Oct 6, 2008
Hi NickiD89,
Reading over your two prompts from the list for the two separate stories you seek in the contest WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT'S THEIR STORY kinda threw this reviewer/ author at first.
On second read, you actually instruct writers to detail charater foibiles, traits, add the conflict of a discovery, and a resolution to stop thinking about the basic problem [found out proabably in at least a paragraph or two on the sneak in a clandestine manner] --- all in under 2000 words. Strongly suggest giving generously to authors by allowing them more space wordwise to work with for the requierements stated. Even 4,000 words is only four single-line, typed pages, easily read in a few minutes, right, Nicki?
Surely, as host, contest judge you're setting aside ooodles of your own time.
Next the rule prompts then ask the writers of the short stories to do the same thing, but change Bobby to Bobbi. A guy then a gal -- do all of the above in merely 1000 words or less. Yikes! Often flash fiction comes with flat stories, then raters even say so. But be that as it may ... longer stories could better fill the bill. Since, setting is important, too.
Prizes are adequate for those who like this kind of thing. When counting words interferes with a story of worth, this author bows out.
However, good luck to all takers, may your submissions fair thee well. While Nicki enjoys reading and reviewing with a honorable stated emphasis on grammar and punctuation surrounding all submissions to be judged.
Lastly ... depending on the discovery per se, we are not divided at once by gender by any means. Like, I might react the same way to finding out through research by simply reading Wikepedia, just say for the sake of argument, that S. Palin is under investigation in Alaska. The same reaction I have to this newsy tidbit, might be the same as a male voter.
Well, Nicki, if your intention is to separate the reactions of adults or any mature authors by gender, might we not be headed back in time to George Sands who had to take a man's name in order to be published? Oh, well just a sideline point, a POV if you will.
Signed -- Surprised |
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