Most writing contests give you a writing prompt or at least a couple of words to work your idea around, which is why I decided to host a slightly different contest.
A constrained writing contest
Instead of being given an idea or a writing prompt, you are allowed to choose the topic completely by yourself. But, varying from week to week, You will face different challenges that limit your writing.
You will be required to omit certain words, use a specific word in every second sentence, use a given sentence unchanged, write a story with a certain amount of words... or a combination of all.
Winners of constrained writing contest #14
This week I myself was the sole judge of the contest!
There were a total of 5 amazing entries this week and picking the top 3 was a real struggle.
But, what had to be done, had to be done.
And so here they are, the winners of this week’s Constrained Writing Contest:
- 1st place : 1.028 SBD + 0.212 STEEM :
with the entry “Donkey”.
Judge’s note: I loved how well you developed the characters in your story and especially how real Donkey felt. Despite being a criminal, he was very easy to relate to, and he depicted the values of criminals very well. Great job! :D
- 2nd place : 0.617 SBD + 0.127 STEEM :
with the entry “Shimmer’s Morning”.
Judge’s note: What can I say... I've been in love with your writing since I've joined Steem, and even after - checks calendar - 3 to 4 months you never fail to amaze me. This time with a story that uses me as a character, and some of our other friends. Don't get me wrong, this is not the reason I picked you, but is definitely something that put a smile to my face. Anyways, splendid writing, as always!
- 3rd place : 0.411 SBD + 0.085 STEEM :
with the entry “The witness statement”.
Judge’s note: I'll admit the ending fell a bit short for me, and that I think it could have been... different.
But the story as a whole was a very pleasant one to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Especially loved the "thoughts" the person was having. And the idea itself is amazing!
Honorable mentions in no particular order:
the entry "That's not how it really happened"
Although I very much enjoyed your story and liked where it was going, I can't help but feel it ended abruptly. I was left wanting more and without any closure whatsoever. What you wrote is an excellent intro, but hardly a story on its own.
with the entry “How I almost lost her”
I enjoyed the plot of your story, it highlights some problems that are very much present also in our every day lives.
But, for some reason I felt like your story needed more punctuation, or that it wasn't structured into paragpraphs properly. As one of the commenters also said; it doesn't quite read like a story, more like a poem.
With that out of the way, onto constrained writing contest #15!
Rules:
This week it’s all me, again.
And here are the rules I’ve come up with for this week;
- Write a story from the perspective of an inanimate object, but never tell us explicitly what it is
*Example: You can choose to write from the perspective of a street lamp, but never tell us explicitly it's a street lamp. Make us figure it out from what it sees, feels, ... You can describe what it looks/feels like, but don't straight out tell us. At least not in the story itself.
- The story must be at least 250 words long
- Upvote this post
- Post a link to your entry in the comments below
- Include tag #constrainedwriting among your other tags
- Should you wish to help raise awareness of the contest, please consider resteeming this post (it is by no means compulsory)
Prizes
- 1st place: 45% of post's payout
- 2nd place: 27% of post's payout
- 3rd place 18 % of post's payout
- Judge takes 5 % for his/her efforts
- I will take 5 % for hosting, writing and editing the contest
*Note: In case I receive any donations for the contest, the payout percentages apply to the donation itself as well.
Judges
This week I am the judge of the Constrained Writing Contest and will be picking the winners based on my own preference, but try and be as objective as possible.
What's that I hear? You wish to be a judge too? Well look no further!
To apply for a judge and make up your own rules, simply send 
*Disclaimer: I will only allow fellow writers as judges to keep the competition high quality.
Deadline
- Entries are accepted until this post's payout
- Your entry post must be newer than this post
Good luck!
