For this contest, you've got three options to choose from-
1. Write a Short Story for MG or YA readers between 500-1,600* words.
(*1,600 is only for YA stories, MG stories must max out at 1,000, with an allowance of 90 extra words for a maximum of 1,090)
2. Write a poem about an animal and what style of music you think it best suits it. (Example, a poem about whale songs and New Age Music) It doesn't have to rhyme. That said, verse of all kinds (Except Haiku) is allowed, but please take note of meter and rhythm if you decide to go that route.
All poems must not exceed 40 lines, single spaced. Does not include title or author's name.
3. Write a novella between 7,000 and 17,000 words. (Does not include title or author's name)
Each novella must include the following elements:
1. An animal or animals must play a significant role in the story, not necessarily the main character, but one of the key characters in the story. They can talk, or not, anthropomorphic or naturalistic, or a combination thereof.
2. Your novella or short stories must include one of the following words* in the dialogue-
Insane
Wild
Panthers
Rooster
Spy
Bathrobe
Hunger
Impact
Geisha*
Enka* (Traditional Japanese Songs)
*Not sure what these terms mean? Google it, check the library, etc.
*Poems don't have to include these words, but if you can work one or more in, you'll receive bonus points, more on that below..
Any genre is welcome, so long as it's kid or teen friendly, nothing erotic or explicitly sexual, okay? This is a G-PG-13 environment. Of course, mention of sex in teen stories is fine, just no on-stage love scenes.
Mild language is fine in teen stories, just be sure any swearing is in character, and to keep it in check. My only no-nos here are the use of the "N" word and other racial slurs in this vein.
The only exceptions I'll allow are historical short stories, poems and novellas for teens, since those terms play a part in the history, but only when done in a tasteful and sincere manner.
Failure to comply will mean an instant disqualification.
You may enter more than one category, but only ONE entry per category. That way everyone has an equal chance to win, and I can give each entry the attention it deserves.
All entries must be submitted via e-mail no later than Wednesday, March 2, 2011, 10:00 PM EST. (Eastern Standard Time)
E-mail entries to me at TAAddicts|at|yahoo.com.
Put "Contest" in the Subject Line and what category your submission is-
Examples
"Contest - Poem"
"Contest - Poem and Novella"
And of course, "Contest - Poem/Short Story/Novella"
Send Poems and Short Stories in the body of the e-mail. Only Novellas can be sent via attachment.
Also in the body of the E-mail
Your First and Last name* (If five women name Sue or five men named Pete enter the contest, I want to make sure I award the prizes to the right Sue or Pete)
*If you win, and are 13 or older, let me know if you'd rather use your full name or just first name and last name initial
The title and the total word countof each entry, not counting title, or author's name.
What City and State you live in (i.e. Samuel V. Brooklyn, NY)
Age (Will not be mentioned if you win, unless you want to, those under 13 will need to have their parent or legal guardian e-mail me their consent)
E-Mail Address (If it's different from the e-mail your submitting your entry with, let me know the one best to reach you if you're a semi-finalist/prizewinner.
No address or other contact info is needed unless you win. I'll send the prizes soon after.
Make sure you've checked for any typos, spelling errors, and the like before submitting your entry or entries.
All Novella entries must be typed, double spaced, and either a Word doc or docx* file. (*Microsoft Office 2007 or later)
If you make it to the semi-final round, I'll e-mail you and give you ONE last chance to make any cosmetic or spelling changes before I post the semi-final entries on the blog for fellow T.A.A . readers to judge the ones they think should win.
This contest has three rounds-
Round 1
The number of entries will be narrowed down to the top 10 entries in each category-
Short Story
Poem
Novella
Depending on the number of submissions I receive, I'll announce the 1st round winners by March 10th, 2011, or March 18th, 2011, at the latest.
Round 2
By March 25th, 2011, I'll narrow down the top 10 in each category to 3. The semi-finalists will be announced on the blog that same day or the next.
Round 3
That's where you guys come in!!
I'll post the top 3 in each category on the blog, then it's up to you to read the entries that passed my scrutiny, and decide which story, poem, and novella you think should win!
These are the scoring criteria for judging the top 3 entries in each category-
For Short Stories and Novellas
Engaging or Interesting Title - 1 to 5 points
Strong Start 1 - 10 points
Engaging Middle 1-10 points
Solid Ending - 1-10 points
Originality (1-10 points)
Unique use of Animal or animals in the story (4 points)
Use of Bonus Words in Dialogue: 1 (5 points) 2-3 (10 points) 5 or more (20 points!)
For Poems
Engaging or Interesting Title (1 to 5 points)
Originality (1-10 points)
Unique use of Animal or animals in the story (4 points)
Use of Bonus Word(s) : (7 points)
For All Categories
Engaging or Interesting Title (1 to 5 points)
Originality (1-10 points)
Unique use of Animal or animals in the story (4 points)
Once you've read the entries, e-mail me at this address-
Round 3 - The Results
On Sunday, April 10th, 2011, I'll announce the winners on the blog, and I'll contact the winner via e-mail as to how to best send him or her the grand prize. What can you win? Wait no more-
Prizes
1. Grand Prize Winner: $50 Barnes and Noble E-Gift Card, Amazon Kindle (Wi-Fi), and interviewed by me via e-mail for a future feature on T.A.A.
1 First Place Winner: $30 Barnes and Noble E-Gift Card and interviewed by me via e-mail for a future feature on T.A.A.
1 Second Place Winner: $20 Barnes and Noble E-Gift Card and interviewed by me via e-mail for a future feature on T.A.A.
2 Third Place Winners: $10 Barnes and Noble E-Gift Card and interviewed by me via e-mail for a future feature on T.A.A.
Fourth Place Winner - Honorable Mention, entry posted on T.A.A. and interviewed by me via e-mail for a future feature on T.A.A.
This contest is open to U.S. residents Ages 10 and Older. Including Hawaii! (I hate seeing folks from the islands left out of so many contests)
*Alaskan Residents are welcome, but due to cost constraints on my end, the Kindle and E-Gift Cards will be swapped out with a book of choice (Under 25.00 USD) if the grand prize winner is in Alaska. Runners-up will also receive a book of their choice (Under 15.00 USD)
Note: Kids under age 13 will need their parent or legal guardian to e-mail me for permission to receive the prizes, and post their entry should it win with their first name and only the first letter of their last name, along with the city and state, or city and/or province regarding Canadian entries.
All winning entries will be posted on Talking Animal Addicts, but can be removed at a later date if the stories, poems or novellas, or their respective characters will be published for print or electronic media.
In the event the grand prize winner cannot except the prize, it will be awarded to the first prize winner, and the first prize will go to the fourth place honorable mention.
For any questions or concerns regarding this contest, please e-mail me at TAAddicts|at|yahoo.com.
