Wednesday, May 29, 2013

55 Word Challenge: Week Fifty-Nine

 
Welcome back to #55WordChallenge! We have a lot of fun last week and I hope the fun continues this week.
 
For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. (I am a bit behind in getting this updated.) The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon Thursday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well.
 
The story is to be posted in the comment section below, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner.

And what does the winner get? Besides bragging rights? This badge. But that's not all. I also am offering a digital copy to my newest collection, Mortuary Horror.


If anyone is interested in contributing a prize, a book, cover art, whatever you want, let me know and we will work something out. If you are an artist that would like to have your work featured, let me know!
 
Photo Prompt:
 
 
 
 

Winner 55 Word ChallengeWeek Fifty-Eight


Sorry, still running late, but I can’t blame this week on anything but my own laziness. So here we go:
Honorable Mentions:
Leslie Fulton:  A haunting tale that stays with you after reading.
@zombiemechanics: I am glad I’m not the only one that saw zombies in that picture. Loved it!
@bookwormattack:  Very descriptive!
 
Winner:
@JXilon: HA! This one gave me a good chuckle and left me wanting to know more. I especially loved the line about propane. I hate propane. That’s not grilling.
“Why’s that out here?”
 
Thump.
“Waiting for it’s rider?”
“What’s next? Winter Barbecuing?”
 
Thump.
 
“My family barbecues in winter.”
“Could you help me here?”
 
Thump.
 
“Snow doesn’t stand in the way of propane.”
“Propane? You’re dead to me.”
 
Thump.
 
“I’m hungry.”
“Well help me with this body and we’ll stop on the way.”
 
Thump.
 
“Done.”
 
Thank you everyone for entering! Next contest starts today at noon.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

55 Word Challenge: Week Fifty-Eight

Welcome back to #55WordChallenge! We have a lot of fun last week and I hope the fun continues this week.
 
For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. (I am a bit behind in getting this updated.) The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon Thursday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well.
 

The story is to be posted in the comment section below, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner.
 
 
And what does the winner get? Besides bragging rights? This badge.

If anyone is interested in contributing a prize, a book, cover art, whatever you want, let me know and we will work something out. If you are an artist that would like to have your work featured, let me know!
 
Photo Prompt:
Courtesy Petr Kratochvil

Courtesy Peter Griffin

Courtesy George Hodan
 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Winner 55WordChallenge: Week Fifty-Seven



Late again with the winners and this time I had to be careful, we had some entries that came in after the contest closed. And they were all great entries. I promise, once the craziness of the next couple of weeks ends… after my daughter’s graduation party, I will have more time to spend on making sure I announce the winners in a timely manner.



Ok, so without further ado…



Honorable Mentions:



@by_wjhoward: Ugh, I know how frustrating getting wet mail can be. I don’t think I ever felt like murdering my mail carrier though.



@bookwormattack: Divorce is frustrating. Another been there, done that. My hat off to those couples that make it. (Of course I expect Jeff and I will… or die trying.)



@LastKrystallos: Very cute story. Funny how everything always comes full circle.


Winner:


@JMwandering: Love the vampire theme to this! 

(Sorry no link provided. Twitter kept saying internal server error)



Title: Unnatural



Author: J.M. Mendur







“How are they doing that?”







“Forget what you’ve read about vampires in stories, kid. They don’t drink blood. Never have. They feast on the life force of the world, draining it of everything, including its colors.”







“So, no stake to the heart?”







