120 Words or Less; Can you do it? Part 4  July 18, 2007 - July 24, 2007

Welcome back all previous submitters, and hello to all the new contestants.

This week we're going to try something different. I've had an exceptionally hard time finding inspiration for 7 words, so I had a different idea. I'm going to list 7 titles and you pick one and write a 120 word flash story inspired by that title. You don't have to necessarily include the title in your story, so you're given a few more words to use this time.

Since there are 7 titles, there will be 7 first place winners--one for each title. As well as 7 second place winners for each title, and 3 honorable mentions. I doubt I'll get enough to fill those pants, but hey, I gotta try.

The titles are:

The Slaughter of the Damned

War Inside My Head

The Ministry of Lost Souls

Hell's Kitchen

Deep In Heaven

Strange Deja Vu

The Spirit Carries On

Thanks go to my husband for inspiring this idea. For music fans out there, these titles are actually Dream Theater song titles. If you've never heard of them, they're a great progressive rock band. Check them out.

Also, one last note, this contest will be limited to short stories only. As a horror writer, I think the titles hold great potential for scary stories and I'd love to see some horror writing here. If that's not your bag, that's okay too. I'd still love to see what you do with it. I will not be biased towards horror, but to good writing and exceptional story telling.

Remember, it's about the story, not the genre.

I can't wait to see what you guys come up with. You have one week! You can submit more than once and for any titles you choose. Write two stories for one if you wish, but I will only give one award per title to one author. So if you have two great stories for one title, one will get an award and another an honorable mention. But there's 7 titles, so don't limit yourself!

Shanna Wynne

Lawton, OK

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Created Jul 18, 2007