Did my second read through today and took a sharp axe and wore a tough expression.
I've managed to get the 26 down to 11 ready for the third read. Those that didn't make the Hoskins' cut were only cut because they weren't so much to my taste, the writing, I think, has been good across the board.
I must say the voting process isn't easy, but it is so rewarding. Not only am I taking part in a community event and learning how to write better by reading, but I've also had the super-tingly goosebumps, been made to laugh and smile, been made to think and had my mind striped with some brilliant imagery.
Things are only going to get tougher now, as my top eleven must become a top five and then a top three. Thanks again to Ambrosia for organizing the contest and to everyone who put pen to paper and (more importantly) actually submitted the thing they wrote. Well done everyone.