This latest writing contest concluded a few nights ago. I received 15 awesome entries and have spent the past few days reading through them all and deliberating. Writers were asked to produce original short stories using the following painting by @tanglebranch as a writing prompt.
Before I announce the winners, I would like to say how overjoyed I was when I realized most of my top picks had been workshopped at The Writers' Block. Although I did not take note of the usernames when I read the stories, it reflects the real benefit of our critiquing and editing process at The Writers' Block, and I am extremely proud of our community.
Without further ado, my top pick was The Cabin Boy from @thinknzombie. His writing always excites me, but the twist at the end of this story was totally unexpected and a joy to read. Congratulations @thinknzombie! You win 20 SBD, plus 5.579 SBD from the contest announcement post, making 25.579 SBD.
My first runner up is Moonbeach from @sroka87. The story revolves around a VR simulation and the dangers of the technology. A very enjoyable read and a great interpretation of the prompt. @sroka87 wins 5 SBD.
Next up is Fire and Ice by @negativer. His story involves a mermaid and a satyr, blindly messing with powers beyond their control out of love for each other. @negativer wins 5 SBD.
My final selection is Nothing but Canvas by @jonknight. I enjoyed the poignant look at an old man transported into the painting. Is it a memory or a dream? Whichever, the old man finds contentment. @jonknight also wins 5 SBD.
Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry into this contest. Every time I run one of these I am blown away by the incredible talent on show at Steemit and it gets harder each time to select the winners. As a reminder, I am running the art portion of this contest currently, looking for a piece of art for the next writing contest. See here.
Proof of prize payments.
Are you a writer or keen to learn? Do you wish to join a community of like-minded individuals who can help hone your writing skills in the fields of fiction, non-fiction, technical, poetry, songwriting or playwriting? Join us at The Writers' Block on Discord and follow our community account @thewritersblock.
whoohoo! Tis always dangerous when the Zombie enters a contest. Congrats all who placed. And especially all who worked hard and wrote a great story for this comp regardless of judging. I was blown away by so many of the entries I saw.
Nice work by the Zombie. His was movie-grade stuff, and packed a lot of story into a little space.
Well done to all! Zombie - that ending was too good :)
Congrats everyone, proud to see some familiar names!
Congrats to @thinknzombie and the other fabulous winners. You guys rock!
It was a tough go for sure but @thinknzombie definitely deserved the win! :D Congrats, bromosapien!
Amazing standard of writing on show in this contest but a hugely deserving winner @thinknzombie
Congratulations @thinknzombie! You totally deserved it!
Excellent stories all around! Thanks and congratulations @thinknzombie!
Congrats to all! Awesome rep from the block here:-) And I feel for you Muxxy!