PRACTICE THINKING LIKE JESUS
Jesus wrote parables that confronted major issues in the society. You can too. The second phase of the Presbyterian Writer’s Guild, An Experiment in Modern Parables contest is receiving submissions. You are invited to submit some Flash Fiction (1000 words or less) that lifts up some of the major issues that confront both the faith community and society. (Deadline for submission November 30)
ARTFUL FLASH FICTION
If you want examples of artful flash fiction, review some of Jesus’ parables. In less than 320 words (an English version), Jesus engaged his listeners in probing our response to violence, bigotry, and hypocrisy in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In approximately 200 words, Jesus probed the destructive impact of materialism in the parable of the Rich Fool. In just a little over 100 words, Jesus paints a picture of the effort God will go to in recovering those who have lost their way in this world. (Luke 12:3-7.)
IT COULD BE YOU
The top three winners will be published in future issues of The Writer. Also, the winning stories will be shared with editors of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, thePresbyterian Outlook, and the PC(USA) Communications Network. (The editors have no commitment to act on these winners, but it does introduce them to skilled writers within the Presbyterian community.)
Or if you feel that is too restrictive, consider entering the Short Story phase (Under 4,000 words, due by February 15.) Remember that the Bible takes on the whole issue of nationalism, bigotry, and religious narrowness in around 1,500 words in the book of Jonah. Ruth and Esther are other examples of short stories that examine complex issues.
THE CRITERIA
Again, those who write the stories will be involved in judging them. We will ask all of you to read the stories and evaluate them according to some suggested criteria. First, did the story grab your attention and hold your interest? Second, can you picture the main characters—how they look, feel, interact with others. Third, do you know what the tension or conflict was at the center of the story? Fourth, did reading the story expand your thinking?
The opening paragraph of the top eight stories will be published in The Writer. The winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift certificate. Second, third, and fourth place will receive $50. In addition, the winner will be published in subsequent issues of the Presbyterian Outlook in serial form, and the second place story will be published on the Guild Web page.
