Scary Short Story Competition Round Two!
Over the weekend, I had the joy and challenge of brainstorming and writing round two's scary short story for #nycmidnightshortstorychallenge . I've participated in their contests for years. I can safely say this prompt was the most difficult. It took my wife and me over a day to nail down the story. Every word counts when you have a 400 word limit. Shout out to my wife for her efforts as a soundboard and editing machine.
#authorsoftiktok #writing #writingcommunity #writingchallenge
Participating in short story competitions, especially with tight word limits like 400 words, truly tests a writer's skill and creativity. From my experience, the key to success lies in carefully choosing each word to maximize impact, which often requires multiple revisions and feedback from trusted peers or family members. Having someone as a soundboard during the brainstorming and editing phases can transform a good story into a great one. For the #nycmidnightshortstorychallenge, the prompt can be particularly challenging, pushing writers to innovate within constraints. A helpful approach is to outline your story’s core message and mood first, then focus on creating suspense or emotional resonance within the limited word count. Using vivid, concise descriptions and imply horror elements rather than explicitly stating them can engage readers’ imaginations more effectively. Additionally, submitting your story in a timely fashion and double-checking all contest rules and formatting guidelines can prevent disqualification and improve your chances. Drawing from personal experiences or fears can also make your scary story relatable and convincing. Overall, embracing the challenge of a scary short story contest sharpens your writing skills, encourages discipline, and connects you with a supportive writing community. With persistence and collaborative effort, even the most daunting prompts become manageable and rewarding.
