So, I've gathered up enough points to host another contest. Depending on how many fantastic entries I get and how many more points I accumulate by the end of the contest, I might up the points a bit for you guys and add some HMs.
What I want to see for this contest are stories full of emotion, with the plot centered around one of the various inanimate objects you will find listed below. You can have characters, but they aren't necessary - if you do have characters, though, I want them to be so well developed I can feel their every thought. Major happiness for you if you manage to pull off one of the objects as the main character.
Objects:
-Ace of spade playing card
-Dice
-Coat hanger
-Coin
-Umbrella
-Ferris wheel
-Butterfly net
-A single glove
-Hammock
-Lamp
-Paper fan
-Triangle (the instrument)
-Rock
-Polkadot fabric
...some of these hold special meaning to me, and some of them don't... but one way or the other, I'm interested to see what everybody can come up with.
Try not to use a prompt that someone has already used (YES, I encourage you to read the other entries... and comment too...) but if it inspires you, do what you will.
Rules:
1) Put the prompt in your Author's Notes, whether or not you think it's obvious from the story.
2) Make sure the object is central to the plot!! Don't just mention it in passing.
3) Reserve if you want, but make sure you finish the story before the closing date.
4) Do NOT include a picture with your story.
5) Nothing to hurt my eyes. This includes:
-clashing font and backgrounds
-excess spelling and grammatical errors
-shift key abuse
Terms and Conditions:
~I reserve the right to add and/or update rules as I see fit.
~I will extend the contest closing date until I have 15 entries.
~Any reserves not finished a week after the contest's closure will be removed.
~I will post a comment on every story that is entered, after the contest closes, and may or may not include constructive criticism in my comment.
~If you have any questions or concerns about this contest or my rules, please post it as a comment on this page so others can see as well.
Suggestions and Brownie Points:
~Say a lot with few words. The more words in your story, the more chance of me losing attention or getting distracted. Unless you can REALLY draw me in.
~I like wordplay, imagery, and profound thoughts.
~I dislike swearing, religious writing, and self-harm.
~Astound me with your words! You have a better chance of winning if you give me something unlike anything I've ever read before.
For now, that is all. Remember:
~Read the rules carefully.
~This is a community site, so please comment on other entries--it's very encouraging to the writer!
~Have fun!
Edit:
If you're interested in an example, you can check out something I wrote, entitled Encounter With A Rainbow: http://storywrite.com/story/343728
It was a work in progress when I began the contest, and I finally finished it yesterday. (Please note, it's not a contest requirement nor will it gain you any brownie points if you read my story. I'll most likely return the favour though.)
What I want to see for this contest are stories full of emotion, with the plot centered around one of the various inanimate objects you will find listed below. You can have characters, but they aren't necessary - if you do have characters, though, I want them to be so well developed I can feel their every thought. Major happiness for you if you manage to pull off one of the objects as the main character.
Objects:
-Ace of spade playing card
-Dice
-Coat hanger
-Coin
-Umbrella
-Ferris wheel
-Butterfly net
-A single glove
-Hammock
-Lamp
-Paper fan
-Triangle (the instrument)
-Rock
-Polkadot fabric
...some of these hold special meaning to me, and some of them don't... but one way or the other, I'm interested to see what everybody can come up with.
Try not to use a prompt that someone has already used (YES, I encourage you to read the other entries... and comment too...) but if it inspires you, do what you will.
Rules:
1) Put the prompt in your Author's Notes, whether or not you think it's obvious from the story.
2) Make sure the object is central to the plot!! Don't just mention it in passing.
3) Reserve if you want, but make sure you finish the story before the closing date.
4) Do NOT include a picture with your story.
5) Nothing to hurt my eyes. This includes:
-clashing font and backgrounds
-excess spelling and grammatical errors
-shift key abuse
Terms and Conditions:
~I reserve the right to add and/or update rules as I see fit.
~I will extend the contest closing date until I have 15 entries.
~Any reserves not finished a week after the contest's closure will be removed.
~I will post a comment on every story that is entered, after the contest closes, and may or may not include constructive criticism in my comment.
~If you have any questions or concerns about this contest or my rules, please post it as a comment on this page so others can see as well.
Suggestions and Brownie Points:
~Say a lot with few words. The more words in your story, the more chance of me losing attention or getting distracted. Unless you can REALLY draw me in.
~I like wordplay, imagery, and profound thoughts.
~I dislike swearing, religious writing, and self-harm.
~Astound me with your words! You have a better chance of winning if you give me something unlike anything I've ever read before.
For now, that is all. Remember:
~Read the rules carefully.
~This is a community site, so please comment on other entries--it's very encouraging to the writer!
~Have fun!
