We had 100 words to tell the beginning of the story that introduces no characters.

Whomever you are, I am truly honored that you’re reading my book.

No doubt you’re aware that several of my men are pointing assault rifles at your head, though you’re probably not surprised given the lengths you went to get your hands on this. Keep reading, and they’ll pay you no mind. However, so much as stand up or close this book and it will be the last thing you do.

Try to enjoy yourself. When you finish, you will be presented with a question about what you’ve read. Your life depends on your answer.

K: I don’t know, man. You pretty much completely introduced the narrator as well as his goons. Even if I accept that they’re not a big part of the story to come – and I really can’t anyway – then this story only comes off as confusing. If he’s not the lead character, who is? It’s a bit of a cheat.

DK: I bought into the idea here solidly. I can’t imagine too many more ways of being straight hooky than that. GOLD

MG: This feels a bit like a cheat, but it’s an entertaining one, so I’m inclined to give it a pass. It’s funny more than compelling, and the joke of it probably doesn’t endure as long as the author would like it to. I think this kind of writing inspires only polarized responses; you either buy into it and get excited at playing with that fourth wall, or you roll your eyes and hope the gimmick serves something more than gimmickyness. SILVER

I guess I was inspired by the beginning of Huckleberry Finn. My idea is that the only reader of this book is literally the person whose life is at stake. Kind of a cheat, but it looks like I got away with it this time.

Liam Neeson’s Walrus also got away with it, as our team did really well. 16 players left, 7 from our team.