Contest Stuff - Writers Required

Hey Guys,

So no contest this month. It' summer, and honestly I just don't have the time and I know a lot of you guys are busy as well. But I would still like to do something this month.

I'd like to run two contests a month. Two different writing ones, maybe one poetry, one you know, anything else. I'm also toying with the idea of creating a collaborative writing contest, where teams of 3 work on a story together and post it.

Thoughts about that?

Anyway, this month (until the 1st of August) I'd like to brainstorm what we can do to make the forum more interesting. No bad ideas, but don't feel bad if I reject them . I'd like to crowd source as much as possible, but at the end of the day I will make the final calls with staff as to what is acceptable and what can be accomplished in a 30 day rolling calendar.

~Tenth

tothetenthpower

I really (really) would like to start seeing poetry contests again.

I like the idea of a collaborative contest (with the exception of the haiku thread that forum is d e d dead...) so giving it a much needed boost would be a good thing.

In such a case hiw would we choose teams? It would kinda suck to end up with a "last kid picked in gym class" kind of situation but randomly assigning teams could end up being more clunky than it needs to be and we could end up with some awkward pairings.

Looking forward to what other members of the ATS writer's bloc have to offer.

My thinking cap is on.

a reply to: CagliostroTheGreat

In such a case hiw would we choose teams? It would kinda suck to end up with a "last kid picked in gym class" kind of situation but randomly assigning teams could end up being more clunky than it needs to be and we could end up with some awkward pairings.

It comes down to commitment, not members. I would make teams that would comprise of some writers, some non writers I would think. I'm not a fan of the whole 'dodgeball' thing either to be honest, so the less pain we can have with that the better.

I also promise to make a poetry contest next month, I'm just terrible at it, and judging it, but I can work around that.

~Tenth

Love the idea of a contest focusing specifically on poetry! Let's do it!

The collaborative contest sounds interesting too, maybe random draw to pick teams so no one is picked last

I would like to see a collaborative screenplay/script written by ATS members.

As a filmmaker/producer... production could be in the future.

I would be glad to join a team working on a worthwhile collaborative project. I'd rather not just be randomly stuck with just anyone, though - can we assemble our own teams?

Oh, I'd probably need my "Writer" status back - if you can do that.

I like the idea of running two contests per month, one story and one poetry.

As for topics, how about this: every month has a genre to which can be added special requirements if one so chooses. The genre can cycle again and again with new or no specific requirements along the way.

Drama - varied
Fantasy - strong mental imagery based in fiction
Humor - subjective (but would be interesting)
Science Fiction - technology or knowledge not presently available
Realistic Fiction - something that could happen today
Mystery - suspense
Fairy Tale/Children's book

For example, you could say for August, Science Fiction involving aliens. For September, Realistic Fiction involving a natural disaster. October could be Drama involving a bank robbery. And so on. Or just November, Fantasy. No additional specific requirements. Of course, the previous winner can select a topic as well. You can assign the genre to the month ahead of time or play it by ear. Either way it should work fairly well.

Or, you can ask those who plan to participate in the contest to submit suggestions and choose from those. That could be interesting as well.

a reply to: olaru12 ha ha good idea, in'd like to write a comercial😃 or b rated film...I totally would participate.

originally posted by: peppycat
a reply to: olaru12 ha ha good idea, in'd like to write a comercial😃 or b rated film...I totally would participate.

Even if it's not one of the contests...try your hand at writing a film script. This is what my team uses.

www.celtx.com...

Traintrack

Traintracks

a reply to: tothetenthpower

How about a writing contest where each writer who signs up receives the topic to write in a personal message (or however) and then they have 24 hours to submit their response. I know there is no perfect way to guarantee no previous work would be entered but I personally like the challenge of snap writing.

a reply to: tothetenthpower

I do a fair amount of haiku TYPE stuff occasionally. And I write nonfiction. Rarely some fiction.

Some of the stuff I publish on Kindle. And I have 2 non-fiction books in the works, now.

Have not tended to be attracted to the writing forum for a couple of reasons, maybe 3.

1. I don't know how the particulars would slice to write stuff for the forum and then want to publish it in whole or part on Kindle. I understand I retain ownership ?in large measure? to my output--even here. I just don't know how that would work, functionally etc.

2. I'm not willing to write in the forum and have the usual pack of wolves that are extremely hostile to my perspectives and style try here to shut me down and out. I'm just not up for that. They are ruthless, assaultive and vicious enough in the rest of the forum. Am not going to have creative writing efforts assaulted like that. I'm just not.

2.1 I'm not talking about iron sharpening iron disagreements or suggestions. I love that. That's great. But the deliberately assaultive, insulting garbage I would just not put up with in this forum--regardless of how fiercely the pack of wolves descended acting like I had no right to write and express myself.

2.2 And IF ATS is not a fitting or an acceptable place to express novel or unpopular or troublesome . . . ideas and perspectives in novel styles . . . where is?

3. I'm not clear what's fitting, desired, acceptable. Is it only fiction? Fiction and poetry?

4. I'd be interested in a collaborative short-story effort. I'm skeptical many would like to try me on their team. The theme's I'd write about are the usual apocalyptic stuff I've been interested in since 1962.

Anyway--thanks. interesting ideas.

a reply to: BO XIAN

I have never seen an insult thrown in the writing forum. In fact you can write anything and someone will jump in and say it's fabulous!
Why not, lighten up and just have some fun with it?

Regards Midicon.

a reply to: midicon

Thanks.

Pondering doing just that.

I appreciate your kind reply.

a reply to: tothetenthpower

I think it's a wonderful idea.

Sorry I haven't been as "on the ball" with the Writing Contests recently, been busy, but hopefully things will open up where I can contribute more in the future.

Once again,
GREAT IDEA!

a reply to: olaru12i'll give it a shot, thanks for the link.
after I catch up on my zz's.
thanks for believing in my dreams.

I'd like to run two contests a month. Two different writing ones, maybe one poetry, one you know, anything else. I'm also toying with the idea of creating a collaborative writing contest, where teams of 3 work on a story together and post it.

I like these ideas! it's 6am though and my brain can't think of any other ideas. I'm happy to do poetry or normal writing, and group writing would be something to look forward to also! I've never really worked as a group with writing before, except for the collaborative effort that is The Shed, and I feel it would be a good experience and get a bit of socialising happening.

I'll try and think up some ideas after caffeine has been consumed!

a reply to: tothetenthpower

I'm wanting to do a collaborative writing.. and already have an idea as to what it would be about..but I would like to pick my own team if possible..

Like both these ideas.

Thanks,
blend57

a reply to: blend57

I like your idea. I also like the screenplay idea but it has to be a short screenplay!