Behind the Curtain: Reveal

AND SO IT IS TIME...

WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR...

Shoot, sorry, Capslock.

This has been an extremely challenging contest to judge. I was able to winnow down our 62 entries to eight finalists with some difficulty, but picking the final four winners was arbitrary to an insane extent. I've lost the last little bit of my sanity (if it offends, plucketh it out), but I did finally decide.

As a reminder, this will be my last contest till Spring 2013 and oh, was it a doozy.

So with no further ado, here are the WINNARS of the Behind the Curtain Flash Fiction Writing Contest (and no, that's not a typo).

Be sure to go and read all the winners. And, for that matter, all the entries. Give out some of that author comment love.

In no particular order:

The Winner of the Dark Arts Package

Sophie Moss (@smosswrites) for Scarlett's Rose Petal Revenge

Sophie offers us a perfectly plotted revenge tale, engrossing and chilling. She was also the winner of Twitter's #FanFav contest!

Sophie wins an original canvas by artist/writer Angie Richmond, personalized with a quote from her winning story.

The Winner of the Dark Veil Package

J. Whitworth Hazzard (@zombiemechanics) for his creepy, stalker story, Scopophiliac

Thanks, J., for making me check behind the curtains every time I come home at night.

J. wins a copy of the Veil and Subdue album, plus a handmade one-of-a-kind libretto book by composer Paul Ramey (which I seriously almost kept) with behind the scenes goodies, autographed by myself and Paul.

The Winner of the Dark Romance Package

Jessica Marcarelli (@jmarcarelli) for her entry, Behind the Curtain

So glad Jessica revived my long-dormant childhood fear of clowns. I didn't need that sleep anyway.

Jessica wins a digital copy of Sophie Moss' newest release, The Selkie Enchantress.

If you didn't win a copy of Sophie's wonderful book, you can get it here.

THE DARK FAIRY

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE

The wondrous prizes include:

* A copy of Veil & Subdue.

* A magnificent writing notebook by Ruth Long aka @bullishink.

* The winning author will be featured on Yearning for Wonderland in an in-depth interview. This interview will highlight your book, blog, or any other artistic project of your choosing. Anna will then promote this interview heavily on Twitter/Facebook and G+.

*The winning author's story will be recorded by Anna in a creative/theatrical recording of your Behind the Curtain entry.

* The winning author will be Anna's partner in her next flash fiction contest (in Spring 2013).

*DRUMROLL PLEASE*

AND THE GRAND CHAMPION OF THE DARK FAIRY PRIZE PACKAGE

 

Melanie Conklin

@MLConklin

WOOOOOOOOOO! Go forth to her website and pour out congratulations and love, as it was a mightily hard-fought battle but her story prevailed.

Melanie's entry, The Catch, is a pithy bite of dark flash fiction with a crunch at the end. I was filled with dread the entire time I read it and she built the suspense to the unbearable climax. Well done, Melanie! I look forward to collaborating with you on my next flash fiction contest in 2013!

When the audio recording of The Catch is posted, I will let everyone know!

Congratulations to all of our entrants and thank you so much for giving me a peek of what resides behind the curtain.