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Monthly Short Story Contest
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March 2019 Monthly Challenge
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Denise wrote: "February wasn't a good month for me, so I'm hoping to get around to this challenge. Sounds interesting."There are so many great writers in this group and I'm excited about hosting the March Challenge. Hopefully, the infusion of the selected words will spur some interesting stories and chase the arc of creativity onward.
Looking forward to continuing the journey. It felt good to get back in the saddle in February and time to tune up the old wordsmithing equipment in my brain!!!
Mod
Please include all of the highlights. Thanks.
Glenda wrote: "Patricia will have to answer that one. I just now noticed the "required words" faithfulness, shadows, and scaredy-cat HAVE TO APPEAR in your story."
Hey there, I'm new to the group, but I'd love to jump in. Can anyone tell me how/where we submit our story each month? I'm not just new to the group, I'm new to Goodreads. :P Do we post our story as a reply to the monthly challenge? Thanks!!
Mod
Ashleigh wrote: "Hey there, I'm new to the group, but I'd love to jump in. Can anyone tell me how/where we submit our story each month? I'm not just new to the group, I'm new to Goodreads. :P Do we post our story a..."Welcome, Ashley.
Patricia wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: "Hey there, I'm new to the group, but I'd love to jump in. Can anyone tell me how/where we submit our story each month? I'm not just new to the group, I'm new to Goodreads. :P Do we..."Scroll up to see criterion for the month of March include words to be included in your story. Questions? Please post them here.
Thanks and welcome.
Hi. Please post your story here so that all can read. The March votes are to be sent to me at patricia_fuqua@bellsouth.net.Thanks.
Patricia wrote: "Patricia wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: "Hey there, I'm new to the group, but I'd love to jump in. Can anyone tell me how/where we submit our story each month? I'm not just new to the group, I'm new to Go..."
ALIENS IN THE LAND OF 10,000 LARGE ICE CUBESby Todd Folstad (850 words)
It was just after dinner-time, February 12th in the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes', better known as Minnesota when a ship of unknown origin flew up from the depths of Lake Superior's north shore. It was an odd looking craft, flat and cylindrical in configuration with no obvious power source and no propellers or wings. It broke the water's surface and glided gently into the air as if floating. Silver in color, it hung above the lake at about 50 feet and for all intents and purposes, appeared to be watching or monitoring the gentle woodland area by Split Rock Lighthouse. Maybe it was trying to communicate with the outmoded light beacon, or maybe, just maybe, it was trying to learn how something so outdated could ever have existed.
The sun began to set and the UFO slowly drifted off over the big lake to a point in the center and then slowly lowered into the depths again to slumber beneath the shadowy waves.
On the shore, unseen by the visitors from the foreign craft, were two local hunters, Jim Bob Davis and Billy Johnston. Life long buddies, fellow hunters and well known BS artists. Jim Bob was a bit shaken by the scene and asked Billy, "What in tarnation was that?"
Billy, trying to play it cool, even though he was a bit of a scaredy-cat stated, "Damned if I know, but if it comes back I'm gonna shoot it!"
Jim Bob shook his head from side to side and chuckled, "I believe you'd be that damn crazy, then they'd blast you with one o' them lasers!"
"Fine by me", Billy snorted, "then they'd hafta deal with my old lady, and you know, don't nobody wanna deal with my old lady!"
"You got that straight, B. Whatcha think they want?"
"Who can say with them goofy alien types. Maybe they wanna probe ya, or mess with your brains, that is if you ever had any!" he laughed.
"Maybe we oughta get back to town and tell somebody."
"Nah, they'll think we just got too much hooch in our bellies and won't believe us just like most times."
"What if them alien fellers come back for some of the folks in town?"
"We'll deal with em when it happens. Now just curl up and get some shut-eye, sun'll be up soon enough and the deer we saw last night around sunset will be running then."
Jim Bob and Billy spend the morning tracking a ten point buck, but never were able to get a clean shot at him. When they got back to town that night for dinner, the townsfolk seemed oddly quiet and almost trance-like. They could still function, but all seemed a bit slow and distracted, almost like they were in a fugue. From a distance, they looked normal, but up close, you could see the distress on the faces and in their eyes as if they were in constant fear of something or someone entering the town at any time.
Jim Bob looked out to the harbor and that was when the ship appeared again, coming out of the water at a frightening speed. A booming voice intoned from the ship "James Robert Davis and William Johnston, stand and be recognized by the Imperial Directorate of the Alorican Empire! Do not move or you will be immobilized, permanently!"
