Comments on auditions

[JennaGlatzer]

If you'd like to comment on any of the pieces posted in the auditions thread, here's the spot to do it!

[Eussie]

If you'd like to comment on any of the pieces posted in the auditions thread, here's the spot to do it!

I know I'm not supposed to edit my piece but the type came out awful small. May I make it bigger? (Thought I'd ask before I do it and disqualify myself for editing!)

Cheers
Eussie

[three seven]

LOL! I didn't sound that harsh, did I?

Yes, go ahead!

And for the record, you don't get disqualified for editing - you get your eleventh-hour spelling corrections ignored!

[maestrowork]

Can anyone comment on the audition pieces? Would this affect the judging? Do we get to play Simon here, to be cruel? Huh, huh, huh?

[Sarita]

I'm going to try to read each audition without reading any of the comments first. This way I wont be influenced by all you Simons out there.

[three seven]

I won't be reading them.

[Sarita]

Meanwhile, we're both posting on this thread. I might unsubscribe, so that I resist the urge to look.

[JennaGlatzer]

Yes, anyone can comment here, at any stage of the game.

[zeprosnepsid]

i've noticed at least one person going over 700 words. Anyone who doesn't name their word count is suspect! Should we name them and mock them openly?

[SFEley]

i've noticed at least one person going over 700 words. Anyone who doesn't name their word count is suspect! Should we name them and mock them openly?

When I counted my intro text and a row of 10 asterisks separated by spaces, my post body came to 701 words. I just removed five of the asterisks as heckler-proofing.

If the administrator or judges ask me to include the word count in the body of the text, I will do so, but only in compliance with an official rule. Otherwise, I'd rather you focus on my words than my word count.

[pepperlandgirl]

I was having the damnest time getting an accurate word count. When I highlighted the text in the document, it came out to 710 words. When I C&Ped it into a new doc, it was 689 words. When I posted and used the Firefox plugin to get the word count, it said 707 words.

So I figured it was 700 and just went with it.

[zeprosnepsid]

i'm only bitter because 700 words was really inconvienent for me. I would prefer 1000 or 500 words. Since that seems to be the lengths of my best excerpts. I felt inclined to use all 700 words but in the end just went for something shorter. But it certainly was no easy task finding something that fit the 700.

I was mostly kidding about mocking folks though =) I just noticed that a couple excerpts seemed to go over.

and yeah, it's not a rule to post your word count, it's just that more people have than haven't. It is a rule to be less than 700 words though and that's what I was really talking about.

But yes, mostly kidding, I swear! =)

[zeprosnepsid]

p.s. i love reading everybody's stories! It's especially great when I see a book title I recognize and go -- oh, i remember so and so talking about this novel! Or I read their query or something. I think this is a great contest.

[three seven]

i'm only bitter because 700 words was really inconvienent for me. I would prefer 1000 or 500 words. Since that seems to be the lengths of my best excerpts. I felt inclined to use all 700 words but in the end just went for something shorter. But it certainly was no easy task finding something that fit the 700.
Don't forget it's up to 700 words. If 500 is easier, post 500.

[Kevin Yarbrough]

I'm the one that went over:hi: :wag: but Jenna chastised me and beat me with a wet noodle:flag: , which wasn't easy to do over the net but she did it. I'm still trying to figure out just how though.:Shrug: :scared: :confused:

If someone didn't try to push the bar how would we know how far we could go?:Smack:

Oh well. Jenna is to pretty to make mad:Hail: , plus I don't want her to ban me:Ssh: so I chopped down my story to fit the count.:cry:

[CACTUSWENDY]

:snoopy: as I have been reading through the submissions I have been sending the rep. points to a couple that i thought were great.....I can't wait till this is over and we can comment on some of the ideas that have entered....I feel so blessed being in the same bit of 'space' with some of you folks.:partyguy:

[DaveKuzminski]

I think some writers will be at a disadvantage. In particular, novelists will have a worse time since they'll need to write or select something that can stand enough on its own in order to compete with the short story writers, particularly those who can and do write flash fiction in the below 1,000 word range. While it's not my contest to structure, it might be worth giving some thought to that at this point. For instance, have alternate contests based upon short story format, chapter format (from novels, obviously), and whatever else pops up as worth attention. I put it that way since it could be somewhat awkward holding a contest for a category where there are only one or two participants available.

[three seven]

I think some writers will be at a disadvantage. In particular, novelists will have a worse time since they'll need to write or select something that can stand enough on its own in order to compete with the short story writers
Not true. It's the quality of the writing that's being judged, regardless of whether it's a short story, a chapter excerpt or a poem.
Think of the TV show auditions. Everyone from cheesy teenyboppers to opera singers turns up, and they're judged not against one another but on their own merit.
In the knockout stages, where the contestants are judged against one another, everyone will be writing according to the same (tighter) criteria.

Trust us, it works :Thumbs:

[edfrzr]

After reading the posts on the "word count", I'm already scared to death (738). Jenna, If I must be under 700, (I know--it's the rule), please hit me, beat me, kick me, pinch me, make me write bad checks--just be gentle.

I know--how about a 10% tolerance?


thankee

[three seven]

Ed, I just checked your entry in MS Word and it's actually 809 words, not 738.

I'd encourage everyone to read the rules before submitting your entries - you've got a fortnight!

[jdkiggins]

Ed, I just checked your entry in MS Word and it's actually 809 words, not 738.

So you are going by word count with MS Word?

Joanne

[three seven]

Yes we are. Minor allowances will be made for those who submitted before this was clarified, but most wordcounts already presented tally with MS Word anyway. Don't worry Joanne, you're ok.

The comment was directed at Ed because he stated his wordcount as taken from MS Word.

[jdkiggins]

Thank you, ThreeSeven. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

Joanne

[DaveKuzminski]

Think of the TV show auditions. Everyone from cheesy teenyboppers to opera singers turns up, and they're judged not against one another but on their own merit.

I haven't watched American Idol which I've heard of and assume this is based loosely upon. On a serious note, I think I've been spared the full delight of William Huang. Unfortunately, I caught a few notes from him on the Internet.

[maestrowork]

I think once all the audition pieces are in, we can explain how this Idol show is going to work, for those poor souls living under rocks, who've never seen American Idol before.

If it's anything like the TV show, this is going to be fun. It will put the finalists through a lot.

(Now that I can't be Simon -- I think the Brits, aka Three Seven is our Simon -- can I be Clay? Please.... I will even get that haircut and wear goofy sneakers...)

[edfrzr]

Oh well, I guess that means I have to cut it back to 700 or under?

[JennaGlatzer]

IF YOU HAVE REALIZED YOUR ENTRY IS OVER THE WORD COUNT, yes, you may correct it. But please hurry up and do so or I fear Three is going to begin hitting people with hammers.

[SFEley]

:snoopy: as I have been reading through the submissions I have been sending the rep. points to a couple that i thought were great.....I can't wait till this is over and we can comment on some of the ideas that have entered....

I see no reason why we can't comment on them now. Isn't that the point of this thread?

Of the entries so far, I think GailKavanagh's is particularly strong. It's well-written, with precise word choice, and carries a striking image that I still want to know more about. EmeraldCite's piece had similar quality of writing. Tab's entry was messier but very strong in content, with a terrific final line. And Mark's amused me a lot. (Not just because his format was similar to mine.)

