Progress! And a Story!

I didn't accomplish everything I set out to do this summer, but I did make progress on a number of fronts so I'm counting the season as a win.

 

Back in June, I posted about wanting to get the following done – 

 

* Do some cleaning up, de-cluttering and organizing inside and outside the house.

 

Eh. A little bit here and there. 

 

* Finish the 202.2 miles challenge. Maybe start one of the 100 miles challenges.

 

Nope. I really wanted to get the 202.2 miles challenge done by the end of the summer, but for a number of reasons – not all of them my lazy butt's fault! -  that didn't happen. I did keep slogging along so miles were made!

 

Stats as of 8/31/2022 = 

163.2/202.2 miles (walking only)

0/100 miles

0/100 miles

 

* Get at least one draft of my novella done.

 

Nope. But I got organized, have a loose outline, wrote a chunk of chapters. I believe, think, hope, pray I've got a better handle on it than I did before.

 

* Write and submit at least two stories to markets.

 

Yes! I revised one for a contest where it made the finals but didn't rank in the top three. And I wrote a story for a flash fiction contest on literary agent, Janet Reid's, blog. It didn't make the finals, but it received a couple of nice comments from fellow readers. Some of the rules included a word count of 100 words or fewer, and it must contain five words: Depth, Froth, Phase, Showy, Atoll.

 

Maybe the story will give you a chill despite the summer heat . . .  

 

*****

 

Dearest Uncle,

My terror has no depth.

With the moon's every phase, this land's black soul takes root, spreads. I curse myself for bringing my family here!

You recall the elusive beasts, tearing nightly through the fields, strewing shredded entrails as if for show. You suggested I hunt. I found no tracks.

Until now.

They led to the house. Inside, three beasts, blood frothing their mouths, fed on my wife's body.

I pray these words find you, Uncle. Before accepting the legal responsibility that befalls you after my death, know the truth.

Be afraid of my children.

Yours,
A. Tolliver

 

*****

 

How was your summer? Accomplish any goals? Make progress on some projects? Have fun?

Out of the Way

Story A Day September went well. I achieved my goal of writing one story every weekday for a total of 22 stories. Of course, some stink like tortoise poop, while others have potential. 

 

But writing momentum came to a standstill in October. I could not get anything going. Everything I wrote came across blah, flat. I couldn't submit my work anywhere. Nothing I wrote was good enough. 

 

An entry for one of Janet Reid's flash fiction contests had me tearing my hair out (and since I have very short hair, this is a real problem.) I liked my idea but could not for the life of me get it to work. I finally said f@ck it (this is a tortoise friendly blog, people!) and wrote it – fast, sharp, without the usual protagonist and set-up, etc. It was good enough to submit. It didn’t win, but it made Ms. Reid's list of standout entries. Her comments gave me a creative boost and a sense of validation. 

 

Next project – I spent days on an idea I liked, but once written, turned into such a big yawn fest I put myself to sleep. So, again, I said f@ck it (which I really hope is not going to be my new mantra or I'll have to start covering the tortoises' ears.) The new story came together in a day, and off it went to a Crystal Lake Publishing contest. I'm pleased to announce it made the finals!  

 

Both times, I got out of my own way, but more importantly, I got out of the story's way. Sometimes I'm afraid to let the story "go there." To let a twisted protagonist rule. To let an inanimate object own the POV. To let the story roar over the page like a hurricane. To let it slither onto the scene, licking lines with a poisonous tongue. 

To let the story lead the way.

 

*****

 

Here's my entry from the No One Moves to NY for the Weather contest with Ms. Reid's comments at the end. A list of rules apply, like the 100 word limit and the inclusion of the following words: cold, blue, shiver, sox, fox. I hope you enjoy it!

 

She is his oxygen. His passion. His obsession. She just doesn't know it. Yet. 

He is the shiver down her spine. The shadow sliding behind her on the sidewalk. The sly fox slinking in the woods near her house. The presence she senses but does not see. 

He daydreams. His knife traces the cold blue roadmap of her veins. He licks the hot red river it leaves behind. 

She pays attention now. Looks over her shoulder. Watches out her window. 

He has gotten sloppy. She has gotten ready. 

He just doesn't know it. Yet. 

Utterly brilliant. It's not quite a story, but this is stunning writing. 

*****

Are you standing in your own way, with writing or something else? Or have you in the past? Any suggestions on how keep out of the way? 

