Microfiction Community Challenge

As most reading this probably know, I do my darnedest to post a story every day.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that what I'm writing is influenced by what I'm reading, and what I'm thinking about.

People say, Write what you know. But you'll write your best stuff if you write what pisses you off. What you love. What sings to you. What makes you feel some shit.

What's been pissing me off lately, is Gen AI. Especially where it's used to write stories.

Talk about taking the fun out of writing! Talk about taking the humanity out of it.

It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that today's story was a microfiction on this topic.

When I was done, I wanted to chuck this prompt at the rest of you, because I'd love to see what you come up with.

What the fudge cake is a community challenge?

By this, I don't just mean an Unofficial one (although it is).

I mean: you choose the winner(s).

Last time I did something like this, it was for the Fucked Up Fairytales storytelling bonanza.

I press-ganged a couple of Vocalites to help create a shortlist, and then opened it up to community judging.

That challenge snowballed beyond my wildest imaginings. There were a lot of entries, and whittling them down was a task and a half.

This time, I'd like to do something a bit different.

My idea is this: if you enter, you pledge to tip the best story. I'm not telling you which, or how much. Less than a dollar seems a bit stingy, to be honest. Heck, you could pick more than one if you wanted.

I've specified microfiction so that it won't be too onerous for fellow entrants to read through them.

If this one goes nuts like that other one did (I don't anticipate that will happen) then I'll whittle it down to a shortlist based on the following criteria:

• The human touch
• Word count
• How well it fits the prompt
• Originality
• Entertainment factor

I don't think that will be necessary, though.

The prompt: Write me a microfiction about AI. Ideally one where AI is represented by one of the characters.

Word count and limits: Aim for 300 words or less. I reserve the right to not-read any over the word count, and if anyone is mad bonkers enough to submit multiple pieces (good for you) I only promise to read the first two. (Just in case I'm wildly busy with a book release or something of that nature.)

Why this? Why now?

Write where it's hot!

It feels like everyone is talking about it right now, and lots of people feel strongly about it. Let's use that, and squeeze some creative juice out of it.

But tell me how you really feel...

I want to know your thoughts on AI, so your story should show that. Is it good? Is it bad? Is it neutral?

If it's represented by a monster, like mine is, then indulge me! Go to town with the description.

OK, so then what?

I left mine open-ended, but maybe yours will explore what ultimately happens to the "village" and villagers (platform and its users). Do they welcome it? Use it? What happens? Or do they try to contain it, or get rid of it? How? What are the consequences of that?

Closing date

I will aim to read every entry and collate them all a month from now (Sunday 15th June) with a call to action (to tip your favourite). You're welcome to keep submitting after that date and linking below, and I'll doy best to read those as well.

Important

Remember to link your piece in the comments.

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Thank you for reading!

If you want to give it a bash, thank you twice!

If this doesn't tickle your fancy, I have a dollar challenge at the moment: