An Egg In The Hand, 1st Place Short Story
This year's NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge has started off eggsellently...
Why I Compete
This is my third year competing in the NYC Midnight Short Story Challenge. I love it because
It forces me to write genres outside my comfort zone
Has a tight word count and quick deadline (both great for editing)
I get feedback on every story I submit, no matter what…
1st Place Story!
Over 6,000 writers started this year’s challenge and were assigned into heats. Each heat has 30+ people writing on the same topics. Only the top 5 stories move on, narrowing the field to 1,125 writers heading into Round 2.
My first-round topics were crime caper, a tradeshow, and shopaholic. My story An Egg in the Hand won 1st place in my heat!
What Judges Liked
Judge #1 - “The author is a wonderful storyteller, creating authentic and likable characters in hot pursuit of the rare Arctic Falcon egg in the most unusual heist setting imaginable. Javier and Alvin are standout personalities; their interactions and conversations mimic that of brothers within the given scenario. Nice work.”
Judge #2 - “Plot and characters wove together in a seamlessly presented story to a predictable yet satisfying ending. Scenes were set with just enough detail to grab the reader with room to allow for imagination to feel Alvin's anxiety, Javier's triumph and the humor of a rare gift that wasn't.”
Judge #3 - “Lydia was a great character, and I liked the portrayal of her relationship with Javier. The exotic pet trade show was great setting, and really made the caper all the more unique. The ending was great - a really amusing twist!”
What Judges Feel Needs Work
Judge #1 - “It would be great for the guards to give into the lovely room service food at Javier's invite but remain standing. The outcome will secure that they are trying to be professional but are hungry. The guards sitting on the couches seem sloppy, too far-fetched for the scenario.”
Judge #2 - “Scratch adverbs for active verbs. Use commas less to improve sentence structure and flow.”
Judge #3 - “I felt as though the crime caper was overly detailed in its plan - many of the elements felt like an unnecessary inclusion, and was the weaker part of an overall strong story. I would also have liked to see Javier and Reynold's relationship further explored.”
I’ll Take It!
There’s something wildly relieving about getting feedback on a story I wrote in 8 days. Amazingly, this time-pressured format releases me of the anxiety I often feel about did I get it right, did I do enough?
Instead, I hit submit and think, “Well, that’s a story!” And that’s the best I can do.
What Do You Think?
Sure, I could go back and edit these strange stories, try to submit them for publication. Usually, I just post them to my website. It’s all good practice.
But writing is lonely, so I’m trying to share. Which means, I’d love to know what you think. Hit the like button or leave a comment because it’s really helping me get my writing legs under me. As always, thanks for reading!
Great story Meghan! I disagree with judge #2 and agree with judge #3 that the ending was not predictable but an amusing twist. When they learned Lydia bought the egg I gasped. When Alvin suggested they sell them both, I smiled. I love how you incorporate wildlife into your stories. Keep it up, even if its just for us fans.
Congratulations again on another first place story. I’m amazed at your creativity and what you can write in just eight days! I loved your characters and their crazy adventure. What fun.