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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 with 210k in prizes. Round Two Open!
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 runs from October 3rd to February 15th.

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 December 31st the deadline 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-In New Horizons Academy
Adriana Noir
Finn O'Flaherty
Gervic
Indelibleink
Farzwhal
Anonymous!

Donations over 25,000 will receive a Merit Badge!



*Crown*Round One Winners!*Crown*

First Place
ID: 1809298   (Rated: 13+)
Tear It All Asunder 
A supernatural being is stranded on a bleak world.
by Jakrebs


Second Place
ID: 1814854   (Rated: 18+)
Pinocchio Syndrome  
A war between machines and humans strikes home. (555 words)
by First Light


Third Place
ID: 1713593   (Rated: 18+)
Beyond the Pale 
Dav Fairchyld comes to terms with his new mission and his new disability. (Last Voyage)
by ~j


And an Honorable Mention to
ID: 1809766   (Rated: 18+)
Mirrors and Magic 
Casimirio will have Rebecca at any cost.
by Ashley Daeschlein~2 yrs on WDC



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

Good luck, and Write on! *Bigsmile*
Post a new Message | Threaded View
There are 41 visible Posts. Viewing page 1 of 2 with per page.
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>>>>>>ID #2360399 by .Wolfie. on 02-16-12 @ 12:08 am

--->>ID #2354067 by Highmage - D.H. Aire on 01-31-12 @ 11:13 pm

--->>ID #2353138 by Wicked Sensations on 01-29-12 @ 11:36 pm

--->>ID #2353095 by Sean Hayes on 01-29-12 @ 10:14 pm

#37. My Entry
--->>ID #2352623 by Wicked Sensations on 01-29-12 @ 11:35 pm

--->>ID #2351135 by Sean Hayes on 01-25-12 @ 12:33 pm

#35. My entry
--->>ID #2350090 by gutguzzler on 01-24-12 @ 6:07 am

#34. My Entry
--->>ID #2349946 by Taizia is back! on 01-22-12 @ 6:13 pm

#33. My entry
--->>ID #2349732 by S. Michael O. on 01-22-12 @ 5:25 am

#32. My Entry
--->>ID #2349722 by Milo on 01-23-12 @ 3:44 am

--->>ID #2348897 by Farzwhal on 01-20-12 @ 1:21 am

>>>>>>ID #2343404 by .Wolfie. on 01-07-12 @ 1:00 am

#29. An Entry
--->>ID #2340442 by Swordarm on 12-31-11 @ 8:49 am

#28. My entry
--->>ID #2330183 by S. Michael O. on 12-04-11 @ 12:21 pm

#27. Donation
--->>ID #2329552 by Indelibleink on 12-02-11 @ 6:56 pm

#26. My entry
--->>ID #2316979 by Kayna-amy on 10-26-11 @ 9:58 am

--->>ID #2316240 by ~j on 10-24-11 @ 1:17 pm

>>>>>>ID #2316234 by .Wolfie. on 10-24-11 @ 12:58 pm

--->>ID #2306460 by ~j on 10-03-11 @ 7:09 pm

>>>>>>ID #2306446 by .Wolfie. on 10-03-11 @ 6:34 pm

>>>>>>ID #2305573 by .Wolfie. on 10-02-11 @ 12:00 am

--->>ID #2305430 by First Light on 10-01-11 @ 7:03 pm

--->>ID #2303383 by ~j on 09-27-11 @ 2:46 am

--->>ID #2298389 by Markese on 09-16-11 @ 1:39 pm

--->>ID #2297342 by Kotaro on 09-14-11 @ 7:06 am


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