Shaun's Dystopia Contest (Deadline Dec. 24)

[Shaun]

Alright guys, I though we should have a nifty contest for Christmas time. I'm going to award points for this one, since I'm an admin and such. (Talk to Andy and I if you'd like to give away points for your own little contests, because we'd probably be willing to do that).

The challenge is basically this:
Write a short story no longer than 5,000 words that is set in a dystopian world. Your story should be creative and intriguing and deal with how the characters deal with such a world.

or

Write a poem no longer than 40 lines that portrays a dystopian world, real or imagined.

If you don't know what a dystopia is, look it up :).

You have until December 24th to turn in your story or poem. I'll review them and issue out points to the winners. Right now it will be only the top three slots, but if I get a lot of people involved it may go up to the top five slots. (I'll talk with Andy to figure out what would be a good amount of points to give, but expect first place to get no less than 50 points)

So, get writing!

Edit (details about where to submit):

Okay, here is how it is going to work now guys.

Send your stories to my email: arconna@(no spam)yahoo.com (remove the no spam part obviously).

For the title put Dystopia Contest: Name of your story. That way I can identify it and it won't get lost in my spam box or anything.

So you have until the 24th. Good luck!

[Rafael Domination]

Sounds good! Any other specific criteria besides the ones mentioned above? (eg, must be under an R-rated level, must have at least more than one characters, etc?)

[jordanisonfire]

I guess I'm in. Can we post our short stories on here or do they have to be private?

[Imelda]

What's dystopian? :D

I mean, I know, but other people might not ... That sounds plausible, right? Yeah, it does ...

[GeorgeMichael]

I'm in too :)

[Steak-Ums]

What's dystopian? :D

I mean, I know, but other people might not ... That sounds plausible, right? Yeah, it does ...

a society characterized by human misery, as squalor, oppression, disease, and overcrowding.

[Nyx]

I'm in! Sounds like fun, but I might not be able to finish my entery cause it's a busy month.

For anyone who doesn't know what Dystopian means:

an imaginary place where everything is as bad as it possibly can be

[Steak-Ums]

I already covered it Nyx. In other words though, simple as possible,

the opposite of an utopia.

[Nyx]

Yes I saw that, just thought two different definations could help.

[Andy]

Hey, Shaun, you want to put that deadline on the calendar? Come to think of it, we should probably put the dates for all the current contests on there.

PM me, anyone, and I'll put them up.

[Crocolyle]

This is a fantastic idea. I'd like to enter.

[Nyx]

I guess I'm in. Can we post our short stories on here or do they have to be private?

I think it'd be interesting if we could post our short stories on here, it'd give us an idea of how others are writing theirs...and it'd be fun to see the different ways one general topic can be written

[Shaun]

Oh, some guidelines. Okay...ermm.
Basically, it has to be something that could be posted on YWO. If it's pornographic or too gory then don't send it. Meaning if your story is just about having sex and erotic fiction and what not, don't send it. If it's like Hostel in literary form, don't send it.

And, I'm not defining dystopia. That's up for you to look up and interpret yourselves. I don't want you to copy the greats of dystopian fiction. Take the idea and make it up on your own. Be creative, and original where you can be, and just have fun with it :).

Don't post the stories here. Let me figure out where I want them sent first. Not sure if I want them sent to my email or to PM. Email might be more convenient, but let me think about what I want to do with the stories that won. I'll talk to Andy about that too.

[Guessed]

I adore dystopian stories - though I'm not necessarily any good at crafting them.
I'll keep an eye on this thread and hope for a nice spark of inspiration or creativity. :)

[jordanisonfire]

If it's like Hostel in literary form, don't send it.

Ironic that I have that film recorded on Sky to watch. I think they did it way over the top with the sex, but the gore is good. :devil:

[Shaun]

Great :). Remember, it's a short story, so I'm not expecting anyone to write the greatest dystopian story ever (like 1984 by George Orwell). Just do your best with it.

And SPELLCHECK! Please! I beg you. Check your spelling and grammar before you turn it in! Get it critted here or something!

