Welcome to 1,000 Characters!

This is a project about exploration, into writing and into characters. The goal is to create one thousand characters, and learn more about all of them. Most days (at least twenty per month) there should be a new story snippet to keep the words flowing. Do not fret that everything (or at least most things) are short, as that is the intention.

1,000 Characters is a practice for better storytelling, improved fiction. The focus is diving into characters, looking curiously and deeply into their hopes, dreams, desires. Exploring new characters, their stories, the places they live and work, becomes a journey of fun. This process of discovery should, in many cases, lead to longer stories, possibly even a novel. Dare it be said: maybe novels.

A total of 105 works of fiction featuring 35 different Characters!

Featured Story

Published: Oct 30, 2020

Terrisa

During 1971, Larry played in thirteen different blues clubs in Chicago. He drummed over 300 nights, behind many greats like Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, gaining a ton of skill through all the live practice. It wasn't much most gigs but he did get paid.

Along the way a young woman began appearing at show after show. She had tall hair and brown eyes, large hips, and a smile that made Larry feel at home. During a break one night, she stood by him until he said hello.

"My name is Terrisa," she said with a soft voice.

"Hi," he said again.

"I love your drumming."

"I've seen you at a number of shows."

"I thought you might." She smiled, and they remained peacefully silent.

Recent Stories

Published: Apr 02, 2026

Seeds of Boredom

featuring: Brent Que

Boredom was the overpowering state of mind around me, in the house, in the city, in the country, in much of the world. A dictator of decisions for the populace, impressively exercising ...

Published: Mar 18, 2026

Stranded Diner

featuring: Andrew Puck

Andrew watched the hostess as she welcomed diners, handled the phone, and sent waiters to the correct tables. He admired her dark hair, and the way she stood, with her hips askew, ...

Published: Mar 13, 2026

Rain Water

featuring: Marie Salman

Rain water cascaded off the roof of a motel. Marie Salman huddled next to the wall, hugging her knees. Long, dirty amber hair clung to her head like a helmet, framing her ...

Published: Aug 29, 2025

Lamb History

featuring: Moreland Bouquett

Moreland stood before the picture window filled with hanging sausages, dried jerky, smoked slabs, ribs, and birds, plucked clean, dangling by rope. His mouth watered. He entered the shop, breathing heavily and ...

Published: Jul 12, 2025

He Walked too Far

featuring: Moreland Bouquett

Sometimes the long walks took Moreland into new parts of the city, blocks and blocks that he had never seen before or that had completely changed since the last time he had ...

Characters