I also have to give props to Betty W01 for being the only one brave enough to enter with a poem. I didn't fall in love with the poem, but it does show personality, and anyone here who watches American Idol knows that personality is a must. >8->

[DeadlyAccurate]

I read pepperlandgirl's excerpt and liked it enough to ask to read the entire novel. Then I read the novel in one sitting. I seriously didn't even want to get up to fix food or take a bathroom break until it was done.

[stormie]

I got a good laugh over inkslinger's "interview" with Brittny (or however you spell her name).

[pepperlandgirl]

IF YOU HAVE REALIZED YOUR ENTRY IS OVER THE WORD COUNT, yes, you may correct it. But please hurry up and do so or I fear Three is going to begin hitting people with hammers.

I deleted about 7 words to put me under the wordcount as soon as I read this post.

[three seven]

I deleted about 7 words to put me under the wordcount as soon as I read this post.
Would everyone please note that Jenna's comment referred to those who had posted entries before the rules were clarified.

Pepperlandgirl's edit will be allowed, since her entry had already been considered at that time.

This is, however, the last time. All further edits performed contrary to the posted rules will be automatically disqualified.

[SFEley]

Firehorse's entry is terrific. It's the only one so far that I've PMed the author to ask for the rest of the story.

[CACTUSWENDY]

:Huh: ....Ok Jenna, I have looked everywhere and now I have to turn to your great mind. What the heck is a 'purple baritone'? :poke: ....I've lived such a sheltered life. On a radio how do you see 'color'? :cry: ..oh please...I really want to know.:o ...Thank you.:snoopy:

[Duncan J Macdonald]

What the heck is a 'purple baritone'?

I envision it as similar to 'purple prose'. Something so full of itself that it becomes a caracature of itself.

[JennaGlatzer]

Wendy, I don't know-- I didn't write that. ;) That was eappell's entry. I just posted it in the right place for him/her after we PMed about it. I haven't even read the piece yet.

[JennaGlatzer]

P.S. Deadly and SFE, I think that's so cool that you requested to read more of a writers' work... what a great gift for those writers. I know I'd be proud!

[zeprosnepsid]

I think once all the audition pieces are in, we can explain how this Idol show is going to work, for those poor souls living under rocks, who've never seen American Idol before.

If it's anything like the TV show, this is going to be fun. It will put the finalists through a lot.

(Now that I can't be Simon -- I think the Brits, aka Three Seven is our Simon -- can I be Clay? Please.... I will even get that haircut and wear goofy sneakers...)

you can just read the rules about how's it's going to work because it doesn't actually work like American Idol I think. A.I. is judged by the people, these pieces are judged by judges. Unless maybe the people get to vote later on...OK, I join you in your confusion. Maybe I should go read those threads again...

[Birol]

It's my understanding we the people will get to vote later on, after the 10 finalists are chosen.

[Selina Sills]

I almost submitted a poem! But decided on an excerpt from my novel instead. Anyway, there are soooooo many fantastic writers here! I am thoroughly enjoying myself reading all of the entries! I would hate to be a judge. I wouldn't know which to choose first! How many do you all think will be submitted?? 200? More? I can't imagine selecting only 10. Can't wait to read each person's themed entries. Good luck everyone!! :D

[pepperlandgirl]

you can just read the rules about how's it's going to work because it doesn't actually work like American Idol I think. A.I. is judged by the people, these pieces are judged by judges. Unless maybe the people get to vote later on...OK, I join you in your confusion. Maybe I should go read those threads again...

Initially, there are three judges that go through all of the contestents. The best (and by best, I mean the ones that match their seemingly bizarre requirements. I'm not a big fan of the show...) are sent to Hollywood for the major competition. That is when the public votes on their favorite at the end of each show. So yeah, this contest is working on the same model.

P.S. Deadly and SFE, I think that's so cool that you requested to read more of a writers' work... what a great gift for those writers. I know I'd be proud!

It was a great gift and it did make me proud. I really, really appreciate Deadly's interest. :)

[JennaGlatzer]

Correct. Our 3 judges choose the finalists, then anyone who's registered on AW votes during the following weeks of the competition.

[firehorse]

It was a great gift and it did make me proud. I really, really appreciate Deadly's interest. :)
Ditto for me with SFE. I felt honored and very :welcome:d (I'd just joined - wait, was that only yesterday?)
-Sarah

[MacAllister]

heh--Welcome to the AW Cooler Temporal Displacement Zone, Firehorse...I see you're catching right on to how it works, here. <g>

Seriously, I'm a bit stunned at the high quality of the entries. And awfully impressed. You peeps all ROCK!

[JennaGlatzer]

Don't they?

And Sarah, did you know you were member #1000?

Obviously a lucky number for us. :) Glad to have you here.

[JenNipps]

OK, OK... I thought I could resist the temptation, but I was wrong. As I had recently tweaked the prologue to my main fantasy novel, I put that in. BUT....

I didn't put the word count. Do I need to go edit that in? I don't mind doing it. By my MS Word, it's 650-ish.

[DaveKuzminski]

Anywhere near Okemah?

[JenNipps]

Anywhere near Okemah?
Kinda sorta almost maybe? lol. (I'm opening up MapQuest right now to see how far it is.)

I'm in McAlester, more southeast than I think Okemah is.

OK... Going on the Indian Nation's Turnpike and then I-40, it's about 60 miles from here to Okemah. It's closer to Seminole & Wetumka than I was remembering.

[JennaGlatzer]

You don't need to put in the word count. The judges are double-checking them anyway.

[firehorse]

And Sarah, did you know you were member #1000? Obviously a lucky number for us. :) Glad to have you here.

A lucky number for me, too! It's so refreshing to find a community of writers going through similar experiences to mine. I love working on my own, but I don't always love the isolation. Thanks, Jenna, for putting this all together! :TheWave:

-Sarah

[awatkins]

Good grief, I feel for the judges. I just scanned over the latest entries (read through the entire thread yesterday) and find myself wowed and amazed by the talent I've seen. There were a few pieces that could be eliminated pretty easily, but the others....WOW! I can't imagine how in the world 10 finalists can be chosen from all those great stories and poems!

Glad I'm not a judge. :D

[Angie]

Glad I'm not a judge. :D

Same here! There's so much talent around here, I don't envy the judges their job.

[DaveKuzminski]

Hmmm, maybe Jenna should have organized it like the NCAA Championships instead? ;)

[Angie]

:ROFL:

[awatkins]

Hmmm, maybe Jenna should have organized it like the NCAA Championships instead? ;)

Ooooh, there's a thought! :ROFL:

[jdkiggins]

Glad I'm not a judge. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Me, too! I'm taking my time reading the entries and there are some really great pieces here. Good luck to everyone.

Joanne

[astonwest]

Hmmm, maybe Jenna should have organized it like the NCAA Championships instead? ;)

Participants would get in mostly on reputation alone?
Hmmm...

[DaveKuzminski]

No, I meant they could be matched up in brackets with the best of each matchup going against the best of a parallel matchup. That way, it would eliminate half on the first round, half of what's left on the next round, and so on.

[jdkiggins]

Participants would get in mostly on reputation alone?
Hmmm...

