Page 33 - 2022-08
P. 33
Let the Challenge Begin!
Ken Coomes, DTM
I scored a zero
the first time. But
each judge found some
elements of my story they
liked, and made specific mention
of those parts. They each found
areas for improvement, and offered
specific suggestions as to why that could
the second be improved. It was almost like giving a
round, but with competition speech at Feedbackers!
a different set of three parameters. My group, My second story (just uploaded)? A horror
for example, were required to write a romantic story (again, not my usual genre), at a tennis
comedy, taking place at a blood bank, and court, with a statue. I wrote my story, trimmed
involving an airbag in round #1. (I hated it; I've it to less than 1,000 words, ensured I made use of
never written a romcom before, and I thought all the feedback from the first entry, and shared
the blood bank and an airbag made it even more it with a friend. He liked the read and the story,
difficult. However, I came up with an entry, just had one bit of advice. Using his advice I tweaked
under the 1,000 word requirement.) that part, and came up with a stronger ending.
It takes a couple of months for the judges to Maybe my score will be higher this time, maybe
wade through all the submissions and score them. not. But I will get more excellent feedback,
Then each entry is given a score, ranging from helping me to improve.
0–15. The best story in each group is scored as Time for another challenge. Try writing your
a 15, second place a 14, down to 15th best for a own short story, 1,000 words or less, using either
one. All others in the group score zero for the set of the prompts I shared from my Challenges
round. Reminder: everyone gets to participate in (romcom, blood bank, airbag; or horror, tennis
Challenge #2, even with a score of zero. So you court, statue). To share with me, send a link or
are guaranteed feedback on at least two stories (if the story (or even your idea, if you have one but
you write and submit them), from three different don't write it) to (lupusgnome@hotmail.com).
judges. It's sort of like a micro Master Class in Next month we’ll start exploring some of the
writing. I felt the feedback alone was worth more serial fiction platforms. Whether you share with
than several times the entry fee. me or not, Just Write!
VOICES! | AUGUST 2022 33
