New Year Contest

So, since the idea of a contest aroused an enthusiastic response, Jenny and I have decided to go ahead and host one! It will run through the month of January, opening January 1 and closing at the end of the month. Here's how it will work:

wordcount

Each entry must be 200 words or less. Hopefully those of you who expressed worry about having time to devote to writing will find this doable. Also, don't panic - you're not expected to tell a whole story in such a few words.

subject

The theme will be first impressions. This can be a character's first impression of another character, of a thing, of an animal... Think of it as you introducing a new subject, whether animate or inanimate, to the reader.

quality

Writing styles differ, so don't try to fit your entry into a specific style. Bethany asked about prose versus poetry; in general we would prefer prose, but if you can write poetry skilfully, go ahead! Make sure to check your spelling and polish your grammar, and all such lovely technical things.

rules and regulations

Entries will be limited to two per person. Obviously, keep it clean; we'll be posting the winning entries (as long as the authors don't mind), so they have to be ones we're comfortable putting up. You may write in any genre.

prizes!

After the contest closes, Jenny and I will choose first place and second place winners. First place winner will receive one copy of each of our novels, The Shadow Things and The Soldier's Cross, as well as a critique of the first chapter of their novel. Second place winner will also received a critique of the first chapter of their novel.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask. And if not - start writing!

Possible Contest

The sad thing about Christmas is that it's over so soon. There are just four more days left of 2011, and then 2012 will be upon us - shock and horror! But with the approach of the new year, Jenny and I are considering hosting a writing contest here on Scribbles as a farewell to the old, all hail the new. The entries would be short stories of some kind and the prizes would probably be copies of our books (The Shadow Things and The Soldier's Cross) as well as a critique of the first chapter of your novel. The details are still being hashed out, but we wanted to know what you readers think of the idea. Would you like to participate in a writing contest?

let us know!

art from debbiehodge.com via pinterest