Yep, that's it. And the winners are: :snoopy:
First Place, Jenna cause she's the one who runs this joint. Oh, that's right she's not allowed to enter.
Second Place, maestrowork with 1,158 posts.
Third Place, three seven, if he hadn't been duped into being a judge.

Joanne

[astonwest]

Eh, Dave, I was just making a dig against the NCAA tourney...

:tongue

Oooooo, 50!

[maestrowork]

Yep, that's it. And the winners are: :snoopy:
First Place, Jenna cause she's the one who runs this joint. Oh, that's right she's not allowed to enter.
Second Place, maestrowork with 1,158 posts.
Third Place, three seven, if he hadn't been duped into being a judge.

Joanne

Does that mean I won?

I won, I won, I won.

Thankya, thankya, thankya vury much.

:thankyou:

You can all go home now, the contest is closed.

[jdkiggins]

Does that mean I won?

I won, I won, I won.

Thankya, thankya, thankya vury much.

:thankyou:

You can all go home now, the contest is closed.

:roll:

[JennaGlatzer]

So I've been jotting down some of my favorite lines from the entries thus far. I've only finished doing this with the 1st and 2nd page of entries, but here are my picks:

that avian version of Mel Gibson (Spring Turkey)

There’s the difference. (Rites of Passage)

I told him he was right, of course, though I was pretty sure Satan would take him just the way he was. (Once Lush Fields)

when she brought my hash browns, there was the map o' the underworld in 'em, plain as day. (Scattered, Smothered...)

clucking her tongue in disapproval of whatever I'd done to start the crying. (Diamonds are for Never)

It's kind of stressful being on fire like that (zepreosnepsid's entry)

And the truly sad part was, neither of us had the ale. (Friends in Deed)

must be magic to be able to stay in one place so long. (Becoming Little Beaver)

Although, of course, I mean, I knew it wasn’t that! (My Triumph Over Canker)

You look like Ernest goes Hip-hop. (The Not So Yet Famous Billy Clubb)

Remarkable things tend to occur when nobody is looking (Randall the Lizard Catcher)

By god, man, when I was your age, we slayed dragons in sleet and snow. (PixelFish's entry)

the main focus having been ensuring his genitals are properly arranged, leaving him with a sorry excuse for a head. (Snow)

He had seen the same show. (The Medium)

Because she bakes homemade macaroni and cheese for me even though she’s on the Atkins diet. (Nobody Loves Me Better)

[zeprosnepsid]

yea! validation!

those were some pretty good ones though, Jenna.

[firehorse]

Wow... Now that I've had a chance to read through the entries, I'll add my amazement at the level of quality here. As many others have said, the judges have their work cut out for them. I love the variety of genres, too.

This might've been answered already, but I think there are certain standards of 'good writing' that transcend genre. True, each person has her or his preference, but I trust the judges can suspend personal preference and look at the basic quality.

And what Jenna said - which entries stick in their minds after they've read 300 or so?

Kudos to all who have posted entries :Clap:

-Sarah

[JennaGlatzer]

Zepro, your whole entry cracked me up. I loved it. Yours too, Sarah... and bizarrely enough, it reminds me a lot of something I wrote a few years back! :) Never knew others would have a mind as warped as mine.

[firehorse]

Zepro, your whole entry cracked me up. I loved it. Yours too, Sarah... and bizarrely enough, it reminds me a lot of something I wrote a few years back! :) Never knew others would have a mind as warped as mine.
Viva les warped minds! :crazy: :banana:

It's a true story. It never occurred to me anyone might invent something as weird as my life ;). I think it's a common curiosity for women; I just went a step further.

(I just wanted to reassure you there's no plagarism going on - but that is a totally bizarre coincidence!)

[JennaGlatzer]

LOL! I was positive it was not plagiarized. Definitely an interesting coincidence, though! Mine was "inspired by" true events... meaning that it started with my own true story, but was deeply embellished from there. I don't think I ever finished it, though. I'll have to see if I can dig it up and show you. In short, I figured out I was definitely not gay (to my disappointment) when the most beautiful Australian woman cornered me in my roommate's bedroom, closed the door, and began hitting on me, and all I could think was, "God, I hope my roommate comes home soon and gets me out of this!" Phooey.

[firehorse]

Mine was when I began thinking about laundry at times when I really shouldn't have been thinking about laundry. And she looked like Susan Sarandon! :Shrug: I had some serious karma to clean up after that.

I'd love to read your story. It took me forever to write mine, because I was convinced I'd be crucified by lesbian and feminist communities alike. As it turned out, I've had so many women tell me they've had similar experiences. It's proof to me that, as an essayist, the deeper I go into painful/scary/embarassing subjects, the more I find out I'm not alone. Which is really, for me, what writing is about on a selfish/psychological level. That's why I chose my signature, as a reminder to, as the sports folk would say, "GO DEEP!"

Have you ever read Rita Mae Brown's Starting from Scratch? She says writers should be able to understand all variations on attraction - at least we've done our research! ;)

[MacAllister]

And right there, just like that--we have the perfect object lesson for why smart lesbians leave the straight girls alone....:rolleyes:

[JennaGlatzer]

:roll: Yeah, but Mac, to be fair to "our" lesbians, it seems that both Sarah and I were throwing off the wrong vibes. Sarah had already declared herself a lesbian, and I was probably being flirty in a group setting. I just found out that thinking a girl is pretty doesn't naturally lead to sexual attraction. BTW, when my roommate came home, he was SO disappointed. :tongue

[MacAllister]

BTW, when my roommate came home, he was SO disappointed. ROFL--I imagine so!

It was a really terrific piece, Sarah. :) Thoughtful and funny without being cynical or precious.

[Tiaga]

Now I don't know what to do! I live in the country but I like Rock music and I'm a married man but nobody's reviewed my entry so I think I wanna be a Lesbian.

[JennaGlatzer]

:ROFL: Very rational, Tiaga.

[PixelFish]

So I've been jotting down some of my favorite lines from the entries thus far. I've only finished doing this with the 1st and 2nd page of entries, but here are my picks:

This is a great idea. (I'm actually in the process of moving, so while I read fairly quickly, I won't have time to do extensive critiques or even tiny critiques, so I like this.) I think I'll list some sentences or dialogue that I found interesting, entertain, amusing, or all of the above.



I liked this exchange from DTNg's Parking Lot Police:
"He's in the car" he explained, well aware of where we had parked, but irritated that it had been pointed out to him.

"ALONE??" The woman shrieked.

"Yes, with all the windows rolled up." He may be a man of few words, but he was well versed in the art of sarcasm.


And I second Jenna's choice of:

"And you'll never meet a person in this world who will love you just for who you are. Every being that walks this earth wants to mold you, shape you, make you into tiny mirror images of themselves." That's what dad told me, anyway, after apologizing for losing control. I ran my tongue inside my mouth, and the salty-tinge of blood brought back all sensation. I told him he was right, of course, though I was pretty sure Satan would take him just the way he was.

SFEley:

"Zombies. Jim, this is a Waffle House. Zombies will not be our problem. An' if they were--"

"This ain't no damn Waffle House, Jake."

"--an' if they were, the pickaxe wouldn't do you no good anyhow. You need at least a chainsaw, everyone in the world knows that. And this is a Waffle House, Jim, with all the evil that bodes. You know it."

