Happy Bloversary to Me! And Winners!

Today marks three years of blogging! On May 29, 2009, I decided to create this blog. I already had one on Livejournal, but my friend Aubrie told me about Blogger. Quickly, Blogger became my blogging home. Aubrie was also my first follower. Three years later, I have over 500 followers and have almost 700 posts and 35,000 page views. I'm amazed and humbled by all of this.

In honor of my blogversary and 500 followers, I am offering a $10 Gift Card to Amazon. All you have to do is comment below and sign up for my author newsletter here. Anyone who signs up for my newsletter receives a free fantasy short story. If you already have signed up, then just comment below to enter the giveaway. I'll announce the winner on Thursday, May 31.

 

Okay, I know why you are all really here. You want to hear the winners for the 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest. We had 63 entries, and I narrowed it down to a top six finalists. Voting began on Friday and ended yesterday. We had 180 votes! I said I would pick a random winner as well of a $10 Amazon GC. That winner is:

 

Heather Murphy!

In third place, we had a tie of 22 votes a piece for Geek Banter (1) and Far Away Eyes (2). In the event of a tie, I said I would use Random.org to choose between them. Our third place winner, who will receive a $15 GC from Amazon, is:

 

Geek Banter! 

With 48 votes, our second place winner, who will receive a $20 GC from Amazon, is: 

Medeia Sharif!

With 60 votes, our first place winner of the 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest, who will receive a $25 GC from Amazon, is:

Scribbles From Jenn!

Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you so much to everyone who spread word about this blogfest, participated, and voted. There will definitely be a third flash fiction blogfest, so stay tuned for details of it in May 2013.

And don't forget you still have a chance to win a $10 GC from Amazon. Comment below and sign up for my author newsletter (I promise not to spam you!).

Last Day to Vote for Flash Fiction Blogfest Finalists

 

Happy Memorial Day in the U.S.!

Today's the last day to vote for your favorite flash fiction piece from the six finalists.

I'll announce the winners tomorrow during my 3rd blogversary. By the way, that post will be a bit later than normal due to the fact I have to wait for the poll results.

Here are your six finalists in no particular order. 

 Geek Banter

Medeia Sharif

 Far Away Eyes

Title by Jaq

Scribbles From Jenn

Demolishing the Block

The Six Finalists of the Flash Fiction Blogfest

 

First off, I want to thank everyone who entered a flash fiction story as well as spread word about the Flash Fiction Blogfest. Last year, we had 25 entries, and we about tripled that this year. I've been amazed by the entries as well. It was hard to make a decision of the top six.

The way I gathered the entries was going to each of your blogs, copying and pasting the blog link and the entry. I left a general comment to let you know I saw the entry, then I blacked out the blog link. I didn't start reading the entries until Wednesday, and I went one by one to decide whether or not I liked it better than the top six I had. If so, then I considered where to put the story. If not, then it went to the cut list.

Trust me when I say this, writing is subjective. There wasn't a bad flash fiction piece I read. Many made me smile or chuckle. Others had my heart pounding with their excellent tension. These top six are subjective choices. Another person could take the same flash fiction pieces and choose six completely different finalists, but since this is my blogfest, you were stuck with me and my choices. Heh.

Without further ado, here are your six finalists in no particular order. 

 Geek Banter

Medeia Sharif

 Far Away Eyes

Title by Jaq

Scribbles From Jenn

Demolishing the Block

Feel free to click the links, since they take you to a new page. Then, come back and vote for your favorite. I know it's a tough decision. It was nearly impossible to just pick my top six. I'll announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners on Tuesday, May 29th. I'll also pick a random person to win a $10 gift card from Amazon.

As a special bonus, since I reached over 500 GFC blog followers this week, I will also be giving away something special on my blog on Tuesday.

Vote here!

Wednesday's Writing Update: Last Day for the Flash Fiction Blogfest

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Today's the last day to enter the Flash Fiction Blogfest. I'm going to start reading the entries today and will finish them tomorrow. I'll post the six finalists on the blog on Friday and open it up to voting.

As for writing, I'm working on the last two short stories for Women of Foxwick. My goal is to have them written by the end of this weekend, so my CPs can have a crack at them. Then, I'll do a round of editing and send it to my second batch of CPs. After that, there will be another edit, proofreading, and formatting. If all goes well, I hope to have Women of Foxwick published in mid-June or so.

So what are you working on?

Flash Fiction Blogfest: Between Dark and Light

 

Today's Day 2 of the Flash Fiction Blogfest. You have until Wednesday to post your entries, if you haven't done so already. Here's my entry to the blogfest. It's a continuation from my short story "Eclipse" found in The Best of Raven and the Writing Desk.

