Something is wrong! The deadline had passed and this project is still open??

A man who is lonely due to his immensely strident religiosity which has somehow interwined with every aspect of  his life. This man had promised God that he would date the righteous way: no sex before marriage.  His family call him Greg. Greg's now self-imposed prison has allowed him to sever ties with anything resembling pleasure in his life. On a current three-month abstinence streak, Greg, has mentally been able to deny the encounters  with the primary source of what he deems hedonism: women. In front of his lapt top, Greg goes on the Internet.

As Greg thinks to himself about past encounters with women, these women were often very attractive and pretty successful. One in particular was a corporate attorney who had a two week habit of dropping her keys in front of Greg in an attempt to get his attention, until she found out about Greg's lifestyle.

As life would have it, Greg, being a very suspicious person, could only think of the worst scenario if he would allow nature to have its way with the potential female companion, who again was lawyer.

Still as even more weeks passed, Greg was dealing wiht another lonely episode. He was sitting with his laptop before he noticed an e-mail message. It said, "Check out my pictures," attached with the name Jenny Rogers. As curiosity would have it, Greg proceeded and with each click the picture portfolio became steamier and more sensuous until Greg was overwhelmed with a charge of testoterone. With each click, the beautiful, petite female pealed off a layer of her clothing and showed different aspects of her body:  first, her face; second, her right shoulder covered with satin lace; third, her torso and breasts, a petite waist clothed with a black, pink sequenced, white poker-dot garment. Next, Jenny showed her more private region, followed with a full, bottom-up view of her most sacred area. At the site of this, Greg was already climaxing from his left hand, his intimate, seductive bodily fluids were released.

Moments later, washing his hands before taking a shower, Greg murmured to himself, "I have foresaken my God, my religion.

After analyzing the picture further, Greg's guilty conscience bothered him to the point of utter anguish because he had broken his personal chastity vow to refrain from such acts of self-gratification unless by nocturnal emission. Later, Greg looked up from washing his hands and turned on his shower, and glanced into mirror once more.

"This lifestyle is not working for me, " Greg said, while looking in the his bathroom mirror while his faucet gushed out hot, purifying water.

"I need a girlfriend..."

The party probably ended already.  I wake up to find you missing.  I check the floor for your clothes but they're gone.  I sit up and take a deep breath. I climb out of the bed and pick up my clothes and begin redressing myself. 

I close the hotel room door behind me and head back to the New Year's Ball.  A bellboy walks by me and taps me on the shoulder.  " You're from the Drakes' party,right?" He asks me." You better hurry. The finale is starting."  I purse my lips." I see. Thank you."  I run to the nearest elevator  and press the button.  I reach to the floor and run out, hoping to find  you.  I run by the lobby and hear an explosion behind me.  In the beautiful wintery sky were fireworks.

 I stood and watched with the crowd.  I look around  and I see you up leaning againest the wall, speaking to Teresea Drake.  Your clothes are rumpled and your necktie is undone.  She kisses your ear and I feel rage burning inside of me.  You pull her face in and kiss her.  Ah, you hurt me.  I grit my teeth as tears flow down my cheeks.  You planned to meet her after you were done with me. 

Teresea pulls away from you and her eye catches mine.  She gives me a smug smile and pulls you in for another lip sucking act. 

This is nothing but an empty love.  Nothing but sexual materialization.  You cruel playboy.  You knew I loved you ever so dearly.

Love Is Displeased

    Zane had heard the sirens & the signs said that Sarah was cheating him but his heart refused to believe them. Finally the moment of truth came.
    When he met her, Zane started shooting a tirade of questions but she stood there with imperturbable demeanor as if nothing in his anguish mattered to her anymore.
   Then she spoke- "Zane I don't have any explanations but the truth & that is I am breaking up with you, not because you've got something less but honestly I've found someone else. Call me loathsome & a cheat but I don't love you anymore. I belong to someone else."
    As his mind registered the hideous words his expression changed from revulsion to rage.
    With a burning gaze he asked, "Of all the people I revered & loved, how can You be so shockingly deceptive & heartless?"
“I am. And the person I’m leaving you for is Victor.”
When he heard his old enemy’s name, he was paralyzed. And so Sarah left his heart bleeding after stabbing it with regrettable heartlessness.
He saw her leave & his wounded heart uttered a silent curse- ‘Today is the end, today love is displeased, this betrayed & forsaken heart says, your heart will neither find peace.’