(Hehehe. Waffle House. I only moved to the South about a year and a half back--and now I'm moving to San Francisco--but the Waffle House cracks me up.)


Zepro: Not going to quote any specific lines, but I do appreciate a good comic book reference.



Nobody Loves Me Better:

In my life, Mother’s Day is every additional day I get to hear my mother tell me she hates my hair. Because at least she’s here to tell me.


Firehorse: He was small as a gherkin anyway.

Sean's story, Bested: I thought it was a neat turnabout on the dragons-maiden-knight legends. (Probably could use a little polishing and tightening, but neat.)

[firehorse]

And right there, just like that--we have the perfect object lesson for why smart lesbians leave the straight girls alone....:rolleyes:

Yeah, and they pretty much did. Made me very :confused:. No matter how much I tried, it seemed like everyone else knew I was really straight.

Jenna - ROFL about roommate!

Tiaga - There's a whole subculture of lesbian rock music, though these days it's probably just really bad guitarists, now that the good ones have all come out :). And for what it's worth, I went from being a lesbian to being a music journalist (okay, a few stops in between there, and I wouldn't suggest 'lesbian' as a career aspiration). So there's hope yet! :Cheer:

And now I'm going to go read your entry.

-Sarah

[firehorse]

Tiaga,

Post an entry! Here's a prompt: living in rural Saskatchewan, loving rock music and not being a lesbian ;).

Hmm... rural Sask: if you are going to choose orientation, you're better off being a gay man. All those wholesome farming boys! :D

Lots of good music out of your province, too. Regina is the new Halifax (translation to American: Seattle).

-Sarah

[zeprosnepsid]

thanks pixel! what sane person doesn't really?

I've gotten so behind on reading entries! I'm going to have to set some time aside....And there's still a whole 'nother week for submissions.

and firehouse, I'm glad you did write it! I've written some stuff that's gotten a little backlash. You just have to be prepared to defend it if you want to. I'm glad you didn't have to though. I've written more stuff lately of a personal nature and do find it more satisfying.

[SeanDSchaffer]

I've got to say I've only read the first couple of pages on the 'Auditions' thread. But having read them, I'm finding that the talent here is quite good. My favorite among the stories -- I'm not a judge, I'm simply commenting -- would have to be 'The Last Dragon;' 'Diamonds Are For Never;' and 'The BIG Big Bad Wolf and the House of Steel.' These are my favorites as of this moment.

Pixelfish, I wanted to thank you for your comments on my own story. I appreciate them very much. The original version of 'Bested' actually appeared in the SYW forum, but was about twice as long as needed for this contest. I admit as I look over it now, there's still a bit that could be done with it. But it's a bit late now, as I've already auditioned it. Still, it's a lot of fun competing with such good writers as I find at this site.

Good luck to all of you; I hope you all have lots of fun!

:Thumbs:

[Phantom8706]

:mad: I was reading back over my story and having to smash it down to 700 words really took the 'oomph' out of it altogether. Now it just looks choppy and confusing. So now I'm not a happy camper. I kind of feel like baying at the moon. Or something else conveying dire unhappiness. :cry:

[Tiaga]

Tiaga,

Post an entry!
-Sarah

It's #9 on the hit parade!

[CaitlinK18]

Wow! So much talent!

I feel so out of my depth here. Haven't read all the entries yet, but scrolling back up the page I'm on, I really enjoyed RichardJones's excerpt...made me chuckle out loud.

[Euan H.]

There are some damn good pieces of work up there. It's made me somewhat ashamed now of my efforts. :Hail: :gone:


Still, never mind, eh. I'll just kill all my rivals...:guns:

[JenNipps]

I agree, Euan. Well.... Except for the killing the rivals part. lol

[Trapped in amber]

I agree, Euan.

(now I have a strategy! :hooray: )

[jdkiggins]

Still, never mind, eh. I'll just kill all my rivals...:guns:

That's cool, Euan. I've been known to come back... again and again and again.
:scared:

Joanne

[Kevin Yarbrough]

Euan, I'm pretty hard to find. When I know someone is after me I put on my camo clothes and stand against a wall. I giggle "they can't see me, I'm invisible" when I do this.

[DaveKuzminski]

There are some damn good pieces of work up there. It's made me somewhat ashamed now of my efforts. :Hail: :gone:


Still, never mind, eh. I'll just kill all my rivals...:guns:

From the owner of a .50 cal Desert Eagle [Google on it], how lucky do you feel? ;)

By the way, thanks for the kind remarks on my entry. :)

[Euan H.]

Euan, I'm pretty hard to find. When I know someone is after me I put on my camo clothes and stand against a wall. I giggle "they can't see me, I'm invisible" when I do this.

Aha! Fiendishly cunning! http://www.coolsmilies.net/affection/boff.gif

From the owner of a .50 cal Desert Eagle [Google on it], how lucky do you feel?
Yes, but I have really really really big guns:

http://www.coolsmilies.net/guns/tank.gif

[DaveKuzminski]

I'm also a former tank commander. I commanded an M-60A1 main battle tank. My crew could hit targets the size of Volkswagen Beetles from 2 miles away.

[pepperlandgirl]

I'm also a former tank commander. I commanded an M-60A1 main battle tank. My crew could hit targets the size of Volkswagen Beetles from 2 miles away.

Heh. That's hot.

[DaveKuzminski]

Heh. That's hot.

TC: Gunner, HEAT, tank in the open!
Loader: Up! [means the main gun is loaded with a High-Explosive Anti-Tank round]
Gunner: Identified! [means the gunner has found the target I placed the gun on and centered it]
TC: Fire!
Gunner: On the way! [means he's pressing the trigger]
TC: Driver, next position! [means we're moving to another prepared position as a precaution so the enemy won't know where we are]

Boom! [the target just exploded]

TC: Now that's hot.

[mudflat_marshawk]

are wonderful. I have been reading Idol entries, and enjoying them immensely.
Lots of talented folks here. :)

[TurtleQT]

So if we are being judged on our own merit and "greatness" of our stories, what makes a great story, short, long, watever. Is that to be decided by ourselves or are there some things that are worth more then others.
developed characters, tone, plot, diction, etc?
P.S. Great idea about having the contest. Good luck to all the judges and applicants.:Hail: :Guitar:

[Jakalyn]

There are some damn good pieces of work up there. It's made me somewhat ashamed now of my efforts. :Hail: :gone:


Yeah, I have to agree with this, and with all the others who have said how much talent there is on this board.

I can't count the amount of contests I have entered in the past, but I have never had the pleasure of reading the entries of my competition. Now I'm not so sure that's a good thing, lol.
I know i don't have a shot in the dark of making it to the top ten, but it is cool just to be on a board with such talented people.

Good luck, judges, you have a hard job ahead of you.

Thanks for doing this Jenna. It's an awesome thing.
And, even knowing I won't win, the contest brought me out of lurk mode (where I have been for a year), and I'm glad.

http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/couch.gif

[JennaGlatzer]

Woo-hoo! I'm glad you de-lurked, too, Jakalyn.

>>I have never had the pleasure of reading the entries of my competition.

Yeah, I thought that would be a cool part of this contest.

