January 11th Challenge

Hi, it’s Christina –

Good morning. I couldn’t get into writing mode this morning, so I spent the past few hours poking around the internet for writing contests. Came across some interesting ones – one of which the prize is a seminar which takes place in Bulgaria in May. This could be interesting. Who knows, the Bradford’s hunt for the bad guys (sorry, until Simply by Chance is published, I can’t give you more than “bad guys”) would lead them to Bulgaria…

The prize includes the seminar, room and board, food, travel within the country and 50% of your international travel expenses. I looked up the airfare and it would cost around a grand to fly to Bulgaria (via Moscow). Perhaps the contest sponsored by the University of Southern Illinois would be a better choice. LOL.

Honestly, the one I would like to enter is the Amazon Breakout Novel Contest, but there is no information out yet, and rumors are spreading there won’t be a 2014 contest at all. I’ll keep watching, because this one is a biggie, and the window to enter is very small and they cut off after 10K entries.

If they do have the contest this year, AND I do manage to be one of the first 10K entries, AND if by some miracle I make it to the final round, I will need your help. In the final round, the five finalists (in each of the five categories) works are featured on Amazon, and the public has to vote for the winner. If I make it that far, please be prepared to be barraged with incessant begging. J

I wish you all a fun day & happy writing!

Your Last Challenge was:

Write a story using nothing but dialog (nope, not even a “he/she said”) with at least three different characters.

“Janie, come here a sec.”

“What is it Jack?”

“Take a look at what Tyler’s doing in the back yard.”

“What the heck is that boy up to now?”

“It looks like he’s fixin' to build a tree house.”

“A tree house? Oh dear Lord, Jack. He’s only seven. He can’t possibly build a tree house by himself. Please get out there and help your son before he hurts himself. The last thing we need is to spend the day in the emergency room!”

“I was planning on doing just that as soon as I finished my coffee. Looks like we have a weekend project.”

“Ahh, is that your saw? Forget the coffee. Get out there now!”

“Relax Janie. I’m going, I’m going.”

“Hey champ. Whatchya doin’?”

“I wanted to build a house just like you do Daddy. I got the wood, and the hammer, and the nails, and the saw, and look, I even made a picture of how it’s supposed to look when I’m done.”

“That’s a mighty fine drawing there son. It going to be a fine tree house.”

“Can you help me Daddy or do you have to go to work?”

“No Ty, I’m all yours. Where should we start?”

Your Next Challenge is:

End a story with “So that’s why you should never mix (insert items of your choosing here).”

You have 10 minutes (be honest). There is no right or wrong, just write. Spelling and punctuation don’t count and NO ONE is allowed to criticize what someone else has written. Go.