I am making a call for a year ending challenge. Winner is crowned hatrack champ of 2009. Okay, doesn't mean much but the real prize does....
This challenge is to honor the talented writer that holds everything together for us.
Word count maximum - 2000 words
TriggerCinders of the Great War
You are free to interpet that anyway you want, provided you do not plagerize the award winning story written by KDW herself. The story can be historical, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, or any other combination of genres. It can be about WWI if you like but is in no way required.
Prize A copy of Writers of the Future Vol 9 signed by our own Kathleen-Dalton Woodbury. Sent to you with all expenses taken care of. All we need is an address to send it to.
I am going to give you a liberal amount of time to think and write your submission. All entries are to be sent to me...
snapperfjd@yahoo.com
Rules: 1. Stories must be 2000 words or less--no exceptions. I will check this on MSword. If your story is too long, I may email you to say so--it is your job to make sure--but it won't count as an entry until it is 2000 words or less. 2. Stories are to be emailed to me as .rtf files. Please don't post anywhere on Hatrack that you have sent it to me. If I feel you have endangered the anonymous nature of the competition, I may disqualify you.
3. I will keep people aware of how many entries I have recieved, once I have received a few.
4. There will be a period of approx. a month to write your story and email it to me.
5. Voting will initially be on the first 13. Each entrant will be able to select the ONE intro they think creates the greatest desire to read on. This vote will count as a single point (1) towards its final score.
Participants will have a few days (specified later) to identify the best intro. Anyone who fails to vote will simply be removed from the competition. I will consider reasons--given in advance--if people feel they can't vote during the specified period.
6. When the votes for the intros are in I will circulate all the stories as a single .rtf (email me if this is a problem). You will be required to write a brief paragraph (see usual intro competition crits) on each story. It needn't be much. Format as follows:
Crits for Entrant: (Your Competition Number)
Story Title:
Entry Number:
Crit:
Story Title:
Entry Number:
Crit:
ect, etc.
at the end, you must vote: 1st (5 points), 2nd (4 points), 3rd (3 points). I will not post votes as I don't wish people to be influenced by others voting.
I will post your crits for you at the close of the competition.
Failure to vote or crit withing the timeframes identified, will simply lead to your disqualifcation
Thanks to Kathleen for helping with this. Thanks to Skadder for writing most of these rules and to the inventor of copy and paste for the PC. The amount of time for Judging will be a two or three week window.
Now everybody have fun and write!
I would like to thank Kathleen for the prize to this challenge. I will envy the winner.
There you go. Any questions feel free to post them here. Good luck to all!
[This message has been edited by snapper (edited December 06, 2009).]
Posted by Foste (Member # 8892) on :
I am new here so...
Liberal time to think and write sounds great but is there a definite deadline?
Just asking
Also:
Is there a definite format required? (format, spacing, font, font size)
[This message has been edited by Foste (edited December 02, 2009).]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Whoops. I didn't write a date.
Before the ball drops in Time square, how's that? Dec. 31st 11:59 PM Eastern time.
Word count will be decided on my word program. I suggest you send your entries to me as a RTF file. Other than that...format really doesn't matter to me, although if you do it in something weird it may cost you votes.
Posted by Foste (Member # 8892) on :
Thank you Snapper.
I just asked about the formatting since often when dealing with submissions people want explicitly Times New or Courier.
I am in. I love the idea.
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
Sounds like fun.
quote:Also, I will award 2 points for the first entry received and 1 for the second.
Though I'm interested to know why this extra score if there's already a submissions date: Might this not work against stories winning on merit, or simply award stories that are already written and just so happen to fit the trigger?
Also (sorry, I know, I just can't stop asking questions, I think writing has done this to me) what do you envisage as a timeline for votes - 1 week? 2?
And I'd also like to chip in my thanks to Kathleen, not just for her generosity in this, and not just for moderating the forum this year, but for moderating it for over ten years. I moderated a forum for eighteen months and it drove me batty, so I think your hard work is really quite inspirational and very much appreciated. Thank you.
[This message has been edited by BenM (edited December 02, 2009).]
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Thank you, BenM. It's always nice to be appreciated.
Posted by Rhaythe (Member # 7857) on :
Can we get a little clarification on voting? Are we voting on the first thirteen lines, or the whole story? Or a combination of both?
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
Are we supposed to keep Kathleen's title, or is this only the trigger?
Posted by ScardeyDog (Member # 8707) on :
Just to clarify - is the title the trigger, or the story by KDW?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Kathleen's story title is only the trigger. I am using the same template that Skadder used for the last contest.
Gotta go but will provide more details on the weekend.
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
quote:Kathleen's story title is only the trigger.
Yes. Please don't base your story on my story.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Rules: moved them up
[This message has been edited by snapper (edited December 06, 2009).]
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
Thanks for doing this Snapper. I've been itching for a story competition and this one sounds great.
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
Sounds cool.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
How's the writing coming along? I am expecting a boat load of entries. I even cleared some space on my word file.
Oh damn! I just earsed my WotF enrty to make room! Ahhhh!
Better get writing to replace it.