When I was a stage director, I remember telling the people who auditioned for my show, "This was the hardest decision-making I've ever done in my life. There were sooo many talented people..." and as I was saying it, I remembered how many times directors had said that to me, and I always thought it was just meant to appease the people who didn't make it. I figured they were exaggerating, and that there couldn't have been that many talented people.

But it was completely true! I agonized over those decisions, and some of the most talented people were cut.

Well, maybe this gives you an idea of some of the behind-the-scenes of writing contests. First, you see what the competition is like, but you also see how many people don't read the rules! We gave people second notices and second chances, but many contests won't do that. All the people who sent entries over the word count or posted in the wrong place would have been automatically disqualified, which cuts down the competition.

[Kevin Yarbrough]

I'm also a former tank commander. I commanded an M-60A1 main battle tank. My crew could hit targets the size of Volkswagen Beetles from 2 miles away.
Then you don't have any problems hitting the toliet then.

[Penelope]

I have tried not to read the entries up until now for fear of feeling inadequate and not posting my entry as a result. I finally posted with a what-have-I-got-to-lose mentality. Now I can go read all the entries. I will still probably feel inadequate, but I've already posted my entry and don't plan on backing out now.

Good luck everyone! :)

[Jakalyn]

Woo-hoo! I'm glad you de-lurked, too, Jakalyn.

>>I have never had the pleasure of reading the entries of my competition.

Yeah, I thought that would be a cool part of this contest.

When I was a stage director, I remember telling the people who auditioned for my show, "This was the hardest decision-making I've ever done in my life. There were sooo many talented people..." and as I was saying it, I remembered how many times directors had said that to me, and I always thought it was just meant to appease the people who didn't make it. I figured they were exaggerating, and that there couldn't have been that many talented people.

But it was completely true! I agonized over those decisions, and some of the most talented people were cut.

Well, maybe this gives you an idea of some of the behind-the-scenes of writing contests. First, you see what the competition is like, but you also see how many people don't read the rules! We gave people second notices and second chances, but many contests won't do that. All the people who sent entries over the word count or posted in the wrong place would have been automatically disqualified, which cuts down the competition.



Yes, it takes on a new meaning when you get to actually see what the judges have to deal with (not only too many excellent entries, but also the ones who don't follow the rules). I was surprised, and it definitely makes this contest more interesting than most.
I can't wait until we get to the voting part, having several people write in the same category each week is going to be very very interesting and fun to read.
Thanks, again! This was an excellent idea.http://absolutewrite.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Jolie]

I posted my entry a few days ago and didn't really read any of the others until I was finished with mine (I was trying to keep from getting discouraged), but now that I have gone back and read them all, I am impressed. There are quite a few stories that I would love to continue reading. Great job everyone!

[DaveKuzminski]

I think the title of the auditions thread is part of the problem. It might work better if it was renamed to something like Auditions thread -- post entries here only.

[jdkiggins]

I think Jenna did a fine job setting up the proper place to enter. After all, there were several people who entered, myself included, before the rules were even posted. It's really a matter of reading, paying attention, and if you're not sure, ask questions prior to posting. There is a comment and question thread as well.

[maestrowork]

If you can't even bother to read the threads before you enter a contest, what makes us think you can pull through the entire contest were you picked as a finalist?

The audition thread is fine. Over 200 people had no problem finding it and posting there.

We can't babysit everyone. Even if you have a BIG TITLE saying "Post your entry here! Post your entry here! Nowhere else!" someone's not going to read it.

Don't read the rules and thread, you lose.

[DaveKuzminski]

Don't take that tone to me! ;)

Sorry, but claiming it's fine because a large number found it properly doesn't mean it couldn't use improvement. Keep in mind that I've been there and done that about eight times already with the P&E Readers Poll. People hit wrong keys, type things wrong, misinterpret, misread, and just about everything else out of eagerness alone. Let's not even get into other factors such as trying to have a life at the same time. In other words, Murphy's Law prevails.

And if numbers are important, just how many have so far posted in the wrong place? I think it's been more than ten so far. That's around five percent. Seems statistically significant to me.

Also, I seem to recall that many of the rules came about after the first entries were posted. Some of those rules were a bit vague at first, even to my eyes.

So, yes, I agree that someone's going to miss the rules even if those are posted in 48-point font on the web page. I'm just suggesting that it be kept in mind that writers tend to be different from most people. They come up with ideas that often flaunt conventionality and rules. That's often why they're writers.

[arainsb123]

And yet people continue posting auditions in their own threads ... makes me want to reply to each of them with an allcaps "READ THE RULES!"

[jdkiggins]

I'm just suggesting that it be kept in mind that writers tend to be different from most people.

Soooo, if everyone who entered is a writer, even more reason to be professional and strut your stuff in the proper place. Sorry, but I still feel Jenna was correct in stating that to be a professional writer, you need to follow the guidelines.

[William Haskins]

it's ironic that a "comments on auditions" thread has been derailed by arguments about people not posting material in the appropriate thread.

i'm going to have to respectfully ask jenna to delete your posts with extreme prejudice and disqualify you from ever commenting on anything again (not only on these boards, but on the internet and, indeed, in your life).

it's only fair.

[robeiae]

Not that I really want to engage in this argument but...
As a newbie to not only AW but online forums in general, I was (and am) not always sure what people are talking about, i.e. "post in this thread only"did not have a clear meaning to me (initially...I did post my entry correctly).
Some of those making these mistakes might be in the same boat... I notice that several that have done so are clearly new members.

I'm not excusing doing things wrong because you don't know the rules, but we're not actually involved in averting a nuclear holocaust here. Maybe a little more patience...

Rob

[robeiae]

Now as to the auditions themselves...since I am writing non-fiction, I feel a little intimidated in trying to critique fiction. Nonetheless, I am also impressed with the high quality of writing in these pieces. I just wish there were some more non-fiction pieces. How 'bout some news reporting-type pieces? I think they would be allowed and would certainly add something to the competition. Anyway, I'm sure that those selected for the next round will deserve the honor... Good luck to all!

Rob

[jdkiggins]

it's ironic that a "comments on auditions" thread has been derailed by arguments about people not posting material in the appropriate thread.

i'm going to have to respectfully ask jenna to delete your posts with extreme prejudice and disqualify you from ever commenting on anything again (not only on these boards, but on the internet and, indeed, in your life).

it's only fair.

Good point. I believe I mentioned that before as well.

As far as the Idol Auditions I've read so far, I'll say I appreciated everyone's work. These stood out to the point that I actually remembered the titles: Reading to Elizabeth; Cold Hands; Nobody Loves Me Better; Daimonds Are For Never; Big Big Bad Wolf and the House of Steel; and maestrowork's untitled.

Once the ten finalists are picked by the judges, I'll vote then. :)

[William Haskins]

i was really only joking. i think we should talk about whatever comes up. and i do agree that writers need to learn how to follow guidelines—with the caveat that i firmly believe that a healthy respect for, and practice of, rule-breaking is part of the fabric of being a writer.

