Just Buffalo is pleased to announce the second annual members' writing contest and reading. The contest alternates annually between poetry and fiction. This second installment will focus on flash fiction (fiction of 250 words of less) and will be judged by Prof. Kim Chinquee of Buffalo State College. Winners will be announced at a special member's reading at Just Buffalo on Saturday, February 20. Two awards will be presented: a Judge's award, chosen by Ms. Chinquee, and an audience award, to be voted on by the audience present at the event.

Audience Award and Judge's Award winners will each receive a $50 cash prize, a gift certificate from Talking Leaves Books, a certificate of recognition from Just Buffalo, and publication in Artvoice. The contest is open to writers of flash fiction who are Just Buffalo members in good standing at the time of submission. Contestants may join Just Buffalo at the time of submission by visiting the Just Buffalo Web site (www.justbuffalo.org) or by sending a check for $35 along with their entry.

Guidelines:

1. Submit one piece of flash fiction on any subject that is NO LONGER THAN 250 WORDS. Pieces that exceed the word limit will be rejected out of hand with no refund of membership costs.

2. Include a separate cover page that includes name, address, telephone and email. DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ON THE FICTION ITSELF. JUDGING IS BLIND. One flash fiction piece per entrant.

3. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS GREATLY PREFERRED. Submit by email to: submissions@justbuffalo.org. If you insist on sending hard copy, please send by mail to MEMBERS FLASH FICTION CONTEST, c/o Just Buffalo Literary Center, 617 Main St., Suit 202A, Buffalo, NY 14203.

4. Submissions will not be returned. Submissions by non-members or lapsed members will be rejected unless annual membership ($35) is paid in full before contest deadline. If you are unsure of your membership status, write us at info@justbuffalo.org to find out.

5. DEADLINE: January 15, 2010.
 
EVENTS THIS WEEK

12.14.09

Talking Leaves Books
Maria Scrivani
Book signing for: Brighter Buffalo
Monday, December 14, 7:00 PM
Talking Leaves Books-Elmwood, 951 Elmwood Ave.

12.16.09

Talking Leaves Books
Bob Swiatek
Reading/signing for: Mirror, Mirror, On My Car
Wednesday, December 16, 7:00 PM
Talking Leaves Books, 3158 Main St.

12.17.09

Talking Leaves Books
Clifford Be
Reading/signing for: A Full Life
Thursday, December 17, 7:00 PM
Talking Leaves Books, 3158 Main St.

12.19.09

The Stop , Look, and Listen Poetry Series
The Spectrum Writers Group
Poetry reding and open mic
Saturday, December 19, 2:00 PM
Impact Artists' Gallery
Tri Main building, 2495 Main street

Visit the literary buffalo calendar on our website for detailed event info.

All events free and open to the public unless otherwise stated.