As I walked through the quiet park, one hand held in my cousin Gavin's, the other swinging freely by my side, feelings of guilt roller skated across my conscience. Gavin has always supported me through every trauma, but I know that what I did this morning was wrong and not even my best ally could deny it. Gavin had a way with words; he had beautiful and whimsical writing style that I could never even dream of imitating. Really I never dreamed of imitating his style, I merely copied it. Everyone has been told many times over that plagiarism is bad. Teachers at school always give you those handouts that lecture on all the wrongdoings that are condensed into that one, evil deed. Everyone tells you how wrong it is but what if that one misdeed was the key to all your future success and happiness? I was writing my application essay for the internship that would make my dreams reality. My essay was awful. I was reaching for the mug of coffee when the notebook fell. I looked at the page of Gavin's tidy cursive and the idea hit me. It was just perfect. I have to tell him.

Have been reviewing a lot of the entries, and again am awed at the diversity and talent that abounds in these challenges.   I love the generosity of spirit in the critiques.  I am also grateful I am not a judge.  That has got to be the hardest job.

to*

YAY!! Extension!! Now I don't have the rush that much! Thanks Bnaslund!

This was a very sad story, so full of emotion.  You're a very talented writer. Keep it up and you're bound to go far!

   "In the bar, you will meet the woman of your dreams. Her name rhymes with North Carolina. Show her your cocky smile. Tell her you're lucky to have met her. She'll like that.

She will ask you to have a couple of drinks with her. Pick vodka, but don't tell her. Soon after, you will lose your virginity. Don't push for a blowjob. Oh, and remember to put on a condom-Her pleasure.

You will marry her on the 6th of January, two years later. You will have 2 kids. One of them isn't yours. She is dating her ex, Ian Hernandez. You will divorce with the bitch soon after. Don't let her take everything or anything.

It's 5th of September, 2017. You will cross a road, doesn't matter which one. A car will hit you from your left. Look right. You will die a painful death, if that's okay with you. Then, you'll end up back here. Got that, Jessie"

   The devil gasped for a breath and licked his lips. He wiped a trail of sweat from his forehead. Collecting souls was a tiring job. He needed a drink.

"Uhh....One more time? I have to make this right..."

Would love you all to read my entry The Deceased Paramour.
wiff lots of "cheated" love
~brya<3

"In November 14 2014, you will finish college. You will join a poker game. You will win by a full house. This game will drastically determine your financial and social future. Don't shit your pants. After winning, go to the nearest bar to your current location. The details don't matter. In the bar, you will meet the woman of your dreams. Her name rhymes with North Carolina. She likes Picasso and artichokes. Tell her a joke you heard during the poker game a few hours ago. She'll talk about music while you stare at her watermelons. She'll ask you a question. Her favourite artist is Pink Floyd. When she mentions the word ’lucky’, show her your cocky smile. Tell her you're lucky to have met her. She'll like that. She will ask you to have a couple of drinks with her. Pick vodka, but don't tell her. Soon after, you will lose your virginity in Sun Walker Hotel Suite. Don't push for a blowjob. Your room number is 306. Don't leave the key in the shower. This will be the best day of your life. Oh, and remember to put on a condom. Her pleasure.

You will marry her on the 6th of January, two years later. You will have 2 kids. One of them isn't yours. She is dating her ex, Ian Hernandez. Get into a fist fight with him. Resist the urge to kick him in the nuts. Or not. You will divorce with (rhymes with North Carolina) soon after. Don't let her take everything or anything.

Be ready for the the 5th of September. You will cross a road, doesn't matter which one. A car will hit you from your left. Look right. The driver was higher than you’ll ever be. Tell a bystander to sue him on all he's got. Give the money to charity, or some shit. Then, you'll end up back here. Got that, Jessie?"

The devil gasped for a breath and licked his lips. He wiped a trail of sweat from his forehead. Collecting souls was a tiring job. He needed a drink.

