Last month, we wrote poems about some of our favorite animals. Everyone who participated described animals they were familiar with. The authors had already known plenty of information about the creature: what they look like, what they do, what they eat, and what makes them so intriguing to us. The poets shared their expertise with the reader without learning much more about the animal themselves.
Our goal this month is different, however. There are thousands of different species that roam Earth- even millions. But most of us have only heard of a minute fraction of them. It’s time to step out of our comfort zone and embrace a new animal- hopefully an animal you’ve never even heard of before.
With the aid of my trusty Animal Encyclopedia, I will assign each contestant a unique wild animal. It could be an exotic toucan, a miniature polecat, or a sharp-hooved hartebeest. Be prepared for anything!
If you research the animal I give you and decide that you really really really would prefer a swap, let me know. I can give you a new one right away, but please don’t request a creature change more than twice.
It’s up to the contestants to research their animal and learn more about them. It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. Once you’ve taken the time to learn about a wonderful new creature, it’s time to write!
This month, our event is not a poetry contest, but a short story competition. Your work must be focused on your assigned animal.
Let's say I received a grey squirrel. (Understand that I won't give out animals as basic as this.) First, I would look up grey squirrel images to see what they look like. Maybe I could jot down a few notes: Big, bushy tail; white underbelly; round eyes; curved ears... Next, I would read some fun facts about the squirrel: Adaptable opportunist; lives in southeastern US; can live up to twelve years; has a diet of nuts, fruit, and insects... Once I've become well acquainted with my animal, I would begin to write. I could write the story about anything, really, as long as it revolves around my little grey creature, the squirrel. Maybe it could be in first person: the point of view of a human observer or the squirrel himself. The story could follow the squirrel's rather humorous adventure of being chased by dogs and finding food in cities. On the other hand, it could have an emotional side. Maybe a little girl is in danger and my bushy-tailed protagonist finds a way to rescue her.
As writers, be creative and think of a storyline that will attract readers.
The deadline for submitting your short story is Monday, June 30th, 2014. It would be best for contestants to publish their story as a literary work and then post a link here, but if you would prefer to post it as a reply to this topic, that’s fine. As long as it's before the deadline, you are allowed to edit your published work.
If your work is selected as the best, the next best, or the next next best, you will receive a prize:
1st Place- 300 pts; 3 reviews, 1 gift
2nd Place- 200 pts; 2 reviews
3rd Place- 100 pts; 1 review
All reviews will be written by me (unless others want to pitch in, too). If you win, tell me which of your works need reviewing. There is one exception, however. I will only read and review works that consist of appropriate content. Usually, this means your work must be rated as no higher than 12+. I presume that this should be the limit for the contest entrees, too, although we shouldn’t have any issues with that.
There are certain things I’ll be looking for when choosing the best entry. Good grammar, proper spelling, varying verbs, and excellent vocabulary will make your story shine. Try to write a story that is engaging and adventurous, sad and touching, or joyful and praising. Most importantly, tell us what you've learned about the animal throughout the story so that the reader can learn from it, too.
If you would like to enter, just say something like “I’d love to join” or “Hand over an animal. I’m ready” below. Next, I will present you with your animal and one fun fact in a
Spoiler
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so you can get started.
Remember to submit your work by June 30th.
Have fun writing! I can’t wait to see some awesome stories and learn about some cool animals! Feel free to ask me any questions concerning this contest below.
ALL HAIL DEER GOD! (I assume that's our club chant...
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