# Doper Writers - presenting the SDMB 'Weekend Flash Fiction' Contest, May 14 - 16, 2010! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 4, 2010, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291 "2010-05-04T16:02:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/81 "2010-05-15T13:44:19Z")
> [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](#): > > 9 PM **EDT** , Sunday, May 16th. Ok, a dumber question, then, what timezone is EDT? I’ve never seen that abbreviation before. Does that mean the same thing as the more common Eastern Standard Time observed on the east coast of the US, but with the D for some reason indicating daylight savings time? ---
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/82 "2010-05-15T13:52:08Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > Ok, a dumber question, then, what timezone is EDT? I’ve never seen that abbreviation before. Does that mean the same thing as the more common Eastern Standard Time observed on the east coast of the US, but with the D for some reason indicating daylight savings time? That’s it precisely - 9 PM, Eastern Daylight Time. ---
**Author:** ![Chickie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9de053/32.png) [@Chickie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chickie)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/83 "2010-05-15T14:32:30Z")
So, 6PM for us west-coasters. Gotcha. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/84 "2010-05-15T20:45:18Z")
Hmmm. I’ve jotted down a few ideas, but so far inspiration hasn’t struck me. I’ll give this some more thought, and cross my fingers. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/85 "2010-05-15T20:54:17Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Hmmm. I’ve jotted down a few ideas, but so far inspiration hasn’t struck me. I’ll give this some more thought, and cross my fingers. I’m in the same boat. The picture in combination with the words is tough. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/86 "2010-05-15T21:58:41Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > I’m in the same boat. The picture in combination with the words is tough. “Spy” shouldn’t be too bad, since you can use it as a verb. “Pandemic,” though – I got nothin’. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/87 "2010-05-15T23:13:38Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > “Spy” shouldn’t be too bad, since you can use it as a verb. > > “Pandemic,” though – I got nothin’. 😃 Spy…sanctuary…Eiffel Tower…I can’t get Dan Brown out of my head. ---
**Author:** ![Jules\_Andre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jules_andre/32/9334_2.png) [@Jules\_Andre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jules_Andre)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/88 "2010-05-15T23:30:48Z")
As it happens I think the words fit perfectly with a story I’ve been trying, and failing, to write for a long time. The words gave me the kind of inspiration that I think helps complete the idea and makes it into a decent story where before it was pretty hollow. Unfortunately I have plans tonight and plans all day tomorrow, so my window will be pretty short to plan this out and finish it, and it’ll probably have to be finished in one take. I’m terrible as a first draft writer, too. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/89 "2010-05-16T00:24:58Z")
Just about finished. For me, it just sort of clicked. About two hours writing, and three or more hours revising so far…I tend to overdo it with revisions and have to tell myself to stop - otherwise I could spend the next 12 years fiddling and tweaking every word. Not my usual kind of story, but I think it works. Will submit it later today. ---
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/90 "2010-05-16T01:49:18Z")
I’ve started the [Anthology Thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=563348). I have one draft of mine written, but it definitely needs revision. Wishing all of you bon courage, and great inspiration. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/91 "2010-05-16T02:12:09Z")
OK - so I just sent you my story. Let me know if for some reason you don’t get it. Decided to leave it as is and not revise, revise, revise as I usually do. Thanks for doing this **Le Ministre de l’au-delà**! Looking forward to seeing what others wrote. ---
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/92 "2010-05-16T12:38:49Z")
With a little over twelve hours left, I just wanted to send a pointless bump of encouragement to all our interested writers. At present, there are four stories in the Anthology thread. I’d love to see more of the Dopers’ excellent creative work! ---
**Author:** ![Stealth\_Potato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Stealth\_Potato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stealth_Potato)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/93 "2010-05-16T17:03:29Z")
Just got started on mine late last night, actually. Now that I’ve got my idea, though, it’s moving quickly. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/94 "2010-05-16T22:20:00Z")
I’m throwing in the towel. ☹ I just woke up after working last night, and I’m only at 733 words, and it just isn’t interesting enough to salvage in less than 3 hours. Next time though! ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/95 "2010-05-16T22:25:19Z")
> [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](#): > > I’m throwing in the towel. ☹ I just woke up after working last night, and I’m only at 733 words, and it just isn’t interesting enough to salvage in less than 3 hours. Next time though! Aww, come on. I wrote my entire story in less than two hours, and changed POV to make it more interesting. You still have a shot! ---
**Author:** ![Stealth\_Potato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Stealth\_Potato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stealth_Potato)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/96 "2010-05-16T22:35:52Z")
Just take what you have and throw in a bizarre twist ending! 2000 words is the _maximum_, not the minimum, and who knows? It might make sense in retrospect. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/97 "2010-05-16T22:36:55Z")
> [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](#): > > I’m throwing in the towel. ☹ I just woke up after working last night, and I’m only at 733 words, and it just isn’t interesting enough to salvage in less than 3 hours. Next time though! And I concur with elfkin477 - there is a certain ‘warts and all’ charm to a contest like this. Entirely your decision, but I’d encourage you to submit whatever you have in whatever condition. As samclem said in the last Poetry Sweatshop Anthology - > [@](#): > > Amazing how poets who have a submission quite often think to themselves “wow! The others wrote poems so much better than what I did.” We’re far harder on ourselves than others would ever be. ---
**Author:** ![ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/98 "2010-05-16T23:31:55Z")
Ok ok fine. 😛 Damn reasonable and encouraging people… ---
**Author:** ![Cuckoorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/99 "2010-05-16T23:48:25Z")
Yeah, Definitely submit something. I gave myself even more restrictions in terms of time and number of revisions; sink or swim, baby! ---
**Author:** ![Hrududu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Hrududu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hrududu)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291/100 "2010-05-16T23:50:47Z")
Just finished. I didn’t have much time at the weekend so I came up with some ideas and wrote some notes intending to spend a couple of hours this evening on it. I think I re-wrote the thing about 3 times. At this stage I just want it gone and to never see it again. But seriously, that was a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else did. Assuming nothing went wrong with my email or attachment. Which I bet it totally did. Oh God. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doper-writers-presenting-the-sdmb-weekend-flash-fiction-contest-may-14-16-2010/538291.md?page=6)