Podcast: With This Ring - MASH Stories

"With This Ring" (MASH Stories, September) is now a podcast, narrated by the phenomenal Kate Baker. It's less than five minutes long but the quiet, creepy chill of Kate's voice and my words will hopefully stay with you much longer.

Midweek Miscellanea - Quiet Books, a Contest, and a Craft Project

Over at Writer Unboxed, Robin Lafevers has written a wonderful post - Some Thoughts on Quiet Books, Timing and the Ever Elusive Market:

"So this conversation we’re having is not about selling out your artistic vision to get a contract. Nor is it about watering down your artistic integrity in order to find readers. It’s about finding the largest, widest doorway into your story so that you can to draw in as many readers as possible, and then tell them exactly the core story you’re driven to tell."

*****

For all you flash fiction writers out there, mark your calendars for Flash Fiction Chronicles' String-of-10 SEVEN Flash Fiction Contest starting February 8th. Use the randomly selected string of words and write your best 250 words or fewer story. The contest runs for one week only so on your mark . . . get set . . . . 

*****

For the artsy and crafty among us, check out DIY By The Book: Lighted Book Boxes. Speaking as someone who has trouble working a simple glue gun, I wish you good luck!

With This Ring - MASH Stories

Most people probably wouldn't take the word "gruesome" as a compliment, but it was absolutely the perfect word used to describe my flash fiction piece, "With This Ring." 

Don't worry - it's not graphic or gory. It's just...dark. And creepy. And you'll probably think twice before carving the initials of you and your loved one in a tree trunk ever again.  

"With This Ring" is up over at MASH Stories. It's been shortlisted for their current contest, so if you do give it a read - and you like it! - your vote would be greatly appreciated. 

And the contest - MASH Competition #4 - is still open, so all of you writers out there, go give it a shot. I'd be honored to have my story alongside any of yours.  

Call Out For Submissions: THE FIRST LINE'S First Line Contest

I just love the idea behind The First Line - every story in the issue starts with the same first line. My story, "Weekend Escapes," was published in the Summer 2010 issue and it was so much fun to see how many different paths the other stories took.

And now, to celebrate its 15th year, the folks at The First Line are holding a contest. They're looking for the best starter sentences . . . from you! Click on the above link for all the information but here's a quick summary:

* Submit up to 2 sentences for consideration

* Winners receive $50 and five copies of the issue using their first line

* Deadline is August 31, 2012

Good luck!

* Final Vote!! * The Writer Unboxed Summer Flash Fiction Contest Finalists

The Writer Unboxed Seven Sizzling Sundays of Summer Flash Fiction Contest is now over and the final vote is in your hands! (This is the closest I will ever come to being on American Idol or So, You Think You Can Dance. You're welcome.)

All the finalists' stories are up, waiting to be read/re-read and voted on - there's a poll at the end of the post. 

Of course, I would love it if my story, "In Pursuit of Pretty Things," is your favorite but if it's not, that's okay. Just go ahead and vote for whatever story moves you the most, the one that makes you laugh or cry or gives you the creeps. But don't wait too long - you only have until Wednesday!

Thanks to Writer Unboxed for running the contest and thanks to everyone who reads and votes!

Contest Reminder and Update

Hey, everyone - just a reminder that the Writer Unboxed Flash Fiction Contest Week Three is going on right now! Head on over and check out this week's prompt. You only have until early Wednesday to sub your entry so don't wait too long . . .

And, I am thrilled to say, my story, "In Pursuit of Pretty Things," made the Top Four for Week Two! This means it will go on to compete in the big final vote in early August. (If you'd like to read it, you can find it here, at about #64.)

Call Out For Submissions: Writer Unboxed Summer Flash Fiction Contest

I can't remember how I first came across the Writer Unboxed blog but I'm so glad I did. Run by novelists Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton, it is informative and inspiring, with amazing author interviews and guests posts (I recently read one by none other than literary agent and author, Donald Maass!)

And in addition to all that good stuff, Writer Unboxed is running their Summer Flash Contest. You can find all the information and rules here, but I'll give you a quick rundown:

- Each Sunday (until August 5th) they'll provide a visual prompt
- You have 72 hours (until Wednesday, 7 am EST) to create a story (250 words or fewer) and post it in the comments section of that week's contest 
- The top three stories from each week will be chosen based on "Likes" and the judges' discretion
- On the seventh Sunday, there will be a roundup of all the top stories 
- First, second, and third place winners will be announced and awarded some pretty nifty prizes

Weeks One and Two have come and gone but there's still time, so make a note to check every Sunday to see that week's prompt. Good luck!

