Goodish news from the NYC Midnight Flash Fiction Writing Competition. My story The Hole In One Lofton Cole scored 6th out of 20 writers in my group, earning me 14 more points and securing me a spot in the 3rd and final round to take place this weekend. My points total sits at 56. That puts me in the 22nd spot out of the forty remaining writers.

Though I'm pleased as punch about moving to the 3rd round, the manner in which I did so is less than desirable. I had become accustomed to top 3 finishes in my group. This latest story dropped my into the middle third, an uncomfortable unglamorous place to be. I know I have better in me.

To be clear, I am satisfied that my story earned the luke-warm reception it deserved. My disappointment is entirely in myself and not the process or the judging.

We'll receive our 3rd and last round prompt at a minute before midnight tonight and the bulk of the thinking and writing will take place tomorrow and Sunday. I've all but decided, barring a genius first draft, I'll not participate in the Writers Weekly competition that, as luck would have it, fell on the same weekend. I would love nothing more than to write two stories and have them place well, but logic says that both will suffer if I push the matter and I've come too far in the NYC competition to sabatoge myself for the sake of pride.

Wish me luck. Keep me in your prayers and thoughts. Send me cash. Whatever will get the job done. I just want to do well and place respectfully.

P.S. -- My friend/co-worker, Shawn Edgell (Motke Dapp) will also be moving to the final round, so hazzah to him. Click here to check out his site.