Alright, here's the deal. I have surfed this site for a couple weeks now looking for great pieces of writing, and honestly, there really aren't that many. Don't get me wrong, there have been a few that I greatly enjoyed, and I've seen some potential but most of what I've read was boring, no offense.
What I'm asking you to do is restore my hope, prove me wrong, show me that there are some amazing writers out here.
Also, I want short stories. I want intensity, I want to feel it, and I want you to wrap it up the right way. I feel that short stories take more talent than books because you have a lot to convey in a little amount of space, rather then drawing things out for 700 pages.
There are a few particulars:
1) No fantasy/ sci-fi stuff. I would feel wrong allowing you to post it since I despise it. It bores me to tears.
2) No chapters. Ok, I'm glad you're writing a book, but entering one chapter from said book, even if it's the prologue defeats the purpose of a SHORT story.
3) I'm not a big fan of erotica. So please don't enter it, I'm ok with passion but keep it toned down. there are tasteful ways to do that, trust me.
4) Cursing is alright as long as it's moderate.
5) I feel like I shouldn't have to write this, it should be self explainatory but dOn'T WrItE lIkE tHiS
6) I hate people who DQ for no apparent reason but I'm a hypocrite. If your story is too long and I get bored, I'll DQ it. I plan on commenting on everyone's work, but if I can't finish it because I'm so bored then don't expect one. I'm going to be honest, so please don't get mad at me. It's nothing personal.
7) Be warned, if you're entering something that has been commented on a lot, and applauded a lot I might count that against you. I want someone to win who hasn't gotten all that attention. Pre-writes are allowed though and you can go for it if you want.
I think that takes care of everything. I'll try to comment on everyone's entries, I will be honest, but I'll also do my best to be helpful.
so have fun!
I WANT TO RE-EMPHASIZE: that I am critiquing your work. Don't enter this contest if you want a 'oh, this was good' comment. I'm being serious here, if you can't take an honest evaluation, don't enter. I'm sorry for being harsh but the only way to become a better writer is to accept constructive criticism. None of this is meant personally. Thank you.
UPDATE 4/25/08: I will not be commenting on every single piece now. If I can get through it and feel that it's worthy of comments then I'll comment, but otherwise I won't. There are a lot of entries to get through and that's why I'm doing this. I'm sorry
Update 4/29/08: alright, right now I'm swamped with homework so I'm extending the contest a couple of days so that I have time to read everyone's entry. sorry!
What I'm asking you to do is restore my hope, prove me wrong, show me that there are some amazing writers out here.
Also, I want short stories. I want intensity, I want to feel it, and I want you to wrap it up the right way. I feel that short stories take more talent than books because you have a lot to convey in a little amount of space, rather then drawing things out for 700 pages.
There are a few particulars:
1) No fantasy/ sci-fi stuff. I would feel wrong allowing you to post it since I despise it. It bores me to tears.
2) No chapters. Ok, I'm glad you're writing a book, but entering one chapter from said book, even if it's the prologue defeats the purpose of a SHORT story.
3) I'm not a big fan of erotica. So please don't enter it, I'm ok with passion but keep it toned down. there are tasteful ways to do that, trust me.
4) Cursing is alright as long as it's moderate.
5) I feel like I shouldn't have to write this, it should be self explainatory but dOn'T WrItE lIkE tHiS
6) I hate people who DQ for no apparent reason but I'm a hypocrite. If your story is too long and I get bored, I'll DQ it. I plan on commenting on everyone's work, but if I can't finish it because I'm so bored then don't expect one. I'm going to be honest, so please don't get mad at me. It's nothing personal.
7) Be warned, if you're entering something that has been commented on a lot, and applauded a lot I might count that against you. I want someone to win who hasn't gotten all that attention. Pre-writes are allowed though and you can go for it if you want.
I think that takes care of everything. I'll try to comment on everyone's entries, I will be honest, but I'll also do my best to be helpful.
so have fun!
I WANT TO RE-EMPHASIZE: that I am critiquing your work. Don't enter this contest if you want a 'oh, this was good' comment. I'm being serious here, if you can't take an honest evaluation, don't enter. I'm sorry for being harsh but the only way to become a better writer is to accept constructive criticism. None of this is meant personally. Thank you.
UPDATE 4/25/08: I will not be commenting on every single piece now. If I can get through it and feel that it's worthy of comments then I'll comment, but otherwise I won't. There are a lot of entries to get through and that's why I'm doing this. I'm sorry
Update 4/29/08: alright, right now I'm swamped with homework so I'm extending the contest a couple of days so that I have time to read everyone's entry. sorry!
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on May 4
- Rewards: Gold: 100, Silver: 50, Bronze: 25, Honorable mention: 1 people
- Final notes: Thank you to everyone who entered this was a pretty good experience for my first contest on here. I'm sorry to those of you who didn't receive comments on your stories, I did read them all though.
