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 |  Looking for a guiding light. May 2024 round is open, looking for short stories. |
I am currently writing a story that would fit quite neatly into one of the genres listed for the contest. Unfortunately, there is another genre available in WdC that some would consider more appropriate for this particular story. Would you advise me to risk disqualification by submitting it as primarily the contest's genre, or should I avoid the question by not submitting it and, perhaps, writing something a bit more clearly classifiable as eligible for the contest? To make things a little easier for you, the story is being written as steampunk (my latest rave, probably because my first ever steampunk story recently won a contest) but it could, just as validly, be classed as a fantasy. Indeed, I have always considered steampunk as a subsidiary of fantasy. But my opinion doesn't matter in this case; it's all down to your judgement rather. As it should be, of course, since the contest belongs to you. The question is more complex than may first appear. Fantasy itself means different things to different people. Some would expect fantasy to include imaginary beings such as dragons, trolls and elves, usually with a generous dollop of magic thrown in. But others, myself included, would say that's fine for kids but, as adults, we need more realistic characters, creatures and forces if we are to believe in the fantasy. All those mythical creatures are only people in silly costumes, after all. To me, what makes a story fantasy is that it is set in a world that is clearly not this one. It may follow the same laws of physics and have a dearth of mythical, imaginary and magical creatures, but it has a different geography, history and existence. The fantasy is in the world building and not in the creation of unlikely monsters and fairies. So you can see how much depends on your own opinion in this matter. By my definition, my story will fit quite obviously as a fantasy first. But you might decide otherwise since it has no magic or costumed players. And, to be honest, I don't want to submit something that will fail on such a debatable point. Not that I would be discouraged from finishing the story (I was writing it for myself, as it happens), but I do quite fancy having a go at your contest and don't want to scotch my chances from the outset. Let me know what you think, oh mighty Satuawany. And may I just add that your contest is impressive in its design and expression of its intent. A truly wonderful job. |
2023 Round Open · 01-31-23 11:01pm
Re: 2023 Round Open · 02-05-23 11:37am 
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