[jdkiggins]

But then again, once I've read more, I just might add a few more to the list of those that got my attention. After all, this is where we're suppose to comment on the auditions. Not that my or anyone else's opinion will sway the judges, but it's not a bad idea to mention which auditions stood out the most to us.
One more thing...I have skipped around a bit in my reading, but I wrote down those I've read, so I'm sure to go back to other pages and read the rest. Again, I'll state, I'm glad I didn't volunteer as a judge, I'm not a slow reader, and I'm finding it difficult to keep up. :)

Oh, we know you were joking. If you weren't you'd be deleted as well. :)

[three seven]

And yet people continue posting auditions in their own threads ... makes me want to reply to each of them with an allcaps "READ THE RULES!"
Been there, done that.
There are actually TWO threads, one of which is entitled 'PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE POSTING' that explicitly explain where to post entries, and the consequences for not doing so.
But to be honest I've given up worrying about it. Natural selection and all that...

[vig]

not nearly as many talented writers as people say. you can separate the talent from the rest pretty easily but the sheer volume of this which could get to 300 people in itself migt exclude people simply becasue they never got read.

i don't think in jenna's wildest imagainations or the judges is that 214 at this point entered. talk about getting a mouth full. whe n i posted my entry i thought there were like 40 because the numbers starting going to the ..... and i thought, well i thougt that there was only three pages.

i read one with the persepctive of a cat and that person can write. what i noticed alot is that there is a difference between knowing how to write and writing compelling stuff. for an online communtiy to have this going on is great.

i've read about 35 of them, and not one stunk, that is saying something. but only three were really good. alot of people fighting it out with the same voice, the same delivery, it's very sobbering to see that you are exactly like the next guy, but hey, life was never fair. good luck to all who had the courage and the desire to write it is truly a burden o bibliical proportions.

vig

[vig]

let me recant what i said about talent. this is going to be one stiff competition. i just read the last submission, about the devil showing up at some guys house and that was awesome. some of you guys better have futures or life is a cruel and unforgiving place.

vig

[firehorse]

I've read through all the entries (as I write this, there are 220, I think). Putting my critical-reading glasses on, I found seven that stood out and another 24 that (IMNSHO) could vie for the final three spots.

(I ignored my own entry.)

It would be interesting to have a 'predictions' thread, but I wouldn't want to influence the judges. http://www.coolsmilies.net/wink/wink6.gif

[JennaGlatzer]

Vig, glad you changed your mind. :)

I've only read about half the entries so far, and about five have stuck with me.

Oh, and my inner prediction was between 400-500 entries.

I always think big. ;)

[William Haskins]

Vig, glad you changed your mind.

he didn't. he just changed his medication.

please note that 4:20 fell almost exactly between the two posts.

-william

[Susie]

Everyone here is so talented, it's great! I was just wondering if anyone read my article "Answers to Questions Regarding Writing Contests," and if they found it helpful. It's #134. Thanks much in advance.


Happy acceptances, Susie:)

[Cabria]

I'd just like to say "hats off" to anyone who has posted an entry to this competition. It does take courage to expose the vulnerability of personal writing and no matter what the outcome, I commend all entries. There is great talent here, all of varying degrees in different genres, and a writer's voice does come from us all. This competition, I feel, is about having some fun and sharing comradeship with fellow writers, newcomers and veterans alike. And most importantly, we're here as writers to learn from one another.........

Debbie :Sun:

[Penelope]

There are lots of excellent entries. I'm glad I'm not a judge, I don't think I could ever narrow the "best" down to 10.

Thank you to Jenna, the judges, the entrants and the prize sponsors for making this contest what it is.

By the way, has anyone gone back and read their own entry and "freaked" a little because you see corrections or improvements that could have made? I have, but oh well, what's done is done. I guess it's normal for a writer to do that.

Good luck to everyone. :)

[mommie4a]

Totally done that, Poppy. All the time. And how about when you go back and look at stuff that got published months or years ago? I always see ways to make it better. I'm a relentless revisionist. (Not saying I'm good at it, just that I do it a lot!)

[Elincoln]

I just took a quick look at my entry and saw a bunch of errors. Now I'm really worried. I had to cut it down from about 2,000 to under 700 and I hope I didn't cut out anything good...

Oh, the life of a neurotic writer.

-Elaine

[firehorse]

Totally done that, Poppy. All the time. And how about when you go back and look at stuff that got published months or years ago? I always see ways to make it better. I'm a relentless revisionist. (Not saying I'm good at it, just that I do it a lot!) When I originally wrote the piece I entered, five years ago, it was the best thing I'd ever written. I still like it, but I think my writing has become stronger (nothing else stood alone as well as that piece, though). So I look at it and think, "it's pretty good, but it's not OMIGOD material." Had I spent a few days revising it, maybe I could've made it tighter. But nooooooooo, I had to post my entry as soon as the contest was announced. Me and my damned impatience :Headbang: .

I took out a "really" to make the word count; I tend to overuse "really," and it's a weak word. Now I wish I'd left it in. It made a big difference in the sentence.

C'est la vie. Where's the Tennessee Williams languishing woman smiley (perhaps holding a mint julep)?

-Sarah

[Melina]

Poppy-

LOVED your entry. It really hit home with me. Good luck, I hope you make it to the next phase!

Melina

[Cabria]

Like "American Idol" I feel that I may have selected the "wrong song". Sci-fi is not an area that I write a whole lot in ( I write more sentimental type things) but sometimes I just like to challenge my writing. As Simon would say, "You have to go outside the box!" Think I went outside the crate!! Ha!

Debbie :)

[rhymegirl]

Editing is definitely the name of the game with this contest. When you are limited by word count, you are forced to scrutinize every word. You chop out a paragraph here and there. You say, "Hmmm. Maybe this paragraph is totally unnecessary. It's going." or "Since I'm limited in words, what's the PERFECT word I'm looking for? Can I find one word to replace two or three?"

I thought the whole experience was very rewarding. Meet a deadline, choose your words carefully, and force yourself to pull that neglected manuscript out of an "I'll-get-to-it-later" file.

[jdkiggins]

Yes, Poppy. I freaked when I wrote it and I freaked again after I posted it. :Smack:

[firehorse]

Has anyone gone back and read their own entry and "freaked" a little because you see corrections or improvements that could have made? I was confident when I posted my entry; now I'm freaking http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage05/17.gif

[mommie4a]

Knowing the ridiculous number of times I revise my stuff, I knew there was no way anything I've written or published would be good enough to submit if I just tailored it for the contest, given the rest of stuff going on around me right now. And even knowing that, I still tinkered, posted and freaked.

:o There's a lesson in here somewhere, right!?

[MacAllister]

And even knowing that, I still tinkered, posted and freaked.

:o There's a lesson in here somewhere, right!?

Perhaps that writers are gluttons for punishment, at heart? (Although it should be noted that I was unable to summon up the requisite gumption to enter...:rolleyes: )

[mommie4a]

Oh-ho!

[jdkiggins]

Mac, there's still time. You should enter your revamped piece from the horror thread. :)

[Samm]

I'm a newbie here, learning my way around. What a fun way to jump in, be challenged, and challenge yourself! Thanks for putting this together, and I'll join many others in saying I'm glad I'm not going to be judging so many great entries. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Penelope]

Poppy-

LOVED your entry. It really hit home with me. Good luck, I hope you make it to the next phase!

Melina

Awww, thanks, Melina. :)

This contest has been a good experience for me. I usually write poetry and greeting card copy so my entry for the contest was a chance to vary from my own norm. Plus, I wanted to share my personal experience with others. Even if I don't make the top 10, I'm fine with that. I still gained something from the experience.

