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I can't wait to see what people submit!

I received a request to be the official judge for the Creative Writing Contest of the Month, and I couldn't turn down to the opportunity! So, before I turn you loose with the guidelines below, let me give you a helpful hint - the more creative, the better with bonus points for originality! Have a spooktacular time!j. www.janicegrove.comCreative Writing Contest for OctoberGive us your scary, your spooky, your hauntingly creative stories. October is full of ghosts and goblins lurking around every corner, so why not write about them for a chance to win the Creative Writing Contest of the Month? Short stories of 6,000 words or less, please. All genres accepted, with extreme spine tingling, suspenseful, and good old fashioned honor to the classic Halloween themes a must! Don't forget, this is a creative contest, not a school assignment - so have fun!Age Groups:6 and under7 - 1213 - 1718 and abovePrizes:One winner per age group will have his or her story posted on the forum, as well as win a $25 AMC Theatres Gift Card. How to Enter: Send your (or your child's) story  as a Private Message to the originator of this post (or e-mail it to editor@imzadipublishing.com), along with the author's name, age and a valid email address. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. This is to be fun filled, not a stressful experience! You don't have to submit a story to participate in a giveaway either!!  Just click on the link below and like our Facebook page (don't forget to visit www.imzadipublishing.com too!)www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c205aa0/Legal:Contest begins on October 14, 2013 and ends 11:59pm CST October 31, 2013. This is a free contest open to all age groups, and all genres. One (1) winner per age group will be chosen by an impartial judge and the winner shall be notified no later than five (5) days after the contest ends. Each entry is considered copyrighted material and shall not be copied or used in any way other than said contest without permission. Entry of said contest grants permission to the contest facilitator(s) to post the entrant's story, should it be deemed a winner, upon the aforementioned page and/or website.

Hi Autumn! Here's my two cents for everyone - don't sell yourself short, it's usually those of us who have had trouble finishing a project throughout our lives, who suddenly get grabbed by a character who just refuses to let go. That's how I was with The Rain Song. I'd go through my day with whole scenes, dialogue, interactions - a whole TV show/movie running through my head in a loop, until I began to write it down and then it would move me forward to the next scene. My family was hesitant at first (they weren't used to Mom laughing suddenly for no reason, or worse... walking out of the office with tears drying on my face), but they soon began to accept the fact that there were new members of the family among us... they were just invisible!Encourage others in their art, whether it's writing, painting, sculpting, dancing, and you'll start to see how much your own craft grows as well. Take part in discussions and drag those reluctant friends along for the ride, you never know where you'll end up! So yes, for now, your writing is a hobby. But who knows... maybe one day you'll get a Micah who won't let go and you'll have no choice but succumb to his charms and tell his story. I will warn you now, this will most likely lead to late night/early morning writing marathons (since that's the only time you'll be left alone), mad dashes to paper (yes, I've used grocery receipts) to write down a part of a story that I knew I'd lose if I couldn't get it right then, and censuring looks  from passing strangers who find it completely bizarre that someone should seemingly have a whole conversation with themselves... especially if that person is known for talking with their hands!

Quote from: phedresrose on 11 Oct, 2013 09:13I think outlines can help the organizational process. I know I've done them for college papersThat's when I would primarily use them as well.  The stories I am writing involve time travel and historical events so instead of an "outline" I have set up a spreadsheet to keep things straight when I need to refer to it.  I have dates, historical events, character names (because occasionally I seem to try to change them), physical characteristics/attributes, Titles, Familial information etc.  Heck, even George R.R. Martin has a friend who keeps all of his facts straight for "The Game of Thrones" series.  He admits he can't remember sometimes what he has stated some of his characters look like 

I heard about NIMROD when I lived in Tulsa. I won't be able to make it this year, but there is always next year Thank you for the heads up! I have trouble writing everyday too. Most of it is through a lack of willpower. I've been trying to get myself in the habit, but it is a constant work of progress.

I too have several favorite authors...and I'm right there with you about Emily Bronte, she was so ahead of her time!  One of my modern favorite authors is Kresley Cole.  She writes paranormal romance so naturally you have super alpha males in them.  Some people don't like stories with these super macho/protective guys in them but I do.  What I like best about Kresley's stuff however is the humor she writes with.  Her characters have such personality and I love it when I find myself actually laughing out loud at something one of them says, or thinking "that's exactly what I would have said!"  For me, that's pure entertainment! (racy sex scenes notwithstanding...but hey, even those can be educational  )  Aside from her more adult books she's also been writing a series for young adults which is just as entertaining.

Let us know of any workshops you come across you have found helpful, either in your area or online.

• Nimrod Conference for Readers & Writers is held every October at Tulsa University.  It costs between $50-$100 and is worth every penny! ($50 for the full Saturday, $100 if you wish to also attend the Awards Dinner the previous night.) While attending you will have access to award winning authors as speakers and heading up workshops.  You are even provided with an opportunity to have a one-on-one editing session.  The cost also includes a very nice lunch on Saturday. This year the workshop will be held Saturday the 19th of October.  It's not too late to sign up if you would like to attend.  I have attended in the past and highly recommend it!  http://www.utulsa.edu/nimrod/conference.html

So very true.  A few years ago a friend and I attended the NIMROD Workshops (btw, it's totally worth attending this workshop, it's a great resource) and one of the guest speakers was Robert Olen Butler.  Robert is the author of the Pulitzer Prize winning book "Hell".  When asked what his best advice was for aspiring writers it was basically this (I'm paraphrasing) "you have to write every single day!", he was quite emphatic about it too.  This is where I struggle.  I have a couple of stories in work right now too, I just cannot seem to sit down without distractions to write.FYI, the NIMROD Conference for Readers & Writers is held every October at Tulsa University.  It's totally worth the money!  They bring in award winning authors, have writing workshops, you can even have a one-on-one editing session and it's only $50 for a day which also includes lunch.  It's not too late to sign up if you would like to attend....  http://www.utulsa.edu/nimrod/conference.html

The short story I'm working on is part sci-fi and post-apocalyptic. It is set one hundred to two hundred years (still working that out) after a mass exodus from Earth. I will definitely post some of my poetry when I have it ready. I'm digging out some old pieces and polishing them up a bit. Also working some new ones too.

Welcome Autumn, we are happy to have you here!  What genre is the short-story you are working on?  Oh, and please do feel free to post some examples of your poetry on the Poetry Boards, I would love to read some of it.