Greetings, fellow hatrack colleagues. Welcome to the fifth WotF trigger challenge! Although this is the 4th annual challenge, it is our fifth contest for the illustrious prize of a Writers of the Future book (contest #2 was made possible by the very generous Kathleen-Dalton Woodbury, thank you very much).
This year’s challenges prize is made possible by this years Gold Award winner Tina Smith. More on that in a moment…
The WotF trigger challenge is a writing contest open to all hatrack writers. Be this your first day, or if you’ve been a member longer than youngest hatracker has been alive, you are eligible. A bit of a warning, to be part of the challenge garners some responsibility. All participant’s are expected to serves as judges. You will help determine the winner.
The prize for winning the competition will be your own copy of the latest Writers of the Future anthology (Volume 29).
First some ground rules…
This is a trigger challenge. You will need to come up with a story (genre is open) based on the trigger…
Twelve Seconds
Your story can be about anything as long as it has something to do with the trigger. The only limitations are you cannot plagiarize Ms Smith's work and you cannot exceed the 4000 word limit.
All submission will be sent to me…
snapperfjd@yahoo.com
…where I will assign it a number. The cut off date for submissions will be May 31th. If my Word program says your submission is over 4k, I will give you an opportunity to correct it. Please send your stories in a RTF file. Thank you for that.
Judging…
We will be voting on the best openings and best overall pieces. Once I get enough entries, I will start to post the opening 13. Everyone is expected to pick their first and second favorite opening, a point will be awarded for every second place, and two points for a first place. The judging for the first 13 lines will be a week, at that point I will send the entries out to everyone. You will read and pick your three favorite. The points will be 5 for first, 4 for second, and 3 for third. You may use any criteria you like in voting but I suggest you take how each one fits with the trigger into consideration If I get more than a few entries, I will separate them into groups and the top vote getters will face off for the grand prize. And because this is a friendly competition, and I would like to illicit interest by posting openings as soon as possible, 2 points will be awarded to the first entry I receive and 1 point will go to the second one for the 13 line challenge.
The winner of the 13 line challenge will receive a free detailed, critique for any work they would like me to look at of up to 10000 words (I'm flexible on that number). The winner of the general competetion will win a copy of the anthology, signed by the Gold Award winner, Tina Smith.
How to get disqualified…
The competition will be anonymous. If you post your entry in F & F to get some feedback, then I may have to disqualify you. If you fail to vote, you get disqualified. Other than that, it’s all open. If you whine, complain, or tell me I’m a cheat for any reason (private or public) I will only laugh at you. I am only interested in fair play and quality writing. When I say this is open to all, I mean it. If you want to join in but don’t feel you need the book, no problem. It can go to the second place finisher if you win…so now no one *coughNickcough* I mean no one *ah-ah- Kathleen-choo!* can use that as an excuse.
Any questions? Feel free to post them in this thread.
Additional rules (deadlines, votes, deviding up the entries) may apply later.
Now start your writing!!!!
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Woo! I've been waiting for this one. =)
Thanks for hosting again, Snapper!
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
OK, I'm sure I can come up with something by the end of the month.
Posted by WriteRebekah (Member # 9657) on :
What a fun and interesting contest! thanks!
Posted by Jed Anderson (Member # 9863) on :
so this story has to be about 12 seconds?
Posted by KellyTharp (Member # 9997) on :
Sounds interesting. So many things can happen in 12 seconds! I may see what I can come up with.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Good question, Jed. Glad you asked.
"Twelve Seconds" is only the trigger; the inspiration for your story. How you it inspires you, is entirely up to you. It doesn't even have to be about time. For example, you could write a story where one character keeps asking for an extra helping at a family dinner - twelve times (get it? asking for seconds?)
So write about whatever you like, but remember, your fellow writers who will be judging the first round, will penalize you if they can't tie your story to the trigger. Seen people lose points in the past for that.
So write away!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I was thinking that you could try to write this story in 12 seconds.
Posted by babooher (Member # 8617) on :
Newbie question, but should the entries not be titled so as not to count against the 4,000 word count?
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Bret,
Are you asking if you shouldn't title your story because not doing so will save you like two or three words in the story count? As in, your story is precisely 4000 words and the title pushes you over?
I have a feeling that's OK. Word count = Story word count.
