Sir Francis Bacon

CONTEST SUBMISSION:

Sir Francis Bacon, an educated beagle, wondered about his name, did some research, and learned that his namesake was a statesman and writer who lived at the same time as Shakespeare. Some people thought that Bacon was the real writer of Shakespeare's plays. This puzzled Sir Francis Bacon the beagle.

"Why is my name Sir Francis Bacon?" he asked his human friend.

"Because I like bacon, and you like bacon."

"Did Bacon write Shakespeare's plays?"

"No. Silly idea. Would you rather be named Shakespeare? I could give you a spear to shake."

"I prefer eating bacon. And answering to Bacon."

From Guest Contributor: Anita G. Gorman

A Genius Remains Unrecognized

HUBRIS CONTEST:

John shouted into his megaphone, sending the entire set scrambling. He was in command. He was a god, and "Flesh Would Melt" was his creation, his masterpiece finally springing to life.

Even amidst the commotion, there was a still part of John's mind that was not occupied by the calculating of f-stops or picking out of wallpaper patterns. He thought of the first time he'd seen Hamlet performed, wondering at the rapturous applause, and thinking to himself that if he had been in charge, he would have done better.

Almost exactly one year later, John's film premieres to universal vilification.

From Guest Contributor Eduardo Felin

Historical Fiction Winner

Call me a sucker for Shakespeare, but my choice for the best Historical Fiction entry is Lady Macbeth, by Linda Lowe.

Here it is again, in case you missed it:

Life had become so boring, so beige boring. Every day it was hound the maids, light the candles, greet the guests. Then along came prophecy! What’s not to believe about a witch, let alone three? Once again, my world oozed with possibility.

What came to pass? Life in red, gushing red. There was blood in the soup, blood in the stew, blood on the hands of my husband. I thought about the plagues in Egypt, the Pharaoh who knew about miracles turned against him. I thought about science. That what flows, surely ebbs? While the old king’s blood ran blue.

Congratulations Linda, and thanks to everyone who submitted stories to our first ever contest. In my book, you're all winners!

And if you want to read the other submissions, you can find them here.

Of special note, a lot of you submitted more than one story, and because I was only posting one story per day, I didn't want to have repeat submissions early in the month crowd out first-time submitters. I'll be posting those extra submissions in the coming weeks. Moving forward, I'll close submissions before I start posting.

I'll be announcing a new contest soon, but in the meantime, keep submitting stories!

Scooby Doo, Where Art Thou!

Fred: Forsooth, the mystery's unveiledand the truth may be inveighedthat which proclaims your guiltis the spot of blood on your hilt

Old Man: The fault, dear kids, lies not with my starsnor with any lack of resolve in my felonious arts,but in your mysterious machine you came peddlingand in solving this crime have proven sorely meddling

Exuent Old Man

Shaggy: The mystery's resolvedand all danger dissolvedafter so much hue and cryit's time the Great Dane and Idespite being two such mindless 'tardsat last receive our just and due rewards.