This is espresso stories, an idea by the writers Chris Worth and R.P. Bird. It explores a literary form for today's frothed-up, on-the-hoof, want-it-all-now consumer lifestyle: complete stories that take no longer to read than an espresso takes to slurp.

 The most basic rule is that they're just a sentence or two, totalling 25 words or less. Less hard-and-fast - but equally vital - are a theme, plot, characters, and narrative development. Everything you'd see in any good story - but short enough to fit into the time it takes to reach the bottom of that bitter little cup, as you ponder on how even the briefest experiences can make life more meaningful.

 It's inspired by Augusto Monterroso's famous story, 'The Dinosaur'. The goal's to become the web's biggest collection of the shortest stories, showcasing both new and experienced authors worldwide. Why not sign up (it takes less than a minute) and submit a few of your own?