Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the site, and let me assure you that whatever changes do occur, the goal will be the same: to provide a 100% free option for submitting microfiction and getting published online.

The first change to the website involves adding a donation button. Some of you have asked about how to contribute to the site, and suggested a donation option. I’ve always said the best way to contribute to the site is purchasing one of my books on Amazon (which I still recommend as the first choice) but I have decided to give you the ability to make one time or recurring donations via Ko-Fi.

All proceeds will go to maintaining and updating the website. The hosting costs a few hundred dollars a year, not to mention the time that goes into posting stories and responding to submissions/queries. Any support will be very much appreciated.

Also on the wishlist: after 16 years, the WordPress site is running a bit ragged, and I would like to migrate to a new platform. I believe the site could be improved in a number of ways that will help promote community and make the overall experience more engaging and meaningful.

For many years, Twitter was my social media platform of choice when it came to A Story In 100 Words. Now that Twitter is officially dead, I’ve decided it’s time to move on to another option for spreading the word about all the great flash fiction hosted on the site. With that in mind, I’ve started an Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/astoryin100words/

I’ll be posting the stories on IG in addition to here, so it will be easy for you to share your stories and show them off. If you’re on Instagram, please go follow to support the site!

I’ve also started a Threads account, which I can’t link to. But if you’re on Threads, it’s the same username as the IG account.

Thanks for all stories and keep reading and writing!

I love supporting all of you writers out there, but the reality is that it’s hard for me to find the time every week to make sure I’m updating regularly. The best way you can support the site, besides submitting your own original stories, is to purchase one of my books on Amazon. If you enjoy microfiction, then you’ll love Picasso Painted Dinosaurs, with never-before-read stories mixed in with some of my all time favorites. Other options include Quitting The Grave, a murder mystery set on the Oregon Trail, They Both Loved Vonnegut, a collection of modern fairy tales, and Ahab’s Adventures In Wonderland, a mashup of Alice In Wonderland and Moby Dick.

It’s spring here in the Pacific Northwest, and that means it’s time for a new flash fiction contest. Starting today, I’ll be accepting submissions for our 100-word story contest, with the theme of Robots.

This is meant to be a broad category, to cover everything from cyborgs and killer computer brains to artificial intelligence and machine learning tools. There’s a rich history of robots and computers in all types of genres, not just traditional science fiction, so I encourage you to be creative.

The theme was inspired by an ongoing project I’m working on, in which I’m using an AI writing tool to create entirely original stories. The first story I had this AI write was, appropriately enough, exactly 100 words:

The Boy Who Lived With Robots And Had A Photographic Memory

One day I was wandering the halls of my house when I encountered a room I’d never seen before. In the center of this room was a large glass table with a crystal ball on it, and above was a large sign that read “Crystal Ball Room.” Never having seen this room before, I wondered if it was even real at all.

—–

Does this qualify as a story? I’ll allow you to be the judge. But for me personally, I’m getting prepared to welcome our new robot overlords.

—–

Here are the rules for the contest:

1. All stories must somehow engage with the theme of robots, AI, or anthropomorphic machines. Be creative.
2. The story must be exactly 100 words, not including the title.
3. Only one submission per person. All entries are due by May 31st.

That’s it. Start writing. I hope I get plenty of stories, so please spread the word.

We’ve reached the end of the submission period for the latest contest. I’ll start posting the stories tomorrow, saving the winner for last, as always. A lot of good stories once again, and I’m excited to share them with you all.

We’re still accepting normal story submissions, so please continue sharing your 100-word gems. And if any contest submissions come in now that the deadline is closed, I’ll post them with the other submissions, but they won’t be eligible for sweet, sweet victory.

Thanks for all your contributions!