Oh, I can't wait to see how all of this unfolds. Not just the top 10, but after that...

[astonwest]

By the way, has anyone gone back and read their own entry and "freaked" a little because you see corrections or improvements that could have made?

Heck, I don't even remember what page my entry was on...

Plus, as you mentioned, it's too late to make changes, so there's no point in actually going back to re-read it...

[KTC]

I was confident when I posted my entry; now I'm freaking http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage05/17.gif

I feel the same way. I liked the piece I chose. I posted and then I started to read the other entries! Oh well, if mine ends at the bottom of the heap it's a pretty heap to be under!

[shugar]

I hadn't had a name yet for my only named character (who was dead by the 3rd paragraph) and chose one off the top of my head.... and just realized yesterday, that it's the same name as one of our judges... duh.....of all the names out there to use :Smack:

Note to self: pay more attention.

[tab]

Oh well, if mine ends at the bottom of the heap it's a pretty heap to be under!

My will be there right with yours. I like entering friendly contests though. Its always fun to read other people's work and "discover" new talent.

[Sarita]

I hadn't had a name yet for my only named character (who was dead by the 3rd paragraph) and chose one off the top of my head.... and just realized yesterday, that it's the same name as one of our judges... duh.....of all the names out there to use

It certainly seems like the name of choice. I'm on my 5 or 6 entry that has a Sara or Sarah. Strange....

[MarkPettus]

I invite anyone who has the inclination to critique my piece. The opportunity to have several hundred people act as first readers is just too good to pass up. If you are uncomfortable sharing your thoughts on a thread, feel free to send me an email or private message.

Thanks,
Mark

[SueB]

"Hello the house!" I'm one of the new kids on the block and glad to be in the neighborhood. Probably the bigest reason I entered this contest was I held the hope that others would read my work and comment on it. (The Empty Chair posted on page 8) Need some critiquing outside of my friends/family circle, simply to feel validated! Thanks for 'listening' and the best of luck to all of you. Godspeed.......SueB.
PS--If you would prefer to critique outside of this format, please feel free to email me at writeinmaine@yahoo.com Thanks!

[wills]

I invite anyone who has the inclination to critique my piece. The opportunity to have several hundred people act as first readers is just too good to pass up. If you are uncomfortable sharing your thoughts on a thread, feel free to send me an email or private message.

Thanks,
Mark

MarkP, What page /post are you on? Happy to provide a crit. wills

[MarkPettus]

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=132934&postcount=233

[shugar]

It certainly seems like the name of choice. I'm on my 5 or 6 entry that has a Sara or Sarah. Strange....

Lol....at least I am not alone:hooray:

[DTNg]

"Hello the house!" I'm one of the new kids on the block and glad to be in the neighborhood. Probably the bigest reason I entered this contest was I held the hope that others would read my work and comment on it. (The Empty Chair posted on page 8) Need some critiquing outside of my friends/family circle, simply to feel validated! Thanks for 'listening' and the best of luck to all of you. Godspeed.......SueB.
PS--If you would prefer to critique outside of this format, please feel free to email me at writeinmaine@yahoo.com Thanks!

This is the reason I entered the contest as well. I don't expect to win but I would appreciate feedback here or at deborahng@gmail.com.

Thanks to all.

Deb

[wills]

MarkP - I've started a new thread, purpose to coax writers to read and crit others. It's a format I've used and seen working well on other forum. I've posted your crit there. (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9572)

Wills

[trumancoyote]

There seems to be such a diversity of styles sprinkled throughout this contest. I think it'll prove interesting when the winners are required to write in specified genres; certainly a true challenge to one's adopted voice, non?

[firehorse]

It certainly seems like the name of choice. I'm on my 5 or 6 entry that has a Sara or Sarah. Strange.... I hadn't read Shugar's entry yet, and I thought, "You named a character Three Seven?"

I'm torn between saying, "Isn't it such a great name, though" and writing a country music song: "Mama, don't let your daughters grow up to be Sara(h)s/Cuz they'll get lost in the crowd and have individuality issues..." (there's a good reason I'm not a songwriter :gone:. What rhymes with Sarah, anyway, besides "bedera" and all the things we heard as kids?

Sara - love the Sarafina! reference. Great play.

[firehorse]

I hadn't read Shugar's entry yet Oops. I went back to find Shugar's entry and realized that I'd skipped the entire page mine is on (which also includes Shugar's). Uh oh. Even more competition!

[maestrowork]

After years of going to audition as an actor, I've learned one thing:


Forget about it once the audition is done.


Go home. Take a bath. Eat some ice cream. Have dinner with friends. Watch your child play. Watch a movie... relax!

The fact is, what is done is done. You can't change it. If you've given your best, pat yourself on the back and move on. If you haven't, learn something from it and do better next time. No need to dwell on it.

I used to go over and over my auditions after all was said and done. I used to agonize over my choices and asked myself "would it have been better if I had done this or that?" I drove myself crazy.

Now? I just relax and enjoy it. I always try to do my best AT THE MOMENT. The rest is all hindsight. No need to fuss over that.

[Penelope]

Does that puppy ever stop peeing? Never drinks, but always pees. How is that? :)

[sgtsdaughter]

Forget about it once the audition is done.


Go home. Take a bath. Eat some ice cream. Have dinner with friends. Watch your child play. Watch a movie... relax!

The fact is, what is done is done. You can't change it. If you've given your best, pat yourself on the back and move on. If you haven't, learn something from it and do better next time. No need to dwell on it.

I used to go over and over my auditions after all was said and done. I used to agonize over my choices and asked myself "would it have been better if I had done this or that?" I drove myself crazy.



very true. and forgetting about it saves you the ulcer. :Thumbs:

[Penelope]

I just had those few moments where I was saying to myself, "Aw man, I can't believe I missed that...and that." I'm over it. Now I'm like "Oh well...I can't change my entry, but I can still make changes and submit it somewhere one day."

Thanks for the encouraging words. :)

[Sarita]

It certainly seems like the name of choice. I'm on my 5 or 6 entry that has a Sara or Sarah. Strange....

Okay, seriously... Does someone want to start counting? I think I've come across at least 10.

[firehorse]

My parents had planned to name me Octavia (I'm the eighth child, and my father's family was big on Latin names). I wouldn't have had to always have a last initial after my name ("Sarah C."), but I think I probably would've had even fewer dates than I did... and do.

I tried going by an abbreviation of my middle name one year ("Kirk"), but everyone thought I was a Trekkie, and I already had enough trouble with bullies ;)

My middle name (Kirkham) would've made a great first name, though.

-skc

[BlueTexas]

Okay, seriously... Does someone want to start counting? I think I've come across at least 10.

My entry has a Sarah. Honestly, I used the name because the story was ready to come out as I making dinner, which happened to include Sara Lee coldcuts. I ditched the sandwiches and sat at the computer, hence the name Sarah. Ed, my other character, was a pure uninspired lack of creativity. I needed a name, and plucked the first thing I could think of quickly without losing my train of thought.

[firehorse]

forgetting about it saves you the ulcer. :Thumbs: That, and the ice cream coats your stomach ;)

[NicoleJLeBoeuf]

I just went and added another Sara.

