NYC Midnight’s 2024 Flash Fiction Challenge - 3rd Round
Bottomfeeder surprised me and came in first place in the second round of the competition, earning me 15 points to add to the 4 points earned from Skyward Horizons. 19 points total pushed me into the third round. Exciting!
In the third round, 450 writers participated in 18 groups, with 25 writers per group. We had 48 hours to write a 1,000-word flash fiction piece, and for me, my prompts were Crime Caper, a Tunnel, and a Ponytail.
This wasn’t my best work. That weekend, I was swamped at a kung fu tournament, so I wrote something that leaned into my background as a technology professional to avoid much research.
Further, a Crime Caper involves many components. A crime caper is a subgenre of crime fiction that focuses on the planning and execution of a crime, usually in the plain view of the reader. Caper stories are known for their humor, adventure, and cleverness and often feature colorful characters and inept law enforcement. And how do you squeeze all that into 1,000 words? Ugh.
In "The Last Train Out of Vienna," a team of operatives undertakes a dangerous heist in the heart of Vienna, targeting a highly sensitive political asset.
The story revolves around Max "Brain" Goldman, a tech expert responsible for infiltrating the Palais Coburg's security systems while coordinating with his team: the seasoned Frank "Papa" Rodriguez, the sharp leader Lila "Nightshade" Devereaux, and the cynical Jack "Ghost" Merrick.
As they face mounting pressure from local authorities and rival operatives, Brain's role becomes more complex, and he grapples with the moral weight of his decisions.
A standout aspect of the story is its tight pacing and vivid portrayal of the heist's technical details. Through Max’s perspective, readers are thrust into the tense, claustrophobic environment of espionage, where every second counts. The dialogue and character dynamics add rich layers of intrigue, keeping readers on edge as the mission unfolds and the twist arrives at the end.
I’m not sure it’ll fare well. I sacrificed description for an extensive plot, and relied more on delving into Max’s feelings to provide substance. I’d be surprised if it places for the 4th round, but Bottomfeeder surprised me, so you never know.
Results in a few months! Stay tuned!
R
