Each year, hundreds of writers from around the Central Coast, state, country, and beyond roll up their sleeves and start writing. They click on keyboards. They scratch pens on paper. They hammer away at typewriters.

Then, they submit their tiny literary endeavors to the annual 55 Fiction contest, started years ago by New Times’ founder, Steve Moss. A group of staff judges wades through the entries, scoring each one. At the end of the weeks-long marathon reading session, the stories with the most points are declared fit to print.

Peruse these brief slices of wit, wisdom, murder, mayhem, folly, fun, foolishness, and more. You’ll be enthralled, appalled, tickled, amused, and inspired, but in all cases entertained.

Ryan Miller is executive editor of New Times and the Santa Maria Sun.