“You’re learning,” I said as I loaded the explosive bullets in my rifle.







~~~



Author’s Note: 55 words, not including title and author lines. I used the photo prompt of the old people in the park. I went kind of dark on this one and the manipulated color vs. black-and-white of the photo jumped out at me.



@JMwandering



Okay, see you all tomorrow for #55WordChallenge Week Fifty-Eight

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

55 Word Challenge: Week Fifty-Seven


 
Welcome back to #55WordChallenge! We have a lot of fun last week and I hope the fun continues this week.
 
For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. (I am a bit behind in getting this updated.) The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon Thursday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well.
 

The story is to be posted in the comment section below, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner.
 
 
And what does the winner get? Besides bragging rights? This badge.

If anyone is interested in contributing a prize, a book, cover art, whatever you want, let me know and we will work something out. If you are an artist that would like to have your work featured, let me know!
 
Photo Prompt:


 

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Winner 55 Word Challenge: Week Fifty-Six


James has sent me the verdict:
 
I just wanted to thank everyone for making #55WordChallenge a great contest this week. There were so many entries full of whimsy and grotesquery-masked humor it was hard to decide my favorites. Alas, choose I had to and here are this week’s winners:
 
Honorable Mentions:
 
 
 
 
Winner, winner, chicken dinner:
 


 @ANTONIOANGELO21 for the awesomely zombie-inspired lullaby.
 
Ok, Antonio, you have won a copy of both of the Dead Sea Game books. Send me a DM and let me know if you want a Nook copy or Kindle. :)



 
Thanks for participating, everyone and be sure to check out “Dead Sea Games: Adrift” on Kindle now. 
 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

55 Word Challenge: Week Fifty-Six

 
Welcome back to #55WordChallenge, WEEK 56! We have a special judge this week, J. Whitworth Hazzard, known to us as ZombieMechanics. He has a couple of books out that I read last week and I am excited to announce that todays theme is based in part on an idea that occurred to me while I was reading Dead Sea Games: Adrift. So make sure you read the rules below so you don't miss out on the twist in todays challenge.
 
For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon Thursday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well.
NOW FOR THE TWIST! This weeks theme is Zombie Games: Survival In The Zombie Apocalypse. If you watch The Walking Dead, you know the people in Woodbury entertained themselves with fights in the arena. Surviving the apocalypse can often deaden you to life. In Dead Sea Games: Adrift, they entertained themselves in a similar fashion, though perhaps a bit deadlier. Your job is to write a 55 word story about how the survivors of the apocalypse have fun. Perhaps it is a baseball game, using the head of a zombie as a ball? Maybe they go on a zombie shoot? Bowling for zombies, anyone? Use your imagination and make it fun. Also, while I am supplying 3 photos, they are for inspiration only. If you have an idea and it is different than any of the photos, go for it.

The story is to be posted in the comment section below, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. If you don't want to list your email address, send it to me at
jezri@writing.com. I promise I won't distribute it, but if you are the winner I need a way to notify you and to send you your prize. I am also going to be bringing back the #55WordChallenge Bumper Sticker.
 
 
 
 
 

And what does the winner get? This badge, for one. For two, a copy of Dead Sea Games: Adrift. For three, a copy of Dead Sea Games: Exiled. And of course bragging rights.

If anyone is interested in contributing a prize, a book, cover art, whatever you want, let me know and we will work something out. If you are an artist that would like to have your work featured, let me know!

Photo Prompt:
 
 
 
 
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

A Jezri's Nightmares Book Review


 

Dead Sea Games: Adrift
By J. Whitworth Hazzard

 



 
Okay, so zombie lover that I am, I bought a book last week, Dead Sea Games: Adrift, but J. Whitworth Hazzard. Some of you that hang on twitter might know him better as ZombieMechanics. I knew I liked James' flash fiction, but I had never read anything of his that went beyond a hundred words or so. You know, that can be iffy... some people can write flash but to stretch a plot out, that can be a different story. And I'm a bit picky with my zombie horror. So I was a little leery and excited at the same time. Because the plot sounded captivating.
 
So what is the story about? Dead Sea Games: Adrift is a post-apocalyptic serial set in a fictional Manhattan Island overrun by zombies. This inaugural episode explores the world of Jeremy Walters, a teenager living with his mother among the survivors of NYC who have taken the rooftops and penthouses of lower Manhattan as their sanctuary against the undead.  The novelette is equal parts action, adventure, and suspense and explores the concept of a world where heroes were extinguished by their own self-less actions. How does a new generation of teens learn to face overwhelming chaos and keep their humanity in a world where it’s every man—or woman—for themselves? How do the orphans of the Emergency build a future when there is no hope, no rules, and no escape?
 
