The (ver batim) rules for the short story contest:
-Entries must not exceed 2,000 words. (685 words, here!)
-Manuscripts must be double-spaced on 8 1/2 x 11″ white paper. (Double-spaced, check. Standard paper, check.)
-Each submission entered must include:

• A seperate cover page with name of contest, title of manuscript, number of words, writer’s name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address if available. (Done!)
• A title page with the manuscript title only. (Done!)
• On the manuscript itself, each page should be headed with a title key word and page number. Nowhere on the manuscript should the author’s name appear. (Done!)

• No staples, please. (They’re so picky, aren’t they?)

-Only previously unpublished stories accepted. (Well, that means pretty much everything I’ve ever written is acceptable. lol.)
-Copyrights to manuscripts remain with authors. WRITERS’ Journal requires only one-time publishing rights to winning entries. (yay!)
-No profanity. (*puts pants back on*)

Of course, I have to send it to the proper address and make my check or money order (in USD only) payable to WRITERS’ Journal. :P

Doing this kind of thing sure does feel rewarding once you’re done. But I find it takes lots and lots of motivation to jump through all these hoops.

It makes me wonder if I’d have ever gone through all of this if I never started this blog. Would I have even written the short story in the first place? Would I still be writing?

If I say what I plan to do here, I always seem to follow through. That’s REALLY good for me. I’m not all that productive on my own, but introduce a little public humiliation to the mix and it’s just the kick in the pants I need to get stuff done. I know I’ll finish my trilogy, because I know I won’t fail if I promise something here (even if it sometimes takes me a little while). ;)

Now, to mail this stuff out…. (And yes, I’ll keep you updated ^_^)

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