[Shaun]

Ironic that I have that film recorded on Sky to watch. I think they did it way over the top with the sex, but the gore is good. :devil:

Well, I think there are two ways to approach a film like that. One is to do it the way they did, which means showing EVERYTHING as it would really be. The sex would have to be there for this approach to counterbalance the darkness of the gore, otherwise the audience would have no sense of joy...it would be just a dark film.
The second way would be to make things implied. Meaning, the sex would be mentioned, even hinted at, and visually we might get the impression that it is happening, but we never see it like they show in the film (naked girls all about and the like). The gore would also have to be implied. You don't have to show gore to convey terror, just as you don't have to show sex to imply that sort of relationship.
They took the first route, obviously. I praise the film for doing something I've never seen before, but I can't watch it every again. It grossed me out and made me paranoid for weeks. There is some truth to that story. SOME. Things do happen that are similar to that story...
It's also not a horror film. It's a gore film. Horror films are different. A lot of the best horror films have implied violence rather than visual violence. Today's 'horror' is filled with gore, which is entirely different. Gore isn't scary for the same reason as the original Jason films were, or the Freddy films, which now seem funny, or other great horror films of the 70's and 80's.

[jordanisonfire]

Yeah, like the Saw films are more gore than horror, really. I thought I was in for scares galore when I watched the first Saw film for the first time, but I just ended up learning what happens to people when you slice them apart. It's good knowledge for my novels, as they have a lot of gore in them.

[Guessed]

The world needs more psychological thrillers.
I felt nothing but a queasy stomach when my friends dragged me through House of Wax (the remake), and I got a kick out of the scene where Paris died... more amusement than terror, though. Come to think of it, I haven't seen many good horror movies at all. The Shining is my favorite, and I'm reading the original novel right now.

[Shaun]

I don't watch many horror films anymore. I can't. It's like watching crappy remakes of classics...or watching films that replace the scary stuff with gore...

[jordanisonfire]

I'm not saying you're wrong, but when has Saw been done before? Well, the ideas, anyway.

[Shaun]

I can't think of it having been done before, but I'm also not really talking about Saw. Saw is probably the only psychological thriller/horror/gore series that I think holds any weight in film these days. I would say that the majority of the characters in Saw are extremely flat, repetitive in a lot of cases (especially in the first film). Luckily, though, the actual story of Jigsaw and the plot of each Saw movie is gripping and thrilling, in my opinion. I'd much rather watch Saw than watch something like Black Christmas (which will probably take my vote for worst film of the year...).

[jordanisonfire]

Never seen Black Christmas and now I don't want to. Hostel is a bit similar to Saw, really. I agree, it's a good plot, but I will also agree that the character's aren't really that different from one another. I mean, in the second one, all we learn about is their occupations and the single thing they have in common. They might as well eat the same, live in the same place, go to the same shops, have the same interests...

[Nyx]

Is horror related to Dystopia? (Just curious because I only have a dictionary definition of what Dystopia actually means)

[Shaun]

Typically speaking, no. It could include elements of horror, certainly, but generally dystopias are near future or science fiction stories. If you can find a way to weave horror elements into it, go for it. Psychological horror works well in dystopias.

[Shaun]

Okay, here is how it is going to work now guys.

Send your stories to my email: arconna@(no spam)yahoo.com (remove the no spam part obviously).

For the title put Dystopia Contest: Name of your story. That way I can identify it and it won't get lost in my spam box or anything.

So you have until the 24th. Good luck! (this will be added to the main post too)

[Rafael Domination]

Sounds good :D This is especially convenient due to the fact most of us will have christmas break to think about all this...

Do we get an award icon? And points? and a pony?

[Shaun]

Right now it's points. I'm not sure how much, but at least 100 for the winner.

[Nyx]

The 24th? Aw that's awfully close. I hope I can write something for the contest.

[Eve]

Sounds interesting. I'm in.

[Shaun]

By the way, any length under 5,000 words is acceptable guys. Flash fiction works! You don't have to write something long-winded. A short piece could win too.

