We have a couple of short-story contests on my other favorite site, SFF Chronicles, and I won the September one!

It is a 75-word-or-less story challenge, based on the theme and genre chosen by the previous month's winner, and the prize, naturally, is that you get to choose the next month's theme/genre. September was "Behind the Scenes" in SF or Fantasy. My story was rather PG-13, but it is a family-friendly site and anything that pushes the bounds too far is not allowed.

If anybody is interested in getting involved in the challenges, or have kiddos that might be interested, it's here:
SFF Chrons Writing Challenges

My chosen theme for October is "Nightmare" in SF or Fantasy, in case anyone feels inspired. smile

We do also have a 300-word story challenge, based on a picture chosen by the moderators, which happens quarterly and has just started a new one today as well.

The monthly 75-word challenge has been going on for 18 months now, and I'm doing the happy dance all over the place at finally winning one! It's very tough competition over there -- and we have always had at least 42 stories (the magic number)to choose from. Oh, and there is no critiquing allowed in the challenges, only compliments, so you don't have to worry about getting ripped apart. smile

On the heels of my win, along with a couple of other inspirations I've had lately, I've set a goal of getting something published in 2012.

We shall see!