The #fiftywords short story contest
Each week I post a new one-word prompt for the #fiftywords contest (formerly “the 50-word short story challenge,” — see the announcement post). There is one winner each week, and for the moment, the reward is 1 SBD. Note: I do plan to increase the reward soon!
Fifty-word short stories are fun and challenging to write. If you’re just trying it out for the first time, welcome! 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.)
- What does it take to win? As we all know, critique of the arts is subjective. That said, I have a few metrics for choosing the best entry:
- Is the story well-written and edited? (A compelling story line, and no spelling or punctuation errors.)
- Is there some kind of conflict? It could be a conflict between people, an inner conflict or deep desire of a character, fear or other emotion, or a big challenge such as an oncoming tropical storm.
- Is there a resolution of the conflict? This can be anything that helps to close the story in a satisfying way. For example, the character might walk away from the conflict, breathe a sigh of relief, or write a love letter.
If you are not sure how to write a compelling story, see “Writing resources” below. You can also have someone else read your story and help with your storyline, grammar and punctuation. There are multiple writing communities here on Steemit to help you:
- @thewritersblock
- Inkubator
- #isleofwrite
- #freewrite
Writing resources
Each week I write a short workshop post about fiction writing: Mini Writing Workshop. The topic for this week is “Must we fight?” The discussion is about the importance of conflict in fiction writing. The Mini Writing Workshop post also includes a complete collection of past workshop topics.
Winner the week
Thank you to all who participated last week with story submissions for the “clean” prompt:
@anixio, @felixgarciap, @creatr, @bex-dk, @vdux, @owasco, @botefarm, @wems, @roxy-cat, @raj808
I really enjoyed reading your work!
It was a light week due to the holidays, and you would think that would make my job of choosing a winner much easier. But that is not the case at all. I read and re-read all the entries, using my metrics in the “what does it take to win” bullet above.
And still it’s difficult!
Here’s why. Rules invite us to break them. Art is not a science. And a creative work can sweep you off your feet, whether or not it hits certain metrics.
So. I’d like to share a few of the works that captured my heart before I announce the winner:
- @creatr, “Clean Getaway“
- @roxy-cat, “A Fresh Start”
- @raj803, “A Clean Break.”
And a runner up: @owasco, with her beautiful story “A cleansing“:
The trip had always presented challenges: cobwebs, crawling creatures, standing water, burnt out lightbulbs and dirt as old as the house itself.
Later this day she wrote:
Photographs you took long ago
first swept me unsteady,
then showed me the beast.
Tissues pile up on the table.
You are gone.
I have chosen @bex-dk’s story, Clean Slate, as the winning entry of the week. I will share it here:
Clean Slate
“Take me with you.”
He shook his head, adjusting the saddle. “I need to start fresh.”
She embraced him. “We can.”
He kissed her.
“You’d always know who I’d been.” He wiped her tears then turned away. “I gotta find who I can be.”
He rode off, never looking back.
This story is a bit of a tragedy, and somewhat gothic in nature, but very compelling. The main character needs to find his true life calling, on his own. But the female character can’t imagine life without him. He finally breaks away, riding off without even looking back.
In addition to being well told, the story has all the important elements: one or more intriguing characters, a conflict, and a resolution. Great job, @bex-dk! Your SBD is coming your way!
Thank you again to all entrants. I look forward to your continued participation.
New 50-word short story prompt and rules
The new prompt for this coming week is “journey.” I look forward to seeing what you come up with! The deadline is Saturday, January 5th, with a grace period until the new contest post is up.
Happy New Year!!
Contest rules
- Write a story in exactly 50 words and post it to your blog.
- Use only artwork that you have the right to use, and attribute it properly. See “Use of images” below.
- Use the #fiftywords tag, and post the link in the comments of this 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:
Good luck Fifty Worders!
