Janet Reid’s Scary Contest

Last Friday, Literary Agent Janet Reid ran a competition on her blog. The entrants had to write a story using 100 words or fewer, incorporating the words UNFORSAKEN, DEADLY, WITCH, GHOST, DECAY, and SLAY–with a bonus point for including INSALUBRIOUS. The winner would receive a critique of the first 30 pages of their manuscript by Literary Agent Barbara Poelle. Barabara and Literary Agent Holly Root would judge with Ms. Reid being the tie-breaker if necessary.

As with most of Janet’s competitions, there was a phenomenal response, and each entry was superb. In all there were 177 entries. Among these were some names I recognized as people who have commented (and at least one who follows) this blog. And yes, I submitted my own humble offering. I actually wrote the piece last Thursday, prior to the competition opening, and didn’t read any of the others before submitting. I’m an old hand at this now (I’ve entered, I think, the last four of Janet’s challenges–remember the Book Title Poetry contest I entered?) and I knew that the standard of entries would be so high, if I read any of them before submitting, I would probably not bother. In fact I’d probably give up writing altogether and go live in a cave somewhere. So I just scrolled through the comments, copied my piece into the comment box, and hit SUBMIT.

Yesterday, Janet announced the winners (one grand prize–the manuscript critique–and four random winners who would get books). As I expected, she had to utilize her tie-breaking powers. And no, I didn’t win. After submitting my entry, I read a number of the others, and while I resisted destroying my WIP and packing a bag, I pretty much knew there was no way I was going to win. I mean, these people can really write! So imagine my complete shock and amazement when, among the list of “Semi-Finalists” I see… “Colin Smith” followed by my story!  WHAT?? I made it to the semi-finals?! I don’t think I’ve ever made the semi-finals of anything! I was gob-smacked, as we used to say back in the old country.

Of course, the winning entry was a masterpiece and well deserved, as were all the finalists. I really am honored to have been picked out for any kind of special attention from such an illustrious crowd–and by such illustrious judges! I encourage you to check out the 177 entries if you want some entertaining reading. But since this is my blog, I’ll post my entry for you:

Gemma gave her mother a deadly look.
“I’m not wearing that–the others’ll slay me!”
“You’re already dead,” her mother grinned.
“I’m a vampire, mom, not a ghost. I can feel pain.”
“Who’s the young man?”
“Lloyd Finklebaum,” Gemma smiled.
“Isn’t his mother a witch? She’s the chef at Insalubrious.”
“Which witch?” Gemma said. Her mother frowned. That joke reeked of decay.
The doorbell rang. Gemma pulled the discarded garment over her head and ran for the door.
“Don’t be late,” her mother called after her. “You’re not too old to be unforsaken, you know!”