EDIT: Apologies for missing the 11/22/25 Behind Every Door.
Hello All! We’re trying something a bit different around here. Normally, we present opportunities for fiction writers to self-promote and readers to recommend what they’ve read/written and then we share links to those already written works of fiction with our readers.
But here at Top in Fiction we are not just in the business of sharing fiction, we are also in the business of inspiring you to write as well! So, whether you’re a pro and looking for a challenge or a beginning looking for a place to get your creative juices flowing, use StoryStack to help you out!
Learn all there is to know about StoryStack here.
IMAGE1 PROMPT
THE OBJECTIVE
Use the image above as inspiration to write your own story of any length. Whether you enjoy free-writing or giving yourself rules to follow, the choice is up to you. Just as long as you write those words!
THE CHALLENGE
Looking for a bit of a challenge and a chance to have your story featured on our TiF Press website? Then write a StoryStack using the image above. Be sure to label your story with “[StoryStack]” either before or after your story and which Method you used!
NOTE: In order to have your story appear on TiF Press you MUST copy/paste your ENTIRE story in the comments. Leaving a link to your story renders your story ineligible.
SHARE YOUR WORK
Whichever path you decide to take, make sure you leave a comment sharing your story with us, other fellow writers, and our amazing reading audience.
All images used: Unsplash / Pexels / Pixabay. We DO NOT use AI generated images.
Behind Closed Doors
A Story Stack: The Separation Method
6 words
Before Ikea there was this wardrobe.
25 words
Try as he may, Bryan could not dislodge the cabinet from the wall space.
“It seems the walls were built around the cabinet,” he observed.
50 words
“We need more space,” Dorice stated decisively as she observed the items falling out of the cupboard onto the floor. “Everywhere I look things are piling up.”
“You could be right,” stated Reggie quietly as he started repacking the cupboard. “Or we could get rid of what we don’t need.”
100 words
Ten year old Jenny pushed her way into the cupboard. She began knocking on walls, listening for hollow sounds.
“What are you doing?” asked a voice from outside the cupboard.
Jenny leaned back and replied, “I just finished the Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”
“And you thought that maybe this wardrobe here was somehow connected?” her mother inquired with some mirth.
“Well, yes,” replied Jenny. “But now that you say it, it sounds ridiculous.”
Her mother smiled. “Who hasn’t checked out the back of a closet after reading that book? Anything interesting?”
“There is a finger hole back here.”
150 words
The flames flickered in the fireplace as the door edged open.
“The coast is clear," a small voice squeaked.
Ten pairs of feet found their footing on the floor.
“Ralphie, not so much toilet paper this time.”
Ralphie glared. “It is so soft.”
“We have other supplies to stock up on. Remember troops, we only take what we need and that they won’t miss. Taking more than 2 objects pushes at credulity. Sophie? Leave the socks alone today. We have too many.”
“Ok,” Sophie said.
“Any questions?”
“What happened to the dog?” squeaked Marybeth. “I liked the dog.”
“He liked you too," smirked Mark as Marybeth smacked him hard.
“Ready? Move out,” said their leader.
Suddenly a light came on in the hallway. “Retreat,” uttered a voice. They scrambled back into the cabinet and closed the door quietly.
The darkness swallowed them as they moved further towards another cold night.
Holiday Mixup
[StoryStack] - Continuation Method
In the corner stood Mom’s wardrobe. [6 words]
My brothers wondered what lay hidden behind the doors. It was forbidden for us children to look within, which only served to inflame our curiosity. [25 words]
‘Twas the week before Christmas, and the pair could wait no longer. Mom had been spending too much time in her bedroom by herself. They could hear as she stealthily opened and closed the wardrobe doors, along with the soft, suspicious rustle of paper. They waited until she went out... [50 words]
Thus is born the stuff of family legend. The boys had unwrapped all the presents, toys lying scattered across the bed, when they heard Mom’s car pull in. Fast as a wink, they rewrapped everything, shoving the gifts back onto the wardrobe shelf and scurrying back to their own room just as Mom walked into the house with a load of groceries. On Christmas morning, my sister happily tore open a package, only to find a GI Joe glaring up at her. In their rush, my brothers had mixed up the nametags. It was a good Christmas that year, anyway. [100 words]