Wednesday, July 31, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT #4 - RESULTS!



WOW! That was fun! You all made this week's contest a great one! Thanks for writing and reading and commenting! I'm looking forward to what you have to share next week! Without further ado, here are Rebekah's comments:



Judge's notes: Thank you, everyone, for writing such beautiful stories this week! I loved them all, from Megha's sweet tale of the in-law relationship to Nada's hilariously overwhelmed brother to Allyson's determined teacher. And yes, even LurchMunster's sinister sock monster. Some of you took my dragon hints literally (props to sweet Flabbergasted Ma for one of the best ending lines ever: "Lunch time"! and Drmagoo's gloriously morphing elf; and Allison's own distinctly UNfriendly creations) and some of you used the words to launch in totally inventive directions (Penname has very nearly ruined egg-eating for me forever, and ahhh, Pratibha's stirring tale of a man desperately trying to help his family before his death). I also loved the kaleidoscope of worlds you built, like Whitney's tale of friendship and sacrifice, Alex's story of the Family Business, and Lisa and MTDecker's marvelous tales of justice. You're amazing, all of you! It was an honor and privilege reading your work.

Judge's Special Challenge Champion:

Jeffrey Hollar, "Hands," for a tale of true smooshiness. I loved how you reframed the dragonish words (as I was hoping people would!) in a heart-rending way and let us walk the final steps of Jocko's heroic journey with him. Jocko is, indeed, a mountain of a man, and I guarantee you Bessie knew it. This is a beautiful story of a truly loving relationship, told without being cliche or maudlin.

Grand Champion:

Dr. Mike Reddy. "Here Be Dragon," for an absolutely fabulous tale from start to finish, including the modified title. The concept of a henpecked dragon slayer is already funny, but cleverly developing the scene with vibrantly colored dialogue--the wife's tireless harangue offset by the hero's wry submission--put this story over the top for me. It's a good idea supported by good writing and a smash-hit clincher at the end. I may have to hang a sign reading "Some dragons are harder to kill than others" on my wall. Wonderfully done.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT #4



Welcome back to our fourth week of competition! I am so excited to read what you all come up with this week! If you need to read the full version of the rules, go here. Otherwise, here's the short version:

Rules:
1. Up to 500 words
2. Keep it clean (nothing rated R or above)
3. Start with the given first sentence.
4. Optional Special Challenge
5. Include Twitter/email, word count, Special Challenge accepted

Oh, and feel free to change pronouns, punctuation, tense, and anything in brackets to fit the story/pov/tone. I'm not going to be TOO picky... Our judge however...

Our Judge today is Rebekah also known as @postupak. Go check out her blog here (where she has a flash fiction contest every Friday!). Read her winning tale from last week here!

And now for your super-special shiny prompt to start us off!


Your first sentence for FINISH THAT THOUGHT #4 is:


Hands trembling, [he] opened the door.


Your SPECIAL CHALLENGE from the judge is:


Include the words:
hoard[s]
mountain[s]
scale[s]


AAAAAAAND WE'RE OFF!!!

Monday, July 29, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT - RULES

 

Finish That Thought is a weekly flash fiction contest held on Tuesdays Eastern time. (The prompt goes live early at 10pm Monday night and closes 26 hours later - Midnight Tuesday/Wednesday.) The following is the long form of the rules (I was tired of having to read through it all every week to get to the contest!):


1. Any genre except erotica: Show us action, adventure, romance, mystery, scifi, and all things fantastical.

2. Nothing R-rated or above: If it'd be rated R in a movie, please don't put it up. Thanks! (Moderator reserves the right to remove entries that violate this rule)

3. Optional Special Challenge: The judge chooses a purely optional prompt in addition to the first sentence (this can include, but is not limited to, specific words, themes, actions, pictures, or objects to include in your story).

4. There will be two winners named each week: One Grand Champion and one Special Challenge Champion (they may be the same person). The judge may also award one runner up in each category. If the judge prefers, the runners-up may be named as Honorable Mentions. For every five entries over 10 the judge may name another HM.

The Grand Champion will be the judge the next week. If that person is unable to fulfill that role, it will go to the Special Challenge Champion. The Champions will receive world-wide acclaim...er...mmm...at least a shout-out on twitter from everyone about how awesome they are!

5. 500 word limit (exclusive of title): You will have up to 500 words to play with, don't go over or you will be disqualified.

6. Most of all, have fun! Try something different! Get out of your comfort zone!

7. Post your story in the comments section with your Twitter handle (or email if you don't have Twitter) and word count and be sure to mention if you've completed the requirements for the Special Challenge - we wouldn't want to accidentally miss anyone!