"Uhh....One more time? I have to make this right..."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 mighty seconds have pasted since Jessie went back. Oh look, he’s back.
“You fucking asshole!! I didn’t sell my fucking soul for fucking nothing!”

The Devil laughed, “Looks like someone didn’t follow the instructions...”

“Fucking instructions?! I followed your fucking ‘instructions’! Now explain to me why the fuck I was struck by fucking lightning when I fucking got there!”

 “Was the lightning bluish-white in colour?” asked The Devil.

“Well it wasn’t fucking purple! Of course it was!”

The Devil touched his goatee and pondered for a bit. A wide grin grew on his face.

“He,” The Devil pointed upwards, laughing “must know what I’m up to. He hates cheaters, see. Cheaters,
traitors, liars, and such.” The Devil then pointed.

Jessie pouted, “Well..What should I do then?”

The Devil was quick to answer, “I need souls.”

“And how’d I get souls, if I may ask.”

“You simply get a wooden stake, stab them with it, and recite a prayer. Oh, and you have to stab them in the asshole. Virgins only.”

“Really?”

“No, you fucking dipshit. All you need to do is let them say this...”

The Devil snapped and fire danced around his fingers. They then formed a sort of symbol.

“This. Just let them say this...”

“What the fuck? Yeah, I’m supposed to force them to say a fucking picture?”

“Just let them see it. Most mortals will automatically say it. God’s glitch, if you ask me.”

“What the fuck is this, anyway?”

“The Devil’s Insignia. A sort of contract without letting the person sign. Like a lawsuit, only less
deadly...” The Devil waited for Jessie’s reaction but nothing came, “Ahaha, mortals and their politics...”

Jessie sighed. “So...How many souls are we talking about?”

“Two. Just two.”

Jessie was surprised, he was expecting more. “Well, I was expecting a little more than that, but okay! What’s the catch though? There’s always a catch.”

The Devil looked at him dead in the eye. Not that he had any eyes to speak of.

“One of them is your 6th Grade English teacher. No problem there...” The Devil wanted a dramatic pause. “The other...the other is you.”

The Devil quickly pulled out a Derringer and shot him between the eyes.

“Another soul for the keeping...ahahahaha!”

Cheaters always prosper.

Once again, I have entered a little late. It's been really hard to find inspiration for these last few entries. I know someone else mentiond that too. I wonder why that is???

Anyway, here's a link to my piece, "Broken Pieces Fall Apart." Anyone who gets the chance to leave feedback is AWESOME!!! I will certainly return the favor!

http://www.webook.com/submission.aspx?p=17e2760980cc437097f102b45e997813&st=45f56204143e4d898049620986a420eb

I was always a brilliant  cheat, no-one ever found out, no-one ever doubted my credibility, how dumb people can be.  Being so extraordinarily good at cheating often confuses me,making me at times,  unaware of my cheating state.  I found out that from an early age I was an exceptional deciever,getting all my own way through the art of performance, through believable lies and the innate ability to mislead, I was a genius...  I was a natural and it would have been rude not to use the gifts that nature had bestowed upon me.

The old man sat in his chair, trying hard to breathe, stirring frantically through tear filled eyes, eyes which screamed out for help, but the thief taker was here... I was here.  Gently stroking his fine grey hair I pressed the pillow lovingly against his face, gently so as not to hurt him, afterall, I was his loving wife,   I  listened  intently to his last breathe, his last rattling  gasp.  Removing the pillow I kissed him sweetly on the cheek, picked up his will and left through the back door.  Another job well done, wiping the makeup  from my face I went home to cheat.

I was always a brilliant  cheat, no-one ever found out, no-one ever doubted my credibility, how dumb people can be.  Being so extraordinarily good at cheating often confuses me,making me at times,  unaware of my cheating state.  I found out that from an early age I was an exceptional deciever,getting all my own way through the art of performance, through believable lies and the innate ability to mislead, I was a genius...  I was a natural and it would have been rude not to use the gifts that nature had bestowed upon me.

