Creative Writing: Authors, Winners & Celebrations

Alright folks here is my judges evaluation of all the creative writing stories. I'm not any literature teacher or any expert in English. However, reading and writing is one of my beloved hobbies. So I have a pretty decent grasp and taste. The contest is for fun and views are subjective. Hopefully, everyone takes their evaluations in good stride.

Official Entries:

Entry #1 - Mister. K:

Ah Mister. K you have perhaps pleasantly surprised us all with this humorous appeal for humane treatment of trolls. Honestly, I would have expected a much more serious contemplative story from you. But you kicked of the competition in style with this entertaining entry.

From a creative writing perspective this by far has to be the most creative interpretation. I don't think anyone else would have imagined a story based on a random splattering of smileys. Moreover, you maintained the sequential flow, wove a story in form of poetry around it. Definitely most impressive.

Entry #2 - Summer 3

A short simple sweet but tragic love story of two friends who fall in love. It was a quick and easy read, which probably digested well with the short attention spans we can have out here. Good creative use of the story.

I would suggest etching out the characters more, creating some plot hooks or moments that get the readers more involved and engaged in this form of storyline.

Entry #3 - The_Naked_Face

Disqualified due to COC violations. Rule 34 applies to the internet, its moot in IF. Try Restricted Section.

Entry#4 - 4teen12

An interesting take on Nostalgia. I would have expected a more rugged adventure story, but you surprised me with a nice poem. Starts out like a romantic love poem. However, it quickly turns into a deep smitten love for a machine - a Pathfinder. Ah men and their machines, and such an apt way to portray it.

Poetry is not my forte. However, I do suggest people to stop being constrained in rhyme patterns and explore different rhythms and alliterations that don't necessarily rhyme all the time.

Entry#5 Old-Black-Joe

Another bizarre and twisted nonsensical bit of a story that could be done by none other than the infamous OBJ. Although OBJ can be witty at times, this definitely was not my style. Its more of a crass toilet style humor like Sacha Baron Cohen. But like Sacha it had its moments and politically incorrect with. Thank God no one wore lime green revealing swim suits.

Creatively OBJ took way too much liberty. He could have taken any story and claimed to connect it to the "This is RTH". Seems like people wanted the easy ride with that picture.

Entry #6 Emptiness

For someone who claims not to write much this was actually a very well written piece of work. Bizarre and twisted, but actually witty in many aspects. I think it was quite witty the way current affairs of DM were subtly woven into the humor of the story.

Although the creative connection of the story is questionable. Its still somehow tied together to the theme. Also got to hand it out for taking the path less taken for the images that normally would evoke romantic stories of longing.

Entry#7 Blue_Ice

After Gulshan Gobar's splattering of smileys, I would have considered Gauri's images of Terence hard to weave a written story around. It works well for a picture story, but its hard to create a beginning, middle and end with it. You did a commendable job in creating a unique story. It was an unconventional love story - handling infatuations and long term relationships.

The story would have been more interesting if you delved into Gauri's psyche, but maybe you did not want to take the liberty of etching a personality for a real person.

Entry#8 Angie4U

I have to say I was quite surprised when you submitted the story. I've never seen you make long posts or show interest in writing like this. So you really opened all of us to a whole new facet of you.

What I like about the story: You were the only person who did not take excessive creative liberty with the image, but actually creatively interpreted the image through your story. The Indiana Jones type adventure setting to the story was also impressive. Love how you lead up to the interpretation of the symbol.

I guess this had to be a short story, but this I think would make a great long story as meaning of each symbol is slowly unraveled.

Entry#9 Karandel_2008

This definitely was one of the most heart wrenching stories to read. It really tugged at the heart. It is not just an ordinary love story, but has patriotism, loss and sacrifice built into it along with a message. A very interesting narrative shuttling between the girls emotions and Vikram's sense of duty. The end as unexpected to me.

Creatively, I was impressed how you wove two completely unrelated picture stories to make one seamless story. The conversations between Vikram and the girl could be improved and for me personally, the girl was a bit too childish in her behavior. But maybe that was part of her personality.