8. Only one entry will be judged per person per round. You may enter multiple stories, but you must indicate which one you would like to enter into the judging round. If you fail to indicate which one you want judged, the first one entered will be judged.

The judging will be posted by Thursday (hopefully Wednesday afternoon).

Thursday, July 25, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT #3 - RESULTS!

Sorry for the lateness of the results! The judge got her choices in to me yesterday, but I am in the process of moving into my new house and we don't have internet until tomorrow. :( Anyway, thanks for waiting! We had tons of fun on Tuesday and here are the results:



Christy says:

Here are my notes, followed by the winners:

 
The Last Minute @postupak
Completely unexpected direction, personifying minutes. A little confused about where the minutes who left the timer go (very much felt like a blank space/ empty room), but I like the interaction between them, and the different personalities they have.
 
Something Borrowed, something… Late Crystal Alden
A wedding, and a bride trying to be on time, except her timer is broken – and a time machine. Very good at establishing the setting (wedding) right away with just a few words thrown into the conversation – felt natural. A little confused about what the timer actually did, though, and would like that to be explored or explained a little more.
 
Unnamed @drmagoo
Cooking contest in a high fantasy setting. I like the details about the world, but I was really curious to know more about the “her” that the MC refers to – I got no sense of what kind of creature she is, and it caused me a little confusion. Good use of the special challenge words to make the judges more intimidating.
 
 
Grand Champion - Rebekah Postupak - for defying my expectations regarding the first line

Runner up: Crystal Alden - For high stakes, and time travel

Special Challenge Champion: drmagoo - the cooking show

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT #3


Welcome back to FINISH THAT THOUGHT! - where we give you a first sentence prompt and you take it from there! Show us action, adventure, romance, mystery, scifi, and all things fantastical (pretty much anything except erotica. Actually, if it'd be rated R in a movie, please don't put it up. Thanks!).  

Each week there will also be a Special Challenge, issued by the judge, that is purely optional in addition to the first sentence (this can include, but is not limited to, specific words, themes, actions, pictures, or objects to include in your story).

There will be two winners named each week: One Grand Champion and one Special Challenge Champion (they may be the same person). The judge may also award one (and only one) runner up in each category. The Grand Champion will be the judge the next week . If that person is unable to fulfill that role, it will go to the Special Challenge Champion. The Champions will receive world-wide acclaim...er...mmm...at least a shoutout on twitter from everyone about how awesome they are! (And I'm working on a badge!)

You will have up to 500 words to play with, don't go over or you will be disqualified. Most of all, have fun! Try something different! Get out of your comfort zone!

Post your story in the comments section with your Twitter handle (or email if you don't have Twitter) and word count and be sure to mention if you've completed the requirements for the Special Challenge - we wouldn't want to accidentally miss anyone! The judging will be posted by Thursday (hopefully Wednesday afternoon).

Let me sum up:
1. Up to 500 words
2. Keep it clean (nothing rated R or above)
3. Start with the given first sentence.
4. Optional Special Challenge
5. Include Twitter/email, word count, Special Challenge accepted

Oh, and feel free to change pronouns, punctuation, tense, and anything in brackets to fit the story/pov/tone. I'm not going to be TOO picky... Our judge however...

Our Judge today is Christy also known as @weylyn42. Read her winning tale from last week here!

And now for the part you've all been waiting for (and crossing your arms and tapping your feet...) *ahem* HERE'S YOUR PROMPT!

Your first sentence for FINISH THAT THOUGHT #3 is:


One minute remained on the timer.


Your Special Challenge from the judge is:


Include the words:
twin[s]
doctor[s]
luminescent[scence]


What are you waiting for??? Go write! :)

Thursday, July 18, 2013

The Price

Here is my entry for the 55 word challenge over at Jezri's Nightmares. This contest has the choice of three photo prompts. I chose the one below. I had a lot of fun writing this! I hope you enjoy it as well! (note: I entered it without the paragraph breaks, but thought it worked better with them. So you have the updated and revised edition...seriously, that's all I changed.)






The photo is blurry, like my memory. Even now I cling to knowing she existed. I can’t remember her face.
She’s too much to sacrifice to save the world. I don’t want to finish. I want to keep this memory, keep her.
I shudder and complete the incantation.
A tear falls on a blank photograph.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT #2 - RESULTS



Well that was an adventure! And I do mean ADVENTURE! Great job, everyone! :) I had tons of fun reading the entries this week! If you haven't done so go here now...spoiler alert below! Great! Now onto the spectacular judging from Mark! Comments first:


OK. In the order they appeared on Alissa Leonard's blog:

1. Laura James (@lejamez) - Running - Can you say, "Zombies!" I knew you could. Laura, I like how you captured the nightly chaos of the particular zombie apocalypse you describe in this little tale. I expect the surviving humans will be lean, mean, highly trained, exceptionally enduring running machines.

