The NEW 3rd Quarter 2010 challenges are here!
Good luck to all! Be creative and have FUN!
Select one of the following five challenges and write a story of up to 1,500 words that begins with the words of that challenge.
1. The flames leap up, bright orange against the black night. I hear...
2. Dan walked silently through the tall grass. His father had finally…
3. The pristine morning was too beautiful to mar with battle, but the whims of the fates can not be altered…
4. The old man laughed; a sound at odds with his haggard appearance…
5. I heard his string of curses long before I reached…
(Names, tense and gender can be changed; other than that, the stories must begin with the exact wording above. For example, you could use "The flames leapt up..." or "The old woman laughed..." or "I walked silently through the tall grass...")
OR, select one of the two scenarios below and write a story of up to 1,500 words that incorporates that scenario.
6. In honor of the beginning of summer, at least here in the Northern Hemisphere, write a story that takes place by the ocean. It doesn't have to be set in the summer, or during the day, or even on a beach, but let us hear the ocean and the gulls, let us feel the wind and taste the salt air. Transport us with your words!
7. Write a story that does not take place here or now. It can be set in a different time (past/future) or a different place (fictional world/another planet). How are the main character's thoughts and feelings different from what they would be in the present time and place? How are they the same? Are his/her struggles and conflicts similar to ours, or completely foreign?
As in previous Abbey Hill Literary challenges, your contest entry must begin with the exact words of one of the opening lines, numbered 1 through 5 above, OR it must fit within one of the two scenarios, numbered 6 and 7, above.
If your opening words for a story are not exactly as shown in Challenges 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, OR your story line does not fit within Challenges 6 or 7, your story will be disqualified, discarded, and entry fee forfeited.
Any story exceeding 1,500 words (not including author bio, story title and byline) will also be disqualified, discarded, and entry fee forfeited. Abbey Hill Literary uses the MS Word count function to determine number of words.
You may enter just one, or as many stories into the contest as you wish, but a separate entry fee of $10.00 is required for each individual story entered. If you wish to receive a critique of your story, a total entry fee of $20.00 (which includes one entry fee and one critique) is required. Stories received without entry fee will be discarded without being read or evaluated.