Axe
Posted by babooher (Member # 8617) on :
Axe,
I kinda assumed that, but thought it's easy enough to make sure. It was something in the way it was worded about the submission's word count that made me want to verify.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Oh, in that case just blame Snapper.
After all, the deadline is May 31th.
Axe
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Do you have a 22 word title planned, babooher? No worries. I won't count the title against the word count.
Posted by babooher (Member # 8617) on :
Actually, I was thinking of a (roughly) 3,000 word title that might have indicated an inciting incident, some back story, and introduced the setting and major characters.
I just had visions of you getting bogged down with life and submissions so that you were just opening the sub, looking at word count, and tossing if the number exceeded 4000. Not that I think you'd do that out of malice, just expedience in the face of Mt. Morework.
IN any even, I can procrastinate no longer. Back to the actual writing.
Posted by Melanie Vera (Member # 10072) on :
Sorry what is a RTF file?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Rich Text Format.
DOC would be okay, I can convert it, Melanie
...and welcome.
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
This sounds interesting. Am I correct in assuming that there is no lower word limit? Like... at least 500 words or something?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
If you can write it in one word, then it counts, but it better be a great word that is based on the trigger.
Posted by Estee (Member # 9824) on :
Has it been a year already? This is such a great contest. My brain is spinning with ideas.
Posted by Melanie Vera (Member # 10072) on :
Okay thank you I will see about taking the challenge . Sounds fun.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Deadline is in 10 days, So, hurry up already.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
What is going on? Come on now. Usually, I'd have posted 13 line openings to spur people into action, but I haven't received enough entries to start posting.
Look, we have an award winning author who is ready to judge and send a signed copy of the anthology for the winner.
So, get writing.
Posted by Melanie Vera (Member # 10072) on :
Sorry I have been busy with other things. I will get writing and have it posted by the end of the month.
Posted by Melanie Vera (Member # 10072) on :
Alright story opening posted to your email. I hope all do well.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Working on it, Snapper! I made the mistake of trying to start early. That only ever leads to *bad things.* Now that the deadline is looming, story will start to flow. =)
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote:Originally posted by snapper: What is going on? Come on now. Usually, I'd have posted 13 line openings to spur people into action, but I haven't received enough entries to start posting.
Look, we have an award winning author who is ready to judge and send a signed copy of the anthology for the winner.
So, get writing.
Hmm, if there are so few maybe I will give it a try, I would need to put away my other writing for a few days but I've done that before. I'm sure I can come up with some idea--hopefully unique--and make it around a thousand words.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
The first entries are up!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay, couldn't help myself, I started a story at work today. I might be able to finish it tomorrow or the next day.
Posted by KellyTharp (Member # 9997) on :
Sorry I didn't join in. I had started on an idea, but my favorite cat finally started going down hill with his cancer. Had to withdraw from society for a while. Had him put down today. Still crying, but using it to my advantage as I have a scene where my character is in tears over what she cannot control. Actors use "method" acting, I'm using "method" writing. Letting out my tears via my character in book three. Next challange, I promise. KT
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
KellyTharp, please accept my condolences on your having to put down your cat. I know how that is--it's a terrible decision. Hugs.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Kelly my condolences also.
My and my wife have had to do that a couple of times. It's not easy. You can put you cat in a story. I'm not trying to be funny, writers have done that before, they say it makes it a bit better.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
So very sorry, Kelly. That's incredibly painful.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Posted by KellyTharp (Member # 9997) on :
My cat-in-the-story will come in book 4. It's a long standing joke between the two main charaters about what a "Mother Penchot" is and she will find out the hard way that they are rather large, ferocious, alien panthers. Worse is when the General discovers she's bring it home as a pet!
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
So sorry for your loss, Kelly. We will miss your participation but we all understand.
To everyone else, tomorrow is the deadline...
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
quote:Originally posted by snapper: To everyone else, tomorrow is the deadline...
Is there a time of day deadline tomorrow?
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
Hmm, I just might be able to make the deadline--tomorrow, depends on how well I sleep tonight. Been smashed at work for the last month-and-a-half and, while most people wouldn't think so, it's both physically and mentally draining. I come home, fall asleep, cook a meal, fall asleep, watch some telly, fall asleep, go to be and sleep, wake-up, go to work, and it all starts over again. Oh, plus 'unforeseen emergencies'.
I have an idea I like, and an opening and ending, it just won't get on the damn computer screen.
