In answer to a recent question:LHW was started in April 2005 as a means to help myself and my friends
(struggling writers, all) write more. It is a forum that hosts regular
writing challenges.
The Flash Challenge is a weekly timed-writing challenge. We have special
software that allows us to post a trigger phrase (or image)to the web,
and that times you (starting upon your view of the trigger) until you
submit your entry. What the software does is allows you to pick the
90-minute period you want, starting from when each challenge is opened
(usually Friday mornings) until you submit (by no later than midnight
Sunday). This makes the challenge much more accessible. We have people
who flash from all over the world, for this reason.
We also run a Short Story Challenge, which allows for longer writing
periods, more refined or polished work, and a change of pace from the
flashes.
For all challenges, we usually post the stories anonymously, and require
that everyone who joined in comment (mini-critique) on the stories. We
also enjoy trying to guess who wrote which story, etc. Further, we also
vote (before we know who wrote which story) on each group of stories (we
divide the stories into manageable groups of 5 or so) on the following
categories, per group:
Best Dialogue
Best Hook
Best Characterization
Best Narrative Voice
Best Flash Story
Finally, if there is more than one group per flash, we match up the Best
Flash winners agianst each other and vote on Best of the Best.
Since April 1, 2005 we have generated over 800 stories. At least 10
people have published (and often republish) stories initated in the
challenges.
Once or more a year, we also hold contests. Last year the winner
received a commisioned piece of art depicting the main character of the
winning story. 2nd and 3rd place received books on writing. Shimmer
Magazine asked for 5 entrants to send their work for review, and agreed to publish one entry.
So, it's a busy place, and we have fun.