1000 Words or Less

Your protagonist has just been bequeathed  $5 million. The money came from an anonymous benefactor who wants your protagonist to donate all of it to 5 different charities.  How does your protagonist react?  In a short story, write down what would happen next. Tony heard the sound of the postie's little bike and wandered out to check the mailbox.  He didn't expect much: all his bills came on the internet now and even birthday and Christmas cards were electronic. But, to his surprise, there was one, official-looking envelope.  Tony couldn't help feeling a twinge of worry about what it might contain. Dear Sir, (the letter began) We act on behalf of your late Uncle Trevor who has recently passed away ... blah, blah, blah, it went on.  Tony hurried to the part which he thought might be to his advantage. ... you have been bequeathed 5 million dollars which your uncle wishes to to distribute among 5 different charities.  It is left to your discretion which ch...

THE BOX  As a visual reference, select a box that has dimensions under 30c x 30cm.  Tape the box closed. Write a story or poem based on what is inside the box. My father was not a rich man and, when he died, I didn't expect my inheritance would be large.  I inherited, in fact, his gold Omega watch, given to him in recognition of 25 years with the same company, and a wooden box, about 30cm by 30cm, sealed all around with strong tape. Attached to the box was an envelope addressed to me.  I opened the envelope and read the message it contained. 'Dear son, In this box is the mummified head of your Great, Great Uncle Pierre who came to grief during the French Revolution.  I inherited it from my father and have kept it with me all these years. I don't know what you will do with it but I always said to you that, if you work hard, you will get ahead, so you might like to think of it as a reward. Your loving father.'

  THE HAMMER AND THE HATCHET   A stranger walks into a general store and buys a hammer, a hatchet, some rope and an apple.  What does he do with them?   Ron, the man behind the counter, looked at the oddly-dressed who stood facing him. He wore tight buckskin trousers, a green waistcoat and a hat with a feather in it.   “What can I get for you, sir?” asked Ron.   “I need a hammer, a hatchet, some rope and an apple, please,” said the customer.   “That’s an odd mixture,” Ron commented.   The customer burst into tears and said, “My wife has been kidnapped by the Sherriff and he won’t release her unless I shoot an arrow off my son’s head with an arrow.  I need the hatchet to clear away the bushes from the area and the rope to tie him up so he doesn’t wriggle.  The apple is for his head. I’ll need the biggest you can find.”   “And what about the hammer?”    “Oh, that’s just to tack down some loose lino in the kitc...