Our previous contest ended on the last day of May, but its lively effects still linger.  

In the Flash Fiction competition, we asked for short stories with a reference to a bridge and a length of no more than 500 words. I received 271 entries. Almost forty of those came in at the last minute. But I didn't freak out. I was prepared. Years ago, while judging one of our First Chapter contests, I learned that if a contest judge didn't pace herself, a contest judge would lose her mind. So now I read entries on the same day they're submitted. I re-read them at the end of the week, jot notes at the top of the pages and then move them to the Contest file. After the deadline, I again read the entries, consult my notes, and make my final decision. In other words, I read each submission three times.

Sounds a bit obsessive, doesn't it? I can't help it. I love words. And I'm infinitely curious to see how others use them.

Many in the writing industry will tell you it's the story that matters. Top priority is the story. If the story is unique and interesting and marketable, they're willing to overlook all else because all else can be fixed. 

To me, the most important part of a manuscript is the writing. The execution. The perspective. The cadence. They're all notes of a song. One sentence is a question, another sentence is the answer. And like any catchy tune, the listener can appreciate the rhythm without comprehending the lyrics. That's not to say content isn't vital. But let's face it, a great vocalist can sing a spaghetti recipe, in another language, and still command awe. The way he expresses himself is what makes him stand out. Likewise, a great storyteller can transform a conflict into a work of art simply by the words she chooses. 

So, as a contest judge, the first thing I notice is the expression, the voice. I then step back and ponder these things:

STORY - What was the story? Did it have a point? Did it touch me in some way? The ones that make me laugh or think or, heaven forbid, cry—they go to the front of the line.

STRUCTURE - Was it tight? Focused? Did it contain a beginning, a middle and an ending? A main character? Did I feel a sense of satisfaction after I read the last line? The ones that have me thinking Yes! by the last paragraph—they go to the front of the line.

FORMAT - On a scale from 1 to 10, how would I rate the presentation? Did the author follow the guidelines? Were the mechanics—spelling, punctuation, grammar—flawless? The ones that get a 10 here, well, they make me stand up and cheer.

Inevitably some entries will be disqualified for not following the rules. In this recent contest, for instance, some ran way over the word count or forgot to mention a bridge. But those entries are few and far between. The majority of writers get it. They understand the significance of guidelines in the writing world, not just from the professional standpoint, but from the courteous one. Taking the time to read and follow guidelines is simply a sign of respect.

So thanks to all those creative minds out there who sent in delightful bridge stories that ranged from trolls to dental work. It was a joy to read your words. 

To those of you who refuse to enter writing contests, maybe you should re-think your strategy. They're fun, brief and excellent exercise for the imagination. Who knows? You might even win a prize.