Jason Evans is running another of his quarterly writing contests this week, which ends up being bad timing for me since I’m going in for back surgery tomorrow. It’s unlikely I’m going to feel up to much of anything but resting between now and the deadline, but everyone else should definitely go check it out and participate. His contests are always a lot of fun, and he puts up some pretty decent prizes for the top five places. Go, write, and enjoy.
Tags: jason-evans, Writing, writing-contests
My entry is up for Jason’s Silent Grey contest. Go give it a read and let me know what you think. I decided to try a slightly different tack this time – storytelling exclusively through dialogue. I’ve always been a bit weak on writing dialogue, so it forced me to look at and present the story details a bit differently. I’m satisfied with the final product, so I think that’s about all anyone can ask. I’ll be surprised if it places, but the point is to write. Prizes are just icing on the cake.
Tags: jason-evans, the-clarity-of-night, Writing, writing-contests
The Clarity of Night: “Silent Grey” Short Fiction Contest
Jason Evans is sponsoring his next short fiction contest – 250 words inspired by the photograph shown at the link above. Entries are due by next Wednesday, so get crackin’!
Tags: jason-evans, the-clarity-of-night, Writing, writing-contests
Sheesh, I’m such a scatterbrain. My entry for Jason Evans’ Lonely Moon Contest has been posted – Eternal Sleeper. Go check it out and tell me what you think of it! And while you’re there, read the other entries. (Might as well bookmark the site and keep checking back frequently. Heck, might as well write something up yourself and submit it! There’s still plenty of time.)
Tags: flash-fiction, jason-evans, the-clarity-of-night, Writing, writing-contests
Calling all writers! Jason Evans’ latest contest, The Lonely Moon, is now officially open for submissions. Joining him this time is Anne Frasier, author of the forthcoming Pale Immortal. The photo trigger is up at Jason’s site, and the deadline is 11PM (EDT) on Tuesday, August 29th. That gives you a week to come up with your 250-word story. Go give the contest rules a lookover, and then get writing!
Tags: anne-frasier, flash-fiction, jason-evans, the-clarity-of-night, Writing, writing-contests
My personal to-do for this week:
- Break my Warlord CCG collection down into lots, take digital pictures, and post the whole mess up onto eBay in several auctions. Breaks my heart to do it – it’s a great game – but I simply haven’t the time or the money for the game anymore, I haven’t played in over a year, and there isn’t a local playgroup here in the Lafayette area to hook up with. So, the cards must go, and I’ll redirect the money from that back into my writing habit.
- Work on researching and storyboarding a fun little Gunslinger story arc. It’s going to be based extensively in Stephen King’s Dark Tower universe, but it will be a bit of private fan fiction incorporating actual members of the TTL Gunslingers as the major characters in the story. It will even have some illustrations, since a very talented member of the clan has agreed to contribute his pencil to drawing some pictures. Should be a lot of fun.
- Being expanding and polishing “These Dreams Shall Take You” for submission to a magazine by the end of the month. From the feedback received at Liberty Hall, I think this one stands a pretty good chance of getting accepted somewhere once final revisions are done.
- Sit down tonight and write for this week’s flash challenge. It’s been a very busy weekend. I’m not sure I’ll be able to get it done.
- Write my 250-word story for Jason Evan’s newest contest, which starts on Tuesday. This one is especially exciting because Jason has enlisted the aid of Anne Frasier to help judge and offer feedback.
Yeah, I think that’s it for projects at the moment. Geez, I think I’m gonna be busy…
Tags: anne-frasier, jason-evans, short-stories, the-clarity-of-night, todo, ttl-gunslingers, warlord-ccg, Writing, writing-contests
Drive faster!
Rain lashed, wipers slashed, Cort plowed through the pouring rain, the demons of his past – both real and imagined – pursued him close behind.
Wind whistled, debris whirled into the road ahead of him, utility poles fell behind him. That’s how he knew they were still chasing him.
Stomach tied in knots, sweat pouring down his face.
A bump, thump, and the car died. The tension in Cort’s body ratcheted up another few notches.
Gotta run, gotta get away.
Then, They’re here!
He leaped from the car even before it could come to a complete stop. Left the road – that’s where they were – and dashed into the open field beside it.
Gotta hide. Oh, god! Can’t shake them. They’ll find me, anyway, his fevered mind screamed.
Shadows whipped about him, flittered, fluttered. Low hisses of eagerness issued from the assailing darkness.
Skin prickled; invisible claw briefly caressed the back of his neck and was gone. He ran harder.
Out of breath, out of time, out of options.
He screamed in fear and pain. Red ribbons slashed into his back.
Stumbled. Fell.
They were on him in an instant. Dozens of them. Tearing. Clawing. Ripping. He’d never had a chance to get away, even on the highway. Their claws had already been too deeply embedded.
Moonlight filtered through wind-driven clouds. And he was alone, then, as ever he had been.
But the damage was done, life leaking from his savaged body as it lay sprawled there in the moon-washed openness.
Tags: flash-fiction, horror, jason-evans, Speculative Fiction, stories, the-clarity-of-night, Writing, writing-contests
Not being one of the winners in a writing contest is akin to receiving a rejection letter from a magazine you’ve submitted a story to – the disappointment is keen, but it simply provides the stimulation and the motivation to try again. The “Midnight Road” contest winners were announced this past Friday evening, and I extend congratulations to the winners! All the entries were well-done, and it was intriguing to see the different perspectives generated from the photograph. If you haven’t gone to read them yet, run over to Clarity of Night and read down through the 50+ entries submitted. And keep the site in mind; a new contest will be starting in August, complete with feedback from author Anne Frasier. So, stay tuned!
Tags: jason-evans, the-clarity-of-night, Writing, writing-contests
My entry for Jason’s contest is now posted. Go take a gander and lemme know what you think of it.
I must say that I love the 250-word limitation. It forces an economy of words to set up and provide a snapshot of a scene. But I think what is most enjoyable about writing it is the art of leaving it your readers to fill in the gaps from their own imaginations. As much information as I provide, I often aim to raise even more questions.
I’d be curious to know – after reading my story, what are some of the questions that the story raises in your mind? Share them here; I’d love to hear them.
Tags: flash-fiction, jason-evans, the-clarity-of-night, Writing, writing-contests
I’m late posting this announcement since I was out sick yesterday, but Jason Evans has opened another writing contest called “Midnight Road”. It’s very much his recent Two Lights contest except with a fresh photo. Go to his contest rules page for more information, especially if you’re interested in submitting a piece to the contest. I know I’ll be writing mine tonight (Lord willing) and submitting it ASAP. I highly encourage you to do the same. It’s a great opportunity to work on your writing, network a little with other writers, and possibly earn a prize. Does writing get any more fun than that?
Tags: flash-fiction, jason-evans, the-clarity-of-night, Writing, writing-contests