2. drmagoo (@drmagoo) - A tale of self-preservation in the future, on another world. Like very much how the no longer capable captain of the vessel solves the problem of the insubordinate underling.

3. Christy (@weylyn42) - The plants can move, and are predatory. This is one creative concept, and caught my attention. I read it several times. Each time, I like it better than before. There's a whole world here, filled with stories.

4. Michelle (@Chelle87Fox) - The start of a much larger epic. Visions of Alice and the rabbit hole, Oz the Great, the adventures of Narnia, and so many other epics that start this same way. With an accident leading the MC into another realm. Very hard not to like.

5. Bullish (@bullishink) - As with Michelle's piece, I sense the start of a much larger tale, in the vein of the movie Night At The Museum, perhaps crossed with something Indiana Jones like. Another case of "I want MOAR!"

6. Rebekah Postupak (@postupak) - Be careful who you select as the target of your bullying campaign. In which a dryad gets vengeance, and no one ever knows what happened. Let that be a lesson to all the bullies of the world that pick on those who are different.

And now the results:


I enjoyed reading them all. But the rules say I can only pick one Grand Champion, and one judges Special Challenge Champion. So, here's where I follow the rules (at least for once).


Special Challenge Champion: Michelle (@Chelle87Fox)


The piece tells the start of a story, so it's not an entire work. But it does leave me wondering where the characters have wound up. And any character named Sandstorm has got to be fun to learn about.


Grand Champion: Christy (@weylyn42)


A tale of predatory plants. How could that not win? I'm a big fan of creativity, and this struck me as perhaps the most creative of all the entries. It's a complete tale of a battle fought, and lost, in a strange world I would like to learn more about.


There you have it, gang.

On another night, I could have picked drmagoo and Rebekah. All 6 entries were fun, and having to pick just two was not fun. There are some grand ideas here, gang. Don't let them wither on the vine.

Happy Writing!

Mark (@lurchmunster)

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT #2



Welcome back to FINISH THAT THOUGHT! A brand new weekly flash fiction contest! Every Tuesday you will receive the start of your story right here on this blog in the form of a first sentence. You must use this sentence as the first sentence in your story and take it from there! Show me action, adventure, romance, mystery, scifi, and all things fantastical (pretty much anything except erotica. Actually, if it'd be rated R in a movie, please don't put it up. Thanks!).  

Each week there will also be a Special Challenge, issued by the judge, that is purely optional in addition to the first sentence (this can include, but is not limited to, specific words, themes, actions, pictures, or objects to include in your story).

There will be two winners named each week: One Grand Champion and one Special Challenge Champion (they may be the same person). The judge may also award one (and only one) runner up in each category. The Grand Champion will be the judge the next week . If that person is unable to fulfill that role, it will go to the Special Challenge Champion. The Champions will receive world-wide acclaim...er...mmm...at least a shoutout on twitter from everyone about how awesome they are! (And I'm working on a badge!)

You will have up to 500 words to play with, don't go over or you will be disqualified. Most of all, have fun! Try something different! Get out of your comfort zone!

Post your story in the comments section with your Twitter handle (or email if you don't have Twitter) and word count and be sure to mention if you've completed the requirements for the Special Challenge - we wouldn't want to accidentally miss anyone! The judging will be posted by Thursday (hopefully Wednesday afternoon).

Let me sum up:
1. Up to 500 words
2. Keep it clean (nothing rated R or above)
3. Start with the given first sentence.
4. Optional Special Challenge
5. Include Twitter/email, word count, Special Challenge accepted

Oh, and feel free to change pronouns, punctuation, tense, and anything in brackets to fit the story/pov/tone. I'm not going to be TOO picky... Our judge however...

Our Judge today is Mark over at mysoulstears also known as @LurchMunster. Read his winning tale from last week here!

And now for the part you've all been waiting for (and crossing your arms and tapping your feet...) *ahem* HERE'S YOUR PROMPT!

Your first sentence for FINISH THAT THOUGHT #2 is:


"Watch out for that tree!"


And your Special Challenge is:


sandstorm


GO! GO! GO!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT #1 - RESULTS!



WOOHOO! That was FUN! If you missed it, you can check out the entries in this post HERE. It was a great first round of stories and I'm looking forward to next week!  I don't know if this is how it will look next week (I'm still figuring it out), but it's a start! Thanks to everyone for playing! Now for the judging...


