[Weekly Short-Short Note] 'Would you like to write a short-short?' Theme Announcement! 10/15

This is an article for a project where I loosely solicit short-short stories every week. If you are new here, I would be happy if you could read this first.

So, this is a project where we use the [Short-Short Note] card game to decide on a theme and write short-short stories as volunteers.

The previous themes were 'Slipping High School' and 'A Little Shallot on the Wall.' Thank you so much for all your submissions!

Taraha Selection

Now, it is time for this week's Taraha Selection, where I, Tarahakani (Nika Tahara), arbitrarily introduce works from two weeks ago.

The theme was 'Autumn Sky Clock'!
Yes, it is a surprisingly beautiful theme, unlike the usual Short-Short Note style.
I sometimes hear people say, 'I always watch, but the themes are too confusing to write about,' so we have weeks with curveballs like this! (Though it is strange that this is considered a curveball.)

As expected, there were many wonderful works, so this time I chose works that grabbed me right from the first line!

First up is Sanba-san!

It was a piece that made me want to look up at the autumn sky and imagine what kind of thing it might be!!

Next is Jiromaru-san!

I thought that living a life not bound by time would be nice, but then I wondered if one would be bound by an 'Autumn Sky Clock'... oof.

Next is Nekoharu-san!

It was a work that made me feel a strong bond within a poignant story. The final sentiment really touched my heart.

The hidden theme was 'Rose in the Armpit Clock'! (What is that?!)

First is Megumi Akizuki-san!

I wondered what on earth she was fighting... while imagining her confident smile!

Next is Nazori-san!

When I thought of the theme, only comedic elements came to mind, but after reading this work, I started to think, 'Wow, that's cool...' I'm going to put a rose in my armpit too! (Just kidding)

Next is Tata Shin-en-san!

Is this a dream? Or...? The description of the Rose Clock was realistic and wonderful!

And what is the topic for this week!

Drumroll please...
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da...
Bam!

What is this week's word cascade?!

So, what is this week's topic?!

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, 'I've said it before, but just because I write novels doesn't mean I have to like math! Hmph!' For those people, how about this topic instead?
[Axis Margarine]
|ω・`) Peek

Rules & Notes

・Post a short-short of about 410 characters by late night on October 21, 2023.
・Include the tag #WeeklyShortShortNote.
・If I see posts other than my own, I will add them to the magazine.
・I won't be picking a winner! I may feature some as a selection!
・I would be happy if you could comment on other people's work! (Stolen from the Shirokuma Literary Club project)

Also, this project basically adopts the method of Mr. Masatomo Tamaru. We recommend stories with a theoretical flavor called 'Mathematical Darjeeling,' rather than works that simply contain the two words 'math' and 'darjeeling.' Please let the scent of 'Mathematical Darjeeling' drift through your creative worlds. Well then, I look forward to your work again this week!

This week's 'Sotto-Sotto' (Quietly) Note

It's your turn, everyone!
Many of you may already be participating, but check this out!

A contest for short stories under 400 characters with the theme of craft beer!!!!

Here it is. Those of you who have fought through the difficult topics every week should be able to post many masterpieces!
Also, for those who have just started and are still inexperienced... 400 characters should be easy to participate in!
Why not try posting one?!

And here are a few tips!

1) Register with your email address.

When registering for a new account on Short-Short Garden, it is better to register with an email address rather than linking your X (Twitter) account. It might be fixed by now, but I remember having some trouble with it before.

2) Think of a mysterious story about craft beer!

Since Mr. Tamaru's main battlefield is mysterious short-shorts, it's good to include a little bit of mystery (just a little is fine)!

3) Try thinking of 'Craft Beer x [Something]'!

If you only think about craft beer, you might hit a mental block. So, try adding a keyword to broaden your ideas.
There is a lecture on how to expand your ideas on Mr. Tamaru's website!
Or, you could try playing around with the 'craft' part, or add words inspired by beer... Ah, if I say any more, I'll run out of my own ideas, how cute.

4) Try writing a lot

Rather than stewing over a single masterpiece, I feel it's better to write a certain number of pieces and then refine the one that really stands out. Since you can submit up to three entries for the contest, you might discover something even if you just try writing pieces that seem a bit strange at first!

5) This time, 19 works will be selected!

This means the chances of being selected have increased! Let's all get selected!

I look forward to working with you again this week!