Most writing contests give you a writing prompt or at least a couple of words to work your idea around, which is why I decided to host a slightly different contest.
A constrained writing contest
Instead of being given an idea or a writing prompt, you are allowed to choose the topic completely by yourself. But, varying from week to week, you will face different challenges that limit your writing.
You will be required to omit certain words, use a specific word in every second sentence, use a given sentence unchanged, write a story with a certain amount of words... or a combination of all.
Winners of constrained writing contest #22
The winners of this week’s Constrained Writing Contest are:
- 1st Place - @spalatino with the entry "Soul of the pack"
svashta’s note: In my eyes this week's story of yours was quite different than the rest of them. Usually you develop a character to the point I have a feeling I've known them since forever, but this time you told us a broader story with a little less character development. The idea for the story is awesome, the twist at the end is great, and the queen of the pack is my favorite. :P I wonder what will happen to her now that a new Alpha male has been chosen.
- 2nd Place - @kaelci with the entry "The void's approach"
svashta’s note: Very dark, which I always love in a story. Despite maybe not making it clear enough what will happen when the last person is "sacrificed", I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had everything a good story needs. Lots of suspense, a good plot, and a fitting atmosphere. Loved it! ^^
- 3rd Place - @suzanrs with the entry "The "ing-less" chat"
svashta’s note: This story was a very playful and cute take on this week's constraint and I must admit I loved it a lot! I also think it raises a valid question about people... well... only ever communicating with the outside world using their computers. Nevertheless, a very enjoyable and fun read!
Honorable mentions:
@pixiehunter with the entry Fate of Leo
What slightly bothered me about this story is the lack of information. What is it with the food? Why exactly did their eyes turn red? Why exactly did Leo die? Overall, I think the idea is excellent, but needs some fine tuning!@pelusa with the entry Nowhere to run
This is one of those stories that has an excellent idea behind it, but poor execution. The typos are plenty, there's misuse of words, ... but all of that aside, you've got the creative mind it takes to write one hell of a story! Just nail that English of yours and you're good to go! ;D
With that out of the way, onto constrained writing contest #23!
Rules:
Well, let's put a slightly harder twist on the previous week's constraint. :P
Here are the rules I've come up with for this week;
- Write a story in which you only use the verbs in their "-ing" form
- The story must be at least 250 words long and in English
And as for the usual mumbo jumbo, here's the rest of the rules just about every contest has:
- Upvote this post
- Post a link to your entry in the comments below
- Include tag #constrainedwriting among your other tags
- Should you wish to help raise awareness of the contest, please consider resteeming this post (it is by no means compulsory)
Prizes
- 1st place: 45% of post's payout
- 2nd place: 27% of post's payout
- 3rd place 18 % of post's payout
- Judge takes 5 % for his/her efforts
- I will take 5 % for hosting, writing and editing the contest
*Note: In case I receive any donations for the contest, the payout percentages apply to the donation itself as well.
Judges
This week I am the judge of the Constrained Writing Contest I am responsible for picking the winners on my own discretion, but I promise to try my best and be as objective as possible.
What's that I hear? You wish to be a judge too? Well look no further!
To apply for a judge and make up your own rules, simply send @svashta a hearty hello on steemit.chat.
*Disclaimer: I will only allow fellow writers as judges to keep the competition high quality.
Deadline
- Entries are accepted until this post's payout
- Your entry post must be newer than this post
Good luck!
