A New Book! Imagine Your Story Flash Fiction 2020

 Last Year, before Covid19 hit the U.S.A. our local library system advertised their annual Flash Fiction contest. The guidelines said to take something ordinary and reimagine it.

I was looking through some pictures of my late fiance'. I'd taken a picture of the Survivor Bell during a tour of MUSC hospital after an appointment with the amazing Organ Transplant Team. That was our goal; Randy would one day, ring that bell.

Seeing this picture again, brought back memories of conversations we'd had late at night while Randy waited and contemplated all that receiving an organ transplant meant.  

 I wrote a short piece titled, Ring That Bell, in his memory. I entered it into this contest and it was selected to be in the book.

This book is not for sale. It is a Lending Library Book Only. I love the idea of writing a story for my community. The book is available for lending from the Land O Lakes Library. I also donated money so two copies would be put in the Centennial Library as well. These are libraries in the Pasco County Library System. 

I am also excited to announce that another story I submitted was chosen as well. The title of that story is The Tip. This is a story that came straight out of my vivid imagination and does not relate to anyone or anything in my life. I enjoyed writing it.

As you can see in these pictures, the book cover says "2020". With all that has occurred over the past year and a half with Covid19, and people leaving jobs, etc. It has taken much longer than originally thought for this book to come to fruition. It is finally here! 

If you happen to be perusing the library, I hope you'll read them and enjoy. The photographs in this book are gorgeous. 

Putting your work out there for others to read is rewarding, whether the readership is huge or available to only a community. So, Keep Writing, Keep Submitting, and Keep Smiling!

Why Picture Prompts?

Hi Fellow Writers,

A picture prompt is a writing challenge inspired by an image. The image is meant to kick-start your imagination and get those creative juices flowing.

Pictures have been used to stimulate the imagination for as long as I can remember. When I was in school, my favorite weekend homework assignment was the picture prompt. The entire class were given the same image of the most random scene with instructions to write a short story sparked by that photo.
I am fascinated at the range of interpretations. That is a WOW moment for me. It's a true pleasure to read an entirely different story inspired by the same picture.

Why not give it a try, now with the picture above. (I took that photograph last year.)

Take 15 minutes to simply look at the picture. Notice the details.
What questions come to mind?

Where is this person?
Why is he there?
What is he looking for or at?
What is the weather like?
What is the time of day?
What feeling does the image emote in you?

Are scenarios forming in your head? If so, start writing. Let the image inspire you. It doesn't have to be literal to the photo. Free write and have fun with it.

I believe picture prompts just may recharge your battery if you've been suffering from writer's block.

Take advantage of picture prompt contests.  Writer's Digest Magazine runs picture prompt contests. In fact, WD's YOURSTORY contest #97 is open for submissions right now! The deadline is April 8, 2019.
Look for details in the Writer's Digest March/April 2019 issue in print, (page 51), or check out the online magazine.
I entered this contest last week and can't wait to read the winners stories to see their interpretation of the image provided and how it differs from mine.

If you decide to write a story sparked by the above photo, I'd love to read it. I hope you'll share it with us in the comment box below.

Keep Writing, Keep Submitting and Keep Smiling!