The old man sat in his chair, trying hard to breathe, stirring frantically through tear filled eyes, eyes which screamed out for help, but the thief taker was here... I was here.  Gently stroking his fine grey hair I pressed the pillow lovingly against his face, gently so as not to hurt him, afterall, I was his loving wife,   I  listened  intently to his last breathe, his last rattling  gasp.  Removing the pillow I kissed him sweetly on the cheek, picked up his will and left through the back door.  Another job well done, wiping the makeup  from my face I went home to cheat.

I just want to say thanks for reading and rating my submission. This is the highest rating I've ever received thus far. Good luck to you all; three more days until judgement begins!  Dun dun dun....

See directions above.

QUESTION!!
Is there a word limit on this? Cause I wrote an entry but I think it's like 500+ words! and my friend on WEbook said she thinks there's a word limit!
Please tell me there's not!
Or I'll have to change my entry!

xx

I wasn't really inspired in this challenge. After writing, taking in all the critique and re writing, I wasn't happy with my subs. Thanks to everyone who took time to read both my subs. I will try again next time and hopefully I will be more inspired.

There are two kinds of popular in the world: mean, and respected.  If the world were fair, respected would always win, but it's not the case at all.

Who'd have thought I'd have a chance at prom queen?  Certainly not me.  I'm more the respected popular, and according to untampered votes I should be the one on the stage with the crown, but no, Andrea's up there, shocker.  She tampered with the votes and although the whole school knows it, she has no shame flaunting her new fame.

I sometimes wish I could be the one to cheat and win.  Just imagine, I'd have perfect grades, a beautiful boyfriend, a new tiara, a position on the Student Council...that would all be nice.  I think about it a lot, but then I remember, I'd also have rumors following me everywhere, pornographic notes and drawings on bathroom walls, most of the student body hating and envying me, and an on-again-off-again significant other who is notorious for chasing Cougars.  I instead am actually friends with a vast majority of my academic demographic, have a good rapport with the administration, and never hear rumors about my virtue.

Yeah, the mean popular might always win, but it's the respected who are...well...respected!

@StephSebastian

you're right,

that's what gets published....

oh well....

I'm not very good at being a sheep but I will try next time, now I've posted my story and it would be too much work to change it and since I can't post another one, I'll think of a different bahh bahh sheep for next one

I agree that you get more feedback here, and it is very helpful, but a comp is a comp, its nice to win, its what they are for after all - the rest of Webook is dedicated to showing and improving your work. 

And absolutely, it's not that a love story cannot be outside the box - I think the person that mentioned love stories and being sick of them was kind of saying, at least between the lines, that he is sick of them because most are not.   Most that I have read here on these comps are (with a few exceptions) exactly the same old dribble.  Hardly groundbreaking stuff.

Edits are done based on the awesome feedback that I was given. It's the real reason why I enter these things. Winning is secondary to the help you get with writing.
I also agree with scleme. Any story can be interesting. In fact, if you can pull off a love story that is able to go above the rest, good on you. You can still ‘think outside of the box’ while still doing a love story.

Have I missed something, or has the Dear John result given us all a Dear John and we are never going to hear from it again?  It's been just about a week since it closed.

My submission "Nothing to Worry About" is also not a love story. However, I'm getting a bit tired of the "thinking outside the box" policy here. Love stories do have a bit of everything. A romance can, and often does, have a very interesting plot! Sometimes I feel like everybody is outside the box and only a few people are actually in the box! ;)
Nevertheless, I'm a firm believer that these challenges do bring out things in me that would probably never be written. This is why I enter these challenges.
Good luck everyone! ;)

Its all good prompt practice.

Thanks TheCreativeFool.   But I think as is my point, it is never too late to jump on a bandwagon.  LOL

@Steph: While I'm jumping on the bandwagon much too late, I agree with you. I am sure that two out of the three winners in this competition will be three-star love stories -- and similar ones, no doubt. I don't expect to see my entry up there, but I don't want some very deserving pieces to be tossed out the window. I do remember the... Injury Challenge? I think that's what it was. The winners were a bit meh. I don't understand. Maybe I should work for WeBook. Then I'd understand.

With that said, I just posted a piece. Death's Driving Down I-95, it's called. It's not a love story. That much, I'll tell you.

i submitted an excerpt from a novella/short story I'm currently working on.  Hope you don't mind; this project was just too perfect to turn down!!

