Ugly Duckling for Wednesday Writing Essentials...

I told Pam I wasn't sure I could complete the challenge in 25 words, so I've written 42 instead--if you like Hitchhikers' Guide it's a good number, and if you like fairytales...

In flowing gown of billowing lace

Bedecked with jewels around her graceful neck

She bowed to him.

Bedraggled, brown and gray and flecked

With dirt, he blamed her for his hurt

Till she declared

“Sir, you’re a swan”

And his reflection stirred.

Challenge: Write a three act flash fiction story (1000 words or less). The first act is the setup: describe time, place, lead character(s). The second act introduces the problem and/or bad guy and the hero struggles. The third act is the resolution: hero overcomes great odds and defeats his problem or he is defeated. The three-act structure boils down to 1. Setup; 2. Conflict; 3. Resolution.