Just found out I won a short story contest today — in a local journal. There were 132 entries.

*DRUMROLL*

I placed first! I am so totally pumped. I got high marks from the judges and lots of helpful comments to polish the story up. So I'm going to do just that and send it in for the Writer's Digest Short Short Story contest. I've thought about it several times, just haven't actually worked up the nerve to do it. But now I think I can.

So now I'm pushing forward. I did a story for a contest that was due a few days ago. For that one, I ran through several options of stuff that "sort of" hit their guide and I went through a couple false starts as options didn't please me (for this contest) and got set aside for pursuit of something else.

I finally submitted a short story based loosely on an old set of legendsI had written. I had a rough outline in mind and then, as things started going, I just went where the storyled me.

I think I wrapped up all my "loose ends" and essentially hit the editors' wishes. I guess we'll find out when the winners list comes out.

 Just came across this announcement; considering entering this as well (despite the entrance fee): 

FenCon and the Dallas Future Society are proud to announce the return of the FenCon Short Story Contest for a third year. We're once again looking for a science fiction or fantasy story on any topic. The only limits are your imagination, a maximum 5000 word count, and the short list of rules below.

The first entry is free for members of FenCon and the Dallas Future Society and just $10 for non-members. Final judging will be conducted by top industry professionals and the winner will be published in the FenCon IV Program Book!

All submissons must follow these official rules and include a completed entry form. The contest entry deadline is July 14, 2007.