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  >> Message Forum >> Sci-fi >> ID #1773618  |   Show DetailsPrinter Friendly Page Tell A Friend
Beyond Shadow
A sci-fi/fantasy/horror/supernatural contest. Currently closed.
Rated:
13+
by
Avg Rating: (10)

Thank you to Wenston for the Awardicon!


This is a contest inspired by the writing style of Roger Zelazny. He was a science-fiction/fantasy who first came to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. While other authors were either trying to emulate J. R. R. Tolkein or embracing the general consensus that science fiction automatically meant B movie camp, he embraced a darker, noir style of writing. His characters were often flawed gods or immortals, the subject matter often covered religion and philosophy, and his writing style was crisp and minimalist. His work inspired such modern writers as George R. R. Martin and Neil Gaiman. This challenge is in honor of him.



*Noter*The Rules*Noter*

1. Accepted genres are: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Mythology, and Horror/Scary. You may mix genres, such as Supernatural/Western or Fantasy/Western, but it must include one of these.

2. Contest is currently not running.

3. Post your entry in bitem format. Stories written in a forum post will be disqualified. Please state if you used an optional prompt.

4. There is one Main Prompt. It is mandatory that you follow this. There are three Story Prompts because if you're like me, prompts can help inspire ideas. These are optional

5. Must include word count and link back to the contest somewhere in your entry.

6. No longer than 20,000 words.

7. Previously created items are accepted, as long as they follow the Main Prompt.

8. Any rating, E to XGC, however please keep all forum posts rated 13+

9. You may submit up to 3 entries, but no more.

*Exclaim*10. Failure to follow these rules will result in disqualification!*Exclaim*

11. If fewer than 9 entries are received by the deadline it may (likely) be extended.


*Noter*Main Prompt*Noter*

Write a story in a Minimalist style. This prompt is mandatory.
Wikipedia   defines literary minimalism as "characterized by an economy with words and a focus on surface description. Minimalist authors eschew adverbs and prefer allowing context to dictate meaning. Readers are expected to take an active role in the creation of a story, to "choose sides" based on oblique hints and innuendo, rather than reacting to directions from the author."

Essentially, write a stripped down story. Avoid unnecessary adverbs, adjectives, and dialogue tags. Try not to over describe. 

Helpful Links -
Great Book of Amber   by Roger Zelazny. Amazon.com's "Look Inside" feature allows you to preview the first chapter. Considered Zelazny's magnum opus, personally one of my favorite books of all time, and a great example of the style of literary minimalism the contest is looking for. Thank you AliceNgoreland for the link!

Fight Club   by Chuck Palahniuk. Amazon.com's "Look Inside" feature allows you to preview the first chapter. An example of literary minimalism from a more modern writer. (This book contains Mature content.)

Buzzle.com Article   about literary minimalism. Includes an example towards the bottom. Thank you Wenston for the link!



*Notev*Story Prompts*Notev*

These are completely optional.

         a. An antihero/villain as the protagonist

         b. A story with a different world/plane as the setting

         c. A story where the protagonist is searching for a missing father




*Giftb*Prizes!*Giftb*
Prizes may increase based on donations or quality of work as determined by the judges.

First Place
a 75k awardicon, Merit Badge and 10k in gift points

Second Place
a 50k awardicon, Merit Badge and 10k in gift points

Third Place
a 25k awardicon, Merit Badge and 10k in gift points


*Giftg*Donations!*Giftg*
Can be sent to the "Beyond Shadow Bank" , item #1808918

LJPC - the tortoise x2!
SixGun
Adriana Noir
Finn O'Flaherty
Gervic
Indelibleink
Farzwhal
Anonymous!

Donations over 25,000 will receive a Merit Badge!



*Crown*Round One Winners!*Crown*
"Winners Announced and Round Two Open"  

*Crown*Round Two Winners!*Crown*

First Place
ID: 1757432   (Rated: 13+)
Reflections 
Shut in, locked away, but not alone.
by Sean Hayes


Second Place
ID: 1831963   (Rated: 18+)
The God Plant 
Story about a pair of cowboys looking get re-born'd
by gutguzzler


Third Place
ID: 1841242   (Rated: 18+)
Checkmate 
All that stands between humanity and extinction is one mission. Warning: coarse language
by Milo



*Crown*Judges*Crown*
If anyone would like to help judge, just drop me an email.
.Wolfie.
Wenston
Mynt

Good luck, and Write on! *Bigsmile*
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--->>ID #2297342 by Kotaro on 09-14-11 @ 7:06 am

#16. Entry
--->>ID #2296437 by Ashley Daeschlein on 09-12-11 @ 10:38 am

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--->>ID #2295817 by Lilithmoon☽ on 09-11-11 @ 10:05 am

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--->>ID #2295808 by Lilithmoon☽ on 09-11-11 @ 9:58 am

--->>ID #2295669 by Kotaro on 09-10-11 @ 11:29 pm

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--->>ID #2295413 by Jakrebs on 09-10-11 @ 2:12 pm

--->>ID #2282212 by Lolita-New Book! on 08-13-11 @ 12:23 am

>>>>>>ID #2281862 by .Wolfie. on 08-12-11 @ 12:22 pm

--->>ID #2280736 by AliceNgoreland on 08-09-11 @ 9:34 pm

--->>ID #2280720 by Ashley Daeschlein on 08-09-11 @ 8:47 pm

--->>ID #2280709 by Wenston on 08-09-11 @ 8:20 pm

--->>ID #2280700 by Ashley Daeschlein on 08-09-11 @ 8:10 pm

--->>ID #2280685 by AliceNgoreland on 08-09-11 @ 9:54 pm

--->>ID #2280661 by Ashley Daeschlein on 08-09-11 @ 6:07 pm

>>>>>>ID #2280233 by .Wolfie. on 08-08-11 @ 6:26 pm


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