For me, the hardest part of these contests is always the judging. One story, I love because of the lyrical writing. Another, because of the gorgeous imagery or the clever plot or the way it makes me feel at the end.
Ultimately, I could probably choose several sets of winners. Thank you to everyone who entered. Judging is very subjective, so I have to leave it to: who wrote a story for #DFQMND that encompasses the theme and does all of the above. I am very excited to announce these winners. I chose two, one for the Dreams package (Light) and one for the Nightmares Package.
So, without further ado, I present…your winners. WINNER, Dreams
Sheer gorgeousness. Daniel, your writing makes it totally worth having to revamp the prize package, since I’m not awarding you the book you wrote. Your story is delicate and yearning and a perfect drop of longing in 400 words. Well done. I will be in touch regarding other prize options.
This is a fantastic surprise, for Steven put up a blog simply to enter this contest. He wasn’t even in the DFQ group before this. Of course, now he is doomed. #MOOGHOOHAH. Steven, your story was lovely and the tempo was classical fairytale, but there’s a dark underbelly that took my breath away. Brava! So glad you entered.
I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night, Lull’d in these flowers with dances and delight;
– A Midsummer Night’s Dream, II.1
I was woken from a dream to a shocking realization. It has been nigh on two years since my last flash fiction contest (see Behind the Curtain). How can this be??
Clearly this must be rectified immediately. And, in classic DFQ fashion, in the midst of full-time job and life and…but if I waited for things to slow down, I would never do ANYTHING.
Thus it is my pleasure and privilege to announce my latest flash fiction writing contest, the Dark Fairy Queen Midsummer Night’s Dream.
So here are the details:
It is summer, a faint breeze blows, and the leaves are rustling. As dusk falls, the fireflies glow in a distant meadow. Have you not felt the magic of a summer night? Your story should.
Let us celebrate a midsummer night by creating 400 words.
For your theme, your story must take place, at least in part, on a summer evening. Also, choose one from the following list:
Dreams
Fairytales
Myths
Your story should be posted on your personal blog or a friend’s and linked up below with the Inlinkz tool (which opens July 15).
Need more inspiration? Check out the Faerytaleish Pinterest Board. Our Twitter hashtag to talk about the contest is #DFQMND. If I feel so inspired, there may be another #FanFav contest on Twitter.
Excited about the contest? Here’s the easiest ways to spread the word!
Although it doesn’t feel long ago, I’ve now had over a year of Stitch Fix boxes. A blessed year of not going to the mall. For women who are not shoppers and/or don’t have the time to shop, it’s a genius invention. I was skeptical at first, but I have really enjoyed receiving my fixes (it’s like Christmas!).
So many style cards!
What is Stitch Fix?
For those unfamiliar, Stitch Fix is a subscription box service that sends you five items every month, based on your style preferences and requests. You set the budget for the kind of items you want. You are charged a $20 styling fee. If you keep any items, your fee is applied to your purchase. Shipping is free to and from – you can drop it in any post office box in the prepaid bag. In a year, I have only had one month where I didn’t care for anything and lost my styling fee. Every other month has had at least one item I loved <3
Stitch Fix does not require a membership fee or a monthly subscription. You can schedule as many or as few fixes as you like.
What kinds of clothes do you get?
They have a fantastic variety of styles: bohemian, glamorous, romantic, etc. They base your fix on the extensive style profile you fill out at the beginning. They offer sizes 0/XS – 14/XL and offer maternity and petite sizes.
What is the style profile like?
Here’s a glimpse of mine. I think it’s very thorough, so they get a great idea of your shape and size, style and how you like things to fit.
Here’s a review of some of the highlights of my Stitch Fix boxes. Not all the photos are mine. (Note: if a photo is yours and you’d prefer me not use it, please comment below and I’ll take it down).
If you want to try it out, you can sign up here: Stitch Fix. I get a wee credit if you do, so thanks!
If you do sign up, just be aware it might be your new addiction.
STITCH FIX, MY YEAR IN REVIEW
Liverpool Mira Skinny Pull-On Pant
These are amazingly comfortable black pants. They are dressier than a legging, but fit beautifully. They are also long enough for tall ol’ me! I can dress them up or down.
Market and Spruce Spencer Striped Jersey dress
I loved this dress on, super soft. The teal and navy stripes were a fun combo and even though I would not have picked it up in a store, it’s so cute – Stitch Fix is great for getting you out of your fashion comfort zone.
Liverpool Raina Dark Denim Jacket
Fantastic black denim jacket, fits like a dream. Has a lot of style for a basic, feels expensive, but wasn’t. Clever interior details and super with dresses.
Mystree Striped French Terry Asymmetrical Jacket
This is one of my very favorite Stitch Fix pieces. It’s so cute and sassy on, with its moto styling and French va-va-voom. The portrait collar is very flattering and, as you see, I love stripes.
Pixley Analisse Anorak Jacket & Octavia Henry Birds on Branch Infinity Scarf & Sam Hi-Lo Tee
The anorak is the perfect spring weight and I love the 3/4 sleeves. The olive color goes with everything and it has a detachable hood. I wear the Henry scarf if I just want to toss on an accessory to dress up a plain tee, though the Sam Hi-Lo is lovely soft fabric and dressier than just a t-shirt.
Kensie Jeans Angie Cropped Skinny Jean
This was in my first fix and I was totally shocked they were able to fit me, right off. I mean, we all know how hard it is to find jeans that are flattering. I love that they are rolled at the bottom, because cropped jeans can make me look like my pants shrunk. Goes with everything, great transition piece into spring and out of summer.
Baggu Duck Bag (Dot Blue)
This bag is flat-out adorable. I am addicted to polka dots and, I mean, look at it! Heavy cotton and holds a ton, super inexpensive.
41Hawthorn Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan
My favorite cardigan ever. Beautiful teal color, soft and drapey. It’s a very flattering fit and length and the perfect weight for air-conditioning.
Pixley Monet Mini Facet Bib Necklace
I love statement necklaces and this one always gets compliments. Not expensive, but memorable.
Pixley Ohara Faux Wrap Tie-Waist Dress
This is a very comfortable, easy faux-wrap dress. The belt is removable, but I like to knot it on one side. I love the multi-blue and purple chevron pattern and it can be dressed up or down with accessories.
Margaret M Odela Houndstooth Pencil Skirt
This skirt is a curvy girl’s dream. Slightly stretchy and very comfortable, in a classic pencil skirt cut. The fabric has a very subtle black on black herringbone. Classy!
Renee C Ventura Graphic Print Key Hole Detail Tank
This is one of the most fun pieces I’ve gotten in a fix. The keyhole is front and back, lightweight with a bright Ikat print. So fun.
Pixley Kathy Fit and Flare Dress
Super sweet fit and flare dress, very Audrey Hepburn.
Diana Kut From the Kloth Jeans
Of all the pieces I’ve gotten from Stitch Fix, this is my very favorite discovery. I LOVE these jeans to an almost unhealthy extent. They are comfortable and flattering. I loved them so much I requested them again and they sent me a different wash. WORTH EVERY PENNY.
If you are intrigued, I highly recommend you check it out! Click on the link below or any of the photographs.
I love to hear your thoughts. Have you tried Stitch Fix? Loved it? Hated it? Curious? Questions? Comment away!
