Writer's Digest Your Story Contest

In compiling a list of free contests for myself and others I came across this one.

Here's the picture we're supposed to use to write a 25 word start to a story:


Le Sigh--I wrote 35 words, but while too long for the contest, it's too good not to share:

You'd think I'd get used to this—it happens a few times a month. Sometimes a man. Sometimes a woman. It’s worst when it’s a kid.

Why can’t people get to the airport on time?

Back to the drawing board...

This is what I've turned in at exactly 25 words:

Did she leave him? Or did he turn down the job?

I sigh and call up the next person in line. “Upgrade to first class?”

Haha. I just NOW (after submitting) read the comments section. Whoops--apparently the entry is supposed to be one sentence long. Hmm...just for kicks, I'll try to convey the same sentiment I want in a single sentence:

Day after day, it’s never a surprise as anonymous people stand before that window, watching their past or future leave the tarmac.

While I'm kind of liking the finality of the last option, I think the second is the best for leading into an actual story. But then, I'm biased since that's the one I've submitted.

Oh goody! I just read a comment where someone wrote too much--I can re-submit!