69 Addiction

Iwoke this morning, with another 69 word story burning in my brain. I wonder how many of these I need to finish a novel? Here goes:

Bit by Bit


She chewed mechanically, bits of bland sustenance. The priest told her that forgiveness was instantaneous, but the memory would fade bit by bit.

She could no longer see the curve of his bicep, the arch of his back. But try as she might, she could not forget the unrelenting gaze of his eyes, staring at her as she looked down.

The last bit of memory caught in her throat.

Super Shorts

J.A. Konrath has a "Wine Me, Dine Me, 69 Me" contest going on at his blog tonight. The trick is to write a 69 word short story. There are a lot of really good reads. Check it out, the link's on the right. This was my entry:

Zoom in. Slam the door. Tires screeching, rubber burning. Cell ringing – lawyer, not agent. Voice mail recording: “Get your ass to court, twenty grand in bail’s on the line.” Pull up tight next to the fence, up and over in under thirty seconds. Life is a balancing act: I’m on the edge. You’re nothing if no one knows your name. Arms out, eyes closed, lean forward. Fade to black.