Jim Bob and Billy looked at each other in abject fear and both turned to run. They had each taken only two steps when a green beam came forth from the ship, locking them both in mid-stride. They both exhibited the same expressionless look of the other townsfolk, but like the others, the strain and stress could be read up close.
"You were warned not to attempt to move, now you have been rendered immobile. If we release you from the beam, will you attempt escape again?" the voice from the ship queried. "We can read your thoughts, so don't try to lie."
Slightly released to move again, both men agreed not to try and run. The beam released them and they found themselves feeling like they were moving at less than half their normal speed, although their thoughts were as fast as ever. Almost like a semi-comatose state. They instantly knew what the other townspeople were feeling and felt angry, sad, and generally emotional for their situation. In the beam they learned of the Alorican civilization, how it had come to be, evolve and eventually die off, leaving only this ship and crew as the surviving members of their race. They came to earth as it was one of the few planets that could sustain their needs as a race and also provide clean water with which to operate their technology.
Jim Bob called out to the ship, "I'm real sorry 'bout shootin' at cha, but we were afraid of what we didn't know. Hope y'all can forgive us."
There was no more communication from the ship as it turned, headed back towards the middle of Lake Superior, also known as Gitchegumee (the big lake), and slowly sank beneath the waves.
Very intriguing story, Todd. I was rendered immobile and could only read to the very end and that was when I could exhale!
LAST NIGHT IN ACAPULCO
by terry turner 945 words
It was our last night in Acapulco. The next day we would take the hotel bus to the airport and fly back to our respective homes in Colorado. Though I had enjoyed my time there, secretly, I could not wait to return home. I had been invited to go with my daughter, son-in-law, and my three beautiful grandchildren on an all expense paid vacation. I did not feel like going for a walk on the beach that evening but the Three Musketeers, as I fondly named them, begged me to go saying, "Grandma, please, it is our last night.”
I had seen pictures in magazines of resort places but they seemed foreign, distant and incomprehensible to a poor Indian girl. My parents moved to Boulder Colorado from the Ute Indian reservation located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains when I was a child. I had never ventured beyond the Colorado State line and had the feeling this vacation was arranged especially for me, as my battle with lung cancer did not look to be a struggle I would win. The chemo had zapped my strength and I wore a scarf around my head to hide the bald spots. I felt my life ebbing away. Nevertheless, I put on a brave face with an act that should have been nominated for an Oscar. The truth is, I was a big ole scaredy-cat. And though I trusted in my doctor's faithfulness and skills, I felt a dark shadow followed me everywhere I went. However, I knew I had to go with them on the beach walk because I did not want my grandchildren to be disappointed and after all, that could have been our last walk together if things had not worked out the way they did. So, I pushed the pain in my chest to the back of my mind, mustered all the strength I had left and headed out the door.
I must admit, it was a magical evening walk. The waning moon supplied sufficient light to guide our path. The stars were bright, the air was fresh and for a brief time my troubles seemed far away and I made believe all was right with the world.
Then there came a strange whirring sound from overhead. Everyone stopped in their tracks as we all looked to see a UFO had appeared without warning. It happened so suddenly it is hard to recollect the details but I do remember hearing screams from a crowd of people nearby.
When I first saw the craft, there was a solid bluish white light around its outer surface. But when it moved closer, the white light broke up into many different colors. It was beautiful and I perceived no malice about it at all.
Then, an intense beam of light emitted from the craft and surrounded my body. I felt myself rising and the next thing I knew I was lying on a table in a very bright room.
The light was brilliant and I strained to keep my eyelids open. I could sense movement around the table and as the bright light moved closer and closer, I could see silhouettes of alien lifeforms leaning over me communicating with strange unintelligible sounds. I was so scared, my whole body trembled. I could not understand what was happening to me. The last thing I remember, before blacking out, was seeing two silver probes coming toward my face.
When I woke up, I was in my bed back in Boulder unsure if I was dead or alive. The sun rising in the distance outside my window assured me I was still counted among the living. Slowly I got out of bed and ambled into the bathroom. I was still wearing the same clothes from that night on the beach. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't believe my eyes. I had a full head of hair and my skin was radiant. At the same time, I realized the pain in my chest was gone. I felt strong and invigorated.
I can't imagine the fear and sorrow my daughter and family went through after I was abducted. I immediately rang her number and discovered they had flown home the day before in a state of shock and bereavement. We spent the rest of the day at my house celebrating and talking about what had happened.
