Pakistani Readers discussion
Short Story Contest
>
Short Story Contest Summer 2016
message 51:
by
Maria
(new)
Jul 23, 2016 06:32AM
Trust me, me neither >< I meant you could at least try. But ok if you don't feel comfortable enough to.
reply
|
flag
Is it alright if my story exceeds up to 2300 words?
Mod
others have already answered most of your questions. I'll add few things. We'll post all the stories together after the deadline, no more submission after that, so no chance of plagiarism with this competition. As someone plagiarizing and posting it on some other place, given the nature of this competition there is nothing we can do to prevent that. Posting things anywhere online has its own drawbacks.
In all of the previous competitions, the authors didn't vote for their own stories and it would be unfair to rate it yourself. of course you'll give it maximum points :P
All previous ratings by members went really smooth with no issues what so ever, I am hopeful, it'll be same this year. :)
Mod
Yes it is okay if you story exceeds a little. Just try to stay close to the limit. the competition is supposed to be fun. We don't get all crazy about the rules and try to accommodate as much as possible without ruining it altogether. :)
Okay, so I'm done with mine. How and who do o send it to?
I would write but I'm too into full blown fantasy which most would consider childish.
Can anyone write it in Urdu? Will one has to write in MS word format?
Ozair wrote: "I would write but I'm too into full blown fantasy which most would consider childish."Likhooo :D i ll read your story even it's childish beta
Again Seher?As i said before:Beta?Beta?............
@Rural SoulI think you can write in urdu as there are old story entries from 2014,15 thaat are in urdu.
Ask Faheem for Confirmation.
Mod
:)
I'm not sure if this point has been brought up previously, and I cannot search through all the massive posts, so excuse me for asking: isn't it more fair to have a defined age limit for story writing competitions? Say, this one could've been for members aged 18-25; others for 20-30 years, so on.I just see a very blatant bias. Of course, while not necessary, a 30 year old has better wisdom and power to channel into their words than an 18 year old.
Mod
Yes you can write in urdu. We have had stories written in urdu before. So you are more then welcome to write about it.
Yes. That's the reason I refuse to participate in this competition, even though everything else is so enticing. The ground rules for the consideration of participants are highly flawed, I feel.
Komal is absolutely right. Even though I'm 29 myself, I think 18-25 should have their own separate contest. Of course, writing flourishes as years pile on, that's the basic rule. Or what can be done is that all participants should submit their age and the stories will be marked according to age groups. For example: John Smith wins 18-25 year old bracket. Jane Berry wins 25-30 year old bracket. It's just a suggestion though. It will really discourage younger writers if they're pitted against older ones and end up losing. I understand it's just a friendly activity and not exactly a scholarly competition but appreciation means a lot to these budding writers.
Thats true. Although its not age that defines writing prowess per se, but it acts as a precursor to certain biases. For example, age is suggestive of number of books read and practice gathered. I've probably read 80 or so books, and don't have practice in creative writing. The last time I wrote a story was back in Olevels days; a decade ago. (Wow, it's been long! I thought it was five years before I actually counted!) Anyway, my point is, age is a decent enough marker but it all comes down to the amount of reading and practice disparity. And of course, natural talent, which is independent of age.
Everything I could state has already been stated here. Thank you for seeing the point in my post. I like Tribal's suggestion of dividing the winners into age-based categories. We can still incorporate this in the competition, since it's quite late to switch to a specifically targeted author audience.Let's hope the administrators reconsider.
And haha, thank you, Yusra, but I don't think I'll be participating in anything anytime soon. I did have an idea, per se, but then again, I'm not the writer who likes to amass readers.
Mod
Indeed, this point has been raised before in a slightly different way. It is definitely better to have different categories based upon age. The issue is the number of participants and number of submissions. In the almost all of the previous competitions the number of submissions never went above six, so the categorizing option wasn't considered.
None of the younger authors complained about having to compete against the older folk. They submitted their stories, received feedback and critique from fellow members, interacted with them and learned a lot in the process. Which is exactly what this activity was meant for. like Tribal said, It isn't a scholarly competition..., yet. :)
However, if members want to have different categories, they'll have it. Every post if they want to competition be divided into two categories or not, plus suggest the age cut (just one, like 25 or 23). then a quick counting of Yays and Nays; Majority wins.
If yays win, should there be a age confirmation mechanism or not. If yes, any suggestions how because honestly I have no idea. :)
edit: You got 4 days. Keep it friendly, no need to bring out the big guns.
Well I don't believe that there should be any separate contest for adult and young adults or even teenagers. It's not that adults can write a better story than young adults or even teenagers. It just depends on the amount of time you've spend on writing.As far as someone's reading ability is concerned. Kids of age 14 read things like Game of Throne and I am 22 years old but still I read fairy tales sometimes. I dont think I have ever read any adult book. It just varies from person to person.
