Constrained Writing Contest #15 + Winners of Constrained Writing Contest #14

in #constrainedwriting7 years ago (edited)

constrained writing contest.jpg


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 #14

This week I myself was the sole judge of the contest!

There were a total of 5 amazing entries this week and picking the top 3 was a real struggle.
But, what had to be done, had to be done.
And so here they are, the winners of this week’s Constrained Writing Contest:

Judge’s note: I loved how well you developed the characters in your story and especially how real Donkey felt. Despite being a criminal, he was very easy to relate to, and he depicted the values of criminals very well. Great job! :D

Judge’s note: What can I say... I've been in love with your writing since I've joined Steem, and even after - checks calendar - 3 to 4 months you never fail to amaze me. This time with a story that uses me as a character, and some of our other friends. Don't get me wrong, this is not the reason I picked you, but is definitely something that put a smile to my face. Anyways, splendid writing, as always!

Judge’s note: I'll admit the ending fell a bit short for me, and that I think it could have been... different.
But the story as a whole was a very pleasant one to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially loved the "thoughts" the person was having. And the idea itself is amazing!

Congratulations to the winners!

Honorable mentions in no particular order:

Although I very much enjoyed your story and liked where it was going, I can't help but feel it ended abruptly. I was left wanting more and without any closure whatsoever. What you wrote is an excellent intro, but hardly a story on its own.

I enjoyed the plot of your story, it highlights some problems that are very much present also in our every day lives.
But, for some reason I felt like your story needed more punctuation, or that it wasn't structured into paragpraphs properly. As one of the commenters also said; it doesn't quite read like a story, more like a poem.


Proof of payment:



With that out of the way, onto constrained writing contest #15!


Rules:

This week it’s all me, again.
And here are the rules I’ve come up with for this week;

  • Write a story from the perspective of an inanimate object, but never tell us explicitly what it is

*Example: You can choose to write from the perspective of a street lamp, but never tell us explicitly it's a street lamp. Make us figure it out from what it sees, feels, ... You can describe what it looks/feels like, but don't straight out tell us. At least not in the story itself.

  • The story must be at least 250 words long
  • 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

I will pay out this post's payout in full, both SBD and STEEM!


  • 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 judge of the Constrained Writing Contest and will be picking the winners based on my own preference, but try 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 steemit.chat.

*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!


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Sort:  

This is my entry

Awesome writing constraint!!!! ha ha This might be interesting!!! Thanks for the prize! My trophy case is filling up fast. I am glad you liked the story. It was fun to include you into our madness. :D

Might be interesting

No, no, no, @simgirl... this WILL be interesting! :D

And rightfully so ^^ You're really putting yourself into it :D and it shows ^^

Haha :D And I thank you for it! ;D

Just found this. Very excited to join! Here's my entry

OK. I have another one. And I'm giving SBD to whoever can guess what I am! Here is my post

Congrats @simgirl!

After I finish up my online work, I'll have to read your post for this week's entry!

I'm sorry but I don't speak your language :|
Nor did you include the #constrainedwriting tag among your tags.

As I writing contest organizer I'm impressed with your rules - simple & sweet. Would give it at try. I'd like to thank @simgirl for being the reason for me to discover your series.

I'm very happy to hear you like them! :D And really looking forward to your entry, if you decide to participate! :D
Ah, yes, @simgirl.. :D She's an amazing individual :D

The contest is in my list already!

Awesome! :D :D :D Smiles from ear to ear until it hurts to hold the smile any longer

Nice phrase! What I definitely should do for my next contest is definitely make it easier and simpler, just like yours.

Checked out the Shipwreck contest you're hosting... I like it. But I feel it's too hard for a contest that's the first of its kind with no regular participants.
I think it would work better if you worked your way up from easier to harder, allow people to adjust, .... To be quite honest, it's what I'm doing here.
I want to use some really hard constraints at some point, but I feel like it's not time just yet. :3
Just my opinion :p

Thanks for taking a look!

I agree it's tough. However it's similar to the 2 creative writing challenges I did last year and seems like it appeals to more serious writers.

It's a kind of sub-niche here. This is how I discovered The Writer's Block.

appeals to more serious writers.

There's definitely a different audience for each writing contest, and I'm happy you chose that route ^^ I'm slooooowly working my way toward something harder with this contest, but I'll see where it ends. Don't want too many plans... They tend to fail more often than not :p

Ah, yes. The writer's block is a magnificent place indeed ^^ And definitely home to some very advanced writers that are eager to participate in more difficult contests ^^

I decided to give it a go with this one. This one is actually closer to my preferred genre.

https://steemit.com/constrainedwriting/@spalatino/punishment-constrained-writing-71711b32229ac