The Literary Guild

ID: 1426910   (Rated: 18+) Title: The Classic Story Contest  Description: Create a character I will never forget. By: Coolhand

The Winter Edition kept me warm and satisfied with a host of fascinating reads. My contest format of acknowledging five entries seemed lacking when faced with so many quality stories. This was undoubtedly the most difficult group to judge to date. I recommend reading all five stories, as well as many others offered in this round. Remember, if you don’t find yourself in the top three places you can reenter your piece at a later time.


The Winner is:

ID: 1632497   (Rated: E) Title: Beside a Shepherd's Moon  Description: Genius can be found in the most unexpected of places. By: Serestrial

An adventure to the Himalayas and meeting a simple villager named Svarten, who happens to be a genius, takes the reader to a different world and provides a sense of wonder, reality and purpose. I won't soon forget Svarten or the narrator of this unique story. It's guaranteed to please a broad spectrum of readers. This must read was delivered by a brand new member of our community! Welcome to WDC.


Excerpt: "I’ve always found the potent mind an alluring thing. It should be no wonder then that I found a man like Svarten so fascinating. For all that he lived his life in near ignorance; I can honestly say I’ve never met his intellectual equal. Not even close."



Second Place:

ID: 1270897   (Rated: 13+) Title: THE IDIOT  Description: Balmy antics of an entrepreneurial lad who refuses defeat while pining for Dad's approval By: DRSmith

This funny and well-written tale is highlighted by insightful characterization and colorful dialogue—a classic story of the first order. Family dynamics takes center stage; DR Smith doesn’t disappoint those (like me) who love meaningful stories with happy endings.



Honorable Mention:

ID: 1516276   (Rated: 13+) Title: Just a Farmer's Son  Description: Trips down dusty roads don't always lead to where you think. By: RadioShea

A heart-warming story filled with descriptive narration and believable dialogue; highlighted by creative plot design and a rewarding resolution. RadioShea really scores with Just a Farmer’s son. Nice work!



These two writers will also receive mini port raids for their distinguished entries. I'm also awarding each writer 5000 points--something new this round.

ID: 1588161   (Rated: 13+) Title: On The House   Description: One good turn deserves another in the back streets of Marrakesh By: words

ID: 1629572   (Rated: 18+) Title: Seeing Straight  Description: A funeral brings Xan and Molly together. By: Natalie

I sincerely thank all the contestants for their participation, and the community for their continued suggestions and support. I would also like to express my appreciation for Lornda's continued contribution to this effort. Thanks amigo.


The Spring Edition opens March 20. Deadline April 20 at midnight WDC time. Make your plans to write a Classic and come back when the season changes.







The Autumn Edition brought in an assorted group of stories and a broad spectrum of writing talent. The top three tales offered protagonists with compelling obstacles to overcome and heights to scale, literally, metaphysically, and comically. Enjoy.



The Winner is:

ID: 1420191   (Rated: E) Title: Climb Every Mountain  Description: May learns a lesson from her autistic older sister April. By: emerin-liseli

An enchanting story of two sisters—one of which is autistic—with an emotional ending that leaves you thankful for your better angels. Emerin delivers a feel-good story of the first order!

Excerpt:: "I begin to sing, my voice wavering. I glace at April, who just flops and clucks to herself. Come on April. Sing. I know you can do it. I close my eyes, pretending to concentrate on the music—but I’m really willing April to follow along. I’ve just about given up hope when April begins to sing."

Climb every mountain
Ford every stream
Follow every rainbow
Till you find your dream

Second Place:

ID: 995192   (Rated: E) Title: The Simple If Unbelievable Truth  Description: -or- I'm Not Simply Making Up Excuses By: Lobelia is truly blessed

A delightful tale told in the first person by a tooth fairy. This piece is guaranteed to please children of all ages, and make you laugh right-out-loud—clever, handsomely crafted, and a very enjoyable read.




Honorable Mention:

ID: 1607323   (Rated: E) Title: Heaven, Hell  Description: A brief portrait of the charismatic character of my father. Won honorable mention. By: ConstanceDH

A family outing to climb a mountain provides the vehicle for a son to fully understand and appreciate his father, which inspires the son to follow in his father's footsteps and become a role model for others. A well-written piece that is especially poignant for fathers and sons.