[Nyx]

ooh flash fiction. I've always wanted to see if I could write such piece...maybe I'll tes t it out:D I don't think my first attempt at flash fiction would win at anything but it might be fun...

[Eve]

Okay but what if I don't manage to complete it on time (Which I most likely will)

[Shaun]

Well if nobody turns anything in we'll extend it. You have 2 weeks though. So, you should be able to churn something out :). 1,000 words is easy :D.

[Rafael Domination]

We can't go over 5000, right?

[Shaun]

Right, no more than 5,000. I don't have time to read a whole lot of 20,000 word stories :P

[Rafael Domination]

How about 5100?

[Shaun]

No :P. If you have 5,001, okay, but other than that, no. Cut back on unnecessary words :P. You don't need a whole lot of actual worldbuilding. You just have to show me that it's a dystopian world somehow.

[Eve]

Alright, I'll try to find time for this.

[Rafael Domination]

Got it...Dystopian world...not much history...about 5000...'k.

[Eve]

Good luck, Rafy!

[Nyx]

Does it have to focus on the world, or can it focus on the characters more?

[Rafael Domination]

You too Eve! :D

*I am so going to loose*

[Nyx]

How come no one says goold luck to me? -sulks- :(

[Rafael Domination]

You don't need it, Nyx...

I do...

[Eve]

Ok, good luck to Raffy who needs it and good luck to Nyx who doesn't need it. Haha

[Nyx]

Who says I don't need luck:P? I am very amateur at writing and also an awful time manager;)

Good luck to you too Eve:)

[Eve]

I hate posting the same picture again but here it goes:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p186/aurorasky8748/sing.jpg

[Box_killer]

Count a lash for me.

[Shaun]

Alright, welcome to the contest :).

[Shaun]

Just a reminder. The deadline is the 24th everyone. Send all your submissions to my email: arconna@(no spam)yahoo.com (remove the no spam bit). The subject of your email should be "Dystopia Contest: Your Story Name Here". Make sure I know who you are in your submission (just your YWO name will do). Stories can be up to 5,000 words and no more, but length doesn't mean your story will win. A flash fiction piece could win. Poetry can be up to 40 lines.
The only rule is your story has to involve a dystopian world or idea in some way, shape, or form. You don't have to do a lot of world building, but you should present your world in a way that makes sense to the reader (i.e.: we know it's a dystopia and things ain't right).
There will be prize points and everyone is welcome to join in.

Can't wait to read your stories!

[Nyx]

Thanks for the reminder Shaun. I guess I'll get to it this weekend:D

[Eve]

I'm sorry, Shaun. But I'm backing out of this contest. Sorry :(

[Nyx]

Why does it say in the calendar that today is the deadline for this? I thought the deadline was the 24th? And today is the 23rd...

[Shaun]

It is the 24th. I'll fix the calendar. That's odd.

Edit: Nyx you silly goof. All that it is telling you on the bottom is that the deadline is coming :P. It says the date next to it :P. It's just saying that tomorrow is the deadline.

There is a chance I'll extend this guys, maybe to the 1st.

[Eve]

Today is the 24th. :D Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

[Shaun]

It's not the 24th for me! Not for 4 and a half hours :P

[Nyx]

It is the 24th. I'll fix the calendar. That's odd.

Edit: Nyx you silly goof. All that it is telling you on the bottom is that the deadline is coming :P. It says the date next to it :P. It's just saying that tomorrow is the deadline.

There is a chance I'll extend this guys, maybe to the 1st.

Oh my bad!
What? You tell me about a possible extension now?! After I spent an hour scrambling possibly the oddest story ever together, then sending it to you just to not miss the deadline?O_o

[Eve]

Oh my bad!
What? You tell me about a possible extension now?! After I spent an hour scrambling possibly the oddest story ever together, then sending it to you just to not miss the deadline?O_o

Your stories are fantastic, Nyx! And I love stories that are confusing! :D

[Rafael Domination]

What? The 24'th is still waaaay off...Does it have to be due exactly on the 24th?

[Shaun]

Well just think Nyx, if I extend it you don't have to worry about it :P.

