My Three Super Short Writing Contest Losers

This summer, I entered three very short writing contests. Unfortunately, I didn’t win any of them. Here’s a look at each contest entry. The First Contest For this contest, I had to write a story of no more than 50 words. It had to include a ticket. I considered several tickets: a parking ticket, a…… Continue reading My Three Super Short Writing Contest Losers

Living My Dream Life: A Writing Contest Loser

It’s time for another writing contest loser. The story, entitled Living My Dream Life, is pretty much about how we sometimes look at other people’s lives and think that they have it great. Yet, often other people’s lives aren’t as great as we assume based on their “social media” life. This is longer than most…… Continue reading Living My Dream Life: A Writing Contest Loser

Failing Romantically: A Look at Another Writing Contest Loser

It’s that time again. It’s time to look at another writing contest loser. This one was entered in a contest sponsored by The Failing Writers Podcast. The theme was “failing.” The short story had to be under 500 words. It had to contain the phrase “Sorry, I haven’t got time.” I thought of a few…… Continue reading Failing Romantically: A Look at Another Writing Contest Loser

Three-in-One: Three Weird Christmas Short Stories

In late October, I encountered a strange short story writing contest. The company, Weird Christmas, wanted weird Christmas stories. There were three categories. The first, Stocking Stuffers, was any weird Christmas story. The second, Weird Christmas Specials, was about taking a well-known Christmas story and messing it up a little. The final one, Weird Cards,…… Continue reading Three-in-One: Three Weird Christmas Short Stories

I Hate Sarah Smith: Not a Writing Contest Winner

Recently, I entered a flash fiction writing contest. It needed to be 200 words or less and include a twist. Mine was cutting it close at 193 words. When I entered my story, “I Hate Sarah Smith,” the contest through Fusilli Writing was free. It was the last free contest for the company, and they…… Continue reading I Hate Sarah Smith: Not a Writing Contest Winner

Cross the Line: A Nonwinning Protest to Impress Story

A while back, I entered a writing contest for “Not Quite Write.” When I entered the contest, I knew almost nothing about the company, so I entered based 100% on the contest rules. There were four rules. First, it had to be no more than 600 words. Second, it had to have someone cross a…… Continue reading Cross the Line: A Nonwinning Protest to Impress Story

How to Win a Goodreads Giveaway: Tips and Hints

In the last four and a half months, I’ve won thirteen Goodreads Giveaways. I’ve had people ask me how they can win a Goodreads Giveaway. While I wouldn’t say that I’m an expert, there are several things that I think have helped me to be successful. Of course, some of these tips may or may…… Continue reading How to Win a Goodreads Giveaway: Tips and Hints