A week later three Men-in-Black knocked on my door after arriving in an ominous looking black SUV. They asked a lot of questions and snooped about my home as though they owned the place. They also scanned my body without permission with some sort of handheld device. I decided to tell them nothing, knowing what happened after a UFO crashed landed in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. For their information, I was on a Mexican beach and the next thing I knew I woke up in my bed at home. I watched through the window while they conversed outside before getting into their vehicle and leaving. I could tell they were not happy.
It has now been ten years since the extraordinary event on that Pacific Ocean beach in Mexico and I have been cancer free ever since. My family and friends are still amazed at how healthy and young I look.
Oh yes, I guess I should tell you that I've moved back to that sleepy little Ute village of my ancestors at the foot of the Great Rocky Mountains. And though I never want to venture outside the State of Colorado again, I will always remember and I will always cherish that magical moonlight walk with my grandchildren on the beach of Acapulco Mexico.
by terry turner 945 words
It was our last night in Acapulco. The next day we would take the hotel bus to the airport and fly back to our respective homes in Colorado. Though I had enjoyed my time there, secretly, I could not wait to return home. I had been invited to go with my daughter, son-in-law, and my three beautiful grandchildren on an all expense paid vacation. I did not feel like going for a walk on the beach that evening but the Three Musketeers, as I fondly named them, begged me to go saying, "Grandma, please, it is our last night.”
I had seen pictures in magazines of resort places but they seemed foreign, distant and incomprehensible to a poor Indian girl. My parents moved to Boulder Colorado from the Ute Indian reservation located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains when I was a child. I had never ventured beyond the Colorado State line and had the feeling this vacation was arranged especially for me, as my battle with lung cancer did not look to be a struggle I would win. The chemo had zapped my strength and I wore a scarf around my head to hide the bald spots. I felt my life ebbing away. Nevertheless, I put on a brave face with an act that should have been nominated for an Oscar. The truth is, I was a big ole scaredy-cat. And though I trusted in my doctor's faithfulness and skills, I felt a dark shadow followed me everywhere I went. However, I knew I had to go with them on the beach walk because I did not want my grandchildren to be disappointed and after all, that could have been our last walk together if things had not worked out the way they did. So, I pushed the pain in my chest to the back of my mind, mustered all the strength I had left and headed out the door.
I must admit, it was a magical evening walk. The waning moon supplied sufficient light to guide our path. The stars were bright, the air was fresh and for a brief time my troubles seemed far away and I made believe all was right with the world.
Then there came a strange whirring sound from overhead. Everyone stopped in their tracks as we all looked to see a UFO had appeared without warning. It happened so suddenly it is hard to recollect the details but I do remember hearing screams from a crowd of people nearby.
When I first saw the craft, there was a solid bluish white light around its outer surface. But when it moved closer, the white light broke up into many different colors. It was beautiful and I perceived no malice about it at all.
Then, an intense beam of light emitted from the craft and surrounded my body. I felt myself rising and the next thing I knew I was lying on a table in a very bright room.
The light was brilliant and I strained to keep my eyelids open. I could sense movement around the table and as the bright light moved closer and closer, I could see silhouettes of alien lifeforms leaning over me communicating with strange unintelligible sounds. I was so scared, my whole body trembled. I could not understand what was happening to me. The last thing I remember, before blacking out, was seeing two silver probes coming toward my face.
When I woke up, I was in my bed back in Boulder unsure if I was dead or alive. The sun rising in the distance outside my window assured me I was still counted among the living. Slowly I got out of bed and ambled into the bathroom. I was still wearing the same clothes from that night on the beach. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn't believe my eyes. I had a full head of hair and my skin was radiant. At the same time, I realized the pain in my chest was gone. I felt strong and invigorated.
I can't imagine the fear and sorrow my daughter and family went through after I was abducted. I immediately rang her number and discovered they had flown home the day before in a state of shock and bereavement. We spent the rest of the day at my house celebrating and talking about what had happened.
A week later three Men-in-Black knocked on my door after arriving in an ominous looking black SUV. They asked a lot of questions and snooped about my home as though they owned the place. They also scanned my body without permission with some sort of handheld device. I decided to tell them nothing, knowing what happened after a UFO crashed landed in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947. For their information, I was on a Mexican beach and the next thing I knew I woke up in my bed at home. I watched through the window while they conversed outside before getting into their vehicle and leaving. I could tell they were not happy.
It has now been ten years since the extraordinary event on that Pacific Ocean beach in Mexico and I have been cancer free ever since. My family and friends are still amazed at how healthy and young I look.