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
My story is coming along. It was stalled for a while as I had no ideas at all, but I've got about 600 words down now.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
The single vote for 1st 13 intro...is that emailed to you, posted here, or posted below the entry thread?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Email 13 line votes to me but wait util after the entries are closed, Jan 1st.
Posted by Gan (Member # 8405) on :
I've got about 1k words so far. Coming along fairly well. As long as classes don't get in the way, I'll definitely be entering.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Well, I wasn't going to write anything until I got the "new" computer set up. But I wrote 1600 words on a story that wasn't even in my head this morning.
Now I'll have to type that all over agan.
Edited to add: Finished at 1840 words, give or take. When the "new" computer comes, I'll type it back in and send it on.
[This message has been edited by Meredith (edited December 14, 2009).]
Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
so let me get this strate first if you will,
we have to write what we think of Cinders of the Great War a short story by KDW, where do i find it to read it?
waite my brain hurts, i dont get it.
RFW2nd
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
No, my brain hurting friend. Cinders of the Great War is only a trigger, an idea for you to work on.
It can be about anything but should be based on that trigger loosely. Just think of those words and see if a story pops in.
Give it a try.
Posted by Rommel Fenrir Wolf II (Member # 4199) on :
OH I think i get it.
so i come up with a 2000 word story, of what pops into our heads when we think
Cinders of the Great War, the words only,
not to do with the story at all.
RFW2nd
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
Yeah I think it's something like that. Use it as a platform and develop a story. At least, this is how I'm interpreting it - the story I'm trying to massage together doesn't currently include either cinders or a great war, except maybe metaphorically; I'm really just using it to create springboard for the story.
But then, I'm kind of new at this whole trigger thing too, so we'll see - I'm happy to even place last if I can get some feedback anyways. And I'm hopeful I'll even find time to write this - and edit it - before the deadline. Whee.
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
I actually wouldn't mind people's opinions though - the more I plot and work out my story the more I think the trigger may no longer be recognisable in it. Is this going to be a problem?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
You can write whatever you want, Ben, as long as it is under 2001 words (not including the title). As far as the trigger goes, voters may (most will) base part of their vote on how the plot relates to the theme. So if write a great piece and no one can see what it has to do with Cinders and/or a Great War, you probably are not going to win.
I will likely be gone for a few days. Keep the questions coming, I will answer them all.
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
I wouldn't worry about it. The trigger is very broad a war could refer to most anything and the readers may find it refreshing to read something a little different.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
boo
[This message has been edited by Dark Warrior (edited December 16, 2009).]
Posted by dougsguitar on :
Thanks! Blink, blink... I really did read the instructions. Thanks again.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Just a question about the rules. To reduce the potential bias, will you have a ban on voting for your own story?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Yes, please do not vote for your own. I will not count the vote if you do.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Just a bump to remind us that the deadline for entry in this challenge is approaching...12/31/09
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
This is going to be fun!
[This message has been edited by BenM (edited December 29, 2009).]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
The judging will be a three week peroid. One submitter requested extra time because of a conference. If a little extra time is needed for completion of a story beyond the New Year deadline please inform me in an email and I will consider extending the deadline a little bit.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
But they should at least have their 1st 13 in so we can vote on those right?? or no?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
That would be reasonable, yes. At least first 13 should be sent to me.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
My apologies.
I got two more entries but the last one is begging for a bit of time. I am late for an engagement so I will post the 13 the next time I get online, probably tomorrow.
For those still working on their's, the deadline will be when I say 'closed'. So if you don't see that you can still send me your entry.
Happy New Year everyone!
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Six votes for best 13 opening so far. Six different choices.
Exciting start to the competition. Waiting on one anuthor to finish their story and I will send them to everyone.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Sorry everyone.
I got teh last entry awhile ago but been busy at work. I will send them all off tomorrow.
Got only one last person that hasn't voted on a 13 line opening.
The votes have been very spread out. Going to be a tight contest.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Sent everyone all the entries. If there is a problem with your story let me know and I will send a correct version to everyone.
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
I'm sorry I didn't enter your contest snapper - too much going on this time of year. However, I might pull out a decent story from what I've written so far. So thanks for the kindling.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Got some early votes in. I am however swamped at work. As soon as I can get my head above water and take a breath I will post the comments I have received thus far.
I must say this is exciting. Everyone (all 14 entries) has received at least a point. The competition is wide open.
Posted by dougsguitar on :
snapper - Dude! this was a scream! Letsdoitagain!
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
I think this competition was a great idea too - particularly having a fair block of time in which to write.
Hopefully with all the critiques that come in we don't need a grand prize every time though. 14 critiques on a full story seems a decent return on investment, and the winner's got to know they've something they might turn around and publish in short order.
I wouldn't mind hosting it sometime, either, so that our past host(s) get to play too.
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Not going to say which one is mine but wanted to say thanks for the crits, this was a good competition.