Mod
o.O
@FaheemThanks for responding. I didn't mean to instigate some enormous change, but I think it would be nice if the competition can be made more just.
You said: "None of the younger authors complained about having to compete against the older folk. They submitted their stories, received feedback and critiquing from fellow members, interacted with them and learned a lot in the process. Which is exactly what this activity was meant for. like Tribal said, It isn't a scholarly competition..., yet. :) "
Probably because no one thought about it before? Or was too embarrassed to ask? With the age-rule, the opportunity of feedback, interaction and critiquing will not be hindered in the least. That's the best part. All we're doing is making the competition more just, in my opinion.
I'm not going to be responsible for coming up with ideas or innovations, haha. I just gave one here. If the members here who participate frequently want a change of direction, they got it. This humble passerby simply pointed a flaw in your system.
Good day.
Yusra wrote: "@Komal - Nahiiiiiii! This is not fair. Please do not deprive us like this :,( You have an idea. You have to participate!!! I don't even have an idea but I'm planning to try anyway. Lolololol"Haha, you think too much of me, good love. I just have a lot on my plate right now. If I write something, I'll send it over your way, so don't worry about missing out on anything.
Waiting to see your work, though.
*grabs popcorn and listens to the undertones*
Mod
I'm saying yes, please do split the age groups and in my personal opinion, if I could choose only o..."
No need @Yusra, No age groups, If @Komal ain't participating. :P
Haha, come on, Faheem, why am I the sole owner of the privilege of bringing about change? Simply because I suggested it? Employ the democracy my good mod! We all look upto your kind heart. Hear the young ones out.
Mod
Mod
.... Maturity and age are two differnt things... (yet age matters but things should be kept simple for the sake of easiness.)
Mod
They'll be heard, young n old alike, in the next competition. :P
*raises hands*I'm unarmed.
As the good mod sees fit.
Mod
send it to my goodreads inbox
Done. Thank you @faheem. Go easy on me everyone. Wrote a story after a decade. :)
Thank you @yusra. At least I'll get better with every piece I write.
Is science fiction acceptable? given that it as well is categorized under speculative fiction.
It won't be lame, @yusra . Just give it your best and it will be amazing, I'm sure. Besides, with every entry, you'll keep progressively improving.
@Danish, it's not my place either to comment on the query but yeah, fantasy and sci fi are two different sub-genres. Otherwise all creative work can be categorized as fiction and fiction comprises of all these sub-genres like mystery, thriller, horror, historical fiction, psychological etcTo post, send it to Faheem's goodreads inbox, before the 30th of July.
Tribal wrote: "@Danish, it's not my place either to comment on the query but yeah, fantasy and sci fi are two different sub-genres. Otherwise all creative work can be categorized as fiction and fiction comprises ..."I wasn't the one who asked about fantasy :)
@yusra. Same here. That's why I wanted to post as well. Maybe with enough practice and critique from people here I'll be able to write something that won't be considered shabby. Can't wait to read your story though! Btw, can other writers critique and evaluate too? (Those who participated in the "contest")
I am officially screwed up, my story went from 2000 to 3500 words and still going on. 
I cant believe that i wrote a fantasy for a first time and I loved my own idea. It was like my best idea after my short novel. I am afraid I cant be a part this time Faheem, Maira and Zenab Baji.
@yusra It's my first time too. But I'm excited as opposed to apprehensive. I just hope there are plenty of submissions so that we get to read many stories. @rao That's the problem with fantasy. A lot of elements in fantasy require backstory, as they're not part of the real world and the explanation isn't taken for granted. I had to struggle to keep it short had coherent as well. I wrote two actually. One was 2300 words and the other, 1600. I submitted the latter after the first exceeded the word limit. That being said, I hope they at least let you post yours. Would like to read it.
I shall submit mine tonight or latest by tomorrow hopefully.
Yusra wrote: "Hi @Saqib - I am not a mod but since nobody has answered yet, I'll just offer my view :) As I understand it (and based on some posts made by @Faheem above), they are not super strict about the genr..."Thanks Yusra. I'll surely write one, irrespective of whether it qualifies or not, i'm hopeful the readers will enjoy :-)
Mod
Maira wrote: "Rao....submit it...write a story edit it and submit it. let the audience be the judge. ;p"Ok I will send it to you first then. Do tell me if it is any good or not. :-D
Mod
Maira wrote: "nope. that will be cheating. i will give feedback ehen they are offically posted :D"Ok. :-)
I was looking forward to reading your story @Yusra :( Send me the incomplete draft at least. Maybe we can still salvage it. If not, I'll at least get to read it. :)
