Writer of the Month #1: Guidelines

[Meth Quokka]

Great theme, it really strikes a chord with me, so I'll see what I can rustle up. So many time periods to choose from though

[Brovo]

Rule of Thumb: If I can Google their name, and their wiki page has more than one sentence about them, they're probably a notable enough historical figure to be used.

Frankly if I was entering I'd probably take on the Three Kingdoms era China or ancient Rome from the perspective of the Gauls.

Also, note, we do have five components for a reason. :)

[mdk]

For the new folks -- it is a good thing to stretch the limits of things and be creative. The very last contest was about 'change,' and I entered a poem about nickels and dimes. It was tangential diversion from what was actually supposed to be going on and it fit in just fine (got a few votes too *tooots own horn a little*)

Point being, get your inspiration here, formulate your ideas here, write with confidence. If you have done the work to fit the components and theme, then your work fits the components and theme. Well enough, probably, likely -- ultimately I guess the voters and the critics get their say, but don't worry about that stuff, just.... write. Writing is god.

[Kaga]

mdk said
For the new folks -- it is to stretch the limits of things and be creative. The very last contest was about 'change,' and I entered a poem about nickels and dimes. It was tangential diversion from what was actually supposed to be going on and it fit in just fine (got a few votes too *tooots own horn a little*)Point being, get your inspiration here, formulate your ideas here, write with confidence. If you have done the work to fit the components and theme, then your work fits the components and theme. Well enough, probably, likely -- ultimately I guess the voters and the critics get their say, but don't worry about that stuff, just.... write. Writing is god.

Pretty much all this. That's all you have to keep in mind when wondering if something fits the theme/components - creativity and stretching the boundaries is certainly welcome.

[ApocalypticaGM]

Wonderful! Thank you for the responses. I have participated before, but wanted to check up with the language and figured those who haven't would also benefit from my question. The answers were very helpful and hopefully you'll see an entry from me!

[Kaga]

ShonHarris said
Wonderful! Thank you for the responses. I have participated before, but wanted to check up with the language and figured those who haven't would also benefit from my question. The answers were very helpful and hopefully you'll see an entry from me!

Looking forward to it!

[Jannah]

After thinking on this, I already have a few ideas in mind. Keep in mind this will be my first time entering if I do.

[Jorick]

mdk said
For the new folks -- it is to stretch the limits of things and be creative. The very last contest was about 'change,' and I entered a poem about nickels and dimes. It was tangential diversion from what was actually supposed to be going on and it fit in just fine (got a few votes too *tooots own horn a little*)

Point being, get your inspiration here, formulate your ideas here, write with confidence. If you have done the work to fit the components and theme, then your work fits the components and theme. Well enough, probably, likely -- ultimately I guess the voters and the critics get their say, but don't worry about that stuff, just.... write. Writing is god.

I'll second this as well.

ShonHarris said
Wonderful! Thank you for the responses. I have participated before, but wanted to check up with the language and figured those who haven't would also benefit from my question. The answers were very helpful and hopefully you'll see an entry from me!

Mhmm, no problem. Hopefully the answers will indeed be helpful to those unfamiliar with WOTM and those who didn't even think to ask.

Jannah said
After thinking on this, I already have a few ideas in mind. Keep in mind this will be my first time entering if I do.

Wonderful, fist time entries are always welcome.

[Rare]

I might give this a shot.

[gamer5]

I have quite a few ideas floating around my head but fist I would ask a few questions:

Would having the setting on another world, with magic and with sentient species other then humans while still being quite similar to one of Earth's historical ages (Ancient, Medieval and so on) be OK?

Would a setting set in some historical period (example - Victorian age) on Earth with slightly or significantly altered history at some point in past (example - Medieval age) also work?

Would a story which tells about a historical event of our history but with a different outcome (for example Great Britain crushing the American Revolutionaries) be acceptable?

Hope I get a reply soon.

[Kaga]

gamer5 said
I have quite a few ideas floating around my head but fist I would ask a few questions:Would having the setting on another world, with magic and with sentient species other then humans while still being quite similar to one of Earth's historical ages (Ancient, Medieval and so on) be OK?Would a setting set in some historical period (example - Victorian age) on Earth with slightly or significantly altered history at some point in past (example - Medieval age) also work?Would a story which tells about a historical event of our history but with a different outcome (for example Great Britain crushing the American Revolutionaries) be acceptable?Hope I get a reply soon.

Well the alternate world thing is a bit of a stretch, but it would probably be allowed regardless. I mean, so long as it's possible to argue for something fitting a theme/component, we'll let it in. I don't think we've ever turned down an entry for a reason like that. As for the latter two ideas, those are definitely acceptable, as the third component practically encourages it.

[Jorick]

I'll just go ahead and bump this up. I miss having the Official Contests section where bumping was never necessary, the Guidelines thread was always right there near the top, no minor work required to keep it there.

In other news, no entries have been sent in yet. Not very surprising given that there's still well over a week left, but I figured I'd give some kind of status update along with the bump, just because.

[StarWight]

I've been too busy to even work on anything yet, but i'll try to get something in soon :)

[mdk]

Jorick said In other news, no entries have been sent in yet.

[TheEvanCat]

Would "time and place of war" include stuff that was rough but not technically war? For example, the 1967 Detroit riots involved sniping and there were a few bombings. Hell, even the National Guard and the 82nd Airborne got involved.

[Kaga]

TheEvanCat said
Would "time and place of war" include stuff that was rough but not technically war? For example, the 1967 Detroit riots involved sniping and there were a few bombings. Hell, even the National Guard and the 82nd Airborne got involved.

I'd say it counts. Pretty much any gray area generally counts. :P

[mdk]

Ultimately the voters decide who did best with the components, and the managers tend to leave it up to the rest of us (historically, not putting words in mouths or anything). The voters are pretty forgiving too. My advice in every situation is, if you have something you want to write, writing it is never the wrong answer.

[Kaga]

mdk said
Ultimately the voters decide who did best with the components, and the managers tend to leave it up to the rest of us (historically, not putting words in mouths or anything). The voters are pretty forgiving too. My advice in every situation is, if you have something you want to write, writing it is never the wrong answer.

Well said.

[Jannah]

I suppose I should hurry up and write something...

[Kaga]

Jannah said
I suppose I should hurry up and write something...

That would be a good idea.