Erin

What is this thing?

It’s a writing “challenge” where you write a flash fic, ideally for MacGyver fandom. By “flash fic” I mean something <1000 words, but like most other “rules” of the writealong, it’s not set in stone. Make of it what you will!

Not sure how to cram a story into ~1000 word? I'll be posting some tips tomorrow.

Which MacGyver fandom?

This challenge is aimed at MacGyver 2016, but MacGyver 1985 stories are welcome.

Why are we doing this?

Back in 2022, I wanted to try my hand at writing some flash-sized fanfics (a big change from my 10k+ normal fic size). So I invited all the MacGyver writers to play along with me. This is our 4th Flashfic Writealong. It’s like peer pressure, except everybody wins because everybody gets new fics to read. Yay!

How will it work?

There will be 10 prompts over 3 weekends starting July 22, 2026. Most prompts will be posted 2 days before the target posting date. The idea is to write a tiny story quickly, without overcomplicating it. (Overcomplication, my beloved...!)

Check this post for the schedule.

Need examples? Try All Stories from the 2025 Challenge by Prompt

What if I miss the target date? Can I post it later?

Heck yeah! 

Is this a whump challenge thing?

No, write whatever you want. Variety is the spice of life and one of my favorite things about this fandom. ❤️ I’ll write h/c but everybody is welcome to play along. Ship all your ships. Smut it up if you wanna. Just tag your stuff appropriately.

What about AI-generated or assisted fic?

This challenge has ONE hard and fast rule: absolutely NO AI generated or AI assisted fic. Write it yourself or don’t participate.

I wrote a thing! When do I post it?

Any time on or after the day the prompts were for. For example, if you wrote a story using the July 24 prompts, post it on July 24 (your local time) or whenever you have it ready after that.

Where should it be posted? 

Tumblr or AO3 ideally. But do whatever you want with your fic! This is supposed to be fun. And maybe less stressful than other challenges? Or more, you decide. 

Is there an AO3 collection?

The collection will open on July 23 and will be titled July 2026 MacGyver Flashfic Writealong. Please add your story! :)

What about Tumblr tags?

Event tag: #MacGyver Flashfic Writealong

Day tag: #july 24  (for the day the prompts were “for”, regardless of when you post ‘em)

What are the prompts?

The prompts will be set to post at 9am PT (UTC-7) 2 days before the day they’re for. There are also a few alternate prompts in case the day’s prompts aren’t inspiring you.

How do I participate?

Write a thing related to the prompts and post it. :) Tag this blog if you want it reblogged. 

Who’s running this thing?

"Yeah."

I dug through the comments and messages I got and looked at the calendar, and I've got a tentative schedule to share. It's possible there could be some tweaks, but I wanted to throw this out there so y'all don't think I've forgotten. I have NOT forgotten!

I'll follow up soon with more details and an official rules post (which will be basically the same as last year, and before that, and before that... why mess with a pretty good thing?)

“yeah, kid, I’m here.” They sound suspiciously shaky.

“you…you’re crying?” Character b asks.

character a hesitates, not knowing what to say. “I’m alright, kid. It’s okay,” they say as tears trail down their cheeks.

character b leans their head into character A’s hand. “…tired.”

Character A’s face crumples as character b’s eyes drift shut. “Please, kid…” character a says to no one, their voice cracking.

* Because they're scared to say yes

* Because they've desperately wanted to say yes and are finally able to

* Because they're ashamed of what they're agreeing to

* Because they're frightened of the reaction they're going to get

* Because they're too injured / out of it to do anything else.

* Because they don't really mean it but feel like they have to agree anyway

* Because that's all they can manage to do without breaking down completely.

* Because they can't communicate any other way

I know, I know, it's already summer, but in my defense, work has been crazy and now I'm in all the wrong hemispheres. But! A couple people have asked if I'm plannning to host the MacGyver writealong this year, and I've finally had enough vacation time in to make it sound feasible.

For those who haven't participating and have no idea what the writealong challenge consits of, this if a flash fiction challenge (target length: <1000 words) where the goal is to challenge yourself to run with an idea in a short time period. I usually post 2-4 prompts per day (of varied types, including themes, quotes, pictured, etc). The challenge is open to MacGyver fandom generally, including both 1985 and 2016. Here's a link to all of last year's challenge stories.

So please reply if you'd be interested in joining a MacGyver flash fic writealong challenge around mid-July to mid-August.

If so, I'd love your thoughts on the pace:

Writelong 1 was fast, with a set of prompts per day for 11 days, with about 2 days' time between prompt posting and the start of the story posting window.

✨ SORRY ✨

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