Writing Contest Final Round!

[Nik Houser]

I think my jockey fell off when "Rudy" stepped in a hole or something. Definitely fading, falling to the back of the pack. Hell of a race guys.

I thought your story was excellent. My opinion isn't in danger of swaying anyone here and causing a landslide change on the last day, so I'll go ahead and say that while there were some fine stories in this batch, yours got my vote.

On a more general note, it was actually easier than I thought it would be to vote. Not because the stories I didn't vote for were bad (far from it), but because everyone in this final round had their own very clearly defined voice and style. Richard's spoke most to me, combined with the technical stuff I look for in prose, but I can easily see how other voices in this contest would appeal to other readers. This being a horror contest, I've seen a remarkable range of styles and subject matter for a genre which, more than any other, can quickly fall prey to repetition and cliche. So, well done you guys. I enjoyed every damn story I read. I also made a few notes on some of the stories, which I will post later on.

[mstrom]

Haha. You did well, Mike, take no notice of that alligator.

Plus, didn't you just get a vote? The race ain't over yet, buddy. Hare and the tortoise. Hare and the tortoise.

(plus, I've just realised the irony surrounding the title of my story )

Wow, I did just get one! Thank you whoever voted! It sure was lonely back there. Now if I could just get 8 more votes...

[Craig Wallwork]

BTW - if there is a tie, does that mean the loser of the tie-break defaults to the next position? So if there's a tie for 1st, the loser drops to 2nd? And then, 2nd, as a result, drops to 3rd?

[Craig Wallwork]

Haha. You did well, Mike, take no notice of that alligator.

Plus, didn't you just get a vote? The race ain't over yet, buddy. Hare and the tortoise. Hare and the tortoise.

(plus, I've just realised the irony surrounding the title of my story )

[mstrom]

It is the last night of voting and my sanity has finally returned as the alligator prepares to leave.

“Well it’s been a slice, you middling ape.” he says.

“Thanks, I think?” I reply.

“Believe me, considering the genetics you have to work with, it’s a compliment.”

“If you say so. I’m just glad you are over that whole sympathetic act.”

“Considering the rather thorough beating you took in the final round, I was just trying to be nice.”

“You are a true humanitarian.”

“Humanitarian? Please, don’t insult me. That concept is just a delusion all you glorified baboons came up with to make yourselves feel superior.”

“I’m glad to see that our time together hasn’t softened your disposition.”

“Never happen.” He turns to leave. “But I have to admit that this whole experience was a hell of a ride.”

“Yeah.” I agree, “One hell of a ride.”

[Craig Wallwork]

This is it guys! Last day. Whowever not's voted, please, if you have the time, check out the stories and help someone get into CD.

Good luck!

[KevinM]

Looking like a 4-team race at this point! Good luck to all!!!!

[RichardThomas]

I think my jockey fell off when "Rudy" stepped in a hole or something. Definitely fading, falling to the back of the pack. Hell of a race guys.

[TerryE]

They've rounded Turn 4 and the Wings of the Fly are on the Meat Socks. Dr. Johnson's Patient is catching. The Monotonous one has dully dropped behind. It looks like it's going to be a photo finish!

Tomorrow - the Home Stretch. Good luck.

[Draven Ames]

Another vote for Caren. Congratulations. That should help you with the stress.

[jmcraven]

This will be interesting. Folks holding a vote may forego voting for their favorite if their favorite is either out in front or just out, and instead elect to use their vote on the story they like best out of the ones on the bubble. I know if I'd held my vote I would do that now instead of voting for myself.

[the_last_gunslinger]

Wow, this poll is so close I feel sympathetic anxiousness on the participant's behalf.

[fmancino]

Congratulations to all participants in the final round! Good luck to you all, it's gettin' down to the nitty-gritty!

[Draven Ames]

That would be nice, but I believe they said, in the event of a tie, that CD would make the final choice. We'll see, but I doubt it will end in a tie. There are a lot of voters left.

[TerryE]

You know, I'm gonna put my opinion to CD right here, right now. These are all very short works. Can't they have room for 4 stories instead of only 3? (Wait, what's the title again? Did the winning title use "3" or "trio"?) If it isn't already built into the title of the chapbook, have both stories tied for 3rd in the book (if it stays that way). Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!