These two writers will also receive mini port raids for their distinguished entries.

ID: 1548871   (Rated: 13+) Title: Jack 'O Tens  Description: Strange things occur when a down-and-out wanderer enters the Jack O' Tens Bar. By: Doug Rainbow

ID: 1589227 Title: Invalid Item  Description: This item number is not valid. By: Not Available.

Summer 2009 Edition


The summer edition produced some magical tales, literally. The top three stories all incorporated fantasy to advance their compelling characters and produce insightful and memorable experiences. All five highlighted stories this round are truly impressive—the talent and creativity in our community never ceases to amaze me. The stories have their own individual merits and will undoubtedly be winners in other contests. Don’t miss out on any of these great selections.



The Winner is:

ID: 1563595   (Rated: 18+) Title: Wasted Years  Description: Elizabeth Bane must find joy in life before disease renders her helpless. By: Sherri the Writer

Sherri creates an unforgettable character in Elizabeth Bane—a spiteful old woman who must live out her karma before her life can come full circle. A wonderfully told story that weaves insightful characterization, creative plot design, drama and suspense to explore powerful themes of personal responsibility, selflessness, redemption and the sanctity of life. A must read.

Excerpt: Jacob sat up straight. “What about the rest of the family? Did it ever occur to you that other people have a life and concerns of their own? Or are you too selfish to realize that the world doesn’t revolve around you?” He slumped. “The old stories are right. You’re under a curse alright, but I don’t think it’s from an old witch that worked as your housekeeper. I think it’s a curse of your own making.”


Second Place:

ID: 1583306   (Rated: 13+) Title: The Universe is a Rubik's Cube  Description: If you can't undo what you've done. Maybe, you should live with what you have. By: Kotaro

A unique and insightful tale of a man who finds himself routinely placed in a different set of circumstances every evening after visiting a Mama-san in his favorite bar. The story focuses on the difficulty of everyday life in our ever-changing world—different, thought-provoking, compelling!



Honorable Mention:

ID: 1299099   (Rated: 18+) Title: The Garden  Description: Jeb, a guardian angel, faces decommissioning. By: bambam1252

This well-planned story immerses the reader in an angel’s internal conflict over a consequential decision. The important subjects of adoption, the consequences of our actions, and the nature of the universe are dramatically portrayed.




These two writers will also receive mini port raids for their distinguished entries.

ID: 1578049   (Rated: 18+) Title: Heavy Metal Fetish  Description: A modern tale of chivalry, desire, and self-discovery [The Classic Story Contest entry] By: Rabbit Writer

ID: 1555004 Title: Invalid Item  Description: This item number is not valid. By: Not Available.

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SPRING 2009 EDITION

The spring edition garnered an interesting collection of creative stories and extraordinary characters. Congratulations to all the participates! I read the top stories many times and toiled with their competing merits—placing them was extremely difficult. I highly recommend reading all five entries that have been selected.

The Winner is:

ID: 1544028   (Rated: 13+) Title: Beyond the Threshold  Description: History threatens to repeat itself. But will Amrita let it? By: Ieshwar

This moving story focuses on an Indian woman—suppressed and trapped by the backward customs of her society—who finds the courage and strength to protect her children from experiencing the same miserable fate.

Excerpt: Yet as helpless as the situation seemed, there was a small voice that shouted with determination, a voice that grew louder and stronger these days. Was it the voice of motherhood and maternal love? Or that of the awakened rebel in her? Or the synergy of all these?



Second Place:

ID: 1534340   (Rated: 13+) Title: Guard Duty  Description: A security guard has become tired of guarding his security. By: Nadanobody

A socially awkward security guard is infatuated with a bank customer and takes matters into his own hands in a moment of crises—an intriguing tale of social desperation and heroism.



Honorable Mention:

ID: 1550587   (Rated: 13+) Title: The Blooper  Description: An embarrassing blooper occurs at a girls softball game. By: George

A delightful story, with a humorous twist, that is told in the first person by a baseball announcer. This superbly written piece could have been ripped from the pages of Reader’s Digest.


These two writers will also receive mini port raids for their distinguished entries.

