I'm thrilled to announce that the
judging for this quarter is open. there are four
qualified entries, plus the sample. While the sample cannot win, or even
place, its author does appreciate comments.
The stories this quarter are:
The Fallen Comet
Jules assumed that what the people of Bridge would want to know was why
the rocks were bleeding.
The Orb, who usually floated by his head, made a pass at the side of the
road, its gray light shining in globs off of the congealing hemoglobin
stuck to the stones at the mountain’s base. Jules’ enormous eyes
followed the landslide’s red trail up and up and up, trying to locate
the source, but the angle was wrong. All he saw was a kind of cleft
about two miles from where he stood. ...
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Dilute to Taste
“For the last time, I don’t want to know!”
“But Da’, please…”
“I said, no!” Meirion’s paw thumped down onto the table, clattering
their empty plates, “you’ll stay, do you hear me?!”
Alun knew from experience when to shut up. A bruised rump, a swollen
ear, a cut to his neat black-white tail; he didn’t fancy a repeat. He
just sat silently, his head hung as he played a frustrated paw about the
rim of his glass. ...
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Hurmevaara
It was early summer in the north edge. The nature was at its greenest,
the air at its purest and rain at its softest. Light green needle buds
were adorning the spruce thickets, butterflies, bumblebees and bugs of
all kinds made the meadows buzz with life, and the lakes were rich with
fish once more after the long and cold winter. The prey animals had
returned to the forest, and if a woodsman just had enough patience to
set some traps, a catch was ensured.
Yes, it was a good time for us locals, living in the wilderness. ...
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Moving Mountains
I was reviewing a case involving a troll pressing charges against a goat
man for trespassing and assault, when there was a soft knock on the
wide open door to my office.
“Come in,” I rushed around my desk to grab a giant stack of desperately
needed to be filed papers that were on the chair facing my desk.
“Mr. Ffffffitz?” A human druidess in plain green robes poked her head
in. Actually my name is Ffffitz with four f’s, not six. ...
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And finally, the sample:
Friendship is a Mountaintop Experience
Penny steadied herself against a large rock that stood proud upon the
spine of the mountain ridge. The late fall rains had washed away the
Southern California dust and turned the brittle yellow and gray lichens
pliable. At her feet the new grass was already three inches high.
“Is this it?” Paris said. “From your description at breakfast, I though
we’d have more of a hike.”
“We do.” She turned to face him. “Can’t see the— Oh, you fox!” ...
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You must have a free membership on Anthrofiction Network to view
the stories. I realize you're busy, so feel free to only read those
where the sample is suitable enticement.
The last day to turn in ballots is 2010-Jul-07. Thanks a million!
Scotty
PS: Samples printed here by permission granted by the authors.
Summer 2010 Results
The Fallen Comet by Le Renard won with a score of 4.18. This story earned top marks in Writing with a score of 4.42.
Hurmevaara by panzergulo earned a score of 4.14. This story earned top marks in Enjoyability with a score of 4.43.
Moving Mountains by Murphy Z earned a score of 4.04. This story earned top marks in Theme with a score of 4.75 and top marks in Creativity with a score of 4.42.
Dilute to Taste by Fere earned a score of 3.90. This story earned top marks in Storytelling with a score of 4.07.
Congratulations to Le Renard and the other authors this quarter.
It wasn't easy selecting a winner. Many times in past contests one or two stories are clearly on top. Not so this quarter. In scoring the stories there are five criteria, and each story was stronger than others in at least one of those criteria. All stories earned many 5s on each ballot, and all earned at least one 2.5 in something from someone.
S~