SHORT STORY WRITERS CONTEST -- April 2024 -- TIME -- TIME2024 Winners Posted!

a reply to: JJproductions

I had too many unresolved things going on at one time. I am glad to come face-to-face with my limitations. Now I sense where to go from here --- between the short blasts I've sat down and written it an hour, and this huge undertaking in which I didn't really have a clue at all how it would resolve, but just trusted myself that it would. I will probably flesh out that story at some point. I enjoyed the contribution that you made to it, and plan to keep that it the works

a reply to: argentus

Your story was really really amazing! The writing style that comes from your brain is always unique!

a reply to: argentus

Thanks to DTOM and Argentus for rowing this lifeboat to shore once again.



This has been a bitter-sweet contest. I deeply appreciate those who voted for my stories, but I lament the low number of participants, possibly the lowest ever.



So, to Ray1990, I congratulate you on your win with a wonderful story, and welcome you and Lilzazz as official writers.
Thanks also to JJ and Degradation33 for entertaining us with your stories.





As we now know that ATS will carry on… until something breaks or is unplugged, let’s see if we can look forward to a new contest next month… I’ve got a new theme brewing… strangeness guaranteed!

a reply to: argentus

Oh, and what would the contest be without the Winner's meme...

a reply to: Encia22

Nice job. Yes thank you DTOM and Argentus!

Encia, your stories are always amazing!

a reply to: JJproductions

Thank you kindly, JJ.

I’m always learning something new from you and the other members. With the standards being so high, I strive to put more effort into every new story and artwork to honour everyone else's labours.

a reply to: Encia22

You have amazing artwork!

a reply to: JJproductions

Many thanks, JJ. I always look forward to working on the artwork, as apposed to the storytelling, which is much more stressful. I'm only truly satisfied when the art and prose gel and compliment each other.

Actually, quite a few of your stories, and of others, have inspired or influenced my artwork. So, thank you and everyone for the guidance.

a reply to: Encia22

I almost forgot about this, thank you for everyone who voted! I'll have to up my game for the next contest

I look forward to the next theme, well done to everyone who took part and thank you mods and everyone who keeps this little corner of ATS kicking

It would be nice to see more entrants next time, I know I've often put off entering in the past... It can be intimidating seeing the quality of the writing here, just give it a go!

a reply to: RAY1990

If you want to get good at tennis, you play someone better than you.

My writing has improved over the years by competing with those much better than me. They. Live. Among. Us. (dramatic music crescendo)

I am still wondering about a self-published Amazon ATS compilation of all of us. Hey, it could happen. ;o)

originally posted by: RAY1990

It would be nice to see more entrants next time, I know I've often put off entering in the past... It can be intimidating seeing the quality of the writing here, just give it a go!

No worries, Ray, not many members can hold a candle to the quality and depth of your writing. However, one doesn't try, one can never get better..., argentus's example being very true.

originally posted by: argentus
a reply to: RAY1990

I am still wondering about a self-published Amazon ATS compilation of all of us. Hey, it could happen. ;o)

That would be amazing, argentus. I’ve often thought about doing a best of the best sort of poll, but there are so many incredible stories that have been written, there would be too many roses to choose from for the bouquet.

a reply to: Encia22

Just one thing, my friend......... I know you do it out of respect, however I choose my name to not be capitalized. ;o)

argentus. Just me.

a reply to: argentus

Ok, no problem... I fixed what I could. Will do for the future.

My wholehearted apologies to everyone. I left out an all-important preposition which changes the meaning of what I was trying to say.

So, instead of…

originally posted by: Encia22

However, one doesn't try, one can never get better..., argentus's example being very true.

A humble ‘if’ I omitted should have read…

However, IF one doesn't try, one can never get better..., argentus's example being very true.

This just goes to show how careful and attentive we need to be when presenting our thoughts in a written form; even a comma can alter a complete sentence. Being distracted, as I have been after a very recent death in the family, can really be quite damaging.

a reply to: Encia22

LOL! Knowing you as we do, I think we all read it that way anyway. Never fear, my friend. We know your heart.

a reply to: argentus

Very kind of you, argentus.

a reply to: argentus

I 100% agree with that, something I learned first hand as a youth playing soccer and my writing has improved a lot being on ATS over the years. So has my perception

A book of the stories here would be awesome!

a reply to: Encia22

Thank you

Always wondered if I was dyslexic looking back at my school years if I'm honest, I was a bit of a late bloomer in language skills. Practice definitely makes perfect.

originally posted by: RAY1990

a reply to: Encia22

Thank you

Always wondered if I was dyslexic looking back at my school years if I'm honest, I was a bit of a late bloomer in language skills. Practice definitely makes perfect.

Absolutely, same here... schooling in general was such a sufferance; sports, art class and engineering workshop were my only consolation.