Contest Entry Discussion

[RichardThomas]

So many good stories. But as somebody that has edited for some small publications in the past, it's pretty easy to know if something is working for you or not. I used a 1-10 rating scale on each, then if I had ties went back and re-read. As for writing, the most I've done is 40k over four days for the second half of my 2nd novel Disintegration, that I'm shopping now. But seriously, 10k a day, my fingers DID really hurt. And I type 70 wpm. This contest is going great, and I hope that a lot of emerging and unknown authors get some great attention. I'll have to try out those Shock Totem contests, didn't know about those. Been trying to break into ST for a bit now. :-)

[Randy D. Rubin]

Here's another Off-topic query-- Does anyone know where we might find contests or places where novella sized stories could be submitted for publication consideration? I have so many stories to find homes for! Please, good friends, show me the way...

[Dan Hocker]

I would also like to go on record and say that I don't think that there has been a lot of people registering here just to vote for their friends. As far as only allowing the writers of the stories to vote on the stories, as long as I'm running these forums that's not going to happen. This is a community and these contest are to bolster and bring the community together, not isolate one section of the community from the rest. I honestly think this contest is going great so far. I personally haven't gotten around to reading all the stories, but I have made a point to go through and read the leading stories. In my personal opinion there are no bad stories among the leaders.

[ozmosis7]

I think he might be looking for more of a critique group type thing.

[Draven Ames]

I just want to say that this has been a blast! There are so many entertaining stories to read and it's all free. After reading the majority of stories it's a shame that only three will make it into the chapbook.

I agree.

[Dan Hocker]

Hey Dan, what are your thoughts on creating a community forum here where we can critique each other's stuff on a regular basis? Granted it'd need to be organized, and probably limited so we didn't get overloaded with material, but it seems like it'd be worth a shot. I'd be down. I needs me a writer's group. Anybody wanna chime in?

I thought that's what "The Writer's Corner" was for? Maybe I'm not getting what you're getting at.

[Dan Hocker]

Hey Dan! I have a question-some of these groups appear to be pretty close. What are you going to do in the case that there is a two or three-way tie? Just wondering if you have pondered this?

We hadn't really thought about that yet. I'm thinking the CD staff may be the tie breaking vote, this way we do not have to put up another vote and delay the final stage of voting.

[Dan Hocker]

off topic-how many posts until we all cease to be "junior" members of the forum?

Good question. There really is no difference between junior member and regular member though. The only difference is up until you have posted 5 times, where the first 5 posts of every member have to be moderated.

[RJHubbard53]

I just want to say that this has been a blast! There are so many entertaining stories to read and it's all free. After reading the majority of stories it's a shame that only three will make it into the chapbook.

i've got a vacation coming up and I always run out of stuff to read whilst lounging by the pool - I been thinking about printing all these out for my reading pleasure

[Ben Staad]

I just want to say that this has been a blast! There are so many entertaining stories to read and it's all free. After reading the majority of stories it's a shame that only three will make it into the chapbook.

[Draven Ames]

Our contest is fun. It's starting to get too popular, though, so we may have to change things up a bit at some point. It works best with a smaller group. Once it hits 30 people, it becomes a little too much for the participants.

I'll have to check out the contest, Ken. I've been meaning to submit to Shock for a while now.

[Randy D. Rubin]

I have to write to keep my sanity. I feel fidgety and mentally constipated if I don't sit down to the keyboard every day. I have several story ideas swimming in my head at any one time and sorting through them and putting them on the page "cleanses" my brain and my soul. I do it because I have to and because I love it.

[Eldritch]

And this begs the question then: Why do we do it?

I do it because I love stories. And I love making them up.

[ozmosis7]

Our contest is fun.

Ya, the peeps at Cafedoom are always talking about it.

On a side note, I am trying to give even the unformatted stories a chance. It can be hard at times though. And I'm not taking notes on any story, but I am not going to cast a vote in any group that I haven't given each story equal opportunity. I likely won't remember everything so that I can be quizzed afterward, but if anyone wants my honest opinion afterward, I will re-read and relay that info. I'll do my best to get to all of them, though.

Like you, I also hope that the real votes will somehow outweigh the solicited ones. As I have said before, it isn't about my story, but I honestly hope the best stories make it through. Let's just see how it plays out. I have been posting the link, but I am asking for people to read the stories prior to voting. I think you are dead on with your assessment though, as to the point that it will not help you.

[Kenwood]

I keep missing those and it's killing me. So many great places for writers to meet and talk, and so little time in the day.

Our contest is fun. It's starting to get too popular, though, so we may have to change things up a bit at some point. It works best with a smaller group. Once it hits 30 people, it becomes a little too much for the participants.