Thanks for giving me amazing work to read.
Contest Winners
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A mystic shape landing softly in the trees• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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It was the story about the elephant circumciser that got me the job, but it was a close-run thing. My nearest competitor was a man of many• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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As I awoke that evening I was torn from a magical place; a wonderous dream. To look around after such a dream would be disappointing, but aby half a faux 400 words, 5 comments, on Mar 18 5:43 PM. In• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
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by valentine7 800 words, 19 comments, on Feb 12 7:33 AM. In Dark, Horror, Other, Short story, Weird, Young adult• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
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When all you can hear is the dust settling and someone’s erratic heartbeat pounding in your ears like a barbaric war cry of drums that you realise is actually your own - that’s the moment you expect the worst.• Commented on by judge. [remove]
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One night an angular, curly-haired man with a lump on his cheekbone strode into the store. He stared at me with overt hostility as he made• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
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• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Silver trophy winner
Bronze trophy winner
Entries [57]
1 - 57 of 57
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There was once a boy, who unknowingly volunteered to go insane with twenty-something other people. This was a student signing himself up for a class that involved many projects, papers, and a singularly liberal amount of read• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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1 / PS: check to authors notes first!2 / ______________________________________________________________3 / It started so simple. In herby FindinSoundInSilence 700 words, 3 comments, on Mar 26 9:07 AM. In Desire, Hope, Hopless, Love, Missing you• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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It was late afternoon when I arrived at a small, unknown, deserted beach in mid-summer. There wasn't a sign of city life. I had only broughby Not In Your Heaven 300 words, 8 comments, on Apr 3 8:33 PM• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Akaira ran the old, wooden brush through her velvety black hair, smoothing it out with her ghostly white fingers. Her deep brown eyes focus• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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by AthenaWisdom 800 words, 14 comments, on Apr 11 2:28 PM. In Angst, Death, Depression, Fiction, First person, Love, Pain, Sad• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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…[E]ven though I was always a few yards below you, too cautious to reach out and pull myself as high as you were, I was the one who happeneby Dom Andra 1000 words, 13 comments, on Mar 26 3:08 PM. In Family, Gay, Other, Short story, Strange, Unfinished, Weird• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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They say you see your whole life again just before you die. Mine had better hurry up, I have about half a second left.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Have you ever wondered; what happens to a Hostage in Counter Strike when they are not waiting to be rescued? Find the answers today.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Just a poem that I made up on the spot.by Pomodorina 100 words, 7 comments, on Apr 1 10:34 PM. In Poetry• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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A Day in the Life / / The moonlight shone brightly off the surface of the lake. The nightlife was in full swing. Bullfrogs competed forby Kat222 1900 words, 41 comments, on May 22 4:21 AM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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The soft pounding of the music calmed her down slightly. His voice always had that reaction in her brain. A switch flicked and her body jus• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM1 / This was the stuff of kid’s dreams when I was growing up back in the day.2 / “Make your play.”3 / Almost as oby Maninblack 6400 words, 6 comments, on Jan 24 6:33 AM• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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1 / Walk like the Animals2 / This is the story of Gumple De Flirk...3 / Who thought that walking like animals could work,by gleedy 300 words, 1 comment, on Apr 14 9:10 AM• Commented on by judge.
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My ragged breath reverberated back to my ears as my eye's scanned the hell that was placed before me. As rain came down in torrents the onlby RoseBlossom100 300 words, 3 comments, on Jul 13 8:42 PM 2007• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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"*bunny*, they followed me!" Leonard was running and behind him, five men were chasing after him.1 / "we have to get him! Balkovich wants hby Stars-are-Blind93 1200 words, 6 comments, on Mar 30 12:08 PM. In Crime, Inspirational, Love, Personal, Sad, Tragedy• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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Once there was a little green bird named Jaja (JAH-jah) which means honored one. He was in search for another little bird to marry and make his wife. Now this little bird knew of two little females who lived in the same meadoby Dont Eat The Yellow 900 words, 2 comments, on Feb 7 4:14 PM• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Dear Edward,
Today has been a boringly normal day. The sun is shining...by emperess27 700 words, 29 comments, on Nov 28 8:47 AM 2007. In Death, First person, Love, Sad, Tear-jerker• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
by Lucem 700 words, 12 comments, on Oct 20 8:44 PM 2007. In Dark, Fiction, Love, Other, Third person, Young adult• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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I stared at my silent cell phone. The urge to call was unbearable. Was it just a false alarm or was this the real thing? My friend was alwaby Scop Christiana 200 words, 13 comments, on Apr 17 1:53 PM. In First person, Hope, Inspirational, Life, Short story, Spiritual, Teen• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Princes Street and although the evening was drawing in most kids were only just beginning their day. I walked towards a group of kids, all drinking and shouting and getting fired up for a night of fierce partying. I wouldn’tby Casey23Morgan 800 words, 2 comments, on Apr 18 11:14 AM• Commented on by judge.
