Welcome to our monthly micro fiction prompt! This is a space for unplaceable fiction—stories that blur genres, bend categories, and resist easy classification. Whether your piece leans literary, speculative, horror, fantasy, romance, historical, or exists in the spaces between, all approaches are welcome.
Each month I’ll post a prompt with an inspirational image, inspired by life as it happens. This month is inspired by an image I took in San Francisco a few years ago from Marshall’s Beach.
I started reading these aloud on Instagram and TikTok and would love to read yours at the end of the month, too! Check them out @author_kimberly_shyu. I’m a little backlogged, but I’ll get caught up soon!
“Her whistles were like those of a songbird…”
Word limit: 300 words maximum (aim for 150-200)
Genre: Any and all—embrace the unplaceable! Mix genres, bend conventions, surprise us
Format: Use the prompt above to form the beginning of your story (all first lines will begin with that prompt and branch into endless possibilities from there). Post your complete story in the comments below
Deadline: March 31, 2025
Don’t feel confined to a single genre; let your story evolve naturally
Consider: Who is narrating? What are their goals, motivations, conflicts, and stakes? Are they inspired or irritated by the whistling? What era is this?
Trust your instincts if your story wants to shift between realistic and fantastical elements
Be supportive and encouraging in your feedback to fellow writers
If you comment on someone’s story, consider what worked well and what intrigued you
Remember: unplaceable fiction celebrates the unique and unexpected
Can’t wait to see where this prompt takes you! Drop your micro fiction in the comments below. I sincerely love to read other people’s work! I’ll read at least one post from each month’s micro fiction library on my Instagram and TikTok channels to promote you! Links in bio.
Next month’s prompt will be inspired by another moment from my daily wanderings. Stay tuned, and happy writing! Save your money! Subscribe for free!
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