ID: 1486180   (Rated: 13+) Title: Tunnel Vision  Description: Max has job troubles, wife troubles, daughter troubles, son troubles.. Then it gets worse. By: Dave Lane / Lane Diamond

ID: 1528012   (Rated: E) Title: Crime Comes to Abernathy Cove  Description: When crime comes to Abernathy Cove, everyone has a different story to tell. By: Rixfarmgirl

WINTER 2008 EDITION

The winter round received a diverse lineup of unforgettable characters and unique tales, which highlighted a broad spectrum of writing skills, imagination, and story-telling sensibilities. For me, balancing the importance of these three elements is what makes judging a challenge. In the final analysis, when stories are equally compelling, my allegiance stands in the corner of story-telling sensibility. Remember, I'm searching for a classic.

The Winner is:

ID: 1250795   (Rated: 18+) Title: ONCE UPON A TIME  Description: A fairytale for grown-ups? You betcha! Hopeless romantics take note. By: tosca

This contemporary "Cinderella-like story is exquisitely crafted, intelligent, funny, and a must read for hopeless romanics. An insecure events-coordinator, who is unlucky with men, strugges to find a date for the social event of the season where she will be a guest of honor. At 7324 words, Once Upon A Time, is an enjoyable reading experience. The author also includes an image.

Excerpt: "Nellie studied the forlorn image in the mirror and forced the reflection to smile at her. It didn't work, she still wanted to cry. . . Idiot! Your eyes will disappear altogether if you do that. She poked her tongue out at the girl in the mirror and gave her the finger. Getting mad was better than getting maudlin."



Second Place:

ID: 1511018 Title: Invalid Item  Description: This item number is not valid. By: Not Available.

After the death of her husband and children thirty years earlier, a homeless woman finds closure and regains her Christmas spirit. The author creates a compelling supportive cast, thrust upon by random events, and weaves together a moving tale that shines a light on both the harsh realities of life and the magnamious possibilities that exist within us.




Honorable Mention:

ID: 1517583   (Rated: E) Title: Hotdogs for Lunch  Description: The story of a friendship between a homeless man and an overweight office worker. By: Mike Day

A previous first-place winner pulls down the Honorable Mention with his insighful story about an overweight office worker, whose love of food makes him the perfect candidate for a chance meeting with a hungry homeless man. This delightful offering satifies like a delicious chili cheeze double dog with extra onions.



And from

ID: 1393789   (Rated: ASR) Title: Lornda's Mini Port Raid  Description: Exclusive to 'The Classic Story Contest', and offered as a prize in site activities. By: Lornda

These two writers will receive mini port raids for their distinguished entries.

ID: 1516576   (Rated: 13+) Title: Mermaid's Desire  Description: A darkish tale... By: AliceNgoreland

ID: 1504205 Title: Invalid Item  Description: This item number is not valid. By: Not Available.

AUTUMN 2008 EDITION

The autumn edition produced an impressive collection of unforgettable characters and unique stories. It was a pleasure to judge this diverse array of notable entries, although, choosing from so many exceptional efforts was a daunting charge. Several of these will undoubtedly go on to be awarded in other contests. In the end, I picked the “characters” that touched my heart and affected me the most. I appreciate all the participants and enthusiastically offer my congratulations.

The Winner is:

ID: 1458140   (Rated: 18+) Title: The Skyline of Dublin  Description: A sad story of guilt and alcohol set in modern Dublin. By: Mike Day

This striking story chronicles the last days of Patrick David Murphy, a guilt-ridden alcoholic, who seeks closure for a tragedy in which he feels responsible. Powerful themes of love, human frailty, and forgiveness are intertwined in a family secret that is finally revealed. A perfect setting, realistically dialogued scenes, and an emotional resolution highlight this classic composition. A must read for those who enjoy a poignant, character story.

Excerpt: Patrick David Murphy was perched at the bar on a high stool. A few feet behind him, the pub’s panelled wall was liberally covered with old pictures of the city. He himself was somewhere in his sixties, probably, though amongst the regulars estimates ranged up to the mid eighties. He sat with hunched shoulders in a worn brown leather jacket, and in his left hand he held a pint glass, the Guinness suds trailing down the inside till they met the jet black liquid near the bottom.



Second Place:

ID: 1468541   (Rated: E) Title: Radam's Tonic  Description: A Victorian lady meets a tonic salesman. By: Frangipani

An eloquent and engaging story depicting a flighty, young Victorian woman named Milly, who takes her longtime suitor for granted, and the lesson she learns after a random meeting with a curious stranger.