Phil.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Rebecca, Deadline is usually midnight in whatever timezone Snapper happens to be in at the time.
Although sometimes it's an arbitrary number like 11:42pm.
But seriously, I'm sure it's pretty loose. If your e-mail is time-stamped for May, you're good. After all, what fun is a contest regarding Tina's story without a last-second deadline?
Dustin
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
As long as I haven't said 'time's up' you are free to submit an entry. I have an early morning so that deadline won't be for a few hours yet (when I get up).
If any one is close - and you need just a little bit of time - email me and I'm sure we can work something out.
Got more entries - will be posting them next
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
I'm just curious... is Tina a hatracker?
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I don't believe so, no. But she's been very active on the WotF boards for a long time.
Axe
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Okay, it's been awhile since we have done this challenge: So Snapper How do we list our votes on the Openings?
On the Opening Thread? Send them to you? If we list them do we wait the full week? I can see waiting a day or two to make sure you listed them all but a week?
And is it one week from the point you say "Times Up" which you haven't said yet-here anyway.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
And this would be a good set of stories to do an online anthology --for the title anyway. Have it be "Tina Smith presents Eleven 12 Seconds".
We have been though a discussion on the anthology idea and it could get complicated to actually do it but that doesn't change that I think the idea would be neat.
Eleven--if that is all--would be a small anthology but it's E-publishing.
[ June 02, 2013, 12:56 AM: Message edited by: LDWriter2 ]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Sorry to take so long to post here. I had to work today and going to see Star Trek in a minute.
The last entry I received hours ago, well within the time I allotted - just incase you thought the holdup was for that (it wasn't)
The judging for openings will be as such.
Pick you're first, second, and third choice for best opening. Whoever receives the most votes wins a free critique of anything up to 10,000 (and I'm flexible on that number), from me (whoopee) - be it a short story or the first few chapters of a novel. You win, you get to get bashed by me . send your votes and any comments you have to me. I will post them on your behalf
The main contest: I am thinking of sending all the stories to everyone. They are 32300 words all together (including the one you wrote). If that is too much - let me know and I will divide them into two groups (as I have done in the past). Since we have an odd number of entries - whoever wins the opening competition, will receive an automatic pass to the final round.
So I am looking for input on what scenario you would prefer, all the stories get read by everyone or a split and a lighter reading load?
And to make it official...Submission for entries is now closed Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I vote split. 30k is a lot. 15k is a solid WotF entry. Plus, I'd need a long time to read that many. Everyone would be waiting for me.
If, of course, I even have a story in this anonymous contest...
Axe
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Personally, I would be reading them all, but I can appreciate those that don't want to. However...
11 is difficult to split fairly. How about this option:
Each person can opt in or out of the preliminary round. If they opt in, they must give a critique to all stories, even if they don't win.
Preliminary round: Vote for best opening.
Prize for preliminary round: Double chance. Top opening (or three) get to be in both groups.
Example1: (Three chosen example)
1,2 and 3 win preliminary round.
Split is as follows: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 1,2,3,8,9,10,11
Example2: (One chosen example)
1 wins preliminary round.
Split is as follows: 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 1,7,8,9,10,11
Of course, the split of 4 to 11 above can be split differently to above, even optimised to make the two groups close to the same size (in number of words).
[ June 01, 2013, 10:37 PM: Message edited by: Brendan ]
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Do we send in the Opening votes with the votes for the full story?
I ask because there have been challenges where we listed the Opening votes ourselves.
And I can't remember how it was done for the previous WotF challenges,
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
I don't mind reading them all, so long as you give us long enough. I'm pretty busy a this time of year and my mind isn't always in the right place at the moment anyway.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
In actuality, there are only ten stories to read, since we wouldn't be voting for our own. If we do a split, then send out all of the stories and we read the five stories that follow our own.
Example. If I am #7, I'd read 8, 9,10,11, and 1. If I was #2, I'd read 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.
That would ensure every story has at least five critiques.
You could even make additional reviews optional, but the five following your own entry would be mandatory.
How does that sound?
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
I like Owasm's idea. And we'd all read five. Vote for top 3.
Louis, everything is Anonymous. Send all votes and voting to Frank.
Axe
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Nice solution OWASM. Simple, but elegant.
