ENW Short Story Smackdown Summer 07 (Winner Announced)

[Hellefire]

Congrats to Trench! I cannot disagree with the judges on this one - it was close . I really enjoyed your story!

In case it helps to clear up thoughts in anybody's mind, I meant photograph when I said picture (I though about saying Kodak or something, but ended up leaving it as it was). Also, Konrad didn't sacrifice Katie at her dorm room - he came to her with what he learned and she was so excited she left with him. I had a dilemma over where to have the sacrifice take place, and in the end left it out rather than complicate things.

And, in possibly a new record for CDM/ESSS - I have participated in 4 competitions, and lost 4 times, all in the first round, all in close 2-1 votes .

I will wait and watch and see if I make that final curtain closing as we head into round 2.

Thanks all for your insights and attention!

Aaron

 

[maxfieldjadenfox]

I'm awaiting the last judgment from Herremann. Hopefully we can start soon, although given peoples schedules this is going to drag out some. The perils of Ceramic DM during vacation season.

I will be in LA from the 1st to the 11th for my son's graduation from film school... We're taking a road trip up the coast too, to see my brother. While I probably won't have much computer time, I will have access to a lap top, so maybe I'll be able to do some long-distance judging... Just so ya'll know.

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

FWIW, I'm at GenCon from the 15th to the 20th, and I most definitely will not be taking my laptop Although if yangnome is stil lin this thing, I'll be tempted to accost him in the dealer hall and demand 3000 words on the spot. Just because he pooh-pooh'd the picture selection the first time around

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

And, in possibly a new record for CDM/ESSS - I have participated in 4 competitions, and lost 4 times, all in the first round, all in close 2-1 votes .

Hopefully you're not discouraged, because you are definitely getting better. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw.

 

[Hellefire]

Hopefully you're not discouraged, because you are definitely getting better. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw.

I appreciate that, especially from one who has seen my writing before and can make that call. And the draw this round was very good actually - these are pretty much all calls 'by a hair'. Discouraged? Sometimes. But I like the process, I like writing and reading the stories, and giving up doesn't do any good anyway . Whether or not I advance in this competition, fall I will be on a viking ship (see my sig), but in winter or spring you can count on me dragging up ghosts from the past again and hounding people into donating time they don't have to judge and organize .

Thanks for the comments
Aaron

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

Whether or not I advance in this competition, fall I will be on a viking ship (see my sig),

Geez, Hellefire, you're a braver man than I am. That's a heck of a trip.

 

[Hellefire]

Well, we do not get may chances in life to take truly amazing trips, or to help surviving children the way we do. Help where you can, live where yoou can, Love where you can.

Aaron

 

[Herremann the Wise]

Final judgment submitted. A top 8 should soon be forthcoming.

Congratulations to our first round competitors for providing the judges with such wonderful material!

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[maxfieldjadenfox]

Well, we do not get may chances in life to take truly amazing trips, or to help surviving children the way we do. Help where you can, live where yoou can, Love where you can.

Aaron

So in what way does the sailing help the kids (besides being inspiring)? I'd like to know more about the program.

 

[Hellefire]

So in what way does the sailing help the kids (besides being inspiring)? I'd like to know more about the program.

Well, inspiration is the main thing . The kids helped build the ship, and have been involved in the process all along. But also, at the end of the trip, the boat will be auctioned and proceeds will go to international childrens foundations.

I assume you took a look at the project page, but I'll post the link again here for posterity: http://www.obvikingship.com - there is a lot of information there regarding the boat and trip, and you can also email the captain at captainrob@planet.nl for more information.

I'll be starting a thread in the off-topic forum soon to discuss the boat and trip.
edit: started - http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=202137

Aaron