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
I can't wait until it's all over so more discussion can be undertaken :)
Posted by dougsguitar on :
Same here Dark Warrior and BenM... I appreciate the comments and look forward to some open discussions. I enjoyed all the stories.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Same here. I was surprised at the standard. It was higher than the usual story critiqued here at Hatrack. Why would that be the case?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
going to post some more comments.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:Not going to say which one is mine but wanted to say thanks for the crits, this was a good competition
I agree. Some really good stories to read and the critiques have been helpful, too.
It will be interesting to have more discussion when the challenge is over.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Only two voters left to go. Man is this contest tight. There are five stories still within distance to win the top prize.
I am bugging (reminding) the last two of their obligation. They still have a week but 12 othersw just can't wait any longer.
In the event of a tie (Distinct possibility) I have enlisted one respectable individual (that I am sure we can all agree on) that will break the tie.
Great stories from everyone. Wonderful writing and great critiques.
Posted by Gan (Member # 8405) on :
Aw man. I'm disappointed that I didn't enter now!
Sorry folks.
On the plus side, the short story that I came up with while writing this turned into a full length novel idea.
I did write a short story before the contest was over, but it was well over the word-count, and honestly fits much better as a novel.
Glad to hear the contest went so well, though!
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
That's too bad, Gan. Your posted updates is one of the reasons why I offered an extension to all that asked for one. Hope to see you in the next.
Got another list of critiques. Just one more to go...
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Just got the last votes in. I watched the lead change four or five times. The eventual winner came from deep in the pack. It jumped three others in the last email to take the prize. Very exciting. I will start to post the crits then announce the winners.
Outstanding bunch of stories! Good work everyone!
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Oh you are such a tease Snapper!
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
They were all very promising stories, each with different strengths, so I can see how voting could have been very tight. I think this is a great sign.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Sorry, didn't mean to drag it out this much. Next post will be in the other thread with who wrote what and the top five vote getters.
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
Yay, congrats Satate. And wow, it was a close race. I'm looking forward to the next one!
And I hasten to add - thank you Snapper for running it, it looks like a handful!
[This message has been edited by BenM (edited January 18, 2010).]
Posted by Dark Warrior (Member # 8822) on :
Grats Satate!
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Congrats Satate, well done.
I do think that the top four were the standout stories, and the votes were well deserved. I am intrigued as to who tied on 17 votes. Given the critiques etc., I am thinking that they could be any one of about 5 stories.
Posted by LlessurNire (Member # 8781) on :
Congrats to Satate and the others in the top 4! Without revealing my votes, I have to say that I did vote for at least some of the top 4 stories
I can see why the voting was so close, there were a lot of really great stories here!
I really enjoyed this challenge, and thanks everyone for your helpful critiques!
(It was a pleasant surprise to see that Snapper himself was also a contestant, way to go Snapper, you deserved a top 4 finish!)
Snapper, would it be too much to ask if you could email me how many (if any) votes I got? I understand not posting everyone's totals, just curious to see if I got any votes is all....
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
Congratulations Satate!
Wow! I made the top four. Woo hoo!
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
Wow! Thanks everyone. I can't believe I won, the stories were all so good and I didn't have much faith in this one. My husband thought it was awful and said it needed some fighting. The stories were all so good and I had a hard time choosing my top three.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Sure LN. If you really want to know I will. If everyone wants to know I will but let me warn you that almost everyone had a tough time deciding which ones to pick. Reading each crit as they came in and seeing their choices does not reflect on how they felt about the rest. I am betting everyone would be surprised on how little points half of these received.
Trust me. The critiques are far more reflective on how the stories were received rather than the voting. One submission you would have bet would have done a lot better based on everyones comments but most of the people had a problem with it, for one reason or another, that kept it off their list.
Having contests like this makes me appreciate the dilemna every editor must go through every issue. It makes me appreciate any comments I receive from them even more.
I am glad that you are happy that you made the top four, Meridith. You might not have been so happy if you knew that was the lowest position your story held during the voting.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
quote:I am glad that you are happy that you made the top four, Meridith. You might not have been so happy if you knew that was the lowest position your story held during the voting.
Nope. Still thrilled. Remember, short stories aren't my usual medium. I pulled one off! And it looks like, maybe, I may be getting better at it. Yep. Tickled pink.
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
Congrats to the winners (all of you!) and Satate. I didn't participate but watched from the sidelines cheering quietly. Well done.
Posted by ScardeyDog (Member # 8707) on :
Congratulations to the winners! And thanks again to snapper for holding this contest.
Speaking of which, could you email me a break-down of the votes my story received? I'm curious to see if all my votes were for the first 13 or vise versa. (Assuming I got any of course).
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
I don't mind finding out how many votes I didn't get, after seeing how good the competition are I know I have a long, long way to go :)
Posted by dougsguitar on :
Snapper - Awesome job! Thanks a lot for the effort and for the willingness to do it. I am ready to do it again. Maybe try a two tier contest where we go through the voting process, then do a revision for round two, keeping the anonymity intact until then. Some of these storys were flirting with greatness, it would be cool to see them fleshed out. Doug
Posted by billawaboy (Member # 8182) on :
Congrats Satate! - and everyone else!
Thanks again Snapper - and congrat on being on of the top five
