Dear 100 Word Story Writers,
It's hard to believe we are already at CONTEST EIGHT!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- We are continuing with four opportunities to win. First prize winner will receive $500. Runner up prizes will be $150, $100, and $50.
- For CONTEST EIGHT, story subjects are up to you, with attention to specifications on the "WHAT WE WANT..." (following) page. Do take a good look at "TIPS" on that page.
- All stories must meet requirements set forth in Official Guidelines. All contests are open for multiple entries by anyone in the world. All contests require the 100 words limitation.
AN OVERVIEW FOR YOU
The 100 word story form offers two unique opportunities—as a model for longer works, and as an attractive genre in its own right. By reading back what she or he has written, a writer can immediately perceive the significance of every word, phrase, and sentence for story impact. Implications of such analysis can be highly useful for longer writings.
The best of these stories are microcosms of human experience. In a great 100 word story, people are as real, and can engender as much emotion and lasting power, as in a 500 page novel.
A story might have an unforgettable poignancy and at the same time so much ambiguity that a judge must decide, with broken heart, not to call it a winner. That happened in the case of “Spoons,” an entry to Contest Seven. “Spoons” is the focus of a special commentary by our Final Judge, Erica Bauermeister. The story's author has received special recognition.
For more advice, see TIPS in the “WHAT WE WANT.. .” following page.
HOW WE CAN HELP
We offer critiques and checkmark evaluations on stories that come to us. This does not imply an opportunity for resubmission. But many contest participants write that the value of our critiques is as significant as the prizes.
We also offer critiques on longer writings. In this way, we deepen our relationships with our writers, and the ensuing fun is enough to keep us going through this Eighth Contest (or even Ninth??). Please see the “Critiques” page to see examples of our work.
WELCOME TO CONTEST EIGHT, STORY WRITERS!
Sincerely,
Idore Anschell,
Director, 100 Words or Fewer Writing Contest