Welcome to the 50-word short story contest!
Thank you to all who participated in last week’s contest:
@negativer, @thinknzombie, @cizzo, @jasminearch, niallon11, @emergehealthier, @deirdyweirdy, @bex-dk, @theironfelix, @rokhani, @vdux, @wems, @razel, @iamjadeline, @letalis-laetitia, @felixgarciap, @poetrybyjeremy, @marlyncabrera, @joeylim, @tristancarax, @anixio
The quality of the stories submitted for the “child” prompt was wonderful!
About the contest
In case you’re not caught up, #fiftywords used to be “the 50-word short story challenge,” but it is now a contest. (See the announcement post.) There is one winner each week, and for the moment, the reward is 1 SBD.
Fifty-word short stories are fun and challenging to write. If you’re just trying it out for the first time, welcome to #fiftywords! Here are a few FAQs:
- Does the story have to be exactly 50 words? Yes, if you want a chance at winning.
- Are there any other rules? Yes. You must not use images you don’t have permission to use. (See the rules below. It’s all spelled out, and there are some great image resources for you.)
- Is it possible to win the contest two weeks in a row? Yes, although it is unlikely, as the sole judge (yours truly) will endeavor to choose a new winner every week. The only reason that would happen would be if there was only one great story, and it was by the previous week’s contest winner.
Writing resources
Each week I write a short workshop post about fiction writing: Mini Writing Workshop. The topic for this week is “What prompted that?” I hope you will enjoy the discussion on the use of writing prompts.
Also in the workshop post, you will find links a complete collection of past workshop topics, including workshops on writing 50-word short stories.
Winner the week
There were so many great stories this week! Having read them all through several times, I’ve chosen @jasminearch’s poignant and heartbreaking story, Goodbye, as the winning entry of the week. I will share it here:
Goodbye
“But–“
“No. You’ve got to go.” I looked into her eyes one last time and handed over the bag containing our meager supplies.
Enough for Anna to make it out of the desert. Hopefully.
My hand covered her rounded stomach as we kissed.
“Goodbye, Anna. Take care of our daughter.”
The author did an amazing job here of setting the scene, introducing the two characters, and revealing the painful drama. We immediately understand that there are not enough provisions for both of them. The narrator of the story is sacrificing himself to ensure the survival of his wife and unborn child.
It’s very challenging to write a complete story in 50 words and bring it to resolution, and this story achieves that perfectly.
Brilliant work, @jasminearch. Your SBD is coming your way!
Thank you again to all participants. I look forward to your continued participation!
New 50-word short story prompt and rules
The new prompt for this coming week is “gift.” The deadline is Saturday, December 22nd, with a grace period until the new prompt post is up.
Contest rules
- Write a story in exactly 50 words.
- Use the #fiftywords tag, and post the link in the comments of this post.
- Use only artwork that you have the right to use, and attribute it properly. See “Use of images” below.
- Provide a link to your story in the comments of this posts.
Preferably, post your 50-word story in its own post. You can use any posting tool, e.g. Busy, Partiko, or Steampeak. Just please publish it on its own, not combined with any other contest.
Note that you are not required to upvote or resteem this post, nor are you required to support other participants. Entries will be judged on merit only. But active community participation and support of your fellow writers is, of course, strongly encouraged.
Use of images
You are welcome to illustrate your story with an image, as long as you have the right to use it. One of the following must be true:
- The image is public domain, or under creative commons licensing. See the resource links below.
- It is your own image.
- If it is not one of the above, you must have actual permission.
Be sure to properly attribute the image’s source or mention that the image is yours. And if it’s not public domain, under creative commons license, or your own image, be sure to state that you have permission.
Here are some creative commons and public domain image resources:
Increase your chances of winning
Here are some tips for you:
- Include a conflict and a resolution in your story. (It’s like this: A beautiful day is just a beautiful day. A beautiful day becomes interesting if the mail carrier brings a letter saying the main character’s husband has been released from prison. Maybe she hates him, or fears he won’t get work. That’s conflict. Resolution is when we learn what she decides to do about it.)
- Check your story for grammar and punctuation.
- Have someone else read it and provide suggestions. You have multiple writing communities available to help you:
- @thewritersblock
- Inkubator
- #isleofwrite
- #freewrite
Good luck Fifty Worders!
