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 #29
We had a total of 4 entries this week, some from recurring writers, some from new, but all were astoundingly well written. I can't remember the last time I've had such a hard time picking out the ones I liked best, as each of these 4 could just as easily be 1st as the others. But, the decisions needed be made.
The winners of this week’s Constrained Writing Contest are:
- 1st Place - @spalatino with the entry The Warrior
Judge’s notes: There is nothing more intriguing than seeing a monster melt down into a puppy at the feet of love, and you've captured that flawlessly in your story. You've first given us a man capable of slaughtering an army all by himself, then crumble at the feet of his wife he hadn't seen for 20 years. Good idea, well executed-> Job well done!
Judge’s notes: This is one of those stories that leaves you aching for more. It leaves a void inside you and you are physically in pain, because you want to read a part 2 so damn much. That said, maybe you've told us a bit too little about the world you've set the story in. I know for sure, that as a reader, I wanted more. I've placed you 2nd for that reason.
- 3rd Place - @marie-jay with the entry Magical duel of the century
Judge’s notes: I believe there is definitely not enough magician stories, especially such that are so very real and involve so much reality in them. Competition, lust for power, hipocrisy, ... You've nailed the human nature and masked it with illusion. Amazing.
One thing that somewhat disturbed my reading flow (as I already said in the comment under your work) was how there was a shift in the intentions of the fine young lady. Mustn't say too much and spoil the end for everyone who hadn't read it yet. :p
Honorable Mention In Alphabetical Order:
- @pyrowngs with the entry We're going to draw!
Judge's notes: Your story was very fresh and wacky, definitely something out of the ordinary. It definitely sent me down memory lane as well. It was written very well, and I loved the flow of it. Come to think of it, I could almost bet it's based of a real-life experience. If it isn't... It just goes to show how well you write. ;)
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 #30!
Rules:
This week I am the sole judge of the contest again, and will go with a constraint that @foragingquietude brought up, and I mistakenly thought I had used it for one of the contests already... I haven't. So Here goes:
- Write a story using only dialogue.
- The story must be at least 250 words in length.
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 sole judge of the Constrained Writing Contest, and am responsible for picking the winners on my own discretion. 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 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!
