I entered a story I wrote about Elizabeth into a contest at The Write Practice.

The story is called, “A Bruised Cheek.”

The story is exactly 500 words. It would take about two minutes to read.

If you like the story, you can Like it in the comments section where it’s nestled on the page. The number of Likes for the piece will factor in a little on how the team at TWP pick their winner. Here’s a snapshot of how it looks. Check out “Like” in the bottom right corner…

To get there, for real, go here.

Why did you enter a contest?

The thoughts were fresh in my mind. I came upon The Write Practice via Copyblogger.com and saw the contest. I felt I had something to say, both a message and a manner of saying it. I enjoy writing. I don’t do this type of writing as much as I want. I was especially intrigued about what it would be like to put something out there in a different venue from what I’m accustomed. Will I be swallowed up? Laughed at? Might it be written decent enough to help people pause for a moment and consider something for the first time?

Are you trying to win?

Yes, yes I am. That’s partly why I’ve written this post. I hope you Like the story and thus increase my chances of winning. I want to win for all the reasons I’ve mentioned for entering the contest. Plus the help they’re going to give me and the possibility of being published in a book with paper pages. And like Abraham Lincoln said, “Competition tells us something about our hearts” (Lincoln didn’t really say that).

Do you think you have a chance?

Well, I’m in over my head (which is a good place to be). That’s where grace gets loud. I’ve been told, “you’re not a good writer.” And writers always think they’re better than they are. So let me be clear, it ain’t that good.

But I feel good about my story. I feel good about what the event and my writing it did for my own soul. So apart from this, I can’t say.

[Update: Congratulations to Lisa Burge, winner of the Winter Solstice contest. Good stories and a fun time at The Write Practice over the last week.]