WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!
This contest-judging stuff is not easy. I saw some truly great concepts in some of these entries, and some seriously great writing. Sometimes both weren’t present in the same story. For this reason, I had to do some soul searching and ask myself what mattered more in this case: the prompt, or the product. I decided that the product trumps all, because even if a concept is first rate, it’s nothing if mechanics and execution don’t bear it out.
That being said, not one of the three top finishers in this contest tells a bad story. Each one of them sparked debate in the workshops, causing our editors to engage in some very lively conversation. No, I do not participate in these conversations, nor do I have a hand in editing any stories for my contests that pass through our submission queue. I don’t even read them there. But any piece of fiction that inspires philosophical debate is worth taking a second look at, because at that point it’s more than just a story. And for me, that’s the ultimate success for a piece of writing.
The top three finishers in this contest were chosen because of the extreme professionalism in their execution. The stories are flawless, considering the limited time frame. Could I nitpick them as an editor? I can nitpick anything. But did weaknesses jump off the page at me as I was reading? No. Technically, these authors know their craft. Ranking them was much more difficult. I could make a case for any of these three stories winning top prize.
ONE: 15 SBD
Ultimately, for first place, it came down to one line in one story that became indelible for me—stuck in my mind like a well-written jingle.
“… Manny read and studied everything he could find about mathematics and physics. It was his private pornography…”
Another snippet in that story stood out for me:
“Besides, without struggle who could be brave? Without the darkness, who would point to the light?
I have to award first place to @jonknight, if only because of the poetry he embedded in the prose. “The Manny-Della Effect” is an odd title, but the writing is sublime.
TWO: 10 SBD
Second place goes to another lyricist, @authorofthings. I really struggled with this. Her story deserves first place, too, but I had to make a decision, and find some kind of tie-breaker. “The Shepherd” is phenomenal.
THREE: 5 SBD
@negativer ’s “The End” could have won just as easily. It’s a very tightly written, solid piece of fiction that tells a compelling story. I’m not kidding when I say I agonized over how to rank these.
For other contestants who didn’t place, I beg you—plead with you—to bring your stories to The Writers’ Block so I can share some thoughts on how to knock your next effort clear out of Candlestick Park. Some of you are teetering right on the edge of finding your voice, and what I wouldn’t give to help you close that loop. I set the standards high for my contests, and this serves to weed out writers who don’t care deeply about their craft. That leaves only the ones who do, and I’d love a chance to work with you in the group. If you haven’t already joined the Block, please follow the link in the gif below and pay us a visit!
I win, because now I get to read all three of these!
With all the chatter at the block about this I'm really looking forward to reading the other top entries (already read @negativer's). Recognizing the authors' names makes me even more excited. Congrats guys!
I wouldn't stop with just these three - there were some really good stories and ideas in all the entries!
I am so honored to be included among such great writers as @authorofthings and @negativer - I am truly humbled. This was a tough contest, not just because of the prompt or the time allocated, but moreso because of the talent that was on exhibit.
As I said when I posted my entry, thanks to @authorofthings and @anarcho-andrei for the invaluable help they gave me in the workshop. Their suggestions and critiques were very on-point and made this story much better - made it into a winner in fact. Thanks to you both.
Your win is well deserved @jonknight, but you are a gentleman :-) Also, if it were not for @negativer - I wouldn't have written a story for this contest at all. He kinda needled me into it in Discord. How is that for weird lineup?
I love the connections that hold the universe together. Especially when they're weird!
I would not wish to be in a contest pitting my scribblings against any of you. And that's a fact.
Thanks! I've read your work - you have no reason to fear anyone. I wish I could do what you do with words. And that is a dream.
Methinks you underestimate yourself. . . .
Excellent work @jonknight and @authorofthings. I have no problem being third behind either of those submissions. Thanks @rhondak for the work in reading/commenting/hosting the contest!
Thanks @negativer. I have to agree with @rhondak in the OP - so many great stories. I'm proud to be included here with you and @authorofthings.
Woot Woot! Congrats you three!
Thank you @uniwhisp!
Hahaha just saw this!! I am sooo slow! Congratulations to all these folks! I bow to your talents. @jonknight: woohoo!
You know what a surprise this was to me! So many wonderful stories...
@rhondak,
Congratulations to you three. I read your stories and am always just wowed by them.
@Lymmerik
When you get some time we'd LOVE to see you in the block!
@jonknight,
I’m not sure what to do on discord other than promote posts. Clue me in plz
@Lymmerik
The Writers' Block offers actual workshops where people submit pieces for peer review and editorial critique.
Thank you so much. I’ll drop in soon and try to figure it out. @Lymmerik
@rhondak,
Hi there. How will I know when my critiques is finished by the Block? I'm itching for your input.
Thanks
@Lymmerik
@lymmerik, I'm just now sitting down with the queue. Sorry it has taken me so long. . .I planned to start on it this morning first thing, then woke up with a mysteriously dislocated jaw and fairly significant malocclusion. No, nobody punched me while I was asleep. LOLOL I have lupus and all kinds of crazy things happen to me all the time. I've spent the day with ice packs and anti-inflammatories, and now think I'm ready to report for duty on The Block. LOL
Oh sweetie, I hope you feel better. I see that others have already taken a swing at it. I like the advice. I'm excited to see it and get it back up in Steemit in edited form. Thank you, please don't feel rushed, I'm not going anywhere.
Feel Better!
@Lymmerik
You should drop in a few times and meet the folks! We're just a bunch of writers trying to improve our skills and generally enjoy some like-minded company.
@jonknight
Ok will do. Thx
@Lymmerik
@jonknight,
everyone keeps telling me to drop in, but where? I see a lot of channels on Discord Writer's Block, but I only see jibber jabber about this and that, and never about anything concrete. I don't usually get into chatting about this and that when I'm on a mission. I got an amazing compliment from @carolkean today and she told me to join, I have already, but I don't see any creative conversations going on, perhaps I'm missing the times that everyone is on? I'll keep trying!
@Lymmerik
Yeah! Congrats to the three winners. We'll done.
Thanks! This one was a toughie.
Knowing @rhondak it would definitely have been very tough.
Congratulations to the winner. :)
Thank you @moize!
Congratulations to the Winners :) They all sound like excellent pieces of work. I will have to have a read!
Thanks @binkyprod!
congratulations to the successful winner
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STOP@originalworks
Good blog
good post
congrat for the winner
I want to be part of this contest . How can I join?
@originalworks
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