Theme - "Searching"
Word Limit: 2300
Submission Deadline: Friday, July 7th by 11:59 PM Pacific
Voting Deadline: Monday, July 10th at 11:59 PM Pacific.
Optional Secondary Objective: An active and resourceful protagonist. Remember how in Superman Returns Superman was basically a lump on a log? Remember how Lois Lane's boyfriend was actually the real hero of that story? Why were we rooting for him and not for Superman? Because he actually did stuff and we were able to relate to that. He was active and resourceful. Our favourite heroes don't just sit around waiting for things to happen: they go after what they want and the story exists to serve them, not the other way around.
Proactive protagonists usually end up becoming likable or lovable. Even if we don't agree with their actions, we can empathize with them. Active and resourceful protagonists include the likes of Indiana Jones, Luke Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, Lucy Pevensie, Princess Leia, Sarah Connor, The Bride from Kill Bill and many more. Yes, most of these are examples from film, but the same can apply to literature.
Here are some things to keep in mind to help guide you: (not exhaustive and not necessarily "correct," so take it with a grain of salt)
1. The hero must have strong will power.
2. The hero should have a clear goal.
3. At least one character should state the goal explicitly .
4. The hero must not be forced but chooses to pursue the goal.
5. Once the goal is known, the hero should stay on the case.
6. The hero can only be distracted because of a new, stronger goal.
7. Keep showing us the hero really wants to achieve the goal.
8. Make sure the obstacles in the way are significant.
9. Stay in the Hero's point of view for as much as possible.
10. If the hero seems passive, there must be a primal reason, e.g. fear of death.
Submission Guidelines:
- One entry per poster.
- All submissions must be written during the time of the challenge.
- Using the topic as the title of your piece is discouraged.
- Keep to the word count!
Voting Guidelines:
- Three votes per voter. Please denote in your voting your 1st (3 pts), 2nd (2 pts), and 3rd (1 pt) place votes.
- Please read all submissions before voting.
- You must vote in order to be eligible to win the challenge.
- When voting ends, the winner gets a collective pat on the back, and starts the new challenge.
Important side note: A lot of our regulars like to write out short critiques/comments for the stories, but you can always opt out by simply adding a note like "I'd prefer no critiques" in the post where you submit your story. We're an understanding group and respect that not everyone wants comments on their work. Above all, we just want to read your story.
NeoGAF Creative Writing Challenge FAQ
Previous Challenge Threads and Themes
Word Limit: 2300
Submission Deadline: Friday, July 7th by 11:59 PM Pacific
Voting Deadline: Monday, July 10th at 11:59 PM Pacific.
Optional Secondary Objective: An active and resourceful protagonist. Remember how in Superman Returns Superman was basically a lump on a log? Remember how Lois Lane's boyfriend was actually the real hero of that story? Why were we rooting for him and not for Superman? Because he actually did stuff and we were able to relate to that. He was active and resourceful. Our favourite heroes don't just sit around waiting for things to happen: they go after what they want and the story exists to serve them, not the other way around.
Proactive protagonists usually end up becoming likable or lovable. Even if we don't agree with their actions, we can empathize with them. Active and resourceful protagonists include the likes of Indiana Jones, Luke Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, Lucy Pevensie, Princess Leia, Sarah Connor, The Bride from Kill Bill and many more. Yes, most of these are examples from film, but the same can apply to literature.
Here are some things to keep in mind to help guide you: (not exhaustive and not necessarily "correct," so take it with a grain of salt)
1. The hero must have strong will power.
2. The hero should have a clear goal.
3. At least one character should state the goal explicitly .
4. The hero must not be forced but chooses to pursue the goal.
5. Once the goal is known, the hero should stay on the case.
6. The hero can only be distracted because of a new, stronger goal.
7. Keep showing us the hero really wants to achieve the goal.
8. Make sure the obstacles in the way are significant.
9. Stay in the Hero's point of view for as much as possible.
10. If the hero seems passive, there must be a primal reason, e.g. fear of death.
Submission Guidelines:
- One entry per poster.
- All submissions must be written during the time of the challenge.
- Using the topic as the title of your piece is discouraged.
- Keep to the word count!
Voting Guidelines:
- Three votes per voter. Please denote in your voting your 1st (3 pts), 2nd (2 pts), and 3rd (1 pt) place votes.
- Please read all submissions before voting.
- You must vote in order to be eligible to win the challenge.
- When voting ends, the winner gets a collective pat on the back, and starts the new challenge.
Important side note: A lot of our regulars like to write out short critiques/comments for the stories, but you can always opt out by simply adding a note like "I'd prefer no critiques" in the post where you submit your story. We're an understanding group and respect that not everyone wants comments on their work. Above all, we just want to read your story.
NeoGAF Creative Writing Challenge FAQ
Previous Challenge Threads and Themes
