About one year ago, i entered a flash fiction contest over at Jason Evans’ blog, Clarity of Night.
It was a great experience that led me to meet great writers, many of which appear in my links section. Though Mr. Evans organizes these contests often, this has been my first opportunity to participate again.
To enter the contest, you simply write a 250 word (or less) story, based on the picture he posted.
My favorite part of the contest is reading everyone’s entries and getting to meet new writers.
I urge anyone who hasn’t done so, to go check out the contest, read some entries, and enter, if you have the time.
My entry is called Taking Stock
Since I am deep in the writing of my novel, I actually ended up using those characters to create a new scene, one that does not appear in the novel. I treated it as an outside exercise to learn a little bit more about my characters, their motivation, and some weaknesses.
The story turned out okay, though certainly not my best.
Let me know what you think.
Cheers.
Liked it, but I didn’t get the ending. That’s nothing new for me though, I often feel like I am missing something. I once tried reading Houses Without Doors by Peter Straub. There were a lot of stories in there that I didn’t understand.
Thanks, Steve. Yeah, i guess I made it sort of obscure–not too bad i hope.
I wish you luck with the contest and getting your novel finished before tomorrow.
I’ll check it out when I get the chance, which may not be until the contest closes. I ran out of time to enter this time, but I totally agree that his contests are a great way to meet others. Good luck with your entry.
It was a really great piece of writing – very chilling!
Andrea: Thanks so much, but unfortunately, I had company and didn’t get all I wanted done.
Thanks also for that contest, very cool!
Scott:
Thanks. Yeah, this is the first one I have had time for in a long time.
Vanilla:
Thank you so much. I really do appreciate it.
And thank you for your kind words on my entry.
I love endings that sort of crawl around in your brain…you know, at night- late, when it’s dark.
🙂
amm
Bernita:
No problem, I really enjoyed it.
Anita!
That’s one of the best compliments I’ve gotten. I agree about that sort of ending. I strive to write things that stick with the reader, because that’s the stuff I love to read.
Not necessarily something that punches you in the gut when you read the last line (though I like that too), but something that you find yourself thinking about two days later while taking the garbage out in the middle of the night. Or you wake up the night after finishing a novel and remember a totally screwed up dream based on the book.
I only hope I can achieve that some day.
Ooh! I like it. I hope I get to read the book one day. =)
Hey, thanks Kate. I’m glad you still come around, even in the absence of the sourdough monster. 🙂