Greetings, fellow hatrack colleagues. Welcome to the second annual WotF trigger challenge! Although this is the 2nd annual challenge, it is our third contest for the illustrious prize of a Writers of the Future book (contest #2 was made possible by the very generous Kathleen-Dalton Woodbury, thank you very much). This year’s challenges prize is made possible (once again) by the equally as generous Tnwilz. More on that in a moment…
The WotF trigger challenge is a writing contest open to all hatrack writers. Be this your first day, or if you’ve been a member longer than youngest hatracker has been alive, you are eligible. A bit of a warning, to be part of the challenge garners some responsibility. All participant’s are expected to serves as judges. You will help determine the winner.
The prize for winning the competition will be your own copy of the latest Writers of the Future anthology (Volume 26), debuting fellow hatrackers Adam Colston and Brad T Torgerson works Not in the Flesh and Exanastasis, sent to you straight from Tnwilz’s home (if you need help deferring the cost, please let me know, Tracy).
First some ground rules…
This is a trigger challenge. You will need to come up with a story (genre is open) based on one of two triggers. They are…
Living Rooms
and
Not in the Flesh
Your story can be about anything as long as it has something to do with either trigger (sorry Brad, couldn’t work your title into the challenge). The only limitations are you cannot plagiarize Laurie Toms or Adam Colston’s work and you cannot exceed a 4000 word limit.
All submission will be sent to me…
snapperfjd@yahoo.com
…where I will assign it a number. The cut off date for submissions will be Sept. 30th 2010. If my Word program says your submission is over 4k, I will give you an opportunity to correct it. Please send your stories in a RTF file. Thank you for that.
Judging…
We will be voting on the best openings and best overall pieces. Once I get enough entries, I will start to post the opening 13. Everyone is expected to pick their first and second favorite opening, a point will be awarded for every second place, and two points for a first place. The judging for the first 13 lines will be a week, at that point I will send the entries out to everyone. You will read and pick your three favorite. The points will be 5 for first, 4 for second, and 3 for third. You may use any criteria you like in voting but I suggest you take how each one fits with the trigger into consideration If I get more than a few entries, I will separate them into groups and the top vote getters will face off for the grand prize. And because this is a friendly competition, and I would like to illicit interest by posting openings as soon as possible, 2 points will be awarded to the first entry I receive and 1 point will go to the second one.
How to get disqualified…
The competition will be anonymous. If you post your entry in F & F to get some feedback, then I may have to disqualify you. If you fail to vote, you get disqualified. Other than that, it’s all open. If you whine, complain, or tell me I’m a cheat for any reason (private or public) I will only laugh at you. I am only interested in fair play and quality writing. When I say this is open to all, I mean it. If you want to join in but don’t feel you need the book, no problem. It can go to the second place finisher if you win…so now no one *coughskaddercough* I mean no one *ah-ah- KathleenandBrad-choo!* can use that as an excuse.
Any questions? Feel free to post them in this thread.
We’re gunning for ya, Mrs Brown.
Rule edit: One submission per author, please.
[This message has been edited by snapper (edited September 01, 2010).]
Posted by walexander (Member # 9151) on :
S.
One question because I'm new to writing competitions. A trigger - does that means it's the subject matter? - The title? - A generic name that can be viewed however you wish to interpret it? I just want to get it right before I start writing.
W.
[This message has been edited by walexander (edited August 31, 2010).]
Posted by PB&Jenny (Member # 9200) on :
OMG, I've got nothing to wear for this thing!
I'll bite.
PBJ
[This message has been edited by PB&Jenny (edited August 31, 2010).]
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
W, the trigger is usually something that informs the theme. Kind of like 'what triggered you to write it', but it can (and usually does) take a very different shape for every writer. You can find the question also addressed in previous trigger challenges here and here.
I noticed in some previous challenges, critiquers would occasionally comment with "couldn't find the trigger" when other readers clearly identified the trigger in the same story, or "wasn't spec fic" when the competition was open-genre. I don't think there's much that can be done about this - it seems to me this is simply a matter of 'knowing your audience' - but it might be worth remembering (Both issues have been problems with my challenge entries in the past, because I like to lean towards the subtle, as well as explore outside my usual genre).
My 2c
Posted by walexander (Member # 9151) on :
Thanks B,
Got it,
W.
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
Just a quick question. How can we know if we are plagiarising the originals if we don't have the book and have never read them? Can they be read freely online?
