1. This is a micro-fiction competition. This means, for those unaware, that the story must begin and end within the thirteen lines. The story should feel complete (a judging criteria).

2. Stories will be judged on smoothness of prose, sense of a complete story and reader satisfaction and compliance with the prompts.

3. The prompt is colour. The story must feature a SINGLE colour in more than a passing way--like blue. It can be in relation to something else--the sea, for example--but the actual story can be about about something else. Don't feel you can't use blue/sea combination just because I mentioned it...

The story shouldn't be about the colour...but it should be evident.

EDITED TO ADD: You can use other words for shades of the same colour to avoid echoes.

4. I would STRONGLY recommend writing your intro without looking at what anyone else has posted (if they have) as there are a limited numbers of colours (likely to be used I mean). It would be shame if you were inspired, but didn't write it because it was similar (same colour) someone else chose.

5. Be aware that any story posted here has been posted in its entirety and is therefore considered published (you will have used up your 1st publication rights).

6. You have until next Saturday 15th (midnight GMT) to post your entry.

7. Discussions on this thread, entries on the other.

[This message has been edited by skadder (edited May 09, 2010).]
 

[This message has been edited by skadder (edited May 13, 2010).]
 

Reading the other entries, I am not sure I have much of a shot at winning anyway. We got some high quality entries there.

ETA: Okay I took out all colors except black and since clear is not a color that should work, right??? I am still not too hopeful.

[This message has been edited by MAP (edited May 12, 2010).]
 

[This message has been edited by skadder (edited May 13, 2010).]
 

I think it is really cool that you took the time to contact me over my entry, and I don't mind at all that it was public. You could have let me crash and burn for not reading the rules carefully.

So really, thank you.
 

Okay, competition closes in about 6hrs. Critting is not required, but encouraged, however voting is required.

Judging directions:

The criteria (think of them as submission guidelines) as expressed in the rules were:

a) Smoothness of prose.

b) Sense of a complete story that leaves you satisfied (reader satisfaction)...

c) Compliance with the prompts--so a single colour that features in more than a passing way.

Please post your votes (1st, 2nd and 3rd and title) before looking at how others have voted. This ensures fairness and encourages early voting.

Non-voters can't win as it gives them an unfair advantage. Any votes a non-voter get distributed downwards (I'll explain if you want me to!).

Voting points are:

1st = 5
2nd = 4
3rd = 3

Vote early...You have a week before you are declared a non-voter (next Saturday midnight), but we'd rather wrap it fairly quickly.

Clear? Get judging then...

[This message has been edited by skadder (edited May 15, 2010).]