As a fan of tragedy and an author inclined toward this genre, I was astounded by the lack of depressing story contests, so I thought to make one myself. In this contest, I would like you to give me the most depressing story you can come up with. I want something tragic. Something that leaves me wanting to crawl into a corner and die, it's so hopelessly sad. But of course I have standards, as any good reader might. So here they are.
Unless it is a small part of a bigger theme, I do not want hopeless wrist cutter stories. Sappy suicides just don't do it for me. If the story revolves around friends and family of a person who attempted suicide, then awesome. If the person commits suicide and fails in the beginning of the story, sweet. If they succeed in the beginning of the story and the story continues on after that, I may just have to cry tears of joy. But definitely NO on the whole "My life sucks, everyone hates me, I think I'll just go kill myself," plotline that ends in a suicide. I have no pity for characters like that.
But don't restrain yourself to suicide type stories. No, tragedy has many shapes and forms, so I do not want a cookie-cutter story. Think of someone living a spectacular life and in an instant, it all comes crashing down. They're left on the streets to beg for scraps of food, hoping someone will show them kindness. Anyone. And finally, it comes in the form of a person they had stepped on during their rise to the top. Give me irony. Give me twists. Give me a good story. You're a writer. You know how it's done.
So now, for the rules.
1. Slander is bad. I won't have it.
2. Try to make it as grammatically correct as possible. Mistakes happen, just try to reduce the amount in your story.
3. This isn't a sticky caps contest, so don't use them. It'S AnNoYiNg.
4. I'd prefer new stories, but prewrites are acceptable if you think it fits.
5. Comment on people's stories. It's not required, but it's good ettiquette. Be polite.
So, have fun with it (or be miserable with it. Whatever suits you) and enjoy!
Forever,
-Nick.
Unless it is a small part of a bigger theme, I do not want hopeless wrist cutter stories. Sappy suicides just don't do it for me. If the story revolves around friends and family of a person who attempted suicide, then awesome. If the person commits suicide and fails in the beginning of the story, sweet. If they succeed in the beginning of the story and the story continues on after that, I may just have to cry tears of joy. But definitely NO on the whole "My life sucks, everyone hates me, I think I'll just go kill myself," plotline that ends in a suicide. I have no pity for characters like that.
But don't restrain yourself to suicide type stories. No, tragedy has many shapes and forms, so I do not want a cookie-cutter story. Think of someone living a spectacular life and in an instant, it all comes crashing down. They're left on the streets to beg for scraps of food, hoping someone will show them kindness. Anyone. And finally, it comes in the form of a person they had stepped on during their rise to the top. Give me irony. Give me twists. Give me a good story. You're a writer. You know how it's done.
So now, for the rules.
1. Slander is bad. I won't have it.
2. Try to make it as grammatically correct as possible. Mistakes happen, just try to reduce the amount in your story.
3. This isn't a sticky caps contest, so don't use them. It'S AnNoYiNg.
4. I'd prefer new stories, but prewrites are acceptable if you think it fits.
5. Comment on people's stories. It's not required, but it's good ettiquette. Be polite.
So, have fun with it (or be miserable with it. Whatever suits you) and enjoy!
Forever,
-Nick.
Contest is Over
- Contest was judged on December 30, 2008
- Rewards: Gold: 200, Silver: 20, Bronze: 20, Honorable mention: 3 people
- Final notes: Sorry this took so long to judge. As I sat here catching up on all of the stories I had yet to comment on I was berating myself for leaving it so late. There were many wonderful stories and I had a hard time deciding on the finalists, but I believe I chose well. Everyone did an amazing job and I am grateful to everyone for entering. To those who won, you did a spectacular job and I was truly moved by your work. To those who did not win, your pieces were also amazing. Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Nick.
Contest Winners
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Never again1 / Never again will we be broken / Our voices silenced by the pain / Never again our cries unspoken / Our tears washed away by• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
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by Forgotten Anomaly 2000 words, 57 comments, on Jun 26 10:49 PM 2008. In Death, Depression, Fiction, First person, Life, Love, Pain, Sad, Tragedy, Young adult
Silver trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
This is a recollection, couching some thoughts about dealing with, focusing on, a life perspective.by Gary Alexander 1500 words, 69 comments, on Nov 19 9:45 AM 2007. In First person, Life, Short story
Bronze trophy winner
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove] -
Ruby sensed something wasn't quite right this morning as she huddled in the doorway of her mother's bedroom.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
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READ THE STORY CAREFULLY
by Bernice DeLucchi 1800 words, 13 comments, on Oct 22 8:05 AM 2008. In 600-2000 words dark fiction
Honorable mention
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite [remove]
Gold trophy winner
Entries [19]
1 - 19 of 19
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by Dragonbabyx3 1900 words, 4 comments, on Nov 13 1:16 PM 2008. In Adult, Crime, Dark, Depression, Horror, Life, Other• Commented on by judge.
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It was a morbid gamble every time he setfoot into her chamber just to see her eyes flutter open. Someday those eyes wouldn't open.• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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The girl stiffened herself as the belt came down another time. This happened so regularly, she was used to it. She knew the drill. All sheby XxpooranatevkaxX 300 words, 2 comments, on Jul 14 10:29 AM 2008. In , Abuse, Pain, Sad, Teen, Unfinished• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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There was no way out. We were trapped here, corned within the confines of this tempestuous abyss. It had been only a few days since our entrapment, but it had felt like years. Everything that festered and thrived here spurne• Commented on by judge.
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by ExpectingMommy18 600 words, 3 comments, on Nov 20 12:03 PM 2008. In , Abuse, First person, Life, Sad, Young adult• Commented on by judge.
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King Size Reeses Cups1by SmileFromGlasgow 2900 words, 2 comments, on Nov 16 8:34 PM 2008• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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The pain he caused her finally became to much to handle...by IntrepidFantasy 1000 words, 19 comments, on Jan 26 2:25 AM 2008. In Death, Depression, First person, Letter, Loss, Suicide
• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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It takes only a minute to meet someone special. An hour to respect them, a day to love them, and an entire lifetime to forget them.by melissaisurmom 600 words, 2 comments, on Nov 14 1:50 PM 2008. In First person, Life, Personal, Sad, Short story• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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It was a fireball like they'd never seen.by Bernice DeLucchi 1500 words, 9 comments, on Oct 16 7:43 AM 2008. In A humorous story set in south a• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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BLOSSOM IN THE DUST1
by Bernice DeLucchi 800 words, 15 comments, on Oct 12 4:03 AM 2008• Commented on by judge. Prewrite -
So there I was all alone, while he ran off with her. I loved him for as long as I can remember and now he loves her...1by KaleighLynn 200 words, 2 comments, on Nov 13 7:54 PM 2008• Commented on by judge.
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For those who enjoy a little sorrow, mystery, fantasy, or fiction, I Recommend this story! Please, read it!!by Celestial Rose 1700 words, 9 comments, on Oct 12 3:45 PM 2008. In A little mystery.., Fantasy, Fiction• Commented on by judge. Prewrite
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Comments
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I entered a prewrite but if I had the time I'd write one just for this contest, this is my genre, but sadly I'm in exam hell and my time is fleeting.
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I've got a question... can it have a happy ending? In fact, I have two.. Can I enter more than once?
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How many times may we enter in this contest, Nick?
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