Monday, June 29, 2009

FLASH

My horoscope for today: VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Do some writing. Once you let go and let the words flow, the process is enthralling.

Just in time for another writing contest at Jason Evan’s The Clarity of Night. All you need to do is create a 250-word story based on the photograph to the right. There are cash prizes and no entry fee, which is a rarity in these harsh economic times. Watch for an announcement at his site for the submission window period.

My interest in flash-fiction hasn’t waned. A majority of what I read from on-line literary magazines is flash stories. It’s the most difficult art form to pull off (besides poetry). I hope to see you at the competition.

Recommended flash-fiction: Taco Foot by Jack Pendarvis. Where else can you find a flash-fiction story told in 3 chapters?

Also, if you're really in the writing groove, check-out the Motor City Burning Press website (click on logo) for submission information.

14 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

Too many deadlines right now to take part. But it looks like fun.

JR's Thumbprints said...

Hey Charles, I had first learned of this contest from you. Just trying to pay-it forward.

ivan@crativewriting.ca said...

...To do with other matters. Your test comment to me on my blog came in loud and clear in my comment space. Chiggered if I know why comments are sometimes vetted or blocked...Blame Google I guess.
As for contests, I'm not very good with them, but I'll show off a little in this space anyway.

For the past two years, after the divorce he has been into mindless vintage contry music The late Webb Pierce, actually, especially that Fifites chesnut title "There Stands the Glass.."
"There stands the glass. Fill it up to the brim. Till my troubles grow dim
It's my first one today.

.......I wonder where you are tonight
I wonder if you are all right
I'm wondernin' wondering
In my misery.


I'd spent the last two years crawling from bar to bar, from dive to dive, and then when my money ran out I hit the wine. I just didn't give a damn. Blown my job, lost my wife and there didn't seem to be any point in trying anymore.

Marjorie, Marjorie. She used to treat me well. Good cook; sense of humour; a regular aphrodite in bed. Just the odd time she'd complain that I drank too much. But I told her it was only nerves and she needn't worry. What the hell, I was bringing home the bacon, thought I was keeping her pretty happy in every way and didn't see how the odd little drink was going to hurt me.

But it did.

There stands the glass.

Rick said...

Hi JR! Thanks for the lead on the Motor City Burning Press. I'd never even heard of it.

ShadowFalcon said...

Flash fiction can be great but it I can't read it as I always want more!

Yaya said...

I follow a few blogs that do flash stories.

Anonymous said...

Great logo for MCBP.--Andrew Warhola

Celticspirit said...

I'm with Shadow on always wanting to read more.

JR's Thumbprints said...

Hey Rick & Everyone,

Motor City Burning Press is so new that the flames aren't even hot yet. I encourage everyone to submit! Now!

Whitenoise said...

But in these cases
We still have judgment here; that we but teach
Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return
To plague the inventor: this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poison'd chalice
To our own lips.

Catvibe said...

Well, I've got mine written. It was a struggle this time! The last one came to me in a flash, but that's because my kids' nightmare computer addictions inspired it. This time will be more fun though. I like the character.

Julie said...

That sounds like a great contest. I'll pass the link around. You're right about flash. It's not easy to do. I keep trying, and mine keeps sucking. I hope you submit, JR. I wanna read it! MCBP is awesome. I'm telling all my buddies about that one.

jodi said...

Egads, JR! No one except a rare few are interested much less paying for my indulgent memoirs. My family does get a laugh, tho. Have a great 4th, hope you get the day off!

Erik Donald France said...

Oorah, huzzah -- to the flashpoint!