or anything…Thanks for reading my blog! Best, Karen
You really sucked me in fast! Great story 🙂
Thanks! It was fun to write. Best, K3
My husband is going with me to the second floor stacks the next time I need a book in our old library!!
Love flash fiction! Thanks for the creative post!
Good idea! Thanks for reading my blog. Best, Karen
Your opening is great and I loved reading this!
When you are speeding along writing, it comes out fast–if you let it. Thanks for reading! Best, Karen
Loved the story and pulled me right in…. very creative. thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much for reading it! Best, Karen
The freedom that comes from writing prompts is so freeing! Thanks for the reminder to seek some out. They are such a great way to loosen up. Does anyone have a preferred source for writing prompts?