See what I get for not reading this thread first?

[MacAllister]

I tried going by an abbreviation of my middle name one year ("Kirk"), but everyone thought I was a Trekkie, and I already had enough trouble with bullies :ROFL:

And Nicole...heh...you didn't!--It's the middle of the night--perhaps you can get away with a quick global search-and-replace....

[edfrzr]

Are we immediately going to the "top 10" out of all the auditions as earlier stated or the judges going to whittle it down to say 25-30--write again and then 15-20, then again to top 10, etc.? (like the real Idol)

There are so many good entries it would be a shame not to see the diversity of talent over a "short" period of time.

[Sarita]

I just went and added another Sara. See what I get for not reading this thread first?

When I'm done officially reading all the entries, I'm going back to count the Saras. Stay posted.

[SRHowen]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/1/1_4_45.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41442US)

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_1_118.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41442US) Me not thinking about it.

Shawn http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_4_8v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41442US)

[NicoleJLeBoeuf]

And Nicole...heh...you didn't!I did too. Check the WIP title.

Subtle, yes.

[bjewel77]

Hi! I just posted my little bit for the Absolute Write Idol. It's Cooking for Betty, post #136663. It's an expanded version of an even shorter story. I'm not sure I would be much of a critic for anyone, but will do what I can soon! This is fun!


Bjewel77

[Sarita]

It's Cooking for Betty, post #136663.
Sure you don't want to change the title to Cooking for Sara?

:roll: :roll: :roll:

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I found another one!! If you want to do the crit route, check out the thread
http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9572

[mommie4a]

How's that sound for an edit of #50?:)

[Sarita]

:roll: Inspiring! Thanks Jill

[firehorse]

This is great and all, but my H is feeling a little left out http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/sad2.gif

-SaraHHHHHH
(sorry, it's feeling a bit defensive) ;)

[mommie4a]

:Hug2:

[Sarita]

This is great and all, but my H is feeling a little left out

Don't worry, there's a solid mix of both.

[Susette Williams]

um....mine was 700 words, but that wasn't the copyright by...

That's the way publishers count text. They don't include the copyright or title, etc. in the word count.

Hope that's okay. :-)

[Selina Sills]

I love writing.. I wish I was better at it than I am at this point. But I jumped in headfirst into this contest. No fear!! LOL. :snoopy:

I'd really like to see what you all have to say about my entry. It's only 640 words from a novel I have been writing on for about 2 years. I was started from a dream I had, which incidences aren't even written in yet. It has over 7100 words so far.

If you'd like to critique my entry, please check out page 3 of the auditions ( I believe!). It's #76 or near that. Thanks so much!! You all are so talented that I'd simply relish any thoughts you have (even though you can only see a glimpse into my WIP.)

Have a great week! I look forward to any posts, email, etc. you wish to send! :cheers:

[Sarita]

When I'm done officially reading all the entries, I'm going back to count the Saras. Stay posted.

Officially 13 Sara/Sarah's throughout the auditions and one guy with the last name Seven. Shoot! I didn't count the Richards. BRB.

[Moondancer]

Officially 13 Sara/Sarah's throughout the auditions and one guy with the last name Seven. Shoot! I didn't count the Richards. BRB.

Which is why I went back to my old standby when I moved here from the ezboard... there were just way too many Stephanies.

[Alphabet]

Slightly guiltily I'm going to commit what might be the cardinal sin of writing something that directly relates to the thread title (LOL). What do I know? I'm real new here, but it does seem like I'm breaking a major rule ;-)

I've been reading the auditions, and I haven't nearly completed that, nor am I reading in any particular order, but I had to come praise one of them - #28 Becoming Little Beaver is enthralling.

Now, I hate the first two sentences, and think it would have been wildly better without them, but the rest of the entry is sensational (IMHO). I love the voice, I love the whimsical idle philosophy of it all, and I think that the subject matter happens to be hugely marketable right now.. we really do need this perspective to counter all the prejudice hitting the papers here in England. I like to hope it is all being stirred up by the media, but there shouldn't be anything to stir. This book could really help that.. get writing the rest of it. I want to read it! I'm hooked.

[BlueTexas]

All these Sarah's....I wonder why? Better than Trixie or Bubbles, I suppose. You know what's odd? I've never meet a Sarah in real life. A million Jenny's and Laura's, Lacey's and Christine's, but no Sarah's.

[Sarita]

Hi Blue, nice to meet you. I'm Sara. :D Okay it's not RL, but you should know at least one of us. ;)

[BlueTexas]

Hi Blue, nice to meet you. I'm Sara. :D Okay it's not RL, but you should know at least one of us. ;)

I'll take what I can get :) Hi Sara, I'm Kira.

[astonwest]

And as far as I know, only one Aston...

bwaaaahahahaaaa...

[Sarita]

Nice to meet you Kira!

[Gimpy]

Slightly guiltily I'm going to commit what might be the cardinal sin of writing something that directly relates to the thread title (LOL). What do I know? I'm real new here, but it does seem like I'm breaking a major rule ;-)

I've been reading the auditions, and I haven't nearly completed that, nor am I reading in any particular order, but I had to come praise one of them - #28 Becoming Little Beaver is enthralling.

Now, I hate the first two sentences, and think it would have been wildly better without them, but the rest of the entry is sensational (IMHO). I love the voice, I love the whimsical idle philosophy of it all, and I think that the subject matter happens to be hugely marketable right now.. we really do need this perspective to counter all the prejudice hitting the papers here in England. I like to hope it is all being stirred up by the media, but there shouldn't be anything to stir. This book could really help that.. get writing the rest of it. I want to read it! I'm hooked.

I think it is frowned upon for the title of the thread to have ANYTHING to do with what is actually discussed in the thread. I suggest you start discussing your favorite kinds of ponies and get it over with. :)

I haven't read that little beaver one.. I shall have to check it out!

[dragonjax]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/1/1_4_45.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41442US)

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_1_118.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41442US) Me not thinking about it.

Shawn http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/7/7_4_8v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxdm41442US)
Shawn, I gotta know: where do you get all the spiffy emoticons? The American Idol one is hysterical. (And here I used to think that dancing bananas were the epitome of coolness.) :banana:

[JennaGlatzer]

Wow, Shawn, you can levitate?! Neat.

Alphabet: So... what's your favorite kind of cereal?

(Kidding. I'm so glad that SOMEBODY paid attention to why I set this thread up. *cough, cough, nudge, nudge*)

[GailKavanagh]

How lovely to see your kind words about Becoming Little Beaver! Actually the book is complete, and I am hoping to find a publisher for it.
So wonderful too, that someone feels a traveler's story is `enthralling'! For that alone, it was worth entering.
Thanks, Alphabet, and thanks, Jenna, for bringing us all together this way. Moments like this just make it all so worthwhile.

Gail Kavanagh

BTW, if anyone is wondering, the Little Beaver of the title was my father. There is more of the background on my family here: http://www.valeofavondale.com/thetober.htm

[SRHowen]

Wow, Shawn, you can levitate?! Neat.

Naw, I had beans for dinner . . . .

Shawn

[mkcbunny]

Shoot! I didn't count the Richards. BRB.

If you are counting Richards, add one. He's not in my entry, but he's in the book. No Sara(h)s, though. :)