Oh yes, I guess I should tell you that I've moved back to that sleepy little Ute village of my ancestors at the foot of the Great Rocky Mountains. And though I never want to venture outside the State of Colorado again, I will always remember and I will always cherish that magical moonlight walk with my grandchildren on the beach of Acapulco Mexico.
Todd wrote: "ALIENS IN THE LAND OF 10,000 LARGE ICE CUBES
by Todd Folstad
Gave me a chuckle Todd. I liked the vernacular. My favorite sentence is: "we can read your thoughts, so don't try to lie."
by Todd Folstad
Gave me a chuckle Todd. I liked the vernacular. My favorite sentence is: "we can read your thoughts, so don't try to lie."
Mod
by Todd Folstad (850 words)
It was just after dinner-time, February 12th in the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes', better known as Minnesota when a ship of unknow..."
I thought your dialogue sounded like it could've taken place here in Panama City, even down to the deer hunting. I enjoyed your story.
Mod
by terry turner 945 words
It was our last night in Acapulco. The next day we would take the hotel bus to the airport and fly back to our respective homes in Colorado. Tho..."
From a fan of the X-Files, nice story! It conjured up some images in my mind.
TERRY wrote: "LAST NIGHT IN ACAPULCOby terry turner 945 words
It was our last night in Acapulco. The next day we would take the hotel bus to the airport and fly back to our respective homes in Colorado. Tho..."
Nicely done Terry. GR8 use of imagery to draw us into your web. A very solid structure as well.
Hi all, I’ve been writing short stories for a while but I’m new to this group. Just checking I’ve got this right. A story has to include all the suggestions/themes given, plus the words in the list. And if I post a story, for my story to be eligible I must vote on the other stories posted this month - that’s the bit I wasn’t clear about. Thanks. I’ve enjoyed reading the stories posted so far. I’ll need to get my writing hat on and have a go.
Last night in Acalpulco Loved your story Terry, especially the appearance of the Men In Black when she didn’t tell them anything. Good for her! A nice mix of human spirit, mystery, warmth and humour.
Mod
By Glenda Reynolds (912 Words)
Several months have passed since the invasion of Seaburg, a coastal community near the North Pole. Ever since that “so called” comet hit Earth years ago, we observed strange happenings: human clones and animals ripped apart or missing. These alien beings would come to be known as the Reptilians. One thing that would give them away is that they have luminescent green eyes. But like an unwanted nightmare, the Reptilians would come for us.
March brought some sun into our endless winter night, but only astronomical twilight, not even enough light to cast a shadow. It remained just dark enough to see illumination below the sea. We feared that it could be aliens who had not engaged in battle and were left behind in safety.
We were right.
“What a beautiful sunset!” exclaimed Bobby, the twenty-something year old northern redneck who was fond of his sword and rifle collection. He admired the sparkling glow on the waves caused by the alien craft.
“That’s no sunset, you idiot. I’m pretty sure it’s ‘them’. We didn’t get rid of those aliens like we thought we did,” chided his cousin Jeb.
Bobby was no scaredy-cat. He had killed a good number of Reptilians when they invaded Seaburg during the holidays. He was a good shot with his Remington rifle.
“And what is that putrid smell?” Jeb asked with disgust on his face, “We have to alert the town about this.”
Tendrils of luminescent fluid made its way to the surface. What we didn’t know was this: the life blood of humans and animals mixed with a concoction was being ejected from the submerged alien ship. The stench of death wafted its way to our village.
Later we saw plenty of activity in the sky, such as UFOs traveling lightening fast. Some would stop suddenly in the sky, come nearer, and then dart off in another direction. Lights on these spaceships would twinkle as if communicating with the ship below the sea. The submerged craft blinked lights of its own in return.
The space craft continued to expel the bloody concoction which polluted the shoreline. It attracted meat eaters such as polar bears, wolves, and white arctic foxes. The ingested mixture caused them to convulse violently. They became infected with an illness that we would later come to know more about. It caused their eyes to glow all of the time. Soon the infected animals made their way into the city of Seaburg.
The ambassador of the Nordics came with his troop to visit Mayor Johnson of Seaburg after receiving a call of distress. Nordics were an alien race which were human-like with blond hair, shining blue eyes, and were 7 ft. tall. They had twice the strength of the average man.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice. I am humbled by your faithfulness to stand by our side,” said the mayor.
