Contest! · 2:43am Apr 8th, 2015
Hello everyone, this is Bluegrass here with a hopefully interesting proposition. So, I've been rather busy with RL between college and going through some chronic health problems. It's been causing me to be very lethargic and uninterested in just about everything that normally makes me happy. In other words, I could really use a pick me up.
As I mentioned in my last update, I don't read a lot, preferring to write. However, I'd love to learn to read more stories from different authors. That's why I want to run a story contest for you my lovely readers and followers. Wooooo! He, he, sorry, I'm a little too excited about getting to run a contest as I LOVE them.
Anyway, the winner of said contest will receive a traditional art piece from me with up to three characters in a simple scene, a complete edit of your winning entry by yours truly, and a 2 to 6k short story (length depending on the chosen plot/characters) of your choice written by myself. A few stipulations on the story: straight-ships only (be honest, you knew that was coming), any genre's fine even [shudders] HIE but it must be rated everyone or teen (I don't write clop).
You'll have until May 17 at 11:30 PM EST to submit your entries.
On to the rules! Your story will need to be 1000 to 8000 words in length. I'm not going to give preference to longer stories versus shorter ones, though I WILL be judging heavily on pacing (it's kind of a big deal to me). No genre/tag restrictions, so write what you're comfortable with. Any characters are fine by me, so go hog wild, guys and gals. Though I personally prefer straight ships, I'm not going to stomp on/judge non-straight ships if that's your thing. I just ask that any ship, straight or non is in good taste, I REALLY don't need porn in my life.
Here's the prompt:
I'd like you to write a story based on one or more of the following themes/ideas that I've used in my own stories (so trust me, they can work) . I used person, but that can be pony or some other critter too.
Overcoming past troubles, mistakes, or fear with the help of a friend or loved one
Forgiveness coming from the heart, without strings or expectation of return or gain
A negative first impression being turned on its head
Embracing a major, unexpected change as a blessing not a curse
Turning over a new leaf, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to change
Helping a stranger in need without expectation of praise or reward
Overcoming a fear or self made wall for the sake of a friend or loved one
Opening up to another person for the first time
Admitting a mistake or fault out of love for another person, knowing full well the consequences of that action
Sacrificing a personal desire or goal for the sake of a friend or loved one
Letting go of one's pride, and accepting help from others
Being an encourager for a friend or loved one when they need one most
I hope that gives you enough variety. Guess you could call this a positivity contest!
How it will be judged (in order of importance):
How well you stuck to one or more of the themes
Characterization
Pacing
Storytelling (how vividly the scenes and situations are painted for the reader)
Grammar and spelling (run it by an editor/pre-reader if you can)
That should just about cover it! Feel free to share this post with others that might be interested. To enter, simply post a link to the story on this blog or, alternatively shoot me a PM with the link. The story must be posted and available for viewing on fimfiction. I reserve the right to toss any stories that go against the stated rules/stipulations.
Thanks for reading this terribly long blog everyone! I can't wait to see what everyone will come up with. 
while I don't have much to contribute, seeing as I am absolutely terrible when it comes to writing, I would like to point something out:
6000k is 6,000,000
"short story"
not that I would complain if there were some more 1000K+ stories around
Awww I hope you feel better.
While I don't think I'm going to participate in this, I have to say that with the new characters we were introduced to in the Season 5 premiere, a lot of these themes could apply.
Well... I... guess I could write a heterosexual ship... *groans*
I think I'll need to refresh my memory of great writing first though.
38.media.tumblr.com/594779e0675c7576f02bc7f221c8d003/tumblr_ml0fp6AcBT1r1wdbeo1_500.png
...Fuck.
Eh, I'll wing it!
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I really want to see this 2-6 million word short story. Then I want to see Blue write something he considers long. It would be epic.
Also in the meantime Bluegrass, just to mess with you here's something you can enjoy while you wait for entries. Magic in the Stars by Australian Chaos. I loved it. You might like it. I'm not sure if you've read it but I checked your favs and the comments. If you do like it, don't go to the sequel. Author is MIA and you'll be left wanting quite a bit more.
I'll also clarify something so there are no misunderstandings. I'm recommending this for reading not as part as the competition. You have to write your own stories so don't try and rob someone else's and so I don't have to listen to a bunch of others telling me the exact same thing. There that's settled.
Now I just wait for someone who skipped the above paragraph and this one.
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He, he. Yeah, thanks for pointing that out. You know I edited this before I posted it too? I've got mad editing skills. 
2960295 That it would, but I'm no Game of Thrones author. Typos, typos everywhere! XD
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2959102 Thanks! I hope so too . . .
2959257 These themes always apply, Templar! Though I would say with all the new characters, it would make it easier.
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You just did this on purpose.
it
the or these
2960357 Keeping you on your toes, Forgotten, keeping you on your toes.