Thread: Monthly short story competition?

Well, not really a competition, more a group effort. We gather a pool of willing participants, set a theme randomly from one suggestion each, and after 4 weeks or so, share and compare.

I think this is a good idea, however I cannot go it alone.

So I'm just gauging the reaction.

Sounds like a damn fine plan to me. I'm certainly game. Might give me some much-needed motivation. I can think of several others who would probably join in as well.


Great idea, IDX!

Count me in. I do hope I can find the time to put all my effort into this.

Originally Posted by Man of Steel

Might give me some much-needed motivation. ...
Great idea, IDX!

Yes that was exactly my own reason for proposing it.

Good that we have 3/4 interested members st the moment, but of course more would be nice!

And also

• We need to come up with a snappy name
• Have to fine tune the theme selection process and other such things.
• Did I mention MORE MEMBERS?

I'll try and get this stickied perhaps... what are the chances?

I'm definitely up for it, let me know when you plan to get this started and i'll be there.

Originally Posted by Lucid Seeker

I'm definitely up for it, let me know when you plan to get this started and i'll be there.

I'll probably get the first topic-selection thread up tomorrow afternoon (GMT) or the next. Give this thread a night yet, obviously anyone can join in whenever with or without posting here (t'would help me get an idea, though).

I imagine the topic selection thread will involve simply posting a phrase of one or two words each (for those who are going to participate). We then select a few days later either by poll or randomly (not sure how that'll work convincingly).

As for any official "rules", they will either be non-existant or merely advisory. Certainly nothing that will restrict any writing style or word count etc..

I may just join.

Can't guarantee I'll find time to do it every time, but definitely if we have some good themes

Ok, I propose the following mechanism:

Before each challenge, topic selection will take place within a period of a few days.

• Each member will suggest at most one topic in a special thread.
• Topics will consist of a phrase of one or two words. The topic has to allow for somewhat open interpretation. "Chinese Civil War", for example, is not a good topic; "Reflection" and "Storm" are.
• After topics are proposed, topics will be selected through poll with a fixed deadline. You can vote for your own topics.* If the poll ties, a random choice from the leaders will be made by a member. This is to be trusted as random.

The challenge itself will take place over a period of 28 days.

• Late submissions are very welcome, however the point of a fixed amount of time is to provide motivation and fixed scope. I think it will be easier to write a tight directed story within a fixed timeframe.

After the month is over, a thread will be posted (within the day or two) where the successful participants can show off their work.

• State the title of your work, and then provide a link to a pdf, doc, txt file, etc. Try not to post the story as a post itself; this way, members will have easy access to other works and there will be no "burying" of posts.
• Any length is fine. Hey, it may be the best paragraph ever written...
• Try to have your story reflect the topic, but how you do this up to you.
• There will be a seperate thread for discussion. This is keenly encouraged. Contrary to this thread's title, this is not going to be a competition. Be nice, but be a critic too!

*If we get a naff poll result, this may change...

I'm up for it. One question: Is there a limit to length?

Originally Posted by Kushna Mufeed

I'm up for it. One question: Is there a limit to length?

cf. above. Basically, none; although I will be impressed if you manage 200 pages

Thanks for your interest.

Sounds good, Identity. I like where you're going with this, definitely. My entries will probably be fairly short, in the realm of 1-5 pages or so, but as Yoda said, "Size matters not."

Can't wait to start.