I have a rough idea based on one of the triggers but it seems so obvious to me that it might well be the thinking behind the original
Oh, and can we incorporate both triggers if a suitable idea jumps out?
Posted by BenM (Member # 8329) on :
I don't think it's possible to plagiarise something without having read it or at least known its plot in detail.
[This message has been edited by BenM (edited September 01, 2010).]
I doubt anyone could 'plagarise' my story unless they'd read it.
Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :
So that's the real challenge, right? Try to plagiarize a story you haven't read.
I'm in, as always. Prepare to read your own words, Skadder.
~Sheena
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
Ok, I'll try to remember not to copy that Skadder
I would like to read it though, sounds good.
Posted by Gan (Member # 8405) on :
A question, probably a dumb one because I'm fairly illiterate when it comes to submission guidelines...
Would a contest like this count as first publication?
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
No, Gan, because only the first 13 lines would show up on the forum. The complete stories would be sent to each contestant via email.
Posted by Gan (Member # 8405) on :
Fantastic. Thanks Kathleen.
Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :
Do entrants just have to pick their favourite 2 first 13's and favourite 3 stories? Do they critique each story they read as well?
Whoops. Editted because I said "triggers" when I meant "first 13's"
[This message has been edited by Ethereon (edited September 02, 2010).]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
I will fine tune the details once I get an idea how many entries we will be receiving but teh major voting will be for your 3 favorite stories. I invite you to take how each one fits with the triggers into consideration but however you decide which is best is entirely up to you.
As far as crits go, a paragraph on each story you read would be nice. Just a little something for the author so they know how their work is received, and help them get an idea for any changes needed to help them make a sale.
Posted by PB&Jenny (Member # 9200) on :
Consider me educated. Thanks.
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
I have a rough idea in my head and would love to give this a go but I'd much rather have a rough idea of how much criting and reading will be required.
I'm in full flow with my latest project and don't really want to have to stop for a few days on end to read entries and write crits.
I don't mind a pause over a weekend, but not for longer than that. A dozen or so entries would take me all weekend to read and crit, any more than that would be too much I'm afraid.
Edit: I think something hiccuped there [This message has been edited by pdblake (edited September 03, 2010).]
[This message has been edited by pdblake (edited September 03, 2010).]
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
Why don't you divide into groups of at most 4. Those four entries get emailed to four other people who rate them. When all groups return their results you should have a winner for each group. Then it is just a matter of voting on the winners.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
quote:I have a rough idea in my head and would love to give this a go but I'd much rather have a rough idea of how much criting and reading will be required.
Well, how much reading would you be willing to do? With a 4k limit, the average will likely be around 3.5k a story. So what would be a could amount of reading for round 1? I leaning toward a maximum of 20,000 words (and I do mean a maximum). 5 stories to read and give a short crit (100 to 200 words)would be about 17000 to 18000 words. Too much?
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Sounds fun. I actually got inspired by both triggers. Where do you post "openings" (I assume this is the first few lines). And how do you post openings and remain "anonymous" as per the contest rules?
Respectfully,m History
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
Snapper, that sounds reasonable to me.
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
@history.
If you read the rules you will see that it is an anonymous competition, so snapper does all the posting. Send your entries to him.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Also, History, I believe that the first 13 should come with a complete story. Is that correct Snapper?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Yes, of course. Write your story and send it to me. I will post entries as soon as I get enough.
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
One last question. How do you want these formatting?
I'm enjoying this. Just rattled off a first draft whilst listening to Bruce Springsteen so I hope it doesn't come out too maudlin
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
quote:One last question. How do you want these formatting?
Readable.
Just send it as you would to a friend that was critiquing it for you. However, your colleagues are your judges. Simple is best, cute, as in a Neurochrome font, might get you minus points.
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
10pt Courier New, single spaced it is then Posted by PB&Jenny (Member # 9200) on :
I'm blind at that point, so that won't work for me. Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
It's good discipline to only use standard manuscript format.
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
12pt then?
See why I asked?
[This message has been edited by pdblake (edited September 06, 2010).]
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
I'd just like to say thanks for organising this. I've really enjoyed writing this one. I've challenged myself to write the whole thing in one go and I hope the pressure pays off. I did spend a day outlining it though
Oh, and I'm using standard formatting too
[This message has been edited by pdblake (edited September 06, 2010).]
[This message has been edited by pdblake (edited September 07, 2010).]
