Author:
Judging fiction is subjective. . .based on personal feelings and opinions.
I have helped judge several Big Closet contests in the past. In those instances, I picked the top three or five stories.
For the current writing contest (entries to commence 1/1), I’ve been asked to assign a number between one and one hundred for each story. Emma Anne Tate will also assign a number between one and one hundred. We will not consult or know what each other has assigned for a “score.” The total of our scores will be the score for the story. Highest score wins.
The following is the method I will use. Emma will follow her own methodology.
I will assign a number for each of the following:
Characterization (1 to 30) Are the characters memorable? Do they have depth? Do the characters fit the story?
Setting (1 to7.5) Is the setting consistent with the plot and the characters?
Language (1 to 7.5) Does the author use appropriate language to move the plot along?
Mechanics (1 to 5) Grammar? Spelling? Format?
Writing Quality (1 to 5) Does this story make me want to read more from this author?
Passion (1 to 5) Does the author demonstrate that she cares about the theme of the story?
Theme (1 to 5) Does the story have a theme?
I will try not to be influenced by who has authored the story. I have my favorite BC authors and hope they enter the contest but not every story they write can be wonderful. I love Mark Twain but some of his short stories don’t appeal to me.
I have my favorites for genres and themes but will try not to let that influence me if the story fits the contest criteria.
In general, I will score an enjoyable story between 50 and 75. An extremely amusing story will score between 76 and 90. A potential contest winner will score over 91.
Of course, if you have advice for Emma or me that will improve our judging -- or wish to lobby for a particular story -- just drop us a PM.
Jill
Comments
An extremely amusing story will score between 76 and 90
Does this mean that you are looking for a 'comedy' story?
Not all New Years resolutions are funny. For example, deciding to give up smoking. Not exactly funny.
If not perhaps amusing could be replaced by 'engaging'?
Samantha
Does Not Have to be Funny
While amusement often involves laughter it can be simply entertaining.
Drama can be amusing.
Jill
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
A-muse(ing)
I was told once that muse was from the Greek... to think... That can be born out when looking up definition of muse. But putting the prefix "A" in front of a word in Greek meant not. That is to muse = to think. Amuse = not think.
So in a broad sense something that is amusing is some that takes your mind off of every day problems or duties.
Hugs
Patricia
Happiness is being all dressed up and HAVING some place to go.
Semper in femineo gerunt