Writing for Fun: Stymie’s Trading Card Fiction Contest
LEXINGTON, KY – Funny thing about professional journalists: some of us also like to write for fun. Guess it’s like a jockey who owns a horse or two (see Jesus Castanon, this year’s Preakness-winning rider), or like a professional singer who still belts out tunes in the car on the ride home. If you’re lucky enough to do what you love, it becomes a part of your life in this rich, rewarding, sometimes compelling way.
I read about Stymie Magazine last year in a copy of ESPN The Magazine, was hooked on the idea before I even saw the publication. A bi-annual nonprofit online literary magazine that only runs content focusing on sports – kind of a mix between the Paris Review and The Mag itself – Stymie is as indy/underground as they come. Original and brilliant, it’s something I look forward to reading each time a new issue comes around.
Earlier this year, Stymie launched its first biennial “Trading Card Fiction Contest,” a fun flash fiction challenge limited to 100 words about a sports-related subject. The resulting set comes out at the end of the month, and as usual with Stymie, I’m impatiently anticipating the finished product. My Street Scene is there, along with eight other pieces on various sports from various authors. Best of all, it can be had for just $10.
You should order the set because a) it’s a unique collection of great writing, b) it’s a great deal, and c) the only way you’ll get to read Street Scene is by ordering your own copy. This is also a great way to support an organic and original outlet that publishes some great sports-themed lit fic, and that alone should be reason enough to buy.
“Great,” you’re saying, “she updates her blog for the first time since April and it’s only because she wants to sell us something.” Well, think of it this way. First of all, Chris Jones of Esquire Magazine hasn’t updated his blog since August 30, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy writing other great stories for places (like Esquire and Grantland) that actually pay him. Same thing here, here, here, and here for yours truly.
If that’s not enough, think of this as a gift. Why? Because. Trust me, you’re gonna love this set, and you’re gonna love Stymie - almost as much as I do.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER STYMIE MAGAZINE’S TRADING CARD FICTION SET