“It is our pleasure to preserve peace throughout the galaxy, including your planet Earth. We have come to love your planet and wish to protect it,” replied the ambassador. A garbled language came out of the wrist communicator alerting him. “I’m sorry to cut this short. It appears that your town is being overrun by diseased Earth animals, thanks to the Reptilians. My guards have informed me that they are infested with the LumEco virus. It will spread to other animals and humans. All will eventually die.”
“‘All’ as meaning all life forms on Earth?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Both Nordics and humans acted swiftly to rally the townspeople to protect the city. Not only were men placed on roofs tops to signal when the infected animals came into town, but they also took a proactive stance. Troops of humans and Nordics scoured the snowy terrain to hunt and kill meat eaters with glowing green eyes. To be thorough, they burned the carcasses in a bonfire. One wolf managed to make its way into the middle of town. It lay on the ground, convulsing violently. Upon dying, the stomach of the wolf ripped open as baby Reptilians crawled from it and scattered throughout the street.
“What in THE Hell?” shouted Jeff.
“I got this, cousin,” assured Bobby. He would not be deterred after seeing this. He unleashed his bird dogs and got an assortment of weapons, one being a flame thrower. Soon the entire group of baby Reptilians had been cornered and burned.
When the townspeople and Nordics thought they had a good handle on the infestation, they decided to take more action. Two Nordics dressed in scuba gear. They swam out to the submerged space craft and attached explosives to it. As the mixed group watched from shore, the explosives were detonated. The blast created a great pillar of water with fireworks reminiscent of the fourth of July. Blinking lights in the sky above meant that the UFOs were chattering about the destruction of the ship. They were gone in a millisecond. The town’s people cheered as once again they were able to defeat the Reptilians.
In a humble cabin in the south side of town, a little boy was getting ready for bed. But first he enjoyed a steaming cup of hot chocolate and some chocolate chip cookies as he sat up against the head board of his bed.
“Come on, little fella,” he coaxed as he held a piece of cookie under the bed. It was quickly snatched and swallowed.
The baby Reptilian’s thoughts were, “Cookies good! Humans bad!”
Glenda wrote: "Invasion of Seaburg - part 2
By Glenda Reynolds (912 Words)
Good story Glenda. Held my attention from start to finish.
By Glenda Reynolds (912 Words)
Good story Glenda. Held my attention from start to finish.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
The writing prompts for that were a snow globe, a reindeer, and an alien. There were 10 stories submitted at the end of 2015. Participation has declined since then. We need to invite people to join us here.
Mod
Thank you!
Mod
Great story Denise. I know a little about IP addresses and proxies. I think Drones are just expensive toys and a waste of money. My friend Helen bought one 3 - 4 years ago and it is still in her closet. Oh, she had big plans for it that never worked out - just a justification to buy one, in my opinion. But your Drone made for a good story.
Hi Writers,Good stories this month and good theme and highlights by Patricia.
Denise, I like your story building around relatively new technology and use thereof. I could well imagine hearing the "cha-ching" of funds rolling into a PayPal account as you state it.
Enjoy National Reading Month, too.
David
Mod
By Denise Baer (983 Words)..."
Denise, I LOVED your story. It gave me a chuckle. I love your writing.
Great story! I'm still transfixed. Todd wrote: "ALIENS IN THE LAND OF 10,000 LARGE ICE CUBES
by Todd Folstad (850 words)
It was just after dinner-time, February 12th in the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes', better known as Minnesota when a ship of unknow..."
Great story Denise. A great money-making scheme has gone awry. Denise wrote: "Eve’s DroppingBy Denise Baer (983 Words)
The trouble all began with a drone, a blog, and Mr. Hendrick’s pants down. I had been having trouble finding a job and keeping one. As some people might d..."
Hi Writers, we've got some great stories already posted for the March challenge. You've got plenty of time to post yours and be in the running for slots 1, 2 or 3! The last day to submit is 3/26.
Thanks, David.David wrote: "Hi Writers,Good stories this month and good theme and highlights by Patricia.
Denise, I like your story building around relatively new technology and use thereof. I could well imagine hearing th..."
One week left to post a story. Deadline is March 26. You still have plenty of time to write a terrific story!
Hi All, March's challenge is coming to an end (500-1,000 words). The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, March 26 at 10:00 p.m. (EST). Voting: March 27 – March 31. Winners will be posted in this thread on April 1, 2019. Please send your vote to me at patricia_fuqua@bellsouth.net. Only writers who have submitted a story will be allowed to vote. Thanks.
