Lyrical Beginnings: Flash Fiction Writing Contest

Woman writing music on the grass

In this year’s One Read selection, author M.O. Walsh uses John Prine lyrics and song titles for many of the book’s chapter titles, as well as for the name of the book itself. Taking inspiration from Walsh’s naming convention in the “The Big Door Prize,” we invite you to tell a tale in 250 words or less, and we ask that you title your story using a chapter heading from the book. You can choose any chapter title for your flash fiction. Your story can be about anything and anyone, but it should harmonize with your chosen title. The tone can be joyful, pessimistic or anywhere in between. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published online and in the Columbia Missourian, and the winners will receive bookstore gift cards.

Starting September 1, entries may be submitted online, mailed or dropped off at any library or bookmobile. (See full rules below for details.) Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published on this site and in the Columbia Missourian, and winners will receive a $25 book store gift card.

Participants must be age 16 or older and residents of Boone or Callaway Counties. Read on for complete contest rules. Read More

Mini Mystery Contest Winners

OR21-Mini-Mystery-Writing-Contest-BlogAs part of this year’s One Read program, we invited you to take inspiration from “Furious Hours” and tell us a tale of another crime using the line “It began with a bang” as a springboard for — and the first sentence of — a mini mystery of your own. The stories could have been based on a historic crime or completely imagined, we just asked that you tell of a crime or of its aftermath.

Thank you to everyone who entered and shared your mysterious tale.

Our two winners are Claire Dooley and Jana Stephens. Honorable mentions go to Tina M. Hines and Andy Brouder.

We are excited to share these stories with you! Read More

Flash Fiction Contest Winners

As part of this year’s One Read program, we invited you to take inspiration from “A Gentleman in Moscow” and tell a nostalgic tale in 250 words or less. The stories could have been about anything and anyone, but we asked to make sure it evokes longing, explores a memory or reflects on better days past.

Thank you to everyone who entered and shared your stories of nostalgia.

Our two winners are Bethany Bade and Grace Gomez-Polacio. Honorable mentions go to Jenna Cunigan and Bonnie Zelenak.

We are excited to share these stories with you! Read More

Nostalgia: Flash Fiction Writing Contest

Phone Nostalgic Arrangement Nostalgia Dial Old“For as it turns out, one can revisit the past quite pleasantly, as long as one does so expecting nearly every aspect of it to have changed.”

~Amor Towles, “A Gentleman in Moscow”

In this year’s One Read selection, author Amor Towles tells the tale of a man who lives isolated from the outside world after being sentenced to house arrest. He watches the world pass him by and reminisces about his past. Taking inspiration from “A Gentleman in Moscow,” we invite you to tell a nostalgic tale in 250 words or less. Your story can be about anything and anyone, but make sure it evokes longing, explores a memory or reflects on better days past. The tone can be bittersweet, celebratory or anywhere in between. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published online and in the Columbia Missourian, and the winners will receive bookstore gift cards.

Starting September 1, entries may be submitted using this form, mailed or dropped off at any library or bookmobile. (See full rules below for details.) Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published on this site and in the Columbia Missourian, and winners will receive a $25 book store gift card.

Participants must be age 16 or older and residents of Boone or Callaway Counties. Read on for complete contest rules. Read More