I’ve been pretty lucky in the family department, personally. Get on well with all my siblings, no real in-law problems to speak of (a few of them might look a little sideways at me from time to time, but hell, I look a little sideways at myself from time to time), so no real complaints.
But shit happens. I hear about it all the time. And nothing seems to bring that shit to the fore like having some dough to fight over. I’m reminded of the first line in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina: “Happy familes are all alike: every unhappy family is unhappy in it’s own way.”
So here’s the set up, folks. There’s a death in the family — it can be Dad, Mom, a rich uncle, you decide. That death leaves something up for grabs. And the lesser angels of everybody’s nature come out to play as they all try to get their piece of it. You’ve got 1000 words and almost a month to show us what dysfunctional really means. Leave a comment if you wanna play, and when your story is ready, shoot me the link to whatever dark little corner of the web you hide out in. On July 23, my birthday, I’ll post all the links and everybody can run home and hug their mommies. Or punch them in the mouth, whatever.
And I’m gonna sweeten the pot just a tad here, peeps. First, for every story entered, I’m donating five bucks to Heartsprings, a center for children with Autism in Wichita, Kansas. In the interest of full disclosure, my son Nick was there for six years, and those folks did him a ton of good. Second, as I will be off in the wilds of Maine on vacation for a week starting on July 23, I’ll have plenty of time to read through the entries. And my favorite will be awarded some kinda prize I pick out whilst there. Might be a t-shirt, could be a yacht. Probably more like a t-shirt, but who the hell knows?
Have at it folks. Oughta be fun.
I’m in, Dude. But you know what really pisses me off? The title DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY ROBINSON is already taken. So is DYSFUNKTIONAL FAMILY. So is DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY FEUD. So is DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY CIRCUS. So is DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY VALUES. I think I’ll call mine CASEY ANTHONY’S FAMILY. Whoops, time for my medication.
I’m in. My family actually gets along well, but I know people.
I’m in!!
Does this family have to be human? Only I’ve got this idea for dysfunctional dragons fighting over the horde of the one that just got themselves speared by some pesky knight.
If I can do that I’m in, if I can’t I might still be in, but I’ll have to go away and have a think first.
Hey, dragons, humans, whatever floats your boat.
you have my pen. “Rain Dog” from last time is under revision for publication, by the by. You inspire good things.
Count me in, Dan!
You and I have the same birthday? Weird.
Different year, I think, but still. July 23.
Guess I gotta be in.
Oh, and get wells, sir.
Ah, I could tell you stories…but you say you want fiction? I’m in.
Sure, I’m in. Your birthday is 3 days before my husband’s, so I can kill two birds with one stone … 🙂
I’m in. I think I’m going to write about toenails.
Oh hell yes. Toss my twisted family values in the mix.
I’m game.
I share your birthday, too. Mine is probably somewhat if not considerable before yours, though.
Sounds like a fun contest. I won’t be entering, but can’t wait to read some of the entries.
BROTHER AND SISTER. Here’s the link: http://malachistone.wordpress.com/2011/06/27/heres-brother-and-sister-my-entry-in-dan-osheas-happy-birthday-to-me-estate-planning-flash-fiction-challenge/
Count me in!
For months on end, I had to listen to the rantings of a co-worker, airing her dirty laundry about a death in the family and how her sisters and in-laws and everyone bitched and moaned and back stabbed and generally, just plain hated her (well, that’s because you’re a c***, honey!) Oops! did I just say that? LOL!!.
I’m going to try. If I don’t come up with a story, I will make a donation to the charity instead. I have to find the character to write the story and sometimes he/she doesn’t come to me.
I might be able to come with something… might. It took me a month to write the last story so… this might be possible for me. Hope that handsome face of yours is healing nicely. =)
This sounds like a fun challenge ~ I’d like to give it a try. I hope to have a story posted by 7/23. Have a great time in Maine next month ~ and have a terrific birthday week!
Ok, count me in, too. I love flash fiction challenges and it’s for a wonderful cause. Great idea!
A good cause and a lot of fun. Sounds great. I’ll be in my hometown this month to try to stir up some trouble for research..
I’ll have to see what I can do.
In the meantime, just some straight crime stuff:
http://downrange-impact.blogspot.com/2011/06/robbery.html
Finally got around to writing this, hope it’s all right.
http://metamuse-aiwevanya.blogspot.com/2011/07/aurum-inheritance.html
Here is my offering, Dan…
Happy Birthday! Woo Hoo!!
Here we go.
IT STAYS IN THE FAMILY
http://adiaryofawriter.blogspot.com/2011/07/it-stays-in-family.html
Another July 23 birthday here…hopefully I can polish my flash up enough before Saturday to get it posted on time (since, you know, I’ll be mainly gearing up for an epic wrasslin’ match with Father Time).
My story will be on my blog on Saturday.
http://bloodsweatmnurder.blogspot. com
I should be ashamed of myself.
I AM ashamed of myself.
http://ramonagardea.blogspot.com/2011/07/testator-tots.html
Please enjoy “Testator Tots” in moderation.
http://steveweddle.squarespace.com/words/