NYC Midnight

Short Story Challenge 2023

In January 2023, I took the plunge and entered this competition.

First up, 8 days to write a 3,000-word short story with three random prompts given. Mine: Fantasy genre, Hypnotist (main character) and Collision Event (subject)… well. I came up with a strange fox-person post-apocalyptic story and came first in my group of 30! The entrance fee is a bit pricey but it’s a fantastic and fun competition, with an online forum for advice, general writing talk and other writers to help you read and comment on your story, both before and after you’ve submitted.

The top 5 of each group went through to Round 2 – which took it down to about 1,000 participants. For Round 2, I had 3 days, 2,500 words and all new prompts… this time: Drama, a Cyclist, and Highway Robbery… and came 4th, phew!

Round 3 – 2 days, 2,000 words… Suspense, Five-Star and a Coroner…eek. And I did my best, but it was not quite there. So that was my end, and 44 people made it through to the final, which gave them 24 hours and 2,000 words. It was great fun though, and might do it again next year.

Here’s a review from one of the judges for my first round story, Hum, Mehitabel…

“This story is stunning. It is a celebration of language and, in my opinion, a work of creative genius.”

[Blush]. But go on then, I’ll take it! Happy writing and reading, everyone.