Grand Champion: mysoulstears (Mark)

Runner-up: Adrienne

Special Challenge Champion: Rebekah Postupak

Runner-up: drmagoo (Eric)


Here are my comments (in order of posting), just because I'm a perfectionist... And I love encouragement and constructive criticism. :)

Christy @Weylyn42: I love how you set the scene so quickly and your description is lovely. You really made me feel what she was feeling and see what she was seeing. The special challenge words were used seamlessly. I was confused as to who Devon was. I'm assuming it was her boyfriend, but I would think her parents (who paid the ransom money) would be there??? And yes, I appreciated the stupidity of the last line! :)

drmagoo @drmagoo: Eric, I had so much fun reading this! There were points when I was confused - I think mostly because of the way you chose to tell the story. The first person present talking with the reader AS the person with her in the room was new for me. It was difficult to feel present in the room when I couldn't see what was going on. I think perhaps hinting at the duct tape in the beginning would have helped (and explained the goo gone comment). Also, when she (he?) comments as an aside to the 'little brat' it was unclear who she was talking to. But the IDEA! I loved it. I loved the details. I loved the humor. I could SEE everything she was describing. And the LAB and the MACHINE...Oh, I want to read more! :)

rockchick: Thanks for writing, Jena! You have a solid idea and lots of interesting details. The way you laid it out was confusing at times. You jumped back and forth from present to flashback to telling a story about a flashback, so I had trouble following what happened when. I was also confused about how she felt about her job. You state that she loves it, but then that she wishes she could do something else and hates her boss. Also, I would've liked a stronger consequence to the stupidity. Does everything just stay status quo? Anyway, just some things to think about! I'm honored that your first attempt at flash was for me!

mysoulstears @LurchMunster: Oh, Mark, I love this piece! "But I'd do it again, in a heartbeat." was my favorite second line. I loved your details and the progression of his relationship with Becky. His decision - the consequences making it stupid - and the resolution were beautiful. It gave me goosebumps. I cried. Thank you.

Kat @SmileyRoseKat: I loved your second line! It conveyed SO MUCH in just a few short words! I loved your word choices and the details you put in. You paint a very vivid picture. I also liked her voice - the combination of very observant and nonchalant made me feel viscerally there and yet strangely detached at the same time. It was very interesting. I could've used a lot more punch at the end.  I wanted something to happen that would've made her stupidity more apparent. I think because you set it up with the dress and then the ripping and then the cops, I was expecting more than 'I went there and saw this and ran away'.

Adrienne @NormanTriGirl: Wow, Adrienne! The amount of world-building you got in here is astounding! I'm fascinated with the world and would love to read more about it! I enjoyed the little details you put it, but I found it hard to figure out the main context. Where were they? There is music and dancing and adoring fan girls, but there's a war going on... Is this on the battlefield? Have they come in to base for a break? Are they in a random town somewhere in or out of the battle? Also, I wasn't sure how to interpret the ending. Did he see her as an enemy now? Or did all of his animal instinct things look the same and he was looking at her possessively like a mate? Overall, I really liked it!

Anonymous asekingprinces17: Oh, I loved this! Brotherly quarrels and the tales of misdeeds! So much fun! Their dialog was especially enjoyable. My favorite part was ending with the starting line, but for the other brother! That was really clever and well done! Oh, to see the look on dad's face! :D I also loved when you compared the boy's anguished face to what the garage floor probably looked like now! Ha! There were moments (like 'lazy blond hair') where I was pushed out of the story (how is hair lazy, btw...I keep trying to picture it...). I think the main thing that confused me was how the oil was leaking from the truck. Did he do it on purpose or was it an accident? It took me a re-read to figure out that was the problem rather than another offer of past misdeeds from the brother. Overall it was really fun!

Rebekah @postupak: Oh, Rebekah! I loved this! I WANT TO READ MORE!!! The second line still has me laughing to tears! He hints to so much more, it's TORTURE! And I love the play of our expectations and hers colliding with reality - such fun twists!





Tuesday, July 9, 2013

FINISH THAT THOUGHT #1

NOTE: This contest is now CLOSED to submissions. Feel free to read and comment though! :)
 


Welcome to the first-ever installment of FINISH THAT THOUGHT! A brand new weekly flash fiction contest! Every Tuesday you will receive the start of your story right here on this blog in the form of a first sentence. You must use this sentence as the first sentence in your story and take it from there! Show me action, adventure, romance, mystery, scifi, and all things fantastical (pretty much anything except erotica. Actually, if it'd be rated R in a movie, please don't put it up. Thanks!).  

