Tag: story

Totally Meta

On August 15, 2023

Hey, everybody. I managed to score another win a couple weeks ago, on Reedsy’s weekly prompt contest.

The prompt was Write a story where the characters start to realize that they are, in fact, just characters..

My story, That All Important First Scene, took the prize. It’s a short bit of self-referantial work, based on a writing having a tense conversation with one of his characters during an explosive scene.

Please, feel free to check it out here:

https://blog.reedsy.com/short-story/whr8oe/?utm_source=mandrill&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=writing_prompts

And maybe give it a like, if you enjoy it.

Thanks, and please keep reading!

The First Line

By Ian

On November 15, 2021

In fiction, new post, sci-fi, story

Hey everybody. I recently got into writing following story prompt contests in a big way. I like how they can inspire you to come up with new ideas, take your writing in new directions.

I found this great one that’s been around for a while, The First Line. It’s a literary journal founded in 1999 that holds a quarterly contest. The premise is simple: they give you a first line, and you can write any story you want as long as it begins with that line.

I took that challenge this fall, and I won!

The line was: “What should we do with the body?”

Yep, that hooked me.

The short story I wrote off the prompt is title “Dead in Space” and follows a supply station monitor whose simple day goes very wrong when space pirates show up. It’s just a little story, very light on the sci-fi, but with a big twist.

This is something of a milestone for me, since this is the first time I’ve been published in a for-pay journal, instead of a freely distributed one. Unfortunately for you, my loyal fans, that means you gotta pay to read it, along with all the other winning stories for the year. There’s a lot of good writing in there, so it’s well worth the money.

Anyway, if you’re interested, here’s the link.

https://www.thefirstline.com/

It’s Vol. 23, Issue 3, available in print for $6.oo USD, or PDF download for $3.oo USD. If you feel like reading some great stuff and supporting a journal that helps writers, give it a go.

As always, thanks for reading.

The Wonderful Reedsy

By Ian

On August 17, 2018

In likes, new post, story

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m very appreciative of Reedsy. It’s run by a great bunch of people, people who are willing to provide a forum not just for entertainment, but to help writers get there work published. They provide a wide variety of services to help aspiring authors, services like tutorials and editing, not to mention the huge shot-in-the-arm of their weekly writing contest.

The talented editors at Reedsy throw out a list of prompts every Friday, challenging and encouraging writers to come up with original, imaginative stories. Each week, they pick a winner, whom they gift with a monetary prize and the invaluable benefit of publication on the Reedsy Blog.

I recently had the honor of winning the weekly contest, one of the few times I’ve been able to see my work published. It was gratifying. So a huge shout out to the folks at Reedsy!

If you have any interest in reading my prize-winning piece about one time when a dog actually did eat someone’s homework–and then followed them to school–check it out at the link below.

https://medium.com/reedsy/hounded-a85140c63945

Another heartfelt thank to the talented staff at Reedsy, and please, as always, enjoy your reading.

A Great Little Contest

By Ian

On September 18, 2017

In craft, favorite things

As an author seeking exposure, experience, and validation, I keep my eyes open for new opportunities to showcase my work. One venue that recently came to my attention is the Reedsy Short Story Contest. Now, Reedsy is a great place for authors of any stripe, with the knowledge and experience to help aspiring writers or seasoned professionals get their work published. Their short story contest involves sending out an email containing a number of writing prompts. Writers write stories inspired by these prompts, and submit them via email. The winner enjoys publication on the Reedsy Medium Blog, and a prize of $50 US. Even better, there is no entry fee, and the contest is offered on a weekly basis, providing plenty of chances to sharpen the skills and try for a little bit of recognition.

I recently began submitting to this contest, and even was fortunate enough to win! As always, just getting something out there, and finding that there were people who enjoyed it, was wonderful. It’s what I’m all about as a writer. The money was a nice bonus, too. I would encourage anyone trying to increase their visibility as a fiction writer to give this contest a try.

If you’re interested in reading my winning story, check it out here:

https://medium.com/reedsy/in-the-lanterns-light-b336c78fbb2

As always, please enjoy.

Getting Better

By Ian

On July 27, 2017

In craft, favorite things, new post

As a writer, I’m not content to be just “good”. I don’t want to still be writing the way I was ten or even five years ago. I always want to get better. And better. There are any number of ways to do this, ranging from simple practice to taking classes. One of my favorite ways to get better is by attending writing conferences. These conferences are an excellent way to expand my knowledge and understanding of the craft of writing, in an environment shared with other writers. This also provides numerous opportunities to meet and connect with others whose passion and desires mirror my own. I love the workshops and group exercises, and I especially enjoy getting to know my fellow writers.

One of the best conferences I’ve attended is one that takes place in my own neck of the woods, the annual Write on the Sound Conference, held in Edmonds, Washington, on the first weekend of each October. Not only is this a convenient location for me, as I live only a short ways away, but it is also an incredibly well-coordinated event. There are sections covering just about everything concerning writing, including both the process of writing and the business of writing. The staff are organized and professional, friendly and helpful, making it such a smooth, carefree experience that is a joy to attend. The presenters–carefully selected for each conference–are always knowledgeable and approachable, running their workshops and presentations in a way that makes learning a fun and memorable experience.

The added bonus to this conference is that it features a concurrent writing contest, with categories for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. A new theme is chosen each year, typically a single word meant to guide and inspire the participants. All works are judged by an independent panel, and cash prizes are awarded for all winners. I’ve submitted to the contest myself three times, and managed to win a couple times, too. Here’s a picture of the winners from the 2016 contest.

In case you can’t tell, I’m the sexy one. Well, one of the sexy ones at least…

Moving on…

Write on the Sound is a great conference, and I recommend it to anyone interested in bettering their skills as a writer, or seeking to learn more about the sometimes confusing and intimidating world of writing.

Learn more here: http://www.writeonthesound.com/

It’s always a struggle to get better, at anything. Fortunately, there are always things that can help with the process. For me, as a writer, conferences, and Write on the Sound in particular, have been an enormous help. I can’t say that they’ve instantly turned my into a perfect writer, but thanks to them, I’m getting better.