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.
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Wow, what a rollercoaster that NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge was! I mentioned how tough Round Two's prompt was, and I really wasn't kidding. For our story, tentatively titled 'Silent Hours,' the initial brainstorming felt like hitting a brick wall. My wife and I spent over 24 hours just trying to crack the concept. You know that feeling when you're staring at a blank screen, the cursor blinking, and nothing comes? That was us for a solid day. We tried everything – mind maps, free writing, even just talking through absurd scenarios. Eventually, something clicked, and we started building on a creepy concept that felt both fresh and genuinely unsettling. The 400-word limit is a beast in itself. Every single word has to earn its place, especially in a scary story where atmosphere and tension are everything. There's no room for fluff. It really forces you to be precise with your language, choosing verbs and adjectives that pack the most punch. We went through countless drafts, pruning sentences, cutting unnecessary descriptions, and making sure every moment contributed to the overall dread. My wife, truly an editing machine, was invaluable in this. Having a second pair of eyes, especially someone who understands the nuances of horror, is a game-changer. I vividly remember those long hours, hunched over my laptop at our outdoor glass table, often with our black dog quietly resting nearby, offering that much-needed companionship. It's funny how those small comforts can ground you when your mind is deep in the dark corners of a scary narrative. The pressure was real, knowing that an 'Upload Success!' message was the goal, confirming our entry into the Scary Story Challenge 2025. It's more than just writing a story; it's about pushing your creative boundaries under a strict deadline. For anyone thinking about entering a similar writing challenge, my biggest advice would be: embrace the struggle. The most difficult prompts often lead to the most creative solutions. Don't be afraid to step away, let ideas marinate, and then come back with fresh eyes. And seriously, if you can, find a writing partner or a trusted reader. Their perspective can illuminate things you completely missed. The satisfaction of finally hitting that 'submit' button, knowing you poured your heart into it, is just incredible. It's a reminder of why I love being part of this vibrant writing community.
