A Holiday Writing Contest

It's that time of year for hot chocolate, snow, warm clothes, Christmas trees and sitting by the fireplace. And because the weather outside is generally frightful, it's a perfect time to write a new short story.

Christmas has captured the imagination of countless artists, filmmakers, writers and musicians since it was first celebrated. And since the 20th century, music has become a big part of that too. Whether you love it, hate it, and what side of the "how early is too early debate" you fall in, it's definitely evocative, and great inspiration for your writing.

I've selected twelve songs, each representing a different element of the Holiday season. Once you reply with your intent to enter this contest, I'll randomly assign you a song. You'll have until December 30th, 2019 to turn in your short story of no more than 1000 words in length inspired by the song I gave you. I've also carefully selected specific renditions of each songs, so your short can be on any genre,
theme, or topic, as long as it's inspired by the song, the singer or anything that listening to it evokes for you.

I will be using a random generator to assign your song, and my hope is that part of the fun will be in finding inspiration in a place you wouldn't necessarily expect. Because of this, I would hope you're able to work with it. However, if you're really struggling, I still want you to participate in the contest, and as such I can assign you a new song. The caveat is that you can only do this one, and if you switch you cannot change your mind and switch back, so please think carefully before doing so!



Prizes:

1st Place: 6000 points
2nd place: 3000 points
3rd place: 1000 points

Additionally, every entrant will get a review from me on the story that they submit. Honorable mentions will be given out at my discretion. Additional prizes to be announced.

Stories will be judged by @TheBlueCat and me.

Reply below with your intent to sign up, and I'll send you a private message with your song. Happy writing!

Okay so what do you want us to do exactly?

@Raelyn are you interested in writing a story? If so, I'll send you a PM with your song!

YES! I'd love to:)

That sounds like an interesting challenge that I'd love to try. Can you sign me up?

Can you sign me up too? It's been a while since I've tried my hand at short stories; this is a welcome change. Also, merry (early) Christmas!

@Raelyn @xJade @Miraculor77 your songs have been assigned! I am using a random generator for these, and I hope you're able to work with what I give you, but if you've given it a shot and you're really struggling, I can reassign. Only once per person, though!

Look forward to giving out more & reading what you guys all come up with!

Hey Elinor! I am interested! Could you please assign me a song? I can't wait to see what I make!

I'm in!

*raises hand* I'd like to try this out!

@Purplegirl @niteowl @Liberty PMs have been sent! Also, I've updated the main thread with some important information about judging and prizes, and the one switch rule.

Keep the entries coming!

I'd like to try!

I volunteer as tribute!!! . I really want to do this.

@FireSpyGirl @alliyah Assigned! Keep em coming!

By the way, even though there are only 12 songs, there isn't a cap on people who can participate. All that means is multiple people might get the same song, and that's totally cool and encouraged!

I'd love to try! Mine might be awful though.