The 31^st is approaching fast and with it the deadline for entries into this Quarter’s Writers Of The Future Contest. I made the goal this year to enter each and every quarter of the year and stopping only if I was awarded a winning place.

I did not win last quarter, did not even place in honorable mention as I have done hour times before so by my stated intentions I am committed to having an entry by Sunday.

I have one short story, “Lady Jane,”  ready, it is written, edited (though not reviewed by my sweetie-wife) and turned out interestingly. It represents a two fold experiment. First I explored the concept of the Captain/Ship romance, so common in science-fiction. Secondly I used this story as an attempt to sketch characters, with distinctly different traits and personalities with as few words as possible.

I think I succeeded in both attempts; however I’d prefer to hold off entering this piece. I am currently trying to complete a cosmic horror SF story entitled “Lies I tell myself” in time for this quarter. This story, the core concept something I have thought about and attempted for over 30 years, is coming along nicely. The question is can I finished it, and polish it before Sunday rolls around?

I think “Lies I tell myself” would be the stronger entry, but only if It is finished and not slapdashed to a “The End” late Sunday afternnon. If that turns out to be the case I will enter “Lady Jane,” a story that I have gotten zero feedback on.