Amateur post-apocalyptic fiction writing project

""Except on the day after, I was still alive. This nobody had a chance to be somebody. "

A call to arms!

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Now is the time for all writers to pick up their pens, ready themselves at their keyboards, and begin the creative process in service of a higher cause.

Actually, it's not a very high cause at all. But I'm hoping it will do me some good; maybe it'll do something for you as well. Read on and see if you're interested in participating.

The challenge is this: in ten days, compose a short work of fiction on a post-apocalyptic theme. These standards simply provide a framework and a focal point-- beyond those two rules it's quite flexible. You can write a cyberpunk vignette, a three-minute survivalist play, a work of psychological terror in the wake of a nuclear attack. Hell, you can submit Mad Max fanfiction if you want. The theme can be overt or subtle. The story is ultimately yours. Write it.

This is intended as a small challenge for writers. Use it as practice, inspiration, or a wager. The theme and deadline are the stick. The output and the act of writing are the carrot.

Tidbits:

With permission, stories will probably be posted on LJ and on a separate webpage. But really, isn't the act of creation its own reward?

I'm delighted to be of service should you require reminders or threats via LJ or email. Let me know if you need the special cattle prod.

Anyone who would like editing services, please ask. I toyed with the idea of trading stories among participants to garner varied feedback, but let's just arrange editing on demand instead.

Anyone who would care to design a tiny website is hereby begged to help out. I'll host it, but I have minimal web design skills.

Let me know in comments if you'd like to take part. Prefer anonymity? amgreene@wisc.edu."