It’s that time of year. You can feel it in the air, smell it on the 50-mph winds whipping your skull. It smells like … brief spurts of genius. That’s right; it’s time for the Alibi’s annual Flash Fiction Contest . Every year we ask our creative readership to strip their prodigious prose down to its essence. In this case, that’s 119 words’ worth of story nuggets. Too limiting? Then consider this Hemingway treasure: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." That would give you another 113 words with which to blabber on. Come to think of it, 119 words seems a bit much, but such are our long-established rules.Other rules to consider when sending in your ultra-short shorts: two entries per person, max. Each entry should include your full name and titles for the piece(s). All entries must be received by Friday, June 5, at noon. Send your stories to shorts@alibi.com, with the pieces included both in the body of the e-mail and as a word attachment. Or if you’re composing these bits on a Smith Corona or sheet of papyrus, stick them in an envelope addressed to Alibi’s Flash Fiction Contest, 2118 Central SE, PMB 151, Albuquerque, N.M. 87106. No entries will be returned.As usual, winners will be lauded with a bevy of fabulous prizes, but this year, there’s oh-so-much more. After the issue hits the stands on June 18, we’ll be throwing a reading party for all entrants, as well as those who just enjoyed reading their fellow denizens’ work. The winners will receive their loot, and all those who entered can read to compete for more prizes. Check back as the weeks tick down for details. Good luck!This week at alibi.com: Gallery Box considers Artspace 116.
Culture Shock The Kids Are All Right, I Guess
A couple of weeks ago, I geezered on about the benefits of doing old-timey, grown-up things far away from the squirrelly amusements of youth. But I’m willing to consider that I was, if not wrong, then myopic. Kids, it seems, can be all right. Like the go-getters of Santa Fe Pro Musica’s Apprentice Artist Chamber Music Program , composed of kids ages 9 to 17 who work with experienced musicians to hone their craft. They’ve worked hard, and now you can see the competition’s winners at the 11 th annual Young Artists Scholarship Competition performance on Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m. at the United Church of Santa Fe (1804 Arroyo Chamiso). Admission is free, with a $5 suggested donation. For more, go to santafepromusica.com.Also on Saturday, consider the Kumon Book Fair for children and teens . The Kumon Math and Reading Center is partnering with Bookworks to bring the fair to the Mountain Run Shopping Center (5850 Eubank NE). From 1 to 5 p.m., staff will help you choose the right books for your young friend’s reading level and interests. So much better than an afternoon with the iTVWii.