Writers, you still have time to submit your story for the March Challenge. In the meantime, here are the stories submitted as of 3/25/19:1. Eve's Dropping - Denise Baer
2. Invasion of Seaburg - Glenda Reynolds
3. Last Night In Acapulco - Terry Turner
4. Aliens In The Land - Todd Folstad
Deadline for March stories is 3/26, 10:00 p.m. EST
Mod
The monthly challenge for April is now up at this link.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Great stories for the month of March writers. Now it's voting time! I have votes from Glenda and Terry and awaiting remaining ones. Thanks.
I got busy and missed this... well, great stories everyone
I'll get mine in tomorrow night after work.
Glenda wrote: "Invasion of Seaburg - part 2By Glenda Reynolds (912 Words)
Several months have passed since the invasion of Seaburg, a coastal community near the North Pole. Ever since that “so called” comet hit..."
Well done Glenda - a very fun story with excellent imagery. You had me at "reptilians"!!!
Denise wrote: "Eve’s DroppingBy Denise Baer (983 Words)
The trouble all began with a drone, a blog, and Mr. Hendrick’s pants down. I had been having trouble finding a job and keeping one. As some people might d..."
Well done Denise - loved the drone aspect and the way that the masses just had to get more of the story - GR8 PayPal angle. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
My votes have now been sent. It was a GR8 month to jump back in and get my feet wet!!!
Mod
Votes are in for the March 2019 Challenge. There was a total of four stories submitted.1st Place = Tie - Eve's Dropping, Denise Baer and Invasion of Seaburg, Glenda Reynolds
2nd Place = Tie - Last Night In Acapulco, Terry Turner, and Aliens In The Land, Todd Folstad
There isn't a Third Place
Congratulations to all the writers who submitted.
Mod
A GR8 job by my three fellow writers this month - we need to get this back to where it was back when I joined and there were 10 - 15 stories every month!!!
Mod
I agree! When we moved over here December 2015 from Linkedin (due to technical / upgrade issues), we had many more participating. We need to invite more writers to our group.
Thanks for participating, Denise and it was my pleasure to serve as the March 2019 hostess. This is a great group and I appreciate each and every one of our writers. Keep penning and inspiring, all.
Denise wrote: "YAY! Congrats to all of us!!!!! Great stories. I enjoy participating in this group. I think many of the people are quite supportive of each other.
Thanks for hosting it, Patricia."
My pleasure, Glenda.Glenda wrote: "Congrats everyone! You all are what makes this group so enjoyable. Thank you, Patricia, for hosting."
Deadline: 10:00 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Voting: Between March 27 – March 31. Winners will be posted in this thread on April 1, 2019.
Highlights:
A sunrise or sunset
A drone or UFO
A distressed group of people
A body of water
Theme: The human spirit prevails
Setting – Author's choice
Plot – Author’s choice
Required Key Words: faithfulness, shadow(s) and scaredy-cat
Genre: General Fiction, Flash or Short Fiction, drama; erotica excluded.
Challenge Guidelines – Skip over this comment section if you are familiar with the Writers 750 Challenge.
Purpose:
Some fiction writers are looking to win a short story contest, keeping in touch with making deadlines, and/or simply sharpening the skill of writing fiction. The main purpose of this contest is to sharpen plot and character skills, collect your own short stories, receive good feedback, make a good connection with other writers, and take a short break from your current novel to get a fresh view when you return to it.
Rules and Directions -
* Type in English - a minimum of 750 words; a maximum of 1,000 words; no erotica, no profanity.
* Post your title, by line, and word count total in the first line of your story posting.
* Writers are responsible for their own copyright. Authors keep all rights. PRIVACY POLICY IS ENFORCED. COPYRIGHTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS BELONG TO INDIVIDUAL AUTHORS. THIS CONTEST DOES NOT GRANT ANY PERSON THE RIGHT OR LICENSE TO COPY OR USE OTHER STORIES. EACH STORY IS PROTECTED BY THE COPYRIGHT OF THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR.
* ONE entry per person must be writer's original work, a final revision, and a new piece of writing. If you need to edit your submission, click "edit" and do not repost elsewhere in the thread. Try to post your final revision.
Judging: The story will be judged on the use of the above story prompts, creativity, proper grammar, good punctuation, and overall good quality for the story.
Voting: Please vote for the first, second, and third place. You are not allowed to vote for yourself. If posting this month, you MUST vote in order for your story to remain eligible.
Please send your story vote to: patricia_fuqua@bellsouth.net and include on the subject line Vote or Story Vote. Voting is between March 27 and March 31. Winners will be posted on April 1, 2019.