Each week there will also be a special challenge, issued by the judge, that is purely optional in addition to the first sentence (this can include, but is not limited to, specific words, themes, actions, pictures, or objects to include in your story).

There will be two winners named each week: One Overall winner and one Special Challenge winner (they may be the same person). The judge may also award one (and only one) runner up in each category. The Overall winner will be the judge the next week . If that person is unable to fulfill that role, it will go to the winner of the Special Challenge. The winner will receive world-wide acclaim...er...mmm...at least a shoutout on twitter from everyone about how awesome they are! (And I'm working on a badge!)

You will have up to 500 words to play with, don't go over or you will be disqualified. Most of all, have fun! Try something different! Get out of your comfort zone!

Post your story in the comments section with your twitter handle and word count and be sure to mention if you've completed the requirements for the Special Challenge - we wouldn't want to accidentally miss anyone! The judging will be posted by Thursday (hopefully Wednesday afternoon).

Oh, and feel free to change pronouns, punctuation, tense, and anything in brackets to fit the story/pov/tone. I'm not going to be TOO picky...

AND WE'RE OFF!!!


Your beginning sentence for FINISH THAT THOUGHT #1 is:


[Well], that was the stupidest thing I've ever done.


And your SPECIAL CHALLENGE this week is:

Four things to include anywhere in the story:
1. goosebumps
2. duct tape
3. the word "shimmer[ing][ed][s]"
4. the word "goo"

Friday, July 5, 2013

A Mountain or a Molehill?


Here's my entry for today's Flash!Fiction contest #31. (Look at me getting it up the same day! ...Before the contest is even closed nonetheless!) Today we had 200 words with a 5 word grace. I only wrote 201. :) It took me all day to be inspired to write this. I figured I would have to skip today since I spent most of my writing time focused on editing the novel. But inspiration came and hit me upside the head. It was fun. Here's the picture that sparked the story:


Castle in Venezuela. Photo courtesy of David Mark, Pixabay



“This had better be important!” Wilhelm grumbled as he ascended the spiral staircase that led to the top of the tower. The watch had been known to make a mountain out of a molehill. He pushed hard on the rough, wooden hatch and it smacked the roof with a satisfying crack. “REPORT!” He bellowed while he climbed onto the roof.

“Sir! There’s a… Well… I mean…” Gideon took a deep, shuddering breath.

Wilhelm glared up at the young man from his knees and shouted, “Spit it out!”

Gideon bit his lip and pointed a trembling finger over the edge of the wall.

Wilhelm sighed and stood, freezing half-way up and staring out at the mountainside before him. “When did…? What…?” He cleared his throat and stood strait. “Think, Son, did it appear or approach?”

Gideon stood straight in response, “It approached, Sir.”

“You couldn’t call a warning before it arrived?”

Gideon cleared his throat and brushed his hands down his jacket, “It moved quickly, Sir, and I… didn’t believe it.”

“How long has it been motionless?”

“Shortly after I sent for you.”

“Well, aim your cannon toward it, soldier. We must protect our people against anything.”

“But, Sir… It’s a mountain.”

The Portal

Here's my entry for Flash!Friday #30 (that was June 28, 2013). It was a 200 word story with a 10 word grace (mine came in at 210...shocking!) Here's the picture that prompted the fun! :) I tried to do it all in dialog this time around...I liked it, but I think I could've added a lot more with some exposition. (I would've needed a lot more words at that point though!)

Capbreton. Photo courtesy of Makunin, @ Pixabay




“Jane would’ve loved this.”

“Don’t even mention her name. If she even half-believed my calculations, she would’ve been here.”

“Maybe she’s on her way?”

“Then she’ll be late. She knew the tidal patterns and solar calendar as well as anyone. She’d listened to me a zillion times trace my research from great-great-grandfather’s letter to here. She has all the information she needs – if only she believed me.”

“She believed, Weston.”

“Please, Will. Her note said she had to leave and couldn’t explain why. That’s the lamest way to believe in someone I’ve ever heard of – quit talking about her.”

“Fine. So now what? Where’s the portal supposed to be?”

“It’s about a hundred yards that-a-way, in those ruins.”

“What? Those big blocks of things lying on the beach? How can there be a doorway on those?”

“Seriously? How can you not know this? We’ve studied this image from satellite... Oh. That was – nevermind. C’mon.”

 

“It sure took you fellas long enough.”

“Jane! What’re you…?”

“Will’s staying, he has a family. Plus, it’s good to have someone on this side know what we’ve done and when we may get back.”

“Where were you?”

“Gathering supplies. There’s no guarantee what we’ll find. I like to be prepared. Follow me, West, it’s time.”