[I missed Week One myself but my entry for Week Two is here (about #64) - it's called "In Pursuit of Pretty Things" if you'd like to check it out. If you enjoy it, or any of the other stories, go ahead and "Like" them! It would be much appreciated.]

Call Out for Contest Entries: The Liz Norris Pay It Forward Writing Contest

Literary agent Janet Reid is hosting an amazing contest over at her blog. All the information can be found here, with some more information available here. 

The basic idea: "To celebrate the publication of UNRAVELING by debut author Liz Norris we're sponsoring the Pay It Forward Writing Contest. We're looking for a debut writer with a great voice and energetic prose (like Liz!) We're looking for a novel that grabs us, enchants us, and keeps us glued to the page (like UNRAVELING!)"

Oh, and check this out:  "The prize is: 
1. Registration for the Backspace Writing Conference in NYC (May 24-26)
2. Hotel for three nights (Thurs, Fri, Sat)
3. Travel stipend of $300
4. Lunch with Liz Norris' agent"

You've got to send the query and the novel - any category or genre! Check out the above links and Janet Reid's blog for all the rules. But you've got to hurry - the deadline is March 15th!

I so wish I had something ready to send! But I know a number of you have manuscripts almost-there or ready already. I wish you all the best of luck! Go for it!

* REMINDER * Call Out for Contest Entries: String-of-10 FOUR by Flash Fiction Chronicles

Just a quick reminder that the String-of-10 FOUR contest over at Flash Fiction Chronicles starts this Sunday, February 12th. All the official information can be found here but the general idea is to write a story, up to 250 words, using at least four of the ten words in the prompt.

Check it out - but don't wait too long, since it ends Saturday, February 18th!

Good luck!

Call Out for Contest Entries: Writer Advice's 7th Flash Prose Contest

In 2011, my story, Hungry, won First Place in this contest. Now, I'm hoping you all will give it a try!

And don't let the fact that I'm one of the judges for the 2012 contest sway you either way. I'm objective. And I'm tough. (Really. I am. Stop laughing.) Besides, the judges don't get to see any author bios anyway.  

You can read the winning stories and find all the information here. You have until April 2012 but don't wait too long. The deadline will be here before you know it.

Good luck!

Call Out for Contest Entries: Flash Fiction Chronicle's Fourth String-of-10 Flash Fiction Contest

This is a fun one. Challenging, sure, but fun. Write a 250 word story (that's maximum word count!) where you use at least 4 of the 10 words given as a prompt. Whew! Last year, my story, Evie, won an Honorable Mention and was later accepted for publication over at Every Day Fiction.

Check out the previous winners and all the rules here. The deadline for this is coming up soon - it starts February 12th and ends February 18th!

Hmm, I might try my hand at this one again. Good luck to us all!

Some Southern Sass - A Contest!

Okay, obviously I am not running this contest (says the NY/NJ Florida transplant) but I still had to tell you all about it. And I mean HAD TO. And not just because it gets me another entry into the contest either (although it does.)  I'm doing it because I love love love Joshilyn Jackson's books. I have read all but one and I'm only saving that one because, well, if I read it, then I'll have read them all and I won't have any left until the new one comes out! Ack!

So, even though it will give me more competition, I'm still telling you all to head on over there to read a 3Q with Joshilyn Jackson herself and to enter the contest. It closes Monday the 9th at midnight EST.

"Follow" Cathy C. Hall and Win!

Could you use a bookstore gift card and a dose of Southern charm and humor to start off your new year?  Then head on over to my writing pal Cathy C. Hall's blog for her "Big Bang B&N Followers Contest."  It's easy to enter - just "follow" her and let her know that I sent you.  (But hurry, the contest ends January 24th!)

Okay, and the fact that I could also win a gift card in no way invalidates my support and encouragement of one of the funniest writers I know.  Seriously, go check out her blog - you'll learn, you'll laugh, and you'll meet Cathy-on-a-Stick.

So, let's help Cathy reach her goal of getting 100 Followers.  (Me?  I'd be happy to break into the 20s but I'm more than happy to send my fellow writers and readers her way.)