This week: Inspiration Thy Name is Prompt Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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Contest & Activity Newsletter by Dawn
Contests have parameters that help guide the writer and gives the judge some specifics to consider as the reader when trying to make a decision. We look at the use of a prompt from both sides of the looking glass. |
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The prompt is a key element for both the writer and the judge when it comes to a contest. While there is the option of an open prompt, which means almost anything that fits in the rules qualifies, there are many that rely on a prompt. However, that can also bring up some questions. As a contest owner and/or judge, how much detail to you put into a prompt? How exact does one have to be as a writer? Is there room for interpretation?
Let's take a look at the concept of the prompt from both points of view: the one creating the prompt and the one who uses it for inspiration.
Creating a Prompt
I have to admit, as a contest own and judge there are times when I struggle to come up with a prompt. Since I also have the privilege to judge for official contests, I don't always get to pick the prompts either. Which can lead to interesting times spent judging entries. Even when I come up with a prompt, there are times when I have to consider how much description needs put into them and how much wiggle room makes sense. The goal of the prompt, at least for me, as the creator is to attract a writer. We want to cause inspiration in the hopes of getting people to want to not only write but to submit their work to the contest at hand. It's not easy running contests and some rounds go without any attendance. The more people who see a prompt and get sparked by ideas, the higher the chance someone will come through before the deadline.
At times, a prompt can be pretty simple. There are many different ways to come up with suggestions for stories or poems. Things like "use this title" or "put these words in the item" are rather straight forward. Those elements must go in but everything else is fairly open. Genre prompts also give a lot of room while still providing a parameter. Poetry contests can also go fairly open while also having a specific guideline, like those that require a certain prompt but allow free range on topic.
Then there are the prompts that take a little more detail. It could mean the judge/owner write more description for what gets put into the prompt or it could mean the prompt requires a few different elements. I will admit that at times, I put a fair amount of words in the prompt to give an idea of what I'm aiming towards even if the general idea of the prompt is simple. I give an explanation. Others will just put up a couple of words or details and leave the rest up to the writer. I've also done times of just one word prompts or even used images or songs in order to try causing inspiration. As for what method is better, that I'm not sure. It will depend on the contest and who views the prompts, to tell what will pull people's attention.
Writing to a Prompt
Time to consider the topic from the viewpoint of the writer, as in the one entering the contest. I'm hit or miss with how I feel about prompts. An open prompt is nice, because it gives room for so much creativity, but the lack of limits can be difficult for those of us that have a bazillion ideas and need help narrowing things down. However, if a prompt is overly specific to the point it calls for something that doesn't fit in what I write, then there is less chance of me entering. I do new things on occasion but have so many ideas at this point, it helps to focus on the stuff I really want to write outside of the 10 novels that are on the side.
The question becomes a point of personal preference. What kind of prompts do you like? What inspires you to write an item and submit an entry?
Some contests get more entries than others. Some rounds get more than others. And it's not easy to say which type of prompt does better. I've seen single words or other short prompts get many entries and others get none. Some prompts can be super detailed and also see success. Even deadlines vary. A month long contest could get a few entries but what really shows is the daily contests, like Writer's Cramp. Some rounds will get 10 entries and others might only get two. And like the judges, the prompts vary with all different types found within the same week.
But the other question that comes to mind is how open is the interpretation? Music prompts are a good example because the usage of a song within a story or poem can be very specific or it can be up to much interpretation. You could use the exact words within the lyrics as an option. Or maybe use a similar topic. Then there is the attempt to create a similar feeling, which may or may not be seen as easily by the judge. I've read a few over the past months where I wasn't quite sure how the prompt was used even when it was listed in the item. And yes, please list the prompt at the bottom of the item when possible for entries because it does really help.
Which brings me to a topic I spoke about in the past. At the end of the day, opinion is a big factor. Even if the judge doesn't understand the story in connection to the prompt in the way intended, that is okay. Or maybe the writer didn't interpret the prompt in the way the judge expected. That is okay too. The contest are fun but the important thing is the creativity and writing. Have fun! Write based off a prompt.
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Shorter Prompts
Genre Prompt
Detailed Prompts
Variety of Prompts
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How much leeway do you think a prompt should have for a contest?
The last time I wrote for this newsletter, it was months ago (back in 2023) and the topic was that of opinion. I focused the newsletter on the opinion of the judge/reader. Here are a couple of comments sent over the topic in reaction:
Comment by Annette  :
You are so right that it is hard to judge contests. I have run a lot of contests over the time that I have been here. I've judged some rounds of the official contests too. It always amazes me how different judges come to different conclusions on who should be the winner. It proves that there is not really a "right' way to write. (Assuming understandable spelling and grammar.) The audience will like what it likes. When the audience is judges, the judges will like what they like and the only difference is that the judges decide who gets a prize.
- Thank you, Annette. We've judged together and had to judge each other, so I really do appreciate your thoughts on the topic. Judging the official site contests really showcased the variety between judges and what is considered the best in the field during those months. I like how you put it, that there is no right way to write in this context.
Comment by W.P. Gerace  :
Greetings Ms. Dawn,
I do hope you are doing well today. Thanks so much for your newsletter on reviews received when entering a contest. There are several I get from one individual who I feel is harsh on my writing and tears it apart. I did stop writing for a bit because I thought maybe I don't have the talent needed. In fact I recently stopped writing about to come back to it again and your newsletter has me thinking maybe I can't take it personal and to keep on trucking. At least that is how I read your newsletter and I truly appreciate it it does mean a lot to me. We are all individuals and all of us have our own approach in everything in life we do including writing. Sorry for the novel but I truly appreciate your news letter it means a ton. Have a lovely weekend my friend.
Yours Truly,
Bill G.
- Why hello and thank you for the comment. There are definitely some who go more specific into their reviews and others who will say barely anything at all. Just have to take it in stride. It helps to get more than one review because if something comes up from a variety of readers, then it's something that does really stand out. But it's easier said than done not to take a critique personal. I hope you keep writing.
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Contests & Activities: March 27, 2024 Issue [#12478]
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