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 108 works of fiction featuring 37 different Characters!

Featured Story

Published: Nov 16, 2020

The Voice of Camels

It began innocently, organically. The plan to demonstrate for camels because he had decided to care for a number of them. They grew to become part of his family over time. As he took the time to learn about them and the treatment they received, the way they were bought and sold, often secretly, around the world, he began to think they needed a voice. Why should he not be that voice?

They were used as a food source: their meat treated like beef in his own country. They were used to carry goods like horses. Their cousins with the single hump were growing in staggering numbers in some parts of the world. His head became sluggish as he tried to think of it all. He had been part of the problem and now he could do differently.

Recent Stories

Published: May 14, 2026

No Stills

featuring: Donald York

I walk the bridge path everyday, both directions, all two miles or more. I see a lot of tourists taking photographs of everything: the skyline, other bridges, the harbor, monuments, even the ...

Published: May 11, 2026

Movie Masks

featuring: Lizzy Unger

I thought the masks were terrifying: big circular filters near the mouth, a clear plastic visor shielding the eyes, heavy back rubber to fit the contours of a human face, and thick ...

Published: May 07, 2026

In the Attic

featuring: Lizzy Unger

We climbed the stairs to the attic; the house protested with creaks and groans. I opened the door slowly, stirring dust. The air was hazy and the ceiling sloped sharply down from ...

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, ...

Characters