Edit:
If you're interested in an example, you can check out something I wrote, entitled Encounter With A Rainbow: http://storywrite.com/story/343728
It was a work in progress when I began the contest, and I finally finished it yesterday. (Please note, it's not a contest requirement nor will it gain you any brownie points if you read my story. I'll most likely return the favour though.)
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on November 11
- Rewards: Gold: 175, Silver: 75, Bronze: 50, Honorable mention: 5 people
- Final notes: Thanks to all who entered my contest.
One thing I'd like to say is WOW!!!
I was astounded by all these entries and I'm really pleased you guys showed what you can do with these prompts. I must admit I had a terribly difficult time judging... I read stories over and over again, reorganizing the finalist list, adding and removing some... the whole time adding points and HMs as I saw fit.
I'm really happy!
In my eyes everyone was a gold or silver winner... unfortunately I can only offer those places to two people. Many of you were just as deserving!
So you're probably wondering why I chose the winners like I did... lately when I give contests I like to put a lot of thought into deciding the winning entries, and sometimes it seems a bit fickle to me, because many stories have qualities the others lack, and there is never a single story that has everything. So there are a certain things that really stood out to me about these stories.
Gold: The Coin - This story drew me in from the beginning with stellar descriptions that made me feel I was already familiar with the characters and scenario. Furthermore, a glimpse into the plot and symbolism of this story reveals aspects about human nature. I think it's a very worthy read.
Silver: My Lady's Shield - I've never read a romance told from the point of view of an object before, and this one is compelling. The setting is realistic, the characters are believable, and all in all it is a wonderful story with a bittersweet ending. Please read it!
Bronze: The Neon Halo - Because I like the element of surprise and unexpected twists in stories, this one caught me right away. A late entry, but I'm definitely glad I extended the contest closure to let this slip through. The second person point of view is powerful and offers another perspective on things, like seeing in another's eyes.
The HMs- no particular order, but various points stood out above others.
Thanks to everybody once again! I'm glad I could hold a really successful contest, and I'll definitely try this idea again in the future.
With different objects of course.
Contest Winners
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• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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by k.malakante 1100 words, 3 comments, on Oct 15 4:32 PM. In For contest, Hmm, Romance
Silver trophy winner
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The first time I saw you, you didn’t notice me. I was only one of a set of grubby spades, so dog-eared that they could have been used for weeding the garden. You fingered me briefly, and paired me with another ace to win the• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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Under the umbrella two lives were joined, one was made, and those three were torn apart.by PurpleSensibility 600 words, 8 comments, on Oct 10 4:53 AM. In Depression, Life, Love
Honorable mention
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I giggled as he ran his hands down my dress. The special black and white polka dot dress I had gotten last night. It was our third date, and he said he wanted it to be special.1by Lost Soul 12 300 words, 20 comments, on Nov 7 6:16 PM. In Contest, Depression, Sad, Tragedy Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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Metal triangle. Tap another piece of metal against it and you get a clear as water sound. Pure, piercing. I am such a triangle and I sing a song of sadness.1by EdanaM 300 words, 11 comments, on Oct 1 1:16 AM. In Death, Family, First person, Life, Pain, Sad, Short story, Tragedy Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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What do you do if you go to the place where you experienced a tragedy? Will you relive it or forget it? What if, that same thing you wantedby someoneiknow123 900 words, 5 comments, on Nov 8 12:40 AM. In Contest, First person, Life, Sad, Self, Short story, Starting idea Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Entries [15]
1 - 15 of 15
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We move on to the poker round, best hand wins their freedom, the other loses their life. There was one extra card in the deck that the dealby Disasterous-Bastard 200 words, 3 comments, on Sep 30 7:57 PM. In Dark, Poker, Prison, Science fiction• Commented on by judge.
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my sister left her children for a few years, my mother and I rised them. We wanted to adopt Kelly but mother would not have it and did it hby Wickedruby1 100 words, on Sep 30 10:50 PM. In Contest• Commented on by judge.
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They had one clue. One gateway into a monster's head.1• Commented on by judge.
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• Commented on by judge.
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The life of a dice in a casino.• Commented on by judge.
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It sits still , unmoving, the least bit shiny and filled with any sort of metallic cpulence. It neither shines in the early morning light, nor looks too overcasted by shadows of other objects around, for me to miss it. There• Commented on by judge.
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Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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hello !
Hello, i would love to enter this contest, in fact i've started writing. As I don't own a computer, i have to rely on public computers at the library. Can I reserve a place in the contest so that I can fully devote the time I need to? You have me inspired.
Thanks
Chris. -
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Absolutely!
I remember the days of public library use so I can totally understand. Go ahead and reserve but make sure you have it finished! -
I'm not sure if it's your reserve in my contest, but I'd just like to let you know that I'm planning to close it on the 31st. If you're writing it and need more time, please tell me before then. Thanks~
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Dang...if only tarot cards were on this list.
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Hahaha~
Try to write for something else?
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