Sounds exciting, right? Well it is. Jeremy, AKA Death Wish by those that like him and those that don't, is a 15 year old with an attitude. His mother tells him to stay in the apartment. He doesn't. His mother tells him to stay out of trouble... he doesn't. Sounds like most 15 year olds, but most teenage boys except most 15 year old boys don't spend their days fighting zombies and almost dying multiple times.
 
One of the things that drew me into this book was the dialogue. I found it believable and since I quickly developed a picture in my mind of what Jeremy looked like. (I won't tell you, because I want you to develop your own image.) There was one point, towards the end, when I found myself chuckling.
 
The story took off at a fast pace and didn't let up. One thing after another continued to happen to this teen. Some of it was pretty unbelievable, but then again we are talking about the zombie apocalypse. If the dead suddenly get up and start walking, anything can happen. And it does.
 
I did find the action scenes sometimes a bit rushed, but that may be personal taste. I'm giving Dead Sea Games: Adrift 4 Stars.
 
Check out the excerpt below and then come back tomorrow for 55 Word Challenge. J. Whitworth Hazzard is judging and I am offering Dead Sea Games: Adrift and the second in the series, Dead Sea Games: Exiled, as the prize.
 
 
Excerpt
 


“Seven minutes!"



Several zombies stumbled over the bodies of their compatriots, and I put them down as soon as they hit the concrete. The barriers were stacking up now. One, here. Two, there. My lead pipes dripped with black gore, bits of hair and flesh clinging to the sticky mess.



"Six minutes!"



The masses closed in. In another minute, there would be no place to go.



"Behind you! Two under the cars..." Shorty's voice carried over the din of the crowd roaring and chanting for my blood. He wouldn't mind seeing me die, either, but he had beer and cigarettes riding on the outcome, as well as his father's payment.



Two zombies crawled from under the burnt-out SUVs and grabbed at my ankles from behind. I dropped the heel of my boot on one and cracked open its skull. The other had me in its filthy grasp and pulled itself in for the bite.



"No you don't, creeper." I dropped the butt of the lead pipe and slammed the deadhead to the concrete, face-first. I could feel its teeth and jaw shatter under the impact, rending it impotent for the time being.



"Five minutes!"



There was no more time to think or listen to the warnings from the crowd. The deadheads attacked from every angle. Every cranny and crevice they could fit through in the wall of bodies showed a new, dripping maw. I stopped thinking about it and let the rage escape.



I was angry. Angry about everything. Angry my dad and sister were out there, wandering with the deadheads. Angry my future was gone. Angry that my life sucked. But mostly, I was angry that I was still alive. I'd tried every risky stunt and taken every stupid chance I could in the last year.



But God kept saving me.



Somewhere in the flying gore, and over my own screams of fury, I heard the Gamemaster.



"One minute! Get the rope ready."



Sixty seconds.



Cold fingers clawed at me from every direction. Only my makeshift barricades kept them from dog piling me. I kicked, punched, and smashed with abandon, destroying everything I could see. One grabbed hold of my shirt at the back and wouldn't let go. I broke the arm, but the fingers tight. Another zombie rolled over the pile and landed, curled around my feet. It twisted and writhed to get purchase on my flesh.



"Time! Holy shit, he did it," the Gamemaster yelled. "Get him out of there."



A braided rope fell over my shoulder, and I grabbed on. I kicked my feet to get away from the deadhead wrapped around me, but it wasn't letting go.



"Pull," the Gamemaster shouted, and the crowd pulled the rope, now wound around my arm. I shot ten feet above the pile of bodies, but the zombie attached to my foot rode up with me. She gnawed at my boot, looking for flesh. Her rotten teeth and black mouth were going to sink into me before I could get back to the balcony.


I’d finally pushed my luck too far.

About the Author
 



J. Whitworth Hazzard lives in the vast cornfields of Illinois with his wife, and four nearly perfect children. A Geek-for-Hire by day, J. Whitworth has worked for over a decade fixing minor computer problems, some of which he did not even cause. He prepares technical documents for a living and tries not to include any zombies in reports on server upgrades and network outages (although not always successfully).

Dr. Hazzard has a PhD in molecular biophysics that he now uses to figure out how to scientifically justify the existence of mythical creatures. Trained in science and critical thinking, J. Whitworth spends his leisure time writing fiction that would make his former professors cringe. He has been a life-long writer and has spent more than his fair share of time writing about all kinds of ridiculous things. His dream of writing for a living started in the 5th grade when his five page story “The Blood and Guts 500” entranced and thrilled his classmates. His passionate prosody received a standing ovation and from that day forward he was hooked on the art of story telling.




Follow Dr. Hazzard’s adventures in fiction on:
      Twitter @Zombiemechanics
      Facebook J. Whitworth Hazzard
      Web Zombiemechanics Blog
 
 
You can find Dead Sea Games: Adrift at
 
 

 

 
 
 

Winner 55 Word Challenge: Week 55

 