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
How's it coming along? Big prize. Imagine getting a book anthology with Issac Asimov and A C Clarkes signature in its pages [i]before[/i they made a name for themselves.
Grind them gears and get er done.
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
Bump
Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :
Wow! I just read the 13's for the posted entries. THIS is going to be a heck of a competition.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
You know, I haven't even read them yet. I guess I'm waiting to get them all so not to cloud my judgement.
Dive in. Lots of time to write a winning draft...
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
If I recall correctly, the first of this series, last year's Cinders of the Great War challenge, set a very high standard.
Posted by MrsBrown (Member # 5195) on :
uh, snapper, was that a reference to me at the end of your top post? Gosh, I haven't poked my nose in here in ever-so-long. You're tempting me...
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Yes, MB.
I do believe you won the first one.
If I'm not mistaken, I think aspirit won the Cinders contest, or do I have that backwards?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Time is up!
Now let the fun begin. This will be a 3 tier judging process. Here are the tiers and the rules for each one.
1) Read all the entry openings and vote for your first and second favorite. We usually base the openings on their hook factor. Hooking an editor so they want to read on is important, so take it into consideration. Points will be awarded for each vote received. No voting for your own!
2) Since we have a large enough number, the contest will be devided up into two groups. You will be required to read and vote for your three favorite of the group. We ask that you give your thoughts on what worked and what didn't for each story, nothing long but enough to give the author an idea of how their story was received. We are a writers workshop first so feedback is what matters the most in these contests.
Since we have 11 entries, the story that receives the most votes in round 1 automatically goes to the final round. But so that every story can receive some feedback, I will be looking for volunteers to give it a look.
3) Final round! The top two vote getters in each group will join the winner of round one for the grand prize. I am happy to anounce that we have a celebrity panel to make the decision for us.
Hatrack winners, Adam Colston and Brad Torgersen, along with the Gold Award winner, Laurie Tom will read the lucky five and pick the winner!
The declared winner will receive a copy of [i]Writers of the Future[i] volume 26, made possible by the gracious Twinlz, and signed by our award winning panel, sent to your mailbox.
In the event the winner decides to forego the prize (for any reason) the second place winner will get the book.
All votes are to be sent to me. The sooner I get everyones vote, teh sooner we can get onto round two.
Thank you everyone and good luck!
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Do we vote on the first 13 in the Entries post? And do we evaluate all of them?
How do we know what group we're in. Will you be sending us the stories?
Posted by satate (Member # 8082) on :
Is round one judging the first thirteens and the opening with the most points from that goes to the final round?
Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :
Owasm and satate, I think I found the info you're looking for in snapper's post above. I had to read it a few times, lots of details.
quote: the story that receives the most votes in round 1 automatically goes to the final round
I believe round 1 is the jusdging of the first 13's.
quote: All votes are to be sent to me. The sooner I get everyones vote, teh sooner we can get onto round two.
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
Once he has all the votes for the first 13, I presume he will send you an email with the stories you have to judge. You will simply judge the stories you receive (yours won't be one of them) and send votes/comments back to Snapper.
The division of the entries into two groups is something that Snapper will do behind the scenes. Don't worry about it.
Posted by PB&Jenny (Member # 9200) on :
I'm done with my voting. Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Sorry, didn't disappear, just had wifi issues.
I have posted comments on the openings. Very close voting so far.
Only have two people left to vote.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
One person left. More comments edited in!
Posted by Corky (Member # 2714) on :
I'm asking this in case there is anyone else who wants to know:
Are those who submit the only ones who can vote on the first 13 lines?
Posted by History (Member # 9213) on :
Hi Corky. Great idea.
I think selecting your favorites and any feedback you, or any Hatrack member, wishes to give on "the 13" would be greatly aprreciated by the authors -- regardless of whether your vote is counted to determine the contest winner.
Respectfully, Dr. Bob
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
I invited our 3 final judges to vote in rnd one if they liked but they haven't. Got the last vote in. will be posting the final comments and announce the rnd 1 winner.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Whew,
If I did this right, everyone should have received three attached documents with instructions. If you didn't get an email from me let me know.
Good luck and have fun reading!
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Two people have already did their part. What they thought of the stories they read have been edited in teh entry thread
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
The book has arrived. Will get signed and sent tomorrow. Book miles so far: 5300 miles.
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
The book is now on its way back to the USA for the remaining signatures. If someone from Australia wins it will have done something in the order of 20,000 miles.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
All the votes are in. The finalist have been announced and they are on the way to the judges.
Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :
Thanks, Snapper. Great concept. Great execution.
Posted by PB&Jenny (Member # 9200) on :
Whew! That was nerve wracking for me.
Glad it's over. Great job everyone!
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Any news from our guest judges yet?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Yes. I have the results from one. The book still has to reach judge # 2 yet, so I told them not to rush it.
I promise as soon as I get all 3 results I will post the results.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
I have two of the judges results in and word the book is on the way to Utah.
Soon, my friends, soon.
Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :
I happen to know Snapper is a little busy at present--unavoidable non-writerly stuff--but I am sure when he has news he will share it.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Thanks Skadder, and thank you too Laura. Your kind and thoughtful words meant a lot. Perhaps I will post something in Grist for the Mill to explain my absence.
I am sorry to leave everyone up in the air but I am still waiting for one judge. I will drop him a line. If I don't hear from him I will I posty the comments from the other two judges.
The third judge said the book looks a bit weathered. The journey has not been kind to it so he will send a second copy to the winner.
Please stand by.
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Thanks snapper for running this challenge. Great job, despite what sounds like some extra difficulties in your non-writing life.
Congrats Ethereon, that was some story. When I read it, my immediate thought was that we were all running for minor places. Where are you thinking of sending it (if you are)?
Well done all the other finalists. There were some quite high standard stories written for this challenge. But now I'll have to go out and buy WOTF XXVI myself.
And thanks for the critiques everyone. One gave my all-time favorite piece of feedback for a story "– MEN!"
[This message has been edited by Brendan (edited November 04, 2010).]
Posted by pdblake (Member # 9218) on :
Well done Ethereon Posted by RoxyL (Member # 9096) on :
Thanks, Snapper, for all your hard work. It was quite a feat putting this on. Hope everything is going alright now for you.
And Ehtereon, what an excellent story! Congrats! I truly hope this one has legs for you with the publishers.
Everyone's stories were very good. Thanks to everyone for all the feedback. As always, it's invaluable. And thanks to the celebrity judges for taking time to do this, too.
Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :
Thanks guys.
Thanks snapper for putting this all together. Sorting through everything that was sent to you, reposting it etc. must have been a lot of work. You're a great facilitator.
It was really fun to read everyone's stories and great to get so much valuable feedback!
@Brendan. Yes, I do look forward to sending this one out once I've done some revisions based on everyone's comments. As to where, I'm not sure yet. If you have any ideas of where it would "fit" well, please suggest away. (I haven't had a chance to do as much reading as I'd like, so most of what I know about markets is from duotrope).
Posted by Twiggy (Member # 9209) on :
Congratulations to everyone and well done Ethereon. I'd already guessed you would win, and bought my copy of the book. I will see Skadder on Saturday and I can get him to sign it for me.
Great job Snapper.
Posted by PollyKing (Member # 9316) on :
is this contest over?
Posted by Brendan (Member # 6044) on :
Yeah. Entries were due Sept 30. There will probably be another in a couple of weeks - too many people doing Nano at the moment.
Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :
Woohoo, the anthologies arrived today! Thank you Tnwilz, snapper, skadder, Laurie and Brad!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
So does that last post mean that Ethereon won?
Too bad I kept forgetting this challenge
but will there be any more some time soon?
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
It sure does, LD. She wrote a wonderful story.
Have you try submitting it yet, Ethereon?
Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :
Yep. I revised quickly and threw it into the void! I already have a rejection from a fast pro market but I think it might have made it past the slush reader. That would be exciting, so that's what I'll choose to believe I was thinking, if the next rejection comes before Dec 31st, maybe I could send it to a... different contest? What do you think snapper? Would it be silly to send such a sort story?
Posted by Ethereon (Member # 9133) on :
Thought I should mention that I just sold the story from this contest.
Thank you, snapper!
Posted by Kathleen Dalton Woodbury (Member # 59) on :
All right! Way to go, Ethereon!
Where did you sell it?
Edited to add:
Never mind. I see that you posted the answer to my question in the appropriate area.
Congratulations!
Posted by LDWriter2 (Member # 9148) on :
Good. Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
You know I really hate it when these older threads bubble up to the top. I see them and think I've missed something until I open it up and find out it's and older thread with updates.
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
Shouldn't have admitted to that. I might just start bumping random threads now Posted by Utahute72 (Member # 9057) on :
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