I've been writing! And Creating! And taking pictures!
Yes, I have been busy. In an effort to keep my writing moving forward and interesting for me, I have entered writing contests ... as you can see by my 'What's Next' story.
These contests challenge me to write in genres I would not have otherwise contemplated. They have also challenged me to write shorter pieces.
Novel writing is my home, my love, where I am most comfortable... so to keep my skills sharp, and my craft fresh ... I contest!
My next foray will be in the form of flash fiction, or microfiction. There is a whole world out there of tiny stories! Who knew? But yes, it is a thing.
The next contest begins for me at midnight ET, on 14 May. I will be tasked with writing a complete story in 100 words. I will be given genre, character and subject as my parameters.
Since this is new for me, I have been practicing, and researching the 100 word craft. Below, I will post two stories I wrote based on photo prompts. Unfortunately, I cannot provide the photos, since they are not mine to provide. But I will give a short description of the prompt and then the story.
#1 The photo was of several children playing on a jungle gym. If I had to guess they looked like a 1st grade class at recess on picture day. They all appeared to be white kids.
My story title: "I Am Me"
“Go on,” Nana applies a gentle shove to my back.
“I’m scared, Nana!” I whisper, and resist.
“Girl,” she warns, “Ain’t no one on that playground, looks like you. Get used to it. Your whole life will be this. Hold your head up. Don’t be shy! Be you.” Reassurance, squeezes my hand.
I wouldn’t understand her beautiful wisdom, until years later.
Now, Nana is gone. Yet, I feel her hand in mine, as I open the boardroom door; the adult playground where no one looks like me. I smile, as Nana’s words, echo from my childhood. I’m here to play!
#2 The photo appeared to be taken through a fisheye lens from an aerial view, of a pond or lake in a field, surrounded by houses. It's an odd circular view of a landscape.
My story title: "Home"
Santiago gazed at neat rows, and rows of buttons. Each, painted with unique, exquisite detail and sized to fit neatly in his palm, was a portal to other worlds. All he had to do was choose one, press it firmly and he would become part of that world.
How to choose? A clock ticked. Time was finite. Choose, or one would be chosen for him. He closed his eyes and listened, then inhaled. He reached with his hand, following the sounds and smells. Lightly he brushed the buttons with his fingertips.
Ah! There it was. Home. He pressed the button.
And there you have it ... my beginning steps into microfiction!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I, have!
