Day: March 19, 2012

Serendipity 2012 Spring Writing Contest

Soho Enterprises LogoSoho Enterprises, Inc. (SEIKy) is proud to sponsor the Serendipity Writing Contest. Entries will be accepted in two categories: very short fiction (1,000 word limit) and short story (5,000 word limit).

A grand prize of $250 will be awarded for the best entry. Additional prizes will be awarded for 1st ($75) and 2nd ($50) place in each category. Entry fees are $7 for one entry, or $10 for two entries. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2012.

For more information, visit their website.

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Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this contest information for the convenience of our readers.  We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition.  Entrants should always research a competition prior to entering.[subscribe2]

Sneak Peek: Jim Graham’s Birdie Down

Today we have a sneak peek from Jim Graham’s science fiction adventure, Birdie Down:

Birdie DownThe Outer-Rim rebellion stumbles into its second day – and in the wrong direction.

The third generation residents of the resource-rich New Worlds are seeking to throw off the yolk of corporate rule. Ex-Resource War veteran, Sebastian Scatkiewicz and his colleague, Andrew ‘Birdie’ Goosen, have dared to take on the biggest company of them all. Hot from attacking the Lynthax Corporation head offices on Trevon and then on G-eo they’re planning to attack a third. But there’s friction in the rebel camp. Scat’s ignoring the advice of colleagues. His personal beef with Jack Petroff, Lynthax’s head of security, is affecting his judgement; his friends and political masters are doubting his motives; and the loyalty of the newest recruits is far from certain…

The first in a break-out series, based on the space adventure ‘Scat’.

Birdie Down is available from Smashwords for free, and on Amazon.com. Continue reading “Sneak Peek: Jim Graham’s Birdie Down”

Spunky’s Present to You

Dali and his pet Ocelot.

The first writer’s blog that I read was written by the woman who would end up editing my first novel. In a particularly excellent post, she discussed at length the need to layer your characters – to give them strengths and weaknesses, good and evil motivations, and to otherwise make them as believably flawed as any human you might know. Annoying habits and pet peeves add depth, she postulated, and these idiosyncratic traits will make the character more believable. I’ve kept this post in my head as I develop my characters, and I’ve created a couple of doozies. In true Lois fashion, however, I would like to add a stylish twist to my mentor’s essay – when you want to give your reader a real clue as to what makes your character tick, give the character a pet. Continue reading “Spunky’s Present to You”