Jon's 1st Fiction Contest - Armistice - New and Improved With 35 SBD Prize Pool!

Pre-ramble

I've been at steemit for sixty-five days. I came to write fiction and poetry, to learn from people who knew their craft and hopefully share what bit of knowledge that I have. I came to escape the voluntary herd mentality I see on so many so-called social sites. I came to join the movement against and away from centralized control.

I came to join individuals. I don't care if they're like-minded - I prefer them to be independently minded in any way they choose. I came to escape the echo chamber created for me by massive corporations and government. My friends have their own minds and they can use them, whether online or in the real world. You guys - here on steemit - you are the reason I am here. Thank you, everyone.

And now, onward --->

The Contest

Write a story between 1000 and 1500 words on Armistice.

How you decide to interpret that is your business. Armistice Day is coming up November 11 and the subject just seems like a timely fit. (In the US they changed it to Veterans' Day - apparently Armistice Day was too... peaceful? But I digress.)

I am looking for fiction with a good storyline and character development. I don't want essays, or poetry, or anecdotes, or a history lesson, or anything other than well-developed fiction.

Don't be fooled into thinking that all these extra words will make this contest easier. It will not. It's one thing to keep a reader fascinated for a couple of pages - now you have to do it for at least twice that long.

Don't think that you have to limit yourself to something historical. You can choose any genre you like and write something about Armistice. Note I am not asking specifically for "Armistice Day."

I am the only judge in this contest and I want to fall into your story in the opening lines. I want it to keep me moving until I crash into The End and wish there was more. Do that, and your story is a contender.

This contest will payout within 48 hours of the deadline. It may be quicker than that but I want to allow enough time for me to read each story carefully and digest it. I think 48 hours should be adequate.

15 35 SBD Prize

There is one winner here. Mainly because I am reasonably poor at the moment. So, winner takes all.
Thanks to a seriously generous gift from @mikepm74 the contest has been funded for more levels of payout! Mike sponsored the first contest I ever entered on steemit and I am proud that he is helping fund this one. Thanks to Mike, the new prize levels are:

1st Prize = 15 SBD
2nd Prize = 10 SBD
3rd Prize = 5 SBD
4th Prize = 3 SBD
5th Prize = 2 SBD

Breakdown of the rules:

1. Upvote and Resteem this post.
2. Word count 1000-1500 words.
3. Link to this post in your submission.
4. Post the link to your story in the comments below.
5. Contest Deadline is Midnight EST, November 11, 2017.
6. Contest winners will be announced 48 hours after the contest closes.

Some Advice

You've got a week here, so don't rush this. I won't be judging any of the stories until the contest closes. Take advantage of that extra time. Edit and re-edit your story. Get another writer to read it and critique it and then edit it some more. Make every word, every comma - make every little thing count.

Grammar, spelling, the correct usage of the words you choose - all the mechanics of writing great fiction will be important. Check and re-check your story. In the end it may come down to just minute details. Make yours perfect.

Consider having your story critiqued by the folks at The Writers'Block. You'll find them to be concerned only with helping you make your story the best it can be. Speaking from experience I can tell you that your story has a better chance of winning after a thorough critique there. All of my winning stories were influenced by those guys. All of them. Their inputs are priceless.

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