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 #27
This week @foragingquietude was the judge and it was up to her to choose the winning stories.
Here is what she had to say, in her exact words: I won't lie - this is a copy paste of what she sent me.
Thank you to everyone that participated in the contest.
- Write a story from the perspective of an animal, and use the line "I wasn't always afraid of the dark".
- The story must be at least 250 words long and in English
The winners of this week’s Constrained Writing Contest are:
- 1st Place - @tristancarax with the entry Sharkmares
Judge’s notes: You stepped outside the box with your story by giving him human characteristics. There were some minor typos, but overall I really enjoyed your story. I’m so glad you decided to enter!
- 2nd Place - @agmoore with the entry I Wasn’t Always Afraid of the Dark
Judge’s notes: You gave just enough detail in your story to keep the reader intrigued. I like how you used a solar eclipse in your story. It was an interesting take on darkness, because frankly if it gets dark during the day and it isn’t because it’s cloudy, I think it would scare the mess out of people and animals alike.
- 3rd Place - @byn with the entry I Will Never give Up - A Dog’s Story
Judge’s notes: Your story is a very realistic take on the constraints that were given. Too often, animals are “punished” and don’t understand what they did wrong. They try their best to do right by their owners, even if their actions are misunderstood. Even worse, animals are dumped every day if their owner is not happy with them or if they become a financial burden.
Honorable Mentions In Alphabetical Order
@rindaman1234 with the entry I Wasn’t Always Afraid of the Dark But Now I’m so Terrified of It
@spalatino with the entry Final Moments
@suzanrs with the entry I Wasn’t Always Afraid of the Dark
@tiempoyesp with the entry The Fram
If I, by any chance, missed your entry, please do not hesitate to let me know, and I will do my best to redeem myself. I have missed an entry in the past, so I now pay extra attention, but ... It can happen still.
Sorry and thanks!
With that out of the way, onto constrained writing contest #28!
Rules:
This week I am the sole judge of the contest again.
Here is what I came up for this week:
- Write a story from the perspective of a person (in 1st person) with a multiple-personality disorder, and present us with (at least) one of their internal struggles. (Meaning one personality wanting one thing, and another personality wanting another)
- The story must be at least 250 words long and in English
I have written an example story that you can find by clicking here.
Hint: I would very much like to read a(n internal) monologue of a person, and that it would be obvious from the way (s)he speaks that there is a sudden change in personality.
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 the judge of the Constrained Writing Contest is @foragingquietude and she is responsible for picking the winners on her own discretion, but she promise sto try her 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 Discord (Svashta#5207).
*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!
