Tag: contests

The Blood Moon that Became Legend

The Blood Moon that Became Legend

Dear Readers, Do you love mysteries, eerie tales, and a touch of the inexplicable? Are you fascinated by stories that blur the line between reality and legend? Then I invite you to visit my entry in this weeks contest and dive into my latest short story, “The Blood Moon That Became Legend.”Set in the quiet town of Milford, Oregon, this story unravels a haunting chain of events that began with a blood moon, a 911 call, and strange lights in the woods. What followed were footprints too large to be human, a mutilated cow, and a town spiraling into fear and speculation. Is it all an elaborate prank, or is something far more sinister at play?I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop by my site, read the story, and share your comments. Let me know what you think of the tale—your feedback is invaluable as I continue crafting more thrilling narratives.Visit my site here: [Insert your site link]Step into the mystery of Milford. The blood moon awaits you.

The goal was to tell a story in the form of a police report, news article, or journal entry about an incredible (or impossible) event.

When the blood moon rises over the quiet town of Milford, Oregon, the line between prank and peril blurs. A teenager’s terrified 911 call sparks a cascade of strange events: eerie lights, bone-chilling screams, massive clawed footprints, and a mutilated cow. What begins as a suspected hoax unravels into a mystery that shakes the town to its core. With rumors of cryptids, unexplained disappearances, and sinister motives swirling, young Jamie Carter takes it upon herself to uncover the truth. But as the blood moon’s glow fades, Milford faces a chilling question: what if the legend is real?

Dark, suspenseful, and laced with cosmic unease, The Blood Moon That Became Legend will leave you questioning what lurks in the shadows—and whether some mysteries are better left unsolved.

Ya’ll check out the story on the Reedsy site and give it a like for me. https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/author/scott-taylor-918071/

Thanks

Why I Value Critiques Over Prizes in Writing Contests
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Why I Value Critiques Over Prizes in Writing Contests

This week’s entry…

Many of you know I frequently submit contest entries to Reedsy, aiming for several submissions each month.

While the tease, the carrot, if you will, of $250 is nice, the reality is that I don’t even consider that part of the prize that I am seeking.

People around the world read my stories. While a simple “like” is an affirmation in that they took the time to click like, it is for the critiques of other writers I seek.

Since they don’t know me, they can tell me what they honestly think or feel. I also reciprocate for the stories that I read. I do that with the good, the bad, and the ugly.

This week’s entry was posted, and I received the following review.

Scott, your story masterfully blends humor, serendipity, and heartfelt moments into a captivating narrative that made me feel like I was right there in the snowed-in airport. The line, “No, I’m not tired,” he whispered sadly, “but I’m also sad to see the blizzard ending,” encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of fleeting connections and new possibilities. Your depiction of Victor and Emma’s banter and chemistry, especially their shared frustrations and quick wit, is utterly delightful. The humor throughout the story—like Emma’s hilarious commentary on airport bars—kept the mood lively while the underlying emotions added depth. Your vivid descriptions, especially of the bustling airport bar and Victor’s nostalgia for Toad Suck, created a rich, immersive backdrop. This is a wonderfully crafted piece with humor, heart, and charm. Thank you for sharing such a delightful read!

I am not sharing this as a brag but as an example.

Countless similar contests, with their own unique rules and prizes, undoubtedly exist across various platforms and communities. For me, these contests are much like a recess from grade school—a welcome break from the pressures of work, a chance to let loose and have some fun, just like those carefree days of childhood. The prompt transports me from my project – be it the chilling winds and barren rocks of an alien planet or the plush carpets and rich scents of a movie star’s boudoir. The challenge is to meticulously plan my writing, unlike my spontaneous, free-flowing pantster style. With a maximum of 3000 words, creating the arc, the storyline, and so on is excellent practice for that New York Times bestseller that is looming in the near distance of my imagination.

Follow the link to my entry and see what you think. Was she right?

Recently, I published a book of these entries called Ephemera, Tales of the Fleeting and Profound. Another book with the same name, Vol II, is in the making as I take these stories, edit them, add to them as I see fit, and re-publish them as a book of short stories. You can find my work here.

Welcome to 2025 and your personal connection to someone passionate about the craft of writing.  Cheers!