Signal boost: Poniverse writing contest · 11:04pm Jun 30th, 2017
Yes indeed, here's a writing contest that looks both interesting and fun. Organised by the Poniverse group, this year's contest (3.0) is entitled Family Is Magic!!! and the challenge is to write an E/T-rated fic of no more than 30k words on the theme of "family" by 13 August. As the rules state, the theme can be interpreted pretty liberally. There are apparently Poniverse mascots, but you don't have to write about them. (It seems you did for previous contests, which might be why they passed me by.)
This is a contest with actual prizes, and the top one is art by mirroredsea, who although only on DA for a couple of months has already made something of a name for himself. (Also, he understands the essential truth that Fluttershy is Best Pony.) For those who aren't familiar with the Poniverse (like me until very recently), it's basically a vast, overarching concept that covers pretty much all the pony-related sites and services you can imagine.
Enough rambling! Here's a link to the contest, including the (very detailed) rules and guidelines.
Don't get me wrong; this looks fascinating, and I'm strongly tempted to jump in and write as many words as I can (within the 30k limit). "Family-friendly" is usually what I aspire to produce anyway, and it isn't that hard to think up a story summary. Perhaps one involving the Apple family, or some kind of close-knit Ponyville clique? Plus, it seems so broad that arbitrary limits aren't a problem.
No, it's not the contest that's the problem. The problem is that I've already joined two contests this year, both with poor results, and I have a trail of unfinished fics as long as my arm and twice as hideous. That's overlooking all the ideas still sitting backstage. With that in mind, I'm not remotely convinced I would finish this one at all. Unhappily, the evidence is against me.
And it looked so good too! I wanna take part and contribute, but at this stage I'm suspicious it'd just be another disappointing dead-end. Do I or don't I?
Dang it, dang it, dang it. Curse my repeatedly unreliable writing habits. I'm genuinely unsure.
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Hi there, I'm Batbrony, the primary admin over at Poniverse and a fanfic writer myself. I totally get getting into writing funks and not finishing something, and I can't even imagine finishing something for a deadline. We'd obviously be thrilled to get as many contestants as we can, BUT do not worry in the slightest if you can't. At the very least, feel free to join our group (which you can join here), check it out, see what it's about. We've got some great members and fics there already and are always as accommodating as can be to new members. And above all, like I said, DO NOT worry if you can't write anything for our contest, we don't want people stressing over this, above all, we'd just want them to have fun. Long fic or short fic, win or lose, this should be a fun event for all. Thanks at the very least for your consideration, and have a nice night!
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Hello, fellow admin (I'm a co-admin and group founder myself). What a pleasant reply!
As per your recommendation, I have just joined the Poniverse group. At the moment, I am still considering whether or not to join the contest too, and I must admit I am currently inclining towards "yes", though I need some time to take care of other business first. If it helps to clarify my position, I wouldn't call my concern "stress"; it's just been an unproductive and unusually frustrating few months for me, that's all. I expect I shall bounce back at some point. It's just a matter of exercising patience.
Thanks again for your reply. I will of course get in touch again if I join the contest.
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But of course, take as long as you need to figure out whether or not you can participate (before the contest ends of course); if it happens it happens, if it doesn't it doesn't. Thank you very kindly for joining our group and for your very considerate reply.