Entry # 10 Return_To_Hades

Disqualified for Judges choice.

Notes to self: Work on style, does not flow well for most people. Cut down the mushy gushy factors and focus on some more realism.

The narrative style was weird for most people. So just adding a note - follow the time stamps. The story starts, jumps ahead in time - moves forward, jumps back in time - moves forward, jumps ahead again and then moves forward. The total time from the start to the end is 500 minutes.

Entry # 11 *Woh Ajnabee*

I am so glad I egged you to finally submit an entry. That was a beautifully written touching story. Although romantic and full of love, Its less of a love story but more about love - the feelings and the losses. There is an aura of mystery too. I bet every reader is curious about Aman, where did he go and why? Why could he not take Naina with him? What does the future hold for Naina? Its good to have the audience engaged in this way.

Since the pictures were personally woven in your mind, I cannot give you much points for creativity- but a good effort in penning it down considering how hesitant you were. You could use less of foreshadowing and take the readers by surprise. Also one or two lines of cheese fest could be edited.

Unofficial Entries

#1 Karandel_2008

I really wish this was an official entry too. No one chose to write a mystery/action/thriller story and you did it brilliantly. It unfolds intriguingly. Initially I was left wondering if you would delve into ghosts or mutation. Then you inserted a great twist - a story of well executed vengeance. I think that was a very interesting twist that explained and wrapped events seamlessly.

You did well researching Chernobyl and places around it for the story. These are just minor tips for authenticity. For writing Eastern European based stories - formal references and introductions always use first name and Patronymics eg Ivan Pavlovich or Anastascia Pavlova. Informal addresses are usually dimunitives Vanya, Nastya.

#2 4teen12

I prefer this poem to the other as it follows a rhythm structure towards the end. A good poem put forth for a really worthy cause of curing Parkinsons. Its much appreciated that you took the time to share this.

Signature Credits all go to POH. Thanks for taking the time with making these POH. Now people use them, POH worked on them. Or else I will take the liberty of changing the signatures for you.

I got 3rd place? shit, I didnt even think I'd get a vote :P

I wanted 6 to win :(

Originally posted by: old-black-joe

I got 3rd place? shit, I didnt even think I'd get a vote :P

I wanted 6 to win :(

It did. 😛

Now Mister. K better not sulk about not feeling like a winner. He has two in his kitty.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

Entry # 11 *Woh Ajnabee*

I am so glad I egged you to finally submit an entry. That was a beautifully written touching story. Although romantic and full of love, Its less of a love story but more about love - the feelings and the losses. There is an aura of mystery too. I bet every reader is curious about Aman, where did he go and why? Why could he not take Naina with him? What does the future hold for Naina? Its good to have the audience engaged in this way.

Since the pictures were personally woven in your mind, I cannot give you much points for creativity- but a good effort in penning it down considering how hesitant you were. You could use less of foreshadowing and take the readers by surprise. Also one or two lines of cheese fest could be edited.

Thanks for the third prize, Sarina. I am sure everyone is quite curious as to where Aman went and whatever happened to Naina. If time ever permits and inspiration allows, I will let you guys know what happened to Aman and Naina. Thing is, I'm waiting to find out as well.

Thanks to everyone who voted for me, it means a lot. :) And congratulations to all the winners and losers! I enjoyed reading everyone's work, thanks to all those who participated. And of course, thanks to Sarina for organizing the contest and to POH for the signatures!

Aur haan - aaj ke baad mujhe maaf karo, I don't want to participate in any DM activities. Too much drama, folks! 😆

Editing to add- GD, we were wrong. Mister K would vote for himself. I always knew he thought too highly of himself - jk. 😛 Jokes apart, I was right about all the entries except Angie and Blue Ice's. I do not know who Blue Ice is, but now I know why I could not put a hand on the writing style. Angie - that was really impressive! Totally unexpected that you would write such a long, but definitely well-thoughtout piece like that one. :)