It could work for more that five, say six or seven if we like. But that's me complicating it again. Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Okay, Owasm has the winning idea. I'm thinking everyone gets 7 stories to read - allows for an overlap, assuring a fairer voting process. Sound good? I insist that we have at least 6 stories a piece if 7 is too much. What do you think?
Already received one vote. I will start posting comments when I get enough. As soon as we reach a consensus, I will send stories out to those that have been voted.
So, is 7 a good amount of stories to read and review or would you rather limit it to 6?
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
Doesn't that mean that some will be read more than others and thus get a greater chance to be voted for?
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
I think if everyone reads the seven stories that follow theirs (and everyone gets the stories in the same order,) then assuming everyone actually votes, there should be an even distribution. Yes? Math and spatial reasoning are not my strong suit.
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
They are mine (I'm a software developer), but sometimes my brain can't be bothered Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
I like seven - the more stories are used, the fairer it will be to those stories that happen to be next to the strongest story in the group.
You are right Rebecca. So long as the bottom authors (by story number) go back to the top to complete their seven, everyone gets the same chance.
But you are right pdblake, too, in that the number of words will be different. In the worst case scenario, someone may have to read up to 28000, while another may get to read 8000. Most likely, the target will be between 20000 and 21000 words for seven stories.
Posted by Estee (Member # 9824) on :
Seven is fine with me.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Seven it is. About half of you voted. I have sent the entries to them.
Now, to make it easier for myself, I am send all the entries to everyone. You need only to read the seven stories starting after your entry. So if you wrote entry 8 - for example - you would read and vote on 9,10,11,1,2,3,4.
You are welcome to read and comment on them all but only vote for the top three of the seven you were assigned. Got it? I hope so.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
All clear, Snapper. Thanks!
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Oh boy. My apologies to a few of you. Sent out my master copy of the stories without making sure the authors names were deleted, so about half of you received a file with half of the names attached to the entries.
I'm sure you all can still judge fairly, but it still makes me embarrassed. Sigh. I guess that's the difference between very human finalists like myself, Dustin, Rebecca, and Bob, and the robotic perfection quality of the soulless writers like Nick T.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
I may have missed it somewhere, but is there a response deadline for votes/comments on the full submissions?
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
I seem to have missed that too.
I was late with my votes for the Openings, don't want to be again.
I did look for a date.
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
Were crits for the openings not mandatory? It's just that, with eleven entries, each opening should have received ten crits. Most only have seven or eight posted.
[ June 08, 2013, 05:34 AM: Message edited by: pdblake ]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
@ PD - no, the crits for the openings were not mandatory, but they are for the 2nd round of judging.
Speaking of which...the first five judges comments have been posted under each entry. You may wonder why some have five and others as little as two, some of our fellow hatrackers were very kind and gave all the entries a crit. Thank you very much for that.
There is a clear favorite in the voting but we still have over half of the judges that still need to vote. A very wide open contest at this point.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Posted more fresh comments.
We have three people left to vote. There is a clear # 1 but several are vying for the remaining two positions.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Isn't the clear #1 the winner of the 13 line contest, with an auto pass to the next round?
So, shouldn't there be a clear #2 with one vying for the remaining position?
Or are you inadvertently giving things away Mr. Freud?
Let the guessomancy begin!
Axe
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
quote:Originally posted by axeminister: Isn't the clear #1 the winner of the 13 line contest, with an auto pass to the next round?
So, shouldn't there be a clear #2 with one vying for the remaining position?
Or are you inadvertently giving things away Mr. Freud?
Let the guessomancy begin!
Axe
I looked through the rules, and didn't see any mention of this, Axe. Was that maybe from a different year? Or, perhaps, my reading skills are just MIA. Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
quote:Originally posted by snapper:
Since we have an odd number of entries - whoever wins the opening competition, will receive an automatic pass to the final round.
I took this to mean the story itself will go to the judge based on winning the 13.
Snapps can clarify when he pulls over and checks his Blackberry.
Axe
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
quote:Originally posted by axeminister:
quote:Originally posted by snapper:
Since we have an odd number of entries - whoever wins the opening competition, will receive an automatic pass to the final round.
I took this to mean the story itself will go to the judge based on winning the 13.
Snapps can clarify when he pulls over and checks his Blackberry.