Honorable Mention:

ID: 1474762   (Rated: 13+) Title: The Black Coffin  Description: Hell found me - Life of a chimney sweep in 1862. By: camaria

A delightful and thought-provoking tale of a young chimney sweep named Barnabus. Set in 1862 London, this offering takes me back to the world of Charles Dickens. I will never look at a fireplace again without thinking of this memorable, good-hearted lad. The author also includes an afterward of interesting facts and word definitions.



And from

ID: 1393789   (Rated: ASR) Title: Lornda's Mini Port Raid  Description: Exclusive to 'The Classic Story Contest', and offered as a prize in site activities. By: Lornda

These two writers will also receive mini port raids for their distinguished entries.

ID: 1482167   (Rated: E) Title: Not Blood Red, Cerise.  Description: A child shows how Blood Red can be 'green', if only it is Cerise. By: Heartfelt Thanks, Jyo!

ID: 1071083   (Rated: ASR) Title: From the Early Morning Mist  Description: History woven into an early morning mist. By: PlannerDan

SUMMER 2008 EDITION

The summer edition produced 14 unique and compelling stories; on the down side, there were less than 10 qualifying entries. Having personally had several regrettable experiences—with not properly following submission guidelines—I hope those of you who, unfortunately, fell into this category, may benefit from this mishap and bypass similar problems with your professional queries in the future. Moreover, I encourage the reentering of your stories in the next installment. For those of you who followed the rules and believe one of those two vacant slots should have been yours, do not be denied. Reenter!

Besides the regular commissions, as stated above, there will be 100,000 extra points up for grabs in the next installment, and all of it will be awarded. If there is only First Place, he or she will receive it all. If there is a Second Place, the points will be divided, and so on.



Because of the high quality of the entries, my decision was extremely difficult. Notwithstanding, I’m very pleased to announce the winner:

ID: 1422211 Title: Invalid Item  Description: This item number is not valid. By: Not Available.

The coming of age of Henry Hawthorne is a clever, unpretentious story of significant social value. On the verge of leaving home to attend college, Henry frets over his sexuality and is confused by his relationship with Simon. This unwanted discovery by Henry’s younger brother, Charles, and his near-tragic accident, makes Henry aware of what really matters: family, responsibility, and integrity.

Excerpt: Henry knew there might be a few other people in Woolwich who might want to 'beat up on them', but he realized he did not really care about them. He needed to be the man he was going to be, and that fact was not going to change if he was in his hometown, or out of state.



SPRING 2008 EDITION

Hats off to all the participants! The debut of The Classic Story Contest was an overwhelming success, with over 650 views, 27 entries, and 16 generous donators. I appreciate everyone's encouragement and suggestions. Most of all, I'm thrilled with the wide range of characters in this first installment. Many of the stories are winners, but there can be only one.

The winner is:

ID: 1262902   (Rated: 13+) Title: THE MAGIC OF MOSES  Description: The most unlikely source can emerge to have unfathomable impact on one's life By: DRSmith

This classic composition encompasses powerful themes of the human condition: the struggle for survival, and meaning; hardship, integrity, and the randomness of life. It was a crippled, black ex-jockey named Moses that captured my heart and made this story matter.

Excerpt: 'Never lose yo integgerity, young'n', Mike quoted one of the many times Moses would preach to him. 'Can't nobawdy take dat away c' ep' n' you.' He'd stress it was the most valuable thing a man could possess.


Second Place:

ID: 1437615   (Rated: ASR) Title: Nate Gillen & the Stolen Coin Collection  Description: When Mike's coin collection goes missing, it is up to Nate to find it. By: Jonathan Marx

This enjoyable story follows in the Hardy Boy's tradition and was written (much to my surprise) by a talented high-school student. The future of the whodunit is in good hands.


Honorable Mention:

ID: 1428532   (Rated: 18+) Title: Trial  Description: A previous victim must face her frightening nemesis across a courtroom. By: Jaye P. Marshall

Ripped straight from a Law & Order episode, this realistic drama brings closure for a genteel woman who was shot thirty years earlier. This error-free work serves as a textbook example for proper writing technique, punctuation and style.