I discovered on my first attempt in 2009 that writing a 50,000 word novel in 30 days during the month of November for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) takes way more discipline and dedication than I could summon. I think I plateaued at 4000 words.

Will I give NaNoWriMo another shot in 2010?  I am not sure yet.

I might instead set a more modest goal, a 5000 words max short story for Paris Writers News Short Story Contest also open for entries until November 30, 2010.

You don't need to move to Paris for a month while writing even though it sounds like a great idea right now. There is a 10 Euros Fee to submit your entry.

Your story must revolve around, be linked to the city of lights in some fashion.
If nothing else the Paris Writers News lined up a good set of judges for their first short story contest. 

Included are Penelope Fletcher, owner of The Red Wheelbarrow bookstore in the Marais which sells English language books and Elizabeth Bard, author of Lunch in Paris as well as Diane Johnson who does not need an introduction, to name three.

Winner gets 200 Euros and 12 best stories get published, where, in what format, I don't know.

Even if you are not in a writing mood, a few good reads should come out of these 2 challenges.

(* Heard about Paris Short Stories Contest via Laurel Zuckerman)