The 2007 Pikes Peak Writers Conference

Flash Fiction Contest

Winners

Last spring, Apollo’s Lyre sponsored the flash fiction contest at the annual Pikes Peak Writers Conference.  In addition to the contest, a representative from Apollo’s Lyre hosted a workshop that focused on the basics of flash and micro-flash, and how it can help writers to tighten their writing.

Rather than using a written prompt, over 100 entrants studied an image based on the one above, and were then given until the following morning to turn in their flash of 99 words or less.  The following stories received top honors.

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Becky Davis – Honorable Mention

“Here are your four possible solutions for your reconstructive surgery.”

Bill Glass started at the colorful possibilities, a glazed look on his face. “Uh, the colors are nice, but I need a forehead, and, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m still missing an eye.”

“Mr. Glass,” the doctor scolded, “this is the best we can do.  You really should quit while you are a head.”

Museum Exhibit

Marla Jarmer – Second Place (tie)

Ben glances at his parents, insults clanking on the terrazzo floor between them.  His eyes dart to the woman on the dais.  Gingerly leaning over the rope, his finger traces the line of her arm resting on her body; he is surprised by her coolness.

For over 2,000 years she has held this pose.  Returning home, she only had time for a flash of fear before the wave of ash overtook her.

Ben wonders wich is worse – being entombed in a mixture of your body and nature’s elements, or to walk the earth, entombed by your own heart.

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Kirsten Akens – Second Place (tie)

He stands before me in triplicate, or perhaps more than that.  Blood bubbles to my head, altering the hue of his chin, his nose, his lips.

I blink blue, gold, brown, grey.

His fingers are hot against my neck, burning prints into my skin.

I need air.  He’s crushing me with what he calls love. And, yes , I do believe it is his care, his concern, his apologies that are gifting me the release I desire.

I blink blue, gold, brown, grey.

White.

Love Kills

Mary Strand – First Place

It’s not like it’s my fault.  I gave the remote control and the best year of my life to Tony, but then his Mom stayed with us those two long weeks.  Carlos was funny and sweet, but left his stinkin’ jockeys on the floor one too many times.  Victor stole my breath, but couldn’t be bothered to put the toilet seat down.

And Fred?  I mean, no one wants to deal with long, ragged toenails in bed, no matter how good the sex is.

But I’m fine.  Really.  And that new guard in my cellblock is awfully cute.