Between Dark and Light

Lightning flashed and killed the Sorceress Mordetta.

Despite the passing weeks since that fateful day, Raven could still see that murderous bolt. Kirken, the Magician, had complete control over the city now, and Raven had helped him.

But not anymore.

Her fingers tightened around the sword’s handle. Her father had not only created this sword but died from its sharp bite. But why did the Magician have it? Kirken had told her the Sorceress had stolen the sword and killed her parents, but now Raven wasn’t so sure. How else would he have the same sword?

Raven stole the light, and the castle plummeted into darkness. Her feet padded catlike down the halls. Electricity tingled throughout her body as she reached Kirken’s study where his lone candlelight shone bright against her self-made night.

“Where did this come from?” She steadied the sword—end pointed toward Kirken—and released her magical hold on the light.

He glanced toward her and the sword before he turned the next page in his book.

“Tell me.” Raven had expected him to be surprised, shocked, even possibly defensive, but his cold indifference caused her to shiver.

“You’ve made up your mind about me, have you not?” His finger caressed the paper.

She had. The Magician was supposed to be their savior from the cruel Sorceress, but Raven knew he just wanted to kill off the competition. He used her, whether or not he had a hand in her parents’ murders. The sword lifted, and her arms trembled under its heavy weight. She had been a thief, but Kirken had created a killer.

Light exploded and blinded Raven before she could deliver the final blow. The people would be kept in the dark about their new ruler.

Raven had failed.

Now click here to see the other participants.

Time for the 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest!

 

It's very likely that you've seen this picture above around on several blogs today, since today begins the 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest. My entry will be up tomorrow and people who've signed up for the blogfest have through Wednesday to post their entries. I'll be stopping by to collect the entries. I'll read them on Thursday and pick my top six finalists. On Friday, voting will begin to choose the top three, who will be announced on Tuesday, May 29th.

For a reminder of the rules and prizes:

Here are the rules:

1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed.

2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose. I'm not versed enough in poetry verse to judge it properly.

3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23.

4. You must sign up in the linky below to have your entry be counted.

On May 25, I will announce the six finalists and open voting through May 28th.

On May 29th, my third year blogversary, I will announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as a random winner selected from the participants list. All ties will be broken by Random.org.

Now what are the prizes?

First place - $25 gift card from Amazon

Second place - $20 gift card from Amazon

Third place - $15 gift card from Amazon

Random prize - $10 gift card from Amazon

If the winner prefers an alternate gift of equal value, I'm good with that. Contest in open internationally.

Flash Fiction Blogfest Starts Monday!

 

This is your friendly reminder about my 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest. It begins on Monday. I plan to post my flash fiction piece on Tuesday.

Here are the rules:

1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed.

2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose. I'm not versed enough in poetry verse to judge it properly.

3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23.

4. You must sign up in the linky to have your entry be counted.

On May 25, I will announce the six finalists and open voting through May 28th.

On May 29th, my third year blogversary, I will announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as a random winner selected from the participants list. All ties will be broken by Random.org.

Now what are the prizes?

First place - $25 gift card from Amazon

Second place - $20 gift card from Amazon

Third place - $15 gift card from Amazon

Random prize - $10 gift card from Amazon

 

Sound good? Then click here to sign up.

Announcing the 2nd Annual Flash Fiction Blogfest

 

Last year in May, I hosted a Flash Fiction Blogfest. It was so much fun hopping to people's blogs and reading their flash fiction, so I decided to host it again this year.

Here are the rules:

1. Entries must begin with the two words: Lightning flashed.

2. Entries must be 300 words or less and be in prose. I'm not versed enough in poetry verse to judge it properly.

3. Entries must be posted on your blog between May 21 - 23.

4. You must sign up in the linky below to have your entry be counted.

On May 25, I will announce the six finalists and open voting through May 28th.

On May 29th, my third year blogversary, I will announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as a random winner selected from the participants list. All ties will be broken by Random.org.

Now what are the prizes?

First place - $25 gift card from Amazon

Second place - $20 gift card from Amazon

Third place - $15 gift card from Amazon

Random prize - $10 gift card from Amazon

If the winner prefers an alternate gift of equal value, I'm good with that. Contest in open internationally.

If you have any questions, please ask in the comments.

So sign up for the blogfest below. *smiles*

Don't forget that Defying Gravity is still free through Friday!

Amazon US  Amazon UK  Amazon DE  Amazon FR  Amazon IT  Amazon ES

And the winners of the Flash Fiction Blogfest are...

First, I want to thank everyone who voted for our lovely six finalists and for those who entered. I had fun doing this, so I might have to make the Flash Fiction Blogfest an annual event to the blog. 

