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JUST WRITE
Let the Challenge Begin!
Ken Coomes, DTM
My original plan was to continue with the serial I didn't think flash fiction was for me, my
fiction discourse, switching from tips on writing youngest son assured me he thought I would
serial fiction to a discussion about the various do well at writing short pieces. So I went for it.
platforms where you could publish your serial Here's the potentially bad news: it isn't
fiction. But I'm giving you a break from the serial free. The Flash Fiction Challenge has an entry
fiction topic, just for this month. I want to talk fee of $62, or $52 if you sign up before the
about writing contests—more specifically, about early bird deadline passes (I didn't). There's
one contest in particular. more potentially bad news, if you're all about
Maybe you've heard of the NYC Midnight winning: there are four rounds, and only those
series of writing contests, or perhaps not. who make it to the fourth and final round are
They have been around since 2002, and have eligible for monetary prizes.
expanded their offerings. They now give writers Now for the GREAT news, and I'm not
the opportunity to participate in one (or more) talking potential here. The really fabulous
of the following contests, billed as “Challenges.” news is that you get useful feedback from three
• 100-word and 250-word Microfiction different judges for each story you submit.
Challenges The feedback is specific and encouraging,
• Flash Fiction Challenge very much like evaluations in Toastmasters.
• Rhyming Story Challenge Added to that piece of good news, everyone
• Screenwriting Challenge who enters gets to advance to round two –
• Short Screenplay Challenge you're halfway to the final round, even if you
• Short Story Challenge didn't even submit a story in round #1 (as long
Each challenge sets parameters for the as you entered before the first round started.)
contestants, and give them 48 hours to write a Again speaking for the Flash Fiction
piece meeting the criteria. Authors submitting Challenge, entrants are given a set of three
entries are placed in a number of groups. Now let prompts: a genre, a location and an item. Your
me switch focus to the Flash Fiction Challenge in submission must take place totally, or at least
particular, since I am in the middle of competing primarily, at the specified location, incorporate
in that one for my first time. the item and be in the form of the specified
A friend of mine has been participating for genre. Authors are placed in a number of
years, and usually does quite well. I just found groups, each group having its own set of three
out about NYC Midnight earlier this year. While parameters. You remain in the same group for
32 ONE COMMUNITY