Axe
And it would appear that, yes, my reading skills are, indeed, MIA. I'm sure Snapper will clarify.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Oh, I'm hoping that the winning opening will go through as well as three from the remaining. I know that snapper didn't say this, but... Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
nope, entry #11 has not received an automatic bid. entertained the idea but opted for owasm's brilliant suggestion instead.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
quote:Originally posted by snapper: nope, entry #11 has not received an automatic bid. entertained the idea but opted for owasm's brilliant suggestion instead.
Thanks for the clarification, Snapper! And yes, Owasm is brilliant.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
To the author of entry #11, I apologize for OWASM's brilliance.
Axe
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
nope, entry #11 has not received an automatic bid. entertained the idea but opted for owasm's brilliant suggestion instead.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
This thread has gone quiet. Any more news on updates?
More to the point, when can we get to our traditional guessomancy game? Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
quote:Originally posted by Brendan: This thread has gone quiet. Any more news on updates?
More to the point, when can we get to our traditional guessomancy game?
Mmmm . . . guessomancy. Tasty. Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Update??? I suppose.
A new set of comments are up. I am waiting to hear from two more judges. I have sent them both an email. As far as a guessomancy... if you insist...
List of authors in alphabetical order:
Axeminister - Brendan - Estee Wood LDWriter - Melanie Vera - Owasm PDBlake - Rabrich - snapper Tesknota - wirelesslibrian
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Ok, I'll give a few guesses.
#2: The Thirteenth Second__________Estee Wood #3: Vital_________________________Melanie Vera #4: Pivot________________________Owasm #6: Civic Duty____________________snapper #7: The Chief Chef's Frenzy Meal____LDWriter #8: Simple Delegation_____________wirelesslibrian
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
You got three right, Brendan.
Just heard from the two judges. One promised to have theirs in very soon, while the other....
Not to worry, I have a backup plan.
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
How's this?
#01: You Get What You Pay For - pdblake #02: The Thirteenth Second - rabirch #04: Pivot - Estee #10: Enclosed - snapper #11: Crystalline Harmony - Brendan
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
#1 = PDBlake, although last time I guessed troll story = PDblake, I was wrong. #4 = Tesknota #6 = Snappah #7 = Louis #8 = Wireless Librarian #9 = Ken #10 = Neil deGrasse Tyson. No wait, he didn't enter. How about Brendan #11 = Rebecca
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
This part is always challenging. Here are some wild guesses.
I've seen a couple of guesses for me being the author of #8. That's no, and no. Can't claim #10 either.
Since the attachment I received had names on five of the stories, I feel like I'd be cheating if I guessed. Although, I know for certain that one of the names was wrong, because it was someone else's name over my story. Makes me wonder if Snapper is messing with us.
Here's a hint about mine. Food is mentioned.
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
quote:Originally posted by wirelesslibrarian: I've seen a couple of guesses for me being the author of #8. That's no, and no. Can't claim #10 either.
Since the attachment I received had names on five of the stories, I feel like I'd be cheating if I guessed. Although, I know for certain that one of the names was wrong, because it was someone else's name over my story. Makes me wonder if Snapper is messing with us.
Here's a hint about mine. Food is mentioned.
Hmm. The plot thickens!
Posted by Estee (Member # 9824) on :
I've been guessed as #2 or #4 -- and one of those is right! Am I supposed to 'fess up as soon as someone gets it right?
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
quote:Originally posted by wirelesslibrarian: Here's a hint about mine. Food is mentioned.
Mine too
Though I won't join in as I got a copy with names on too, so I definitely know which one was mine. I think Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Well, I'm not going to try to guess, I'm no good at that.
And mine might be easy to guess by those who have read my stories before, I seem to keep making the same mistakes no matter how I work on it.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Tesknota - 2 out of 5 right
axeminster - 5 out of 8
rabrich - 3 out of 7
@Louis - you're writing style apparently isn't the only one that is transparent - How's that for a hint?
[ June 15, 2013, 11:19 PM: Message edited by: snapper ]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Update
I have received 10 out of 11 votes for the contest. Unfortunately, the last author has decided to withdraw from the competition (I won't go into why) - which messes things up, big time.
Fortunately, I have a back up plan. A hatrack member, who didn't participate in the contest, is going to read and judge the 7 stories the final author was set to judge. Their identity will remain a secret so authors won't be able to lobby them for a very important vote - I know how shameless some of you can be. BTW, have I said how wonderful I find Nick T Chan's writing? It is so poetic and engaging. I can't seem to put his work down when I start reading it. How I strive to be just like him.
