No Trespassing

Published on January 25, 2015April 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

The afternoon sun did little to soften the chill as they walked.

Jenna hesitated before the opening; the faded warning alarmed her, No Trespassing.

Kyle clasped her hand and ushered her past the broken boards as he said, “It’s okay.”

His flashlight bounced off the rock walls as they sank to the blanket covering the dirt floor.

She suppressed a giggle, as she sat in an old deserted mine and waited for her first kiss.

Free Writing Prompt

join in the fun with

Five Sentence Fiction-Lillie McFerrin Writes

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word.

This week’s word: ABANDON

Mark your calendar

Published on January 21, 2015January 24, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

Ready Set Go

Opportunities in Writing

With the New Year comes new opportunities to submit your writing. There’s something for everyone who writes. Have some fun and get those keyboards clicking.

`January 23^rd:`

Ann Summers. Whether you’re inspired by fantasies or personal experiences, put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, we’re not fussy) and write us a steamy story of 750 – 1,000 words by 23 January 2015.

January 30^th:

deadline for Grey Matter Press, Dark fiction publisher Grey Matter Press has opened submissions to its next anthology tentatively titled, MONSTERS, featuring a collection of horror stories that explore the darkest monsters who dwell among us—mankind. – For additional info click here.

February 8^th:

Flash Fiction Chronicles GUIDELINES The contest is open for eight days only. Anyone may enter. All entries must be in English and submitted through our submission manager. Our regular daily prompts will be suspended during the length of the contest. The complete guidelines will be published with the prompt on February 8. Click on link for all the information.

Now through February 15^th:

MASH Stories. The second no-no is missing the deadline. MASH stories runs every quarter, meaning every three months and a total of four times a year. The deadline for the current competition is 15th January 2015, and the winner will be announced on 15th February 2015.

April 1^st:

Lascaux 250 The next 250-word fiction contest will take place 1 April to 30 June. We’ll begin accepting submissions on 1 April but won’t begin posting them until 15 June.

May 31^st:

Words with JAM First Page Competition 2015. It’s that time of year again. We’re looking for the most captivating first page (up to 400 words) of a story. Entries can be from a novel published, unpublished, a part written novel, or simply a first page written purely for the competition. Entries will be judged anonymously.

Do you know of any good opportunities for submission?

My fellow writers and I would love to hear from you.

Let us know, feel free to leave the links and facts in the comments section where other writers can find the information.

Summer is Over

Published on September 3, 2014September 3, 2014 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

Homework

Well, school’s started.

Your house is quiet.

Time to get writing.

But let’s be honest, letting go of those hazy, lazy days of summer is not easy. This summer I’ve enjoyed reading for pure pleasure and daydreaming of sandy beaches.

Are you mocked by your computer screen too? Mine stares at me like a two-year old who doesn’t understand the word no.

However, I’m determined to get my groove back and shake out the cobwebs. At my age, not an easy thing.

So it’s back to basics, and homework. Prompts to get the rust off and articles, books and websites that remind me how to write. Yes, I need reminding.

I’ve listed a few of my favs. Hope they help you get going this fall.