Show, don't tell!  How many times have you heard that?  We all know it's one of the toughest things to do.  Some editors and agents will decide whether or not to read your submission based only on well your first sentence does this. Our contest is all about practicing this important skill.

So, how does this work?

Contestants will write a scene that transforms this "Contest Scenario"  from telling to showing.  There's a little more to it--see the "Contest Rules" --but that's it in a nutshell.

To make things interesting and to deepen the learning experience, contestants may also compete for a Reviewing Merit Badge by critiquing at least three other entries.  To be sure everyone benefits, judges will assign who reviews whom.

Why should I enter?

Well, we hope that you enter because you want to improve your craft.  But, if that's not enough, there are prizes.

First, everyone who completes the Show-Don't-Tell portion of the competition will receive 1000 GPs.  We've limited entrants to no more than sixteen individuals, so hurry up and get that scene written!

After the judging, there will be prizes.

      FIRST PRIZE:  25,000 GPS and an awardicon worth 25,000 GPS.
      SECOND PLACE: 10,000 GPS and a merit badge.
      THIRD PLACE:  5000 GPS and a merit badge.
      HONORABLE MENTIONS: merit badge.

Judges will use the following "Show, Don't Tell Judging Criteria" .

Along the way, entrants can compete for a Reviewing Merit Badge.  Check out the separate "Show, Don't Tell Reviewing Competition"  rules.

Finally, every entrant will receive at least one public, in-depth review of their scene from one of the judges.

What are the deadlines?

Ah yes, those pesky deadlines.  Here you go:

Noon CDT, September 5, 2011.  You must post a bitem link to your scene as a message in this forum.

Noon CDT, September 19, 2011.  If you participate in the reviewing competition, you must have posted all three reviews, both as a message in this forum and publicly to WDC.

Noon CDT, September 27, 2011.  Judges will announce winners via email and postings to this forum.

If we receive sixteen entries prior to September 5, we may advance the later dates accordingly.  If that happens, we will notify contestants.

Who are you and why are you doing this?

The judges and contest sponsors are Carol St. Ann , David S , Max Griffin and TimM .  Some of us are published authors, and all of us have experience writing and critiquing. 

We are doing this because we believe in helping other authors improve their craft, just as so many generous people have helped us.  We're also interested in publicizing our workshops, "Mainstream Novel Workshop"  and "PRIME Writers' Workshop" .  Please write to Max Griffin or any of us if you have questions.

I'm pumped!  What do I do next?

First, read the "Contest Rules" .  We will strictly enforce these, so be sure that you understand and comply with them. 

Second, read the "Contest Scenario" .

Third, write your scene.

Fourth, when you have polished your scene, post a bitem link to the scene as a message in this forum not later than noon CDT, September 5, 2011. That message constitutes your entry in the contest.

Fifth, if you are interested in the Reviewing Merit Badge, read the "Show, Don't Tell Reviewing Competition"  rules for that part of the competition.  Post your critiques by noon, CDT, September 19, 2011.

Sixth, sit back and wait for the results.

What?  You're still here?  What are you waiting for?  Get started!



Winners of Reviewing Merit Badges
BScholl
A.J. Lyle
Soloscript
Paigeturner

Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who sent reviews!





FIRST PLACE
Soloscript

SECOND PLACE
Just an Ordinary Jyo

THIRD PLACE
BScholl

HONORABLE MENTIONS
Paigeturner
A.J. Lyle
Lox

Congratulations to the winners, and to everyone who entered.  All of the entries were excellent, and any of them could have easily won.  Thanks to everyone who participated.