Written for the Winter 09 Writers Weekly 24 Hour writing competition, this was a lot of fun to write. You’re given a theme, that “Your story must touch on this topic in some way to qualify.”. You don’t have to quote it or anything, it just has to be a part of the story. The theme for this one was:
“The small wood stove kept the tiny chapel warm and their
snowy footprints had already melted by the door. The dim
light from the candle nubs played on the faces of the
minister and his wife, and made the bride and groom’s
shadows dance on the empty pews.
The minister’s monotone continued, “If any of you can show
just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now;
or else for ever hold your peace.”
All four turned abruptly when they heard a cough by the
door…”
Available in rich text and as a PDF below.
hey mike, just a quick heads-up: often, short story competitions are very specific about whether or not a story’s been “published before.” i’m worried that they may cancel your work out from the running for prizes if they see or find it on the web already. sorry for postign this, by the way…i couldn’t find your proper contact info in quick time anywhere…