The 31 Sentence Contest
Welcome. You have stumbled upon a new adventure. One that will challenge you to grow; one that is filled with twists and turns; one that will have your piece swinging like the rhythm of a jazz ensemble that keeps readers and listeners engaged to the very end (or we crash into a wall and die; either way, we'll learn something together).
First Place: 8 SBI @steembasicincome
Second Place: 5 SBI @steembasicincome
Third Place: 2 SBI @steembasicincome
Round 1
1. One Entry Per Person.
2. Inspired by the prompt and follows the random number order exactly with the correct amount of words in each sentence (explained below).
3. Prose, poetry, any form of fiction is accepted.
4. It must be a story. Refer here for an explanation of what a story must contain in order for it to be considered a story.
5. Use the tag #31sentencecontest (this is how I keep track of your entries)
6. Contest closes at the end of this post's payout.
7. In your entry, link back to this contest somewhere in your post.
8. Post a link to your tale in the comments below.
9. English is the only language I speak and that limits me big time. However, just about any language can be plugged into google translate. If the translation comes out clean enough for me and others to be able to read it, it is a valid entry. If you prefer to have your story in the best English translation possible, consider collaborating with someone.
The Prompt (explained)
The PROMPT: this is what your story is tied to in some way and in some fashion of your choosing within the fiction realm. You don't have to use the wording of the prompt in the story but your story must somehow relate to the prompt. Easy enough - we hope.
The Sentences: # 1-31(explained)
This idea comes from John Taylor Gatto. In this interview, he speaks about the inner jazz of writing coming to life simply by applying this method. I've been curious to see this in action. So ...
The SENTENCES: This objective here will have you writing out exactly 31 sentences, found below the prompt in a randomized order. The number of words for each and every sentence corresponds with the sentence number you are on.
For example, if 1 is the number that is up, you may only use one word that will complete the sentence (I know - technically, one word isn't a sentence but deal with it 8-). If 31 is the number, you construct a sentence that is 31 words in length, no more no less. The same goes for all numbers. (Here is a post done with a max of 20 sentences should you need to see a fuller example.)
Except for number 1, all sentences must be a complete sentence. You may construct your paragraphs however you see fit.
Why 31 sentences? Because that equals 496 words and this is hard enough. I'm hoping your work will get upvoted by whales and @curie or anyone who can pass along some decent coin because you won't be getting it from me, sadly, unfortunately. With the extra challenge this contest presents, the word count should be sufficient to meet some of their requirements if not all.
I, @tristancarax, am the judge. This contest will mostly be judged by how I feel about your piece and my interest in your piece because my editing skills are so far below par that earthworms stand above me. As I improve, so will the judging. Additionally, comments on contestant's posts will be taken into consideration when choosing a winner.
And there you have it. I'm excited to see what your minds create and imagine through this exercise.
The Prompt:
Sentence order:
4, 8, 6, 7, 15, 24, 3, 16, 25, 26, 10, 21, 29, 13, 28, 12, 2, 9, 23, 31, 22, 5, 18, 1, 11, 14, 17, 27, 21, 20, 30
Interesting. I might give this a try. 😉
I would be honored to read what you wrote for this. I can't wait to see if it materializes. Your stories are fun to read.
Done. I hope it works.
I think I prefer the FtS format because it allows me to polish the prose a lot more. The word count structure locks everything in place and it's quite hard to backtrack and fiddle with things as you go. Also long sentences are a pain. 😖
But it's a very nice idea and I enjoyed the challenge. Thanks!
Wow....i just read your entry now. The structure of the story was superb....you've done a great job. Well done sir!
Sweet! I'm very glad!
I have noticed the same thing that you point out; however, I saw that my sentence construction is a little different than how I would normally write, which was part of the fun.
This is my entry sir, it wasnt easy to write
https://steemit.com/31sentencecontest/@odeis/31-sentence-contest
You drew first blood!
Ha! Same thought I had when I first did it.
Going to read now!
Just saw this. Wonderful idea. If I can get something out (if I can understand the rules!) before close, I will.
Love this sentence
<editing skills are so far below par that earthworms stand above me
You are not only creative, but have an endearing enthusiasm and humility.
Good luck on this initiative.
@agmoore -
Haha. Thanks. Anything to get the crowd going.
I'm going to try to do this contest frequently. The prizes will depend mostly on my unvotes from curie (I'm fortunate enough to be supported by them on a number of stories).
If the rules don't make sense in some spots, please, point them out so that I can correct them. I since then have more example of what I'm looking for because I've done about three with a shorter sentence count.
I truly hope that I'll get to read a story by you for this contest. That would awesome!!!!
I will reblog and put in my story tomorrow. I just read @gwilberiol's. Wow. He didn't seem hemmed in at all. Another story teller with a great imagination. My story is quite low key by comparison...may put you to sleep :))
OK, I did it. This was a bit of torture. Long sentences!! Oh, no. But, it was also an excellent exercise. Wish I was better in arithmetic, though :)
Compulsion: A Story Written for @tristancarax
Fabulous!
Fairly torturous, yes. If you were anything like me, you might have counted the same sentence multiple times in an attempt to find one word to add or subtract - or you delete the whole sentence and start over, having to recount again. haha!
I was wondering how long the sentences could be. I've done up to twenty and have felt like that was too short for somethings going through my head at times.
Oh, @tristancarax. You have no idea. When I did math problems in school, I always understood the concept but got lost in the numbers. In college I was a part-time cashier and not once did my drawer tally--this was before computerized checkout. My inaccuracy was so regular that the supervisors realized I was honest but very inept with numbers. Still, they wanted me to stay :)) So...yes a challenge :))
I hope your contest takes off. Even if we don't enjoy writing long sentences, it's good to take a different view of writing. Kind of turns it inside out.
Good luck with this!
I've never fared too well when it comes to math problems disguised by sentences. If you did x, and x was y amount of yeards away, how long would it take j to caught up ... <--- I have not clue. Just the facts! haha
I'm happy to read that your employers noticed your "disability" and worked with you. 8-)
It is a weird challenge because it is really tough to go back and fix mistakes without being able to move whole sentences around.