99 words, no more, no less. It’s a simple constraint, an easy-to-master literary art form, and a powerful writing tool for creatives and entrepreneurs. Writers calibrate the usefulness and beauty of 99-words through weekly flash fiction challenges.
Carrot Ranch is a dynamic online literary community for those practicing craft, reading stories and discussing process. Charli Mills is the lead buckaroo who hosts challenges, guest blogs, and an annual multi-contest called the Flash Fiction Rodeo.
September 5, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that shows true grit. You can use the phrase or embody the theme. Who or what has true grit? Go where the prompt leads you!
True Grit (or Determination)
Over the years I have noticed
How many members of my family
Grit their teeth when trying hard
To achieve their goal
I tend to do this when getting angry
My teeth grit, my jaws clench
Muscles moving, trying not to let out words
I could not take back
I have seen a young woman
Eyes bulging, teeth gritted
Trying desperately to move her car out of harm’s way
A lot of teeth are getting worn down by determination
I did wonder why no one offered to help
Maybe they worried about their teeth
Do you do the same?
Words on Paper 
It is a tendency to grit our teeth, isn’t it? I know a few people who grind their teeth in their sleep and have had to have their teeth built up. That’s true grit!
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I’m guilty of that too, they gave me a plastic guard to wear at night, but I almost choked on it!
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I wouldn’t like to have to wear something in my mouth at night. I think I’d choke on it too.
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Good observation of the body mechanics of true grit, Anita!
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So glad you liked it, Charli…
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You put a unique spin on that one, Anita. Nicely done!
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That’s a lovely way of putting it, Mae…
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Nicely done! There was something darkly comical about the lines: “I did wonder why no one offered to help / Maybe they worried about their teeth.” There’s a deep meaning there.
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Glad you liked it, Joshua…
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