Anyway, I can give you this tidbit. Two of the stories have received enough votes to be guaranteed entry into the final round.
The remaining spot is very up for grabs. There is a scenario where a five way tie for the final spot can happen - it is that close. With that in mind, I have not determined what I should do in the event of a tie. At this point, odds favor that a tie between at least two stories will happen. I am open to suggestions. Here is one idea for you...
All stories that have tied for the final spot will be sent to everyone where each person will pick their choice.
God forbid if we end up with a tie under that scenario as well.
What do you think? Acceptable or does anyone have a better idea?
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Food is mentioned in mine, too!
Dangit, now I'm hungry.
Posted by wirelesslibrarian (Member # 9513) on :
Sounds fine to me, Snaps.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Fine by me
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
Why not?
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Bring it on.
I'm excited that things are so close. Strong stories!
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Food for thought!
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
My characters don't eat or pee. Ever. I learned that from Gene Roddenberry.
I'm down with a tie-breaker if need be. I think we did that in one of the past year's contest.
Nice sentence, Axe.
Thanks.
Nick T's writing is superb. He's my hero.
Axe
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Pretty sure we tie-breaked (grammar-ACK!) last year.
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Fine by me too.
Actually, I'm not all that surprised by the closeness. In the stories I read there were three or four with good writing, not bad stories either. I went by more the stories I liked and the use of the phrase.
There are a couple of stories I want to see published pretty much as they are.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Oh, had I known that Nick T was voting, I would have created a character named Tchan. Is it too late to write a new character, say a judge, into my story?
Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
quote:Originally posted by snapper: Update
Fortunately, I have a back up plan. A hatrack member, who didn't participate in the contest, is going to read and judge the 7 stories the final author was set to judge. Their identity will remain a secret so authors won't be able to lobby them for a very important vote - I know how shameless some of you can be. BTW, have I said how wonderful I find Nick T Chan's writing? It is so poetic and engaging. I can't seem to put his work down when I start reading it. How I strive to be just like him.
Sigh. How many times must I tell you that you cannot use my name without express permission of my legal department? I mean, really, didn't the first whipping, feathering and tarring teach you anything?
Besides, of course you strive to be just like me. Everyone knows your entire life has been a sad little quest to emulate my brilliance, beauty and all-around awesomeness. You don't have to say so explictly; it would make me blush if I was capable of feeling such a mundane human emotion.
Nick
Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
quote:Originally posted by Brendan: Oh, had I known that Nick T was voting, I would have created a character named Tchan. Is it too late to write a new character, say a judge, into my story?
Unfortunately, I would instantly see through such a transparent attempt at vote grabbing. Creating a brilliant, charismatic, fearless and heroic - no, God-like character named Nick, silent T, Chan would be a completely different matter.
Nick
Posted by wirelesslibrarian (Member # 9513) on :
Whyyyyyyyyy? Why is there silence?
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
quote:Originally posted by wirelesslibrarian: Whyyyyyyyyy? Why is there silence?
Our ability to refresh pages is being tested. Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
quote:Sigh. How many times must I tell you that you cannot use my name without express permission of my legal department?
I did. I called up your legal department, made my request, and mentioned you by name (even spelled it out for them). They said,
Who?
So I went into a long rambling and detailed explanation of who you were and what you have meant to international literature and they said...
Who?
So I kept it up, believing this was your elaborate plan to dissuade your half-hearted stalkers, going on-and-on about your contributions until I realized (30 minutes into a rant) that they had already hung up.
So, I emailed, sent certified letters, and sky wrote over their offices until they finally sent me a cease and desist order. In it they cleared stated on the use of your name...
We could care less
...which is written permission in my book.
quote:of course you strive to be just like me.
Sorry, this was a misspelling on part. I meant to write How I starve to be like (you). Saw your press photo and I was impressed with your 6' 2 - 110 pound frame. But since then, I learned you stole that picture and discovered I was really looking at Louis Doggert's high school prom pic - which would explain the 'Robin Egg' blue tux (dude, you looked good)
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Results!!!!
Here are the top five vote getters. The top three have already been sent to our judge - Tina Smith.
#5 Unlimited Power - 13
#10 Enclosed - 11
#11 Crystalline Harmony - 10
#8 A Simple Delegation - 9
#1 You Get What You Pay For - 7
9 out of 11 entries received votes and 7 of them received a first place vote.
