Dear Readers: This is Artvoice’s first foray into the wild world of “flash fiction,” or fiction that weaves a tale in 1000 words or less. We hope to continue this contest annually, given the great response from Western New York writers. Forrest Roth, who teaches flash fiction at Just Buffalo Literary Center, was kind enough to judge this fall’s contest, which asked writers to use the beloved Central Terminal rail station as their muse. Roth felt that Lou Rera’s piece, “For the Birds,” did the best job of “using the theme ingredient,” and we thank Rera (pictured), an assistant professor in communication at Buffalo State College, for his entry. Look for stories from the two honorable mentions, Todd Schoepflin and Jamie Ann Oakes, online at www.artvoice.com.
In the Margins |
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First Place: For the Birdsby Lou Rera |
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I’ve heard you want the truth. No sugarcoatin’. Straight from the horse’s mouth as they say. Anyway, first let me tell ya my feet are killin’ me. I’ve been standing up here all day, like I do every day, but I won’t bore you with my griping. |
Second Place: Green's Predicamentby Todd Schoepflin |
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By day he was director of the Buffalo Institute of History, composed, cool, and capable in his position. By night he fell to pieces, sleepless, ashamed, and angry. |
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Third Place: The Sun of Marshesby Jamie Ann Oakes |
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Once there was a time. That’s it. Once there was time. Frank repeated the words. He liked the patterns of words and repeated them softly as he worked. |
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