I'm going to extend this just to be nice. January 1st is the deadline. The sooner the better though guys. Stories must be submitted by January 1st by 11:59 and 59 seconds in the evening Pacific time. So it's best just to submit it sooner :P.

Nyx already submitted and so she doesn't have to worry about it :P.

[Nyx]

Well just think Nyx, if I extend it you don't have to worry about it :P.

I'm going to extend this just to be nice. January 1st is the deadline. The sooner the better though guys. Stories must be submitted by January 1st by 11:59 and 59 seconds in the evening Pacific time. So it's best just to submit it sooner :P.

Nyx already submitted and so she doesn't have to worry about it :P.
But....my story was horrible :S

[Shaun]

If you feel it necessary you can do some more editing. That's up to you though. Let me know.

[Nyx]

If you feel it necessary you can do some more editing. That's up to you though. Let me know.

Okay yay! So if I get the time by Jan.1 I'll edit it, if not my horribly odd story can stay that way:D

[Shaun]

Honestly, as long as the spelling and grammar is okay you shouldn't be too worried. Odd stories are fine, but if you feel you can edit it some more to spruce it up, go for it!

[Nyx]

Ok, thanks Shaun.:)

[Eve]

Thanks Shaun! I'll be able to make it by then. :D

[Shaun]

You're welcome guys. I want you all to be able to turn something in!

[Rafael Domination]

Awww...Thanks! :D

And you get a point for that, too...

[Shaun]

Welcome guys. But there is a requirement. All you guys thanking me now have to turn something in or I'll be really disappointed and I'll give you all negative points, which you have to pay me US money to get rid of... :glare:
I'm kidding about the money part of course...but seriously...turn something in. You don't have to write a long story, even a short 500 word one would be fine, as long as it is interesting :D.

And a word of advice for those that haven't written anything: short stories DO NOT have to be ones that cover really grand ideas. Think simplistic. Yes, complexity can be there, but don't use plots that would serve better in a novel or long work. Plots need to be relatively simple and easy to follow because it's so short and you don't have enough room to close up a bunch of subplots.

[Eve]

Thanks for the advice Shaun. :D I'll get to work after Christmas.

[Nyx]

Thanks for the advice Shaun. :D I'll get to work after Christmas.

Same here:)

[Eve]

Same here:)

Good luck with it, Nyx!

[Nyx]

Thanks, good luck to you too.

[Eve]

:D Thanks! I'll get to work right away!

[Shaun]

I expect lots of stories to be turned in :P

[Eve]

Consider it done, Shaun! :D *whispers* can I back out now?










Joking.

[Nyx]

I expect lots of stories to be turned in :P

I promise to imporve mine! Actually...I take that back:D

[Rafael Domination]

Erm...I think I'll back out of this for the following reasons:

a) I lost count of the words, and now Microsoft Word says I'm at 9038
b) I'm not done yet
c) It sucks
d) I missed the deadline
e) I deviated away from the Dystopia theme...I think
f) Too late to make a second draft
g) It sucks

[Shaun]

So, where are all the stories? Nobody has turned anything in! Except Nyx!

[Rafael Domination]

I guess she wins by default then...

[Shaun]

Yes, I'm a little upset about that...

Would extending this contest and the word count limit help any of you out there?

[Nyx]

Erm...I think I'll back out of this for the following reasons:

a) I lost count of the words, and now Microsoft Word says I'm at 9038
b) I'm not done yet
c) It sucks
d) I missed the deadline
e) I deviated away from the Dystopia theme...I think
f) Too late to make a second draft
g) It sucks

I sent mine in even though it sucked pretty bad..no character developement, barely a good plot, etc. So really send yours in incomplete and it'll still beat mine:P

[Rafael Domination]

You're just saying that....:D

*slaps self on the head*

[Nyx]

No I'm really not...it'd be hilarious if I won by default because that was one of my worst stories..ever. (yes worse than the cheese story:P)

Anyways, if no one else submits, just keep extending it till someone does:P

[Shaun]

I'm willing to extend the deadline and increase the word count if you guys want. If it means more people can enter I will do it.