When I decided to start writing again, I got into it gently by entering the Another Realm Flash Fiction contests. They are fun, there is plenty of positive feedback, and the AR community is very nice. This is a very entertaining thing, so please enter.
Another Realm was badly hacked more than once and the webmaster started a job that took up most of his time, so it’s been three years since they’ve had a contest. Please consider getting 1000 words down and sending it in.
The topic is “Stranded” for the next two months. I don’t think you win anything except bragging rights. I am pondering the topic and I’ll see if I can come up with a story. The nice thing about flash is that you can knock one off in an hour or so, send it off and it gets published. You don’t have to spend much effort or worry time. Readers will, however, not hesitate to criticize your spelling and grammar, so check it over once or twice before submitting.
The guidelines are not easy to find on the site. Here is a cut and paste from their FAQ:
How do I submit a Contest Story?
Contests:
- A 1000 word limit.
- Please send in an e-mail in “plain text” format.
- Do not center titles.
- For italics, ****words you wish italicized***.
- Please include a word count.
- One entry per author, per contest.
- Clearly state this is a “Contest Entry” in the subject line of the email.
- Submissions are closed two weeks before the contest’s end.
(This is done so I can catch up with the entries) - Please include your name, both real and/or as you wish it published.
- Your address, both email and physical, so we know how to contact you.
- Anotherealm accepts no attachments –no matter the type– for fear of viruses.
Set your stories to PLAIN TEXT and PASTE them in an e-mail for submission - Anotherealm no longer accepts ANY hardcopy submissions.
- Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror only please.
- Copyright reverts to the author after publication.
Flash Fiction and Contest Stories (Up to 1,000 words) are handled by Webbie who can’t spell, edit a sentence or even dance well. So, use a spell checker and give it a bit of polish, eh? Please send electronic submissions only, to flash.[email protected]. Questions about flash fiction or the contests can be sent to the webmaster.