Having trouble finding inspiration for a 2024 New Year's Writing Contest Story? Or maybe, for your second competition story. (There's no limit to the number of times you can enter, although you can only win one prize.)

For those of you who can't afford a trip to the South Pacific Island where TiffQ says the muses are hanging out, treat yourself to Avia Conner's Silencing the Storm. It's too long to qualify for the contest and Avia determined that it can't be cut down, so we're free to comment on it! You’re free to use it as inspiration.

Both Emma and I scored this story highly. We used our individual scoring methods.

The plot for Silencing the Storm draws you in and shows originality. The characterizations are enjoyable and convincing, and they move the story forward. The use of language is enviable, and although the setting isn’t key to the story it's used effectively.

Avia's writing mechanics in Silencing the Storm are top-shelf. She is passionate about the topic -- providing an emotional payoff. She has established a theme that raises interesting questions and carries it out throughout the story.

This is a story that delivers.

Whether you are writing realistic stories or fantasy, humorous stories or serious ones, good writing can make them come alive and compel the reader to become engrossed. Silencing the Storm provides a master class in TG fiction.

There are other stories in the contest that are in the same realm of quality . . . but we can't talk about those just yet!

Since the contest started, BC traffic is up. That translates into increased revenue for the site. This contest offers authors a chance to add to the site's vitality by doing what they do best.

People are leaving kudos and comments on the contest stories in large numbers. Readers are doing their part.
The contest is attracting new authors.

All good -- and you still have time to be part of it.

What can you do besides writing stories, reading stories, commenting, and awarding kudos? Do you know of someone who writes TG fiction and doesn’t post on BC? Don't hesitate to get in touch with them and make them aware of this contest.

Have your favorite BC authors posted stories? If not, please urge them to enter.

Esto bonus civis!

Jill