INDIES UNLIMITED WRITING COMPETITION

Indies Unlimited

I've been contemplating my writing skills lately and what I can do to improve and entertain with my words. I've posted some interesting stories and exciting experiences during my four years of blogging, but lately I feel like I'm missing a key element to good writing... and that's passion. It was easy for me to come home and write about a day's ride, or share a road trip I've experienced, because I felt so passionately about riding and loved it so much. Not to mention how much fun I was having. Putting to words my innermost thoughts, just seemed to flow out naturally.

Now... take away the motorcycle. Not only am I missing something I loved to do, I have nothing to write about. Have I lost my passion to write? Yeah... kind of.  It took some time, but after a while I realized that my writing passion didn't go anywhere... I just had to find it again.  For me, writing was, and is about memories and as long as I'm healthy minded, I'll have some great memories.

I came across an interesting website for folks who like to write, and now I'm hooked.  Actually, Donna's blog, 2 Taking a 5th, is where I stumbled upon it, and I'm so glad I did. She has been writing fiction for a while now and whether she knows it or not, she has been an inspiration to me to get my thoughts and ideas on paper.  Or, as we say now days... in Microsoft Word.

Indies Unlimited is comprised of a team of successful authors who wanted to break down the barriers for writers of all skill levels and provide exposure as well as inspiration, thoughts and ideas. They hold writing competitions and provide great information to authors new to the business of getting published.  I've been lurking around over there for a while now, and decided to enter one of their contests.  See here.

The Contest...

A picture is posted.

Photo by K.S. Brooks

Instructions: Your character waits beneath the streetlight as per the arrangements. The hour grows near for the meeting. Is the rendezvous with a lover, a blackmailer, or perhaps an informant? In 250 words or less, tell me a story incorporating the elements in the picture.
*Voting is open to the public on Wednesday morning.

For what it's worth, here's my entry:

Katy tilted her head and looked up at the light.  The dusky sky behind it was beginning to brighten as she dropped her gaze and peered down the street again, looking for Max.  Where was he?  She tried to keep herself from feeling anxious, but today wasn’t the day to be running late. 

Her heart skipped a beat as thoughts of her test crept into her mind. Having spent the last two days on the tarmac, she imagined herself back out on the course. Her instructor’s voice was a calm reminder in her mind, guiding her through the exercises. Eyes up… look into your turn… watch your mirrors.

The sounds of sputtering and clacking valves interrupted her thoughts as she turned to notice two dim and yellowing headlights bouncing toward her.  "Finally",she thought.  Checking her watch, she told herself she had plenty of time, but she would need to hurry.

As the rickety old truck came to a stop under Katy’s street light, Max shouted his greeting, “Sorry I’m late Katy, but this old gal just didn’t want to get rolling this morning.”

As Katy climbed on the bumper to get her bundle of papers out of the back, she answered, “That’s okay Max, I’m going to make it, but I don’t have time to chat today!” 

Max smiled knowingly.  He was proud of his young carrier.  Not many fifteen year olds can boast of earning a motorcycle endorsement while saving their newspaper money to buy their first motorcycle.  ~ DS

I realize using Max the "newspaper guy" as an informant is stretching, but I still had fun with this exercise. I invite you to go and peruse through the other entries, and if your so inclined to vote... I would appreciate yours!

Fiction writer in training...
Lady R