Hi friends! As I mentioned last week, I'm switching things up. It felt like the #fiftyword short story challenge had run its course, and it's time for something new. And I've got some updates this week too as I work toward making this contest accessible, fun and interesting for more people. What's new:
- This is now a weekly micro-fiction writing contest with a reward of 2 SBD.
- The word limit is now 250 words. (Anything 250 words or under is fine.)
- AND, best of all, we're going to collaborate with the #freewrite community!
The idea, Freewriters, is to pick a freewrite fiction piece you're proud of and polish it for the #microfiction contest. Or write something new. It's up to you. And of course everyone is welcome, whether or not you're affiliated with @FreeWriteHouse. Many thanks to 
Be sure to check out the weekly prompt, and include that word in your story. For this week the prompt is "sunset."
In the rest of this post you will find:
- An intro to the micro-fiction contest.
- Last week's winner.
- The contest rules.
About the micro-fiction contest
Micro-fiction short stories are fun to write, and they stretch your skills. The challenge is to write a complete story within a tight word limit. If you're just trying it out for the first time, welcome! Here are a few FAQs:
- Why participate? Because it's an interesting challenge, and a really great way to hone your fiction writing and editing skills. Oh, and it gives you something to post weekly.
- What makes a great micro-fiction story? As we all know, critique of the arts is subjective. That said, I have a few metrics for choosing the best entry:
- Is the story well-written and edited? (A compelling story line, and no spelling or punctuation errors.)
- Does it have the elements of a story? For example, a true story must have a conflict of some kind. It could be a conflict between people, an inner conflict or deep desire of a character, or a big challenge such as an oncoming storm. And there must be a resolution to the conflict. For example, the character might walk away from the conflict or breathe a sigh of relief. (Need an example? My latest one is here.)
- Is the story satisfying to read? Remember you are writing for readers. The story must have interesting character(s) and story elements.
- What else do I need to know?
- See the rules below. There are just a few of them, especially around use of images, and there are some great image resources for you.
- Note also that the deadline isn't as firm as a lot of contests. It's always on a Saturday, but as long as your entry comes in before the next prompt post comes out (usually late Sunday or early Monday), it's fine.
- Finally, note that submitting your entry to the contest implies consent for me to feature your work, in part or in full. Please be sure to let me know if you do not want your work reprinted in the next week's post.
Writing resources
If you are not sure how to write a compelling story, see my weekly mini writing workshop (tagged #writingworkshop). The latest post is here, and it includes links to all of the posts. You can also have someone else read your story and help with your storyline, grammar and punctuation. There are multiple Steem writing communities to help you:
Last week's winning entry
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's contest: 
The ice rink was crowded with amateurs brought out by the mild weather. Jan was here every day possible, practicing after the accident. The Jr Olympic final tryouts were in five weeks.
She was grace and fluidity personified as she glided around the rink. Observers around the rink paused their hot chocolate sipping to admire her performance.
Jan was picking up speed to practice a camel spin and it happened in a heart stopping instant. Choosing between the falling child and her Olympic dreams, she felt the ankle snap again as she crashed into the retaining wall.
Nice work,
New micro-fiction short story prompt and rules
The new prompt for this coming week is "sunset." I look forward to seeing what you come up with! The deadline is Saturday, January 19th, with a grace period until the new contest post is up.
Contest rules
- Write a micro-fiction story in 250 words or less and post it to your blog, then provide a link to the story in the comments. Please do not post your story in the comments!
- Use only artwork that you have the right to use, and attribute it properly. See "Use of images" below.
- Use the #microfiction tag. If you would like to write your story to exactly 50 words or 100 words, feel free to use the #fiftywords or #100words tag, as appropriate. And finally, #flashfiction is a great tag as well.
You can use any posting tool, e.g. Steemit, Busy, Partiko, or Steampeak. Just please publish it on its own, not combined with any other contest.
Note that you are not required to upvote or resteem this post, nor are you required to support other participants. Entries will be judged on merit only. But active community participation and support of your fellow writers is, of course, highly encouraged.
Use of images
You are welcome to illustrate your story with an image, as long as you have the right to use it. One of the following must be true:
- The image is public domain, or under creative commons licensing. See the resource links below.
- It is your own image.
- If it is not one of the above, you must have actual permission.
Be sure to properly attribute the image’s source or mention that the image is yours.
Here are some creative commons and public domain image resources:
Good luck micro-fiction writers!
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://jaynalocke.com/2019/01/14/micro-fiction-writing-contest-was-fiftywords/