I had a really hard time judging this past week’s entries… more so than usual. They was a wide range of stories and they were all so good. In the end I had to be a little picky and count the small things. Also… I would like to remind everyone to make sure you check the rules. Usually I only require one prompt, but since this was a special week, I had a theme… a celebration, and wanted all three prompts used. There were a few that didn’t meet the requirement. If I have anything changed from normal, I have it highlighted in red so it can easily be found. This is important because tomorrow I have a guest judge, James Whitworth Hazzard, and a theme, Zombie Games: Survival In The Zombie Apocalypse. I don’t want anyone to miss out on the prize, which is going to be both of his zombie books, Dead Sea Games:Adrift and Dead Sea Games: Exiled. I’m so excited! Anyway, here are the results for Week 55
Honorable Mentions:
@JMwandering: This made me snicker. I almost felt bad for the Son of Satan. His birthday party started out so lame. Glad the fun finally began. J
@David A. Ludwig: This story chilled me and I kept coming back to it over and over.
@bullishink: OMG, this one made me laugh. Tearing down walls, that’s what we are doing, and having fun while we do. My favorite line…  we’d brought the bastards to their knees. So long Traditional Publishing.
Winner:
@redshirt6: My favorite red shirt has returned to flash fiction and he came back with a bang. A little dancing, music, fireworks… murder with a shot of vecuronium.
 
 
 
@redshirt6May 2, 2013 at 11:00 AM
 
It would have been perfect except for the fucking disco ball.
 
A little dancing, a little music, and a glass of wine. And then the final touch: a syringe of vecuronium – full and instant paralysis. She couldn’t even breath.
 
He left her in her chair, watching fireworks as she died, sitting on a crowded veranda.
 
@redshirt6 – 55 Words
 
Ok, be sure to come back tomorrow for the next challenge. It’s going to be a fun one!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

55 Word Challenge: Week 55




Welcome back to #55WordChallenge, WEEK 55! 55 weeks for 55 Word Challenge! So I think this calls for a celebration and a twist.
 
For those that are uninitiated, the 55 Word Challenge is a contest to write a story in 55 words or less. Not an easy task, but fun and I have been blown away by some of the entries. See for yourself, past contests can be found here. The challenge begins at noon Eastern time every Wednesday and ends at noon Thursday. The story is based on one of three photo prompts. My only request is no porn. I don't want to hear graphic details. If it is erotic, make it titillating, not obscene. I know that can be done and done well.
NOW FOR THE TWIST! This week, Write about a celebration. ALL 3 prompts need to be used. They are the decoration for your story. You tell me what happened. Was the celebration a success or a failure. Joy or horror?

The story is to be posted in the comment section below, along with your twitter handle or email address, so I can contact you if you are the winner. If you don't want to list your email address, send it to me at
jezri@writing.com. I promise I won't distribute it, but if you are the winner I need a way to notify you and to send you your prize. I am also going to be bringing back the #55WordChallenge Bumper Sticker.
 
 
 
 

And what does the winner get? This badge, for one. For two, 55 Word Challenge Bumper Sticker.

If anyone is interested in contributing a prize, a book, cover art, whatever you want, let me know and we will work something out. If you are an artist that would like to have your work featured, let me know!

Photo Prompt:


 
 

Winner 55 Word Challenge: Week Fifty-Four


I seem to be getting late and later, announcing the winners. I would like to say it will get better, but I fear that might be a lie. Things have been busy at the Hollar house. My daughter, Sarah, graduates in a few weeks… and for some reason that means a lot of extra running. She has a Senior project due next week and a lot of time is being put into that. She chose animation for her career option and is animating a cartoon and a game, along with needing 10 hours of mentoring from someone that actually does animation. In Lima… not. Thank God for the internet. And my son is going through a phase, I will call it bratitis. Coupled with his growing spurt, he has been a handful lately. At the moment he is sleeping, so SHHHHH!


Ok, here are the results.

Honorable Mentions:

@LupusAnthropos: MONSTER HOUSE! Loved it. I wonder if the house burped and if there are some kids watching… from a safe distance of course.

@postupak: I loved this. It kind of reminded me of True Lies, except wife knew her husband’s past… but is it his past? Can one actually marry out of the mafia? I think his precautions may be warrented.

@bullishink: I am reminded of a song: Be Careful Little Eyes What You See.


Winner:
@JMwandering:

This story reminded me of a story I read a long time ago. I can't remember the name of it, but I loved it. Trapped in a mirror. A lot of things can be done with that.


Title: Snap
Author: J.M. Mendur

It’s stupid, something every photographer does sooner or later. Aim your camera at the mirror and shoot. Most of the time, it’s cliché but harmless.

Unless you’re using my great aunt Julia’s antique mirror, the one with the jade frame and the odd inscription.

I hope someone breaks the mirror and lets me out soon.

~~
55 words, not including title and author lines

twitter Handle: @JMwandering

Prompt used: the camera lens with the mirror image lettering



Thank you all! Look forward to seeing you again in just a few short hours. Wow. I really am late.