Every month I will post a detailed writing prompt that may feature a choice of characters, setting or plot devices. OR it may be a detailed situation prompt. The rest will be up to you.

Your entry can be a vignette, a complete story, character profile or descriptive setting.

The word limit is no less then 500 words. You have a month to write this in, so longer pieces are encouraged.



May's Detailed Writing Prompt is a deceptively simple one. Deceptive as in it's not that simple! I hope you have fun with this one. I'm reading a Steam Punk anthology called the Mammoth Book of Steam Punk at the moment - and that is obviously the inspiration for this month's prompt.

The Prompt

G.I Jane Austen was driving home from her job at (insert crazy steampunk factory here).
She was just turning into her driveway in her (insert crazy steampunk vehicle here) when she noticed a huge package sitting on the front steps of her (insert crazy steam punk house here). It was wrapped in patterned paper, and it had a large, elaborate bow on top.
As Jane walked closer to the stairs, she saw that there was a note attached to the top of the package. She tore it off, and began to read:
"You have been selected to receive this free gift from the Robot Trading Company! (fun fact! That's a real company's name) That's right...free! Please read the instruction booklet VERY CAREFULLY! Your personal robot is able to do many tasks that you must do now, not just household tasks.
Remember to read ALL the instructions before using your robot.

[ finish the crazy steam punk story ]


DEFINITION OF STEAM-PUNK
http://www.steampunk.com/what-is-steampunk/
Steampunk is a genre which came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative fiction. It involves a setting where steam power is widely used—whether in an alternate history such as Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United States, or in a post-apocalyptic time —that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology, or futuristic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art. This technology includes such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or the contemporary authors Philip Pullman, Scott Westerfeld and China Mieville.

Other examples of steampunk contain alternative history-style presentations of such technology as lighter-than-air airships, analog computers, or such digital mechanical computers as Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace's Analytical Engine.

Steampunk also refers to art, fashion, and design that are informed by the aesthetics of Steampunk literature.[1] Various modern utilitarian objects have been modded by individual artisans into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical "steampunk" style, and a number of visual and musical artists have been described as steampunk. (wikipedia)

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For writers this will be an interesting challenge as by it's nature you will have certain elements dictated to you restricting freedom of choice. But on the other hand, that overwhelming sense of "where do I begin." will be missing thus freeing you to WRITE.

For readers and reviewers, it will be a great chance to compare writing styles and structures with similar elements and frameworks.

Monthly prize is 10 000 gift points for the author, a 10000 award icon to the piece of writing, and a great publishing opportunity. Not only do the winners get their winning entry published but they get automatic inclusion of another piece of writing to showcase their non-competition writing skills.

A yearly Ultimate Champion will be declared, voted on by the members of WDC, and their story will take pride of place in the anthology. The Ultimate Champion will also receive a grand prize; gift points, awardicon, that kind of thing. The amount will depend on donations and my own pool but I am hoping there will be enough for an upgrade for the grand champion. All donaters over 20000 gift points will receive a merit badge.

Here is the donation fund ID: 1844556

That will transfer your gift points to the following donation fund.

ID: 1844556   (Rated: E) The Detailed Writing Prompt Comp Bank  This is the donation fund for the contest "The Detailed Writing Prompt Comp" by Thundersbeard

Ironworker has already donated 25000 gift points, why don't you go give her a couple of reviews to let her know what a swell guy she is. While I work out how to give her a merit badge.

Either way, I have started a pool of donations that will be passed onto the Ultimate Champ (or whatever their title may be at the time!)

I would also really like to start a second prompt comp. Any donations for that one would be appreciated too!

By entering you give me permission to reprint your entry in e-book form. All rights are your own.

Winners will also have the opportunity to include one of their favorite pieces of writing in the ebook.

I am very happy to announce that In the event of more then 1 entry being posted
Wyrm will join me as fellow judge, jury and executioner.



October 2011:
"Re: Detailed Writing Prompt for October"   by forolio

November 2011:

ID: 1825293   (Rated: E) Beyond the Golden  Character study of Ethyl Thayer in "Golden Pond" for contest entry by LaPia

December 2011:

ID: 1833356 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

January 2012:

ID: 1844926   (Rated: 18+) Happy Anniversay  Their love needed new blooms. by lola999

February 2012

ID: 1851492   (Rated: 13+) One More  Intro to Savanna Cruz written for the Detailed Writing Prompt Competition by Emily~Cowboys+Pirates=1791808

These winners all received 10000 gift points for the author, a 10000 awardicon for the piece of writing, and a great publishing opportunity. Not only do they get their winning entry published but they get automatic inclusion of another piece of writing to showcase their writing talent.