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How far whould you go to get back what you had lost? Is true love worth any cost?• Viewed by judge.
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Mommy? Can you come home now? I love you.
We miss you bunches. Daddy always cries when we talk about you. I think he misses you a lot. I hear him all the time in your room a• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
This is a Piece, written from fragments of a dream I had this afternoon, and real feelings and emotions, about the man I love; and why I keby Prodigious Mirth 1600 words, 20 comments, on Mar 19 1:26 AM. In Confession, Dream, Love, Relization, Truth• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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It has been two hundred and fifty-five years since she decided to return to earth, yet, once again. She had entered this world with a lisby skye01 1900 words, 13 comments, on Oct 14 11:06 PM 2007. In Dark, First person, Inspirational, Pain, Personal, Third person, Unfinished• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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by RxxSpiritWolfxxJ 800 words, 29 comments, on Apr 19 12:52 PM. In Family issues, Father and son, Life, Pain, Rejection, Young adult• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Lives Forever Changed1 / Yesterday the sun was shining bright.2 / I walked down the street, passing people by,3 / Not even bothering toby angorarose 700 words, 1 comment, on Apr 19 10:59 AM. In 9-11, Based on true event, Fiction, Poem, Short story, Tragedy• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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Someone screamed in the night. I jerked awake, covered in a cold sweat and shaking, not from the cold, but from fear. There was a huge splaby the shorty 3200 words, 5 comments, on May 15 6:25 PM 2007. In Dark, Fiction, First person, Pirates, Short story• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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Passing by the library Annie noticed that the secretaire was open. She hesitated but then entered the room; her husband, Michael, didn't liby NiceGirl 800 words, 17 comments, on Apr 24 1:19 AM. In Drama, Fiction, Love, Romance, Short story, Third person• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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by Paragonz Shadow 4400 words, 15 comments, on Apr 18 5:52 AM. In Depression, Fiction, Love, Pain, Romance, Third person, Tragedy, Young adult• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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My Dear Darling,1 / Whenver you're near, I feel like I am a part of something. Whenver you're near, I feel special, like a songbird is car• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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by Dancing the Rumba 7800 words, 2 comments, on Apr 24 2:40 PM. In Young adult• Commented on by judge.
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Silence. The bright red shades accented in dew droplets. . .• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Two strong willed women fight for what they consider best for a traumatized child.by Olivia44 1600 words, 5 comments, on Apr 25 5:43 PM. In Abuse, Dark, Detective, Drama, Fan fiction, Legal, Psychology• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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I was surrounded by clothes, shoes, and the teddy bear I had lost three weeks before. Its eyes were staring strait ahead at the door. I felt jealous of this teddy bear, that he couldn’t fear. I could feel sweat runningby LilWriterGirl 300 words, 1 comment, on Apr 25 7:51 PM• Commented on by judge.
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by Viola.King 1100 words, 13 comments, on Feb 19 4:07 PM. In Fiction, First person, Friendship, Hope, Life, Personal, Short story, Young adult• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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by Saturday Mar 1800 words, 5 comments, on Jan 10 4:33 PM. In Young adult• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Strange Craft1 / I gasp at the cruel sand riding the wind into my lungs. Coughing is a predecessor of breathing here, in this drawn out desert. I tie my shirt around my face leaving room enoby HighEngineChief 2300 words, on Apr 26 4:11 PM• Viewed by judge.
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He didn't have the right to stop it. We get what we deserve.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Changing minds and discovering heart.• Viewed by judge.
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I gently pushed the front door of the old house open, creaking loudly as it did so. After taking a few deep breaths to calm myself, I slowlby KitsuneTenshi 800 words, on Apr 30 2:11 AM. In Angst, Dark, Drama, Fiction, First person, Love, Origional, R• Viewed by judge. Prewrite
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Look... See... Taste, what I offer you.by Rachel Westwood 800 words, 18 comments, on Jun 1 12:41 AM. In Dark, Gothic, Horror, Short fiction, Werewolf• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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The air was filled with the sweet smell of chocolate syrup and treacle as Jules rested against the glass counter waiting for a waffle. It wby Melancholic Smile 3100 words, 14 comments, on Apr 23 9:24 AM. In Death, Love, Pain, Sad, Short story• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Kind of a teaser for what I am hoping to turn into a full felged story. But as is, it can stand on it's own two feet as a short story.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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The opalescent sun was drifting tranquilly, doing its last bit of responsibility before the moon took over. The black clouds, however, were poised on the edge of the horizon, where the sun resided, as if conspiring to thwartby Thotro Manche 1000 words, 12 comments, on Oct 18 12:38 PM 2007• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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