Sunday, May 29, 2011

55 Word Fiction
 It is time again for 55 Word Fiction! Write a story in 55 words or less and place it in the comment section below. The contest will end at midnight tonight. Tomorrow our 2 judges, Stacey Turner and Jenelle Jenson, who won last week, will announce the winner, (or winners). The winner will get to judge next weeks contest as well as win a free copy of one of my e-shorts!

Now if you don't know what 55 word fiction is, here is an example. 

Dinner Music 
by Lisa McCourt Hollar

Stacey opened her eyes. What had happened? She’d been walking home, thanks to her cars meltdown and something had come at her. Suddenly she screamed, remembering what she had seen before falling and hitting her head. No one heard her though, except the half man…half something else and to him, her screams were dinner music.

And these stories from last weeks winners!

The Ghost
by Stacey Turner

The hairs on the back of John’s neck stood up. Psychic, he knew how his body reacted before he saw a ghost.

He glanced around the room. Someone near the casket noticed him.

“John?” she said, fainting. Was that his sister? John stared in confusion. Speechless, he glanced in the coffin. His body lay inside.


No Other Choice
by Janelle Jensen

He stared at the body lying before him. Her dead eyes stared accusingly. He dropped to his knees and plunged in. Hot blood wept over his hands and forearms, drenching the ground below. His hands closed around something solid, and he desperately withdrew his prize. Soaked in viscous fluid and shivering, the tiny calf bawled. 


Ok, so now you give it a try and have fun with it!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

55 Word Challenge

55 Word Challenge
by Lisa McCourt Hollar
Have you ever tried to write a story in 55 words or less?  This kind of writing is a form of microfiction and is, in my opinion, quite a challenge.  I have attempted 55 word fiction a few times in my life.  It is a challenge to put all the elements that a story requires into such a small format. It is however fun!

So I am issuing a challenge this Sunday morning. Write a 55 word story and post it in the comment section below. I am hoping to run this every week as a Sunday Shorts competition. I cannot afford to give an award, but I will give the winner one of my e-books, winners choice.
I will pick the winner this week. If anyone is interested in guest judging in the next contest let me know!

Below are examples of 55 word fiction I have written in the past. I hope you enjoy them and add your own to the comment section below.


Telemurder

Eyes gleaming, Bob told the telemarketer just what he thought of her, throwing in a few choice names for good measure. Later that night Bob’s phone rang busy, the cord tied around his neck.
The lesson learned? Be careful what you say to a telemarketer. If she has your phone number, she has your address.

 ***

Tommy’s New Toy

Spiraling upward, towards the sun, the swallow rejoiced in the beautiful spring day. Diving towards his nest, he playfully teased his mate. Spreading his wings, he glides above the earth singing songs of love. It is wonderful to be alive.

The calm of the morning was shattered by the sound of Tommy’s new b.b. gun.

 ***

The Cliff

Sabrina hung to the edge of the cliff, fingers aching. She tried clawing her way to the precipice from which she’d toppled, but the jagged overhang dug into her fingers. She was sure she would lose her grip, falling to the terrain below.

“For the last time, go to bed!”

Closing her book, Sabrina sighed.

***

Predators

The zombie held up his hands, warding off the diving vultures. The scavengers were not accustomed to their prey walking around; usually the dead just lay, waiting to be consumed. Rotting meat was rotting meat however and vultures weren’t known for being picky. Soon it became fashionable for the living to keep vultures as pets. 

Copyright © 2011 Lisa McCourt Hollar. All rights reserved