Paper Darts

So the A to Z (2013) has ended and I got all my letters in on time (I am very proud of myself for that!), and I was looking forward to relaxing. Catch up on some blogs I came across during the challenge, write some fiction, and look into some podcasting equipment.

There is also that Fiction Contest I would love to write a piece for and submit. I’ve had an idea tumbling around in my head even before I learned of the contest, and am glad I hadn’t yet written and posted it on my fiction blog. I fleshed it out some, and while nothing spectacular, I think it will be a fun project.

Blog Every Day in May

Then as I was browsing through my feed today, I came across mention of another event called Blog Every Day in May. It was created by a fellow blogger Jenni at Story of My Life: The Blog. Basically it is as titled. You post a blog each day (Sundays included *groan*) of May using the daily prompts she has assigned for you. I would post them here, but felt it made more sense to direct traffic to her site as she is the host/creator of the challenge.

The prompts are pretty generic, and not overly complicated. The rules are lax, and it will be more laid back in nature (not that A to Z couldn’t be laid back... I just know it wasn’t always that way for me).

Sorry I hadn’t come across this earlier where I could have shared the info sooner, so that those interested would have a heads up. I’d imagine most will opt to steer clear after the A to Z, but you can still jump in anytime and go at your own pace. It is asked if you do participate that you place the badge on your sidebar (like mine) or the end of each post associated with the event. The code to do so is within that announcement post above!

I will mark each entry to the challenge with BEDiM followed by the specific day's number. I’d like to also post some standard issue blog posts throughout this challenge. I should be able to, as I plan to keep most of the BEDiM posts relatively shorter than most. They may not be as in-depth as some of my other entries, but I want to know if I can keep up with it (and to fuel consistent daily writing).

Sure, I may be sleep deprived and unaware of what I’m getting myself into, but to quote myself modifying a movie quote from an earlier post:
You know what ol’ Jak Cryton always says at a time like this?

Ol’ Jak always says, “Oh My Nuts!”
Have you heard of the Blog Every Day in May Challenge? If so, are you participating?
-Paper Darts & Reminders-


So this past week I’ve been attempting to catch up on work, finish up some After Armageddon, and prepare for the 2013 A to Z Challenge.


It’s been shaping up to be a busy week, and with Easter an undoubtedly busy weekend. It will be nice to see all the family together again, though I’m uncertain if everyone can make it this year. I’m sure the majority will. Easter isn’t exactly a holiday I place up there as a must attend gathering. Thanksgiving and Christmas are essential, though!


So before the weekend hits I wanted to share some information on a contest and give reminders on some upcoming events.

Paper Darts Short Fiction Award


A friend of mine shared a link to Paper Darts and their Short Fiction Award Contest. I have to be honest, out of the contests I’ve seen this one seems to offer a great payout.


$800 for 800 words. You do the math.


Basically entries have to be 800 words or less. They allow limitless entries, but be mindful as there’s a $6 entry fee per submission. The current deadline is set at 5/15/2013.


Check out the site (I’ve yet to fully explore it myself) and follow the link for more details on the contest rules!


Reminders


The 2013 A to Z Challenge begins Monday, and I believe registering closes up Sunday evening. I’ve yet to register myself, so I’ll have to heed my own reminder! I’ve begun some rough drafts on some entries, but wasn’t able to write as much as I’d hoped. This is definitely going to be a challenge.


So, if you haven’t registered yet, please do so. If just stumbling across this for the first time, check out the site (they have a slew of helpful blog entries from the Host and Co-Hosts of the event) and consider participating! Should be a lot of fun! No word min/max, just writing what you want/can, and meeting a handful of fellow bloggers.


Also, Camp NaNoWriMo begins in April too. I’m attempting to hit a goal of 10k words. Pretty lax compared to November’s 50k, but with the A to Z going on I want to make sure I’m not completely overwhelmed.


I’m not sure what my 10k will be based on. Perhaps I can use it for After Armageddon. It’s been a fear I won’t be able to focus on it for the month of April with all these events happening. Part of me wishes to revisit my original story from NaNoWriMo, though, since it’s been neglected for months.


Who knows... I don’t have long to decide. Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock. The countdown to madness is upon us!


Good luck to everyone participating!


Have you decided to check out the A to Z Challenge? Camp NaNoWriMo? Have you ever submitted to any contests? If so, what was the experience like? Ever win any prizes and/or get published?