I learned flash fiction through Janet Reid’s contests. Placed in many, earned some finals, even won a few. They taught me the importance of every sentence, every word. Remember Vonnegut: Every sentence must advance the action or reveal character. With 100 words, that rule sticks. Note, Janet was not my agent. That honor (or curse, […]
I was just a kid when my uncle’s wife went missing one winter. When I got my license, he asks me will I work for him. In his house, there’s two of everything. “His & hearse,” he says. Except there’s only one shovel. “Broke mine,” he tells me. “Ground gets hard ’round these parts.” He […]
Act I We were in love. Hadn’t admitted it yet, but there it is. I arrived late—that is, fashionable—for her party. Toured her apartment. Her highlight: Chekhov’s gun on the mantle. Framed certificate of authenticity just below. Act II Twice, we made eye contact across the crowded apartment. Smiled. Grinned, even. In the kitchen, I […]
The blustery attorney rolls his eyes. “My client is incapable of perpetrating such a crime. He’s only pleading guilty to save the victim’s family from going through a trial. I’d like you to recognize that in the sentencing, Your Honor.” The judge leans in. “His fingerprints are on the murder weapon.” “Circumstantial,” says the blowhard. […]
A horn blares on the nightstand. Frain’s wife, standing beside the bed, hits the alarm to silence it. Frain rolls over. Looks up through one eye. “You know what’s funny?” “What’s that?” He grins, half asleep. “Last night, in your sleep, you said you were going to drown me. Crazy, huh?” “That was your imagination, […]
Frain settles into his home office. Flips on his laptop. Searches for his website. After an hour, his wife wanders in. “What are you doing?” “I’m making a comeback.” “Don’t you have to be gone first to make a comeback?” The author looks up from his laptop. “Haven’t you noticed—” “I can help with that […]
Looking back at a lifetime.
Frain gets published in FiftyWord Stories
Looking back on when summers ended.
Who knows what a windy day will inspire? Well, now we do.
JD Frain 