The Sound Of Silence Competition!

The Sound Of Silence

Welcome to our new and last competition of the year! We listened and decided to go with a Flash. We imagine that many of us see the title of this competition and instantly flash to Simon and Garfunkel’s song of the same name. Some say that song is about being next to someone and unable to connect with them. I once read that it may refer to “the utter absence of auditory distraction(s)”. This is the one we are going with. 

If you’ve ever been outside alone in the snow, you know that silence is like no other. We’ve heard it said that the silence in the snow is so loud. It can even feel a bit unnatural or unsettling in the right setting.  

This is where you come in. Tell us what that sparks in you. It doesn't have to be unnatural and unsettling, it can be beautiful and romantic. It can be a place to reset your mind and soul. Whatever it all means to you. All categories are open except poetry, songs, musings, and plays. 

There is one requirement, (outside of the Flash word count), you must include the line "the silence is too loud" or "the silence was too loud" depending on past or present tense stories.

Edited to add: I apologize if I wasn't clear by the picture and by talking about the silence from the snow, but the theme of this comp is snow related.

Quick Rules:

You must include “the silence is/was too loud” (based on past or present tense). 

The maximum word count is 1000.

You cannot submit already published work.

All Stories Space rules and guidelines apply.  https://www.storiesspace.com/legal/acceptable-use-policy

The ending date is January 12, 2025 

The winners will be announced on January 18, 2025

Prizes:

1st Place $175 (USD)

2nd Place $75 (USD)

3rd Place $50 (USD)

Have fun and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

(Psst. You misspelled Garfunkel.)

So the first order of business is ... the S&G original or the Disturbed cover?😊

Okay, no. Seriously now.

Interesting theme. Looking forward to what people do with it. Wheels are already turning in my head. And it's Flash so I can probably get something out fairly quickly once I have an idea.

Quote by Mendalla
(Psst. You misspelled Garfunkel.)

Every single time. I think I like to leave you little things to find now. It's like a word search!

Quote by Molly

Every single time. I think I like to leave you little things to find now. It's like a word search!

I just have this horrible habit of proofing as I read. It's why I sometimes take days to write even a simple micro. Just as I go to post, my brain goes "ping" and finds a problem or something that could be worded better or whatever.

Entry is started. I have an idea. I have no idea where it goes.

I love this theme, Molly! And I’m finally about to get a break from work. Off Dec 24th thru Jan 5th, so I hope I can clear my mind and write something for this.

Thank you!

I like this one, too. Might even get time to write an entry Especially as I'm struggling elsewhere to put pen to paper.

Heh. Heh. I already have a first draft. 😊 And it's under the thousand so I even have wiggle room as I get into editing.

Molly, when you say "Tell us what that sparks in you," are you referring to the previous paragraph: "If you’ve ever been outside alone in the snow, you know that silence is like no other. We’ve heard it said that the silence in the snow is so loud. It can even feel a bit unnatural or unsettling in the right setting. (my bolding added.) "  

Or referring to the first paragraph “the utter absence of auditory distraction(s)” however that absence is caused, i.e. snow isn't essential and one could for instance be say underground in a cave or wearing noise cancelling headphones?

Molly, is this to be a personal piece, or are we allowed completely fictional stories with a 'sound of silence' theme? Does it have to be 'real' - which I was sort of taking from your description?

Quote by CuriousAnnie

Molly, when you say "Tell us what that sparks in you," are you referring to the previous paragraph: "If you’ve ever been outside alone in the snow, you know that silence is like no other. We’ve heard it said that the silence in the snow is so loud. It can even feel a bit unnatural or unsettling in the right setting. (my bolding added.) "  

Or referring to the first paragraph “the utter absence of auditory distraction(s)” however that absence is caused, i.e. snow isn't essential and one could for instance be say underground in a cave or wearing noise cancelling headphones?

The simple answer is all of it. What does all of that pull from your creative mind?

Quote by TheShyThespian

Molly, is this to be a personal piece, or are we allowed completely fictional stories with a 'sound of silence' theme? Does it have to be 'real' - which I was sort of taking from your description?

We've left it open so it can be real or fictional. Whichever comes to your mind.

I'm not sure if this will help or hurt with clearing things up, but when we were first discussing new comp ideas and this one was proposed I told them my mind automatically went to horror. I had an entire scene play out in my mind. Of course it went to horror that's the category I enjoy writing in the most.

So, it doesn't have to be a real-life incident but as I said above we will accept them.

Mine is quite fictional and ties to my current taste in music, using the "noise" of metal to reflect on silence in what I hope is an interesting way. Might even have a playlist to go with it. 🤘

This has hit home with me, Molly. And will be one of my fav comps to read and be healing to write. Thank you!

Here’s my cover and title. Now just have to find the sound of silence to organize my thoughts on paper.

I look forward to reading your metal music/silent story, Mr Ape. :)

Wonderful theme. No ideas, but I have been in an emotional state these past several days, so I suspect an idea might kick loose. I know how my mind works.

Great theme, and I know exactly what I'm going to write, based on something that happened to me.

Now all I need to do is find some words, tumble them together, and see if I can keep it under 1,000 words!

I'm a wordy SOB (which stands for "Son of a Bear")!

Quote by verbal

Wonderful theme. No ideas, but I have been in an emotional state these past several days, so I suspect an idea might kick loose. I know how my mind works.

You could write about silent your house was absent Talia. Though I suppose the cats still made some noise.😉

And I've submitted my entry. Let's see if it sneaks by the moderators!

It's a true story, and I've titled it Nature's Cathedral.

Ollie-ollie-in-come-free!

Come on in!

Quote by JamesPBear

And I've submitted my entry. Let's see if it sneaks by the moderators!

It's a true story, and I've titled it Nature's Cathedral.

Ollie-ollie-in-come-free!

Come on in!

Ooo, I can tell by the title, I’m gonna love it, Bear!

And here it is…

Nature's Cathedral

And I got it in by the skin of my teeth – plus some creative help from the moderator, for which I offer thanks!

Just dropping in to say best of luck to everyone entering the competition. Whether you’re here to win, learn, or just have fun, I’m rooting for all of you.

We’ve been at this together for years now, and it’s always awesome to see what everyone brings to the table.

I’m a little flashed out from other comps, but I am sure I will come up with something!

My story is in the queue. Brace yourselves. That surprised me. It went remarkably easily for me. Ending needed a couple passes but otherwise, I was just massaging bits into shape. And the Flash limit wasn't a problem. I danced around it but rarely went over by much.

And the ape is in. Here's my take on the sound of silence. It involves screaming and heavy music. Go figure.

https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/flash-fiction/scream-away-the-silence