Good job, all!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Kinda of surprised by Unlimited Power but I could have missed something.
By what was said in the crits I assume mine may have gotten one or two votes or so which is my usual placement.
On my story I tried to do a fun piece--I have a couple and thought this would be a good set up for another--but it didn't work out that way. Some would say the story had other ideas, it came out about twice as long as I thought it would be with the fun idea. Still it was suppose to be light and easy reading.
Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
Snapper,
My lawyers don’t speak American; they actually speak a recognisable language. No wonder they didn’t understand you over the phone. And personally, I would have given up too and stated “we could care less” after receiving yet another one of your rambling missives (I, for the last time, am *not* interested in Amway).
As for the picture, I tried to use my own high school prom photo, but the sewn-on leopard skin trousers were mysteriously blurred in the photos; I guess some things are too awesome to be captured on film.
Nick
Posted by Nick T (Member # 8052) on :
P.S. An excellent selection of stories. Why is an illiterate such as Snapper running a competition for clearly superior writers?
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
quote:Originally posted by snapper: But since then, I learned you stole that picture and discovered I was really looking at Louis Doggert's high school prom pic - which would explain the 'Robin Egg' blue tux (dude, you looked good) [/QB]
Hey dude if you're going to use my name Get it Right. I realize that you might be all a twitter having to deal with such an important name in writing--I mean of course your adversary not me--We know his pen name but is his real name Mccoy and yours Hatfield?
Of course I looked good, I almost always look good---according to my wife.
Funny thing is I didn't go to any prom. Hmm----
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
The silence has been shattered.
Good job everyone! Now... I really want to know which 2 I guessed correctly out of the 5. Hm.
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
Well done all.
Posted by axeminister (Member # 8991) on :
Congrats to the finalists! Off to Tina they go. (The stories, not the finalists.)
Without knowing who wrote what, I'll reveal I voted for, in numerical order, not necessarily my 1 2 3 order, stories #1, #8, and #11.
If anyone finds that tidbit interesting...
Axe
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
I knew you'd succumb to the charms of the trolls eventually:)
ETA: My votes were 5, 2 and 4, in that order.
[ June 19, 2013, 01:48 PM: Message edited by: pdblake ]
Posted by wirelesslibrarian (Member # 9513) on :
My votes were #5, #11, and #10. IN that order.
Do I know how to pick 'em or what?
If only I could write 'em as well. Congrats to the finalists!
Posted by rabirch (Member # 9832) on :
Congratulations to the finalists! And everybody, for that matter. We've all got brand new, shiny stories!
My votes, in numerical order, not necessarily 1 2 3 order were for stories #2, #4, and #5.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Thank you for your vote, rabirch. Congratulations to the finalists.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Thank you for your votes, rabirch and pdblake. Congratulations to the finalists.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
quote:My lawyers don’t speak American; they actually speak a recognisable language.
There's a 'z' in recognizable. You know, there is 26 letters in the alphabet. Try using them all, equally (and a little less of the 'u's)
quote:I would have given up too and stated “we could care less” after receiving yet another one of your rambling missives (I, for the last time, am *not* interested in Amway).
Oh boy, try to be tactful...
I wasn't trying to sell you Amway when I suggested you could use some soap. Sheesh.
Posted by Estee (Member # 9824) on :
Alas, I thought at last I wrote a short story, but pretty much every comment I got said that my piece was more of a first chapter. Thanks to everyone for the feedback and ideas. I will use them. Someday I will write a real short story and it will be awesome!
Tesknota--you got me, I authored #4. Thanks rabirch and pdblake for voting for me.
And great job to the finalists. I voted #5, #11, #8.
Posted by tesknota (Member # 10041) on :
@Estee: YESSSS. Victory! I did like your story Estee! I guess the other one I got right was that pdblake wrote the troll story? =)
If we're confessing, I admit that I wrote #8. However, I will go ahead and say that I deviated very far from my usual writing style on that one. It was inspired by David Eagleman's book "Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives".
Fun fact: This is the first story I've completed in 5 years. I am terrible at finishing things. So THANK YOU x1000 to snapper, who essentially made this happen! =D
[ June 24, 2013, 11:33 AM: Message edited by: tesknota ]
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
Nick T and Snapper, you are setting a very bad example. Shame on you!
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
. send your votes and any comments you have to me. I will post them on your behalf![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
I'm sure Snapper will clarify.