First, our random winner. I put numbers besides everyone's names who submitted an entry. Then I used the Randon Number Generator to find a number. The winner was Cher Green. Cher, you have a choice of either a copy of my Once Upon a December Nightmare or a copy of Raven and the Writing Desk 2010 when it becomes available. Email me your choice, and I'll send it to you (or send it to you when it comes out). 

Honorable mention goes to J.C. Martin. Take a look at the books I've reviewed. Here is the list. Pick one you want, and I'll send it to you. Congratulations!

We had tied third place winners. I didn't want to choose between them. Sonia and Christine Rains, you have both one a $15 Amazon Gift Card. I'll contact you soon for an email address to send the card to you. Congrats!

Our second place winner was Bill Blume. Congratulations, Bill! You have a choice of three items: the writer's kit (pens, notebook, sticky notes) or a $20 gift card from Amazon or a 25-page critique. Let me know which one you choose, and we'll work out the details. 

And, our first place winner is...Lisa Potts! Congratulations!! You have a choice of a $25 Amazon gift card or a 50-page critique. Plus, you get this winner badge to put on your blog, if you so choose as our first first-place winner of my Flash Fiction Blogfest. 












Congratulations, everyone! And, thank you once again for entering and voting!

Just a reminder...

The Flash Fiction Blogfest is tomorrow. 

The rules:

1. You write a piece of flash fiction 500 words and under. It can be any genre, but it must be prose (sorry, poets). It also doesn't have to be something newly written. Give me your best 500 words or less.

2. On Friday, May 6, 2011, everyone who joins will post his/her flash fiction piece on his/her blogs. We’ll jump around and read everyone’s fun posts.

3. Over that weekend, I’ll judge everyone flash fiction piece and pick six finalists.

4. Then I’ll announce the six finalists on Monday (hopefully) and everyone will have until Friday, May 13th to vote for their favorites. The top three will win prizes.

The prizes:

1st place: $25 gift card to Amazon or 50-page critique

2nd place: A writer's set or 25-page critique

3rd place: A book I've reviewed. See list here.

Click here to add your name to the linky.

I look forward to your flash fiction tomorrow! Good luck!

F is for Flash Fiction

If you’ve been following this blog for a while (even over a week), then you will notice every Friday I have Flash Fiction Fridays. Basically, flash fiction is a very, very short story. It needs plot, character(s), conflict, and setting. The conflict doesn’t need to be resolved, and it is often just beginning in a flash fiction piece. There is little to no back story in flash fiction. Whereas a novel is a huge span of time for the most part, a short story is a moment in time, flash fiction is a second(s) in time. In general, flash fiction is under 1,000 words, but some consider it under 300. For my flash fiction pieces, I try to hover around 500 words.

I enjoy writing flash fiction because it has taught me the valuable lesson that every word counts. By writing it, I’ve found that I can shave off words in anything I write if I think about it. It helps tighten longer pieces, and it’s great creative/writing practice.

With mentioning flash fiction, I bring you to my first blogfest. Yes, I’m holding a Flash Fiction Blogfest to celebrate close to 250 followers and flash fiction.

What the blogfest will entail:

1. You write a piece of flash fiction 500 words and under. It can be any genre, but it must be prose (sorry, poets).

2. On Friday, May 6, 2011, everyone who joins will post his/her flash fiction piece on his/her blogs. We’ll jump around and read everyone’s fun posts. It gives you almost a month to create something.

3. Over that weekend, I’ll judge everyone flash fiction piece and pick six finalists.

4. Then I’ll announce the six finalists and everyone will have a week to vote for their favorites. The top three will win prizes.

Now you’re probably wondering what those prizes are:

1^st place: $25 gift card to Amazon

2^nd place: A Writer’s Kit with multicolored pens, notebook, and sticky notes

3^rd place: A book I've reviewed. (whichever is cheaper - electronic or print version of one book I’ve reviewed, your choice) For a list of books reviewed, click here. 

These prizes are just eligible for US residents, but I don’t want my international friends feeling left out.

If you are from another country and win, here are your prizes:

1^st place: 50-page manuscript critique or $25 Amazon Gift Card if you are in one of the countries that accepts them*.

2^nd place: 10-page manuscript critique

3^rd place: A PDF copy of Once Upon a December Nightmare and Raven and the Writing Desk 2010

So, what do you need to do now. Join the linky thing below and comment on this post. I’d appreciate it if you spread the word as well. As mentioned above, it’s my first blogfest, so if you have any suggestions to help it go smoothly, I’d appreciate them.

P.S. I am signing up, too, but I won't win any prizes except for getting a chance to read some great flash fiction. *grins*