A Contest for Writers, Redux
Issue #67 – Flash Fiction or Poetry--and no fee!
Again, I toss down the gauntlet.
Let’s lead with the prizes.
The grand prize-winning work will be published here, with attribution and accolades, and the creator shall receive these worthy goodies:
Angelique Fawns is awarding a free year of the advanced tier of her essential Substack story marketing publication.
This includes “The Inside Scoop,” three insider guides to the speculative fiction market.
Also to the grand prize winner: two signed paperback procedural books from prolific author Benjamin Wretlind, one on weather and fiction, the other loaded with inspirational writing exercises.
Last (but not least) component of the grand prize: the multi-talented Benjamin Wretlind hand-created this artistic and utilitarian pen: the Presimo, a rollerball with tamarind wood, especially for your writerly inspiration.
The grand prize winner and two runners-up will be announced in the August issue and receive certificates. Honorable mentions will be honorably mentioned.
The overall winner and two runners-up get signed copies of Michael Varma’s fun, creative “Tasteful Toasts,” providing a variety of proposable toasts for any occasion.
Finally, the big winner and 2 runners-up all receive a plethora of stickers guaranteed to make any writer smile.
This contest has NO FEE. But contestants are asked to support Writing Rhythm by subscribing—for free—if you’re not already. I’ll make it easy...do it here:
Please also like, restack or share Writing Rhythm (this is not required—but it would be nice. I’d like new subscribers!). Last thing to know: I’m not normally judgy, except now. The judge is me, and only me. My contest, my rules. And speaking of which…
1) Write a short story or poem (rhyming or non-rhyming) of no more than 4 double-spaced pages, or up to about 1K words, and yes, you may have fewer, if you wish. If prose, this is flash-fiction, defined in Writing Rhythm Issue #20.
2) Any genre is okay (see Writing Rhythm Issue #7).
3) Include at least 6 correctly-used Writing Rhythm vocabulary words of your choice. These can be spaced throughout the poem or story, or all on one page, as long as it reads smoothly.
4) The words and phrases can be found in two places, either here, in a big old list: Pedantic, grueling, faineant, idiosyncratic, elegiac, aide-memoire, propinquity, eschew, elocutionist, multitudinous, denigrate, superfluity, tenebrous, bildungsroman, ascetic, irrebuttable, plethora, rota, de trop, penultimate, eldritch, ostensibly, dubiety, raison d’etre, caveat, dekko, bloviate, cloistered, contumely, epistolary, multifarious, ingemination, ratiocination, surplusage, modicum, anomalous, vacillate, amalgam, extraneous, HEA, laggard, harp (verb), plenitude, lest, anthropomorphism, inveterate, latter and former, epiphany, antiquated, shufti, vainglorious, legerdemain, acumen, lieu, lugubrious, multifarious, passé, veraciously, trope, odium, consummate, shambolic, rumination, slew, panacea, harrowing, anthropomorphic.
Or, peruse Writing Rhythm for the “Can we have a word?” section at the end of every issue, where I push readers to learn new vocabulary. A link for each word leads to a dictionary definition.
5) Your challenge? Create a work so satisfying and entertaining that the six unusual words required DO NOT stand out, and are simply part of the whole. Can you do it?
Before you start, check out the 2024 Writing Rhythm Contest Winners. And for an example, read the stellar grand prize story by the always-formidable Andy Futuro, who in 2024 had the additional handicap of including more words.
Deadlines
6) June 1, 2026: Contest begins.
7) July 15, 2026: Contest ends (must receive by midnight, PT).
8) August 1, 2026: publication of grand prize winner, announcement of runners-up, mailing of prizes.
Ready to lock horns with your fellow creatives? You can do this. The worst that will happen? You’ll get a little writing practice—and learn some new vocabulary words.
Write up and polish your piece, following the rules above. Then…
…send it to me. In your email, include a short bio, and list the six Writing Rhythm vocab words you’re choosing to inject into your creation. Attach your story or poem in Word format. I’ll acknowledge receipt and get back to everyone after judging. Submissions go here. Remember, deadline is July 15 at midnight, PT.
Action Plan
Pick up that gauntlet and accept the challenge, of course. If you dare.
Next up:
#68) Writing Rhythm Turns Three!
We’ll pause for a mild celebration of Writing Rhythm’s third anniversary, even while this contest continues. See you here July 1!
—Craig
I'm in.