The Great Substack Story Challenge - Part TWO

An open call to our brave writers of fiction

• Chapter 01: 01/18/2023, Wil Dalton Wil Dalton

• Chapter 02: 01/25/2023, Kerrie Noor Kerrie Noor

• Chapter 03: 02/01/2023, J.E. Petersen J.E. Petersen

• Chapter 04: 02/08/2023, Lorelei Lorelei Jonason

• Chapter 05: 02/15/2023, Elle Griffin Elle Griffin

• Chapter 06: 02/22/2023, Brian Reindel Brian Reindel

• Chapter 07: 03/01/2023, Meg Oolders Meg Oolders

• Chapter 08: 03/08/2023, Simon K Jones Simon K Jones

• Chapter 09: 03/15/2023, Ed Tankersley Ed Tankersley

• Chapter 10: 03/22/2023, Reena Kapoor Reena Kapoor (aka reena.eth)

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Way back in May of this year (can someone please tell time to slow down for just like a minute), Fictionistas launched The Great Substack Story Challenge, a grand narrative relay. If the words "narrative relay" confuse you, here's a description I stole from the first Challenge's announcement because I'm lazy:

A single story will be written, one chapter at a time. The catch is that our writers will be reading the chapters as they are released, at the same time as everyone else. When called, each must do the mental gymnastics required to continue the story within one week of seeing the latest entry.

Do you remember that? You better! By all metrics (that matter), it was a smashing success. Thirteen writers wrote thirteen chapters, proving once and for all that authors of fiction are not the hissing recluses everyone always assumes we are.

Zammo.

The Glorious Sequel

It's time for another round, folks.

Who decided? Me. I decided, by offering¹ to organize the SECOND Great Substack Story Challenge. So whataya say? Who's with me?

No, really. That's not a rhetorical question. We're looking for at least 10 fiction writers with fiction Substacks to participate in the glorious sequel.

Thanks to the tireless work that went into the first round, most of the logistics have been worked out for round two, but we'll wait to finalize the more creative details until we've gathered our cadre of foolhardy brave volunteers.

The Actual Details

We’re gonna move fast because if there’s one thing fiction writers are known for its swift, decisive action. Here is the schedule:

• Submissions open - TODAY! (If you want to participate, click on that link!)

• Submissions close - December 15th

• 10-Writer Cadre finalized - December 21th

• First writer starts writing - January 11th, 2023

• First chapter published - January 18th, 2023

Thereafter, a new chapter will be published each week, until the final chapter is released on March 22nd, 2023.

Any questions?

If this sounds like fun to you, and if you are not an unreliable louse, join us! Prove you can play well with others!

LFG!!!²

1. As a reward for my efforts, I expect you all to go subscribe to Dispatches from Inner Space. I mean, sure, I guess you could be all judgy and wait to see if you actually like my writing first but whatever.

2. As all the crypto bros used to say before this year's string of horrible crashes broke their tender spirits.