General:
Jerry pissed off that Erica spends more time in front of the mirror getting ready for class than doing homework.

Plot:
Erica is cheating.

Character Development:
Jerry and Erica has turn the dorm-room into a play-room.  Eight months later, Jerry suspects Erica has somebody to impress.

Structure:
Jerry: You know what Erica?
Erica: What? 
Jerry: You spend more time in the mirror applying make-up than you spent all week on homework.
Erica: Not everyone can earn straight As. 
Jerry: If you spent half as much time on your homework as you do putting on make-up, you would be a genius. It's funny, I encourage you to do homework, but you would rather get high with your mom.

Tone/Voice:
Jerry is starting an argument. Jerry knows all he has to do is find the right words, and it will be on. Erica lasts up until she makes it to the front door of her class-room. Then all hell breaks loose! Erica tries to hit Jerry with her book bag, and with her effort comes a big line of snot that stretches across her face as she goes into the class-room.  Jerry walks away laughing.

Could definitely use some feedback on my contribution. For some reason I had real trouble writing this one up. Will try and do the same back to everyone who does. Thanks in advance.

Never truer words spoken.

There are 'writers' that never leave Earth.  They are the masses.  They are usually teachers.  There is a great deal that can reach the stratosphere even.  There are many who can reach the outer limits of our world, but there are only a few who can soar across the abyss of imagination.   There ARE a few of those people on WeBook.   I know who they are.  There are many wannabes but never will be here, and on every other writing site.  Wannabes that have no real business here and there, yet they dictate and rule.

True unique talent has to fight to have it appreciated.  It has to deal with not only the sheep mentality of the masses, but of their jealousy too.  The powers that be are part of the masses, part of the problem, they rarely recognise true art and talent when it smacks them in the face, and if they do?  It is ignored for fear of upsetting their masses.  Few agents will take a chance on greatness; most will go with the same old. The same old is encouraged.  That is why it is so difficult to break through - because the masses make it impossible for you to be noticed.   They bog down the system and valuable time with their mediocrity.  That is why you are underappreciated.  That is why many great artists in their own lifetimes went unappreciated.  Stay true to your heart and your art.  There are those of us who do recognise it ... need it.

@onelazy - thank you.  Interesting about the reverse justification though.  I know what you mean by that, but personally I don't think we should second guess anything about our own works when we see safe win out over them - at least those of us who know ourselves just how much we strived for originality.  But when you see safe choices win time and again, it does seem daunting.  I know personally that I will simply persevere with my own take on things, because that's what makes me different, and I sincerely believe that is better than compromising for the sake of the masses (for me).  I have almost adopted the attitude that I can't win anything (just yet) because I am so different from safe, and that makes me happy.  You should be too and not let safe make you think otherwise.  In the end, I will win out, I believe that sincerely.

LOL at Benjamin.  I think what you are saying there, and which makes my point, people do tend to choose to write about the same subject matter when they could have taken a different route, and perhaps that is what you are tired of - because largely they do choose relationships.  The preoccupation with romantic stories also suggests who the large percentage of writers on here are.   That is exactly how mediocrity in general works,  they not only wright about the same things, because that is what is important in their lives at that moment,  but is unfortunately what they want to see too.  It is an silent voice that screams and can not be heard within a crowd.  So if this point about originality can at least reach some people here, in this small forum, then I am glad I brought it up.  The parameters in these comps, including this one  (and apart perhaps from the Dear John challenge) are open to interpretation.  Most people choose safe; those who don't are rarely acknowledged by the people that should be recognising it.

I'm getting tired of challenges about love life forseriously-

My first comment comes off as a little snooty, which really was not my intention.

I understood that it was a general critique, but as it was posted here, as a direct response to a challenge prompt, I also interpreted it as a commentary on this system. BUT I was wrong! So, problem solved.

I'm not saying that originality isn't too often skipped over in favor in the status quo. I'm not saying that it isn't unfortunate and detrimental when it happens. Actually, I'd even expand the point and say that it happens too frequently even beyond the realm of writing competitions and has severely stunted some sectors of business and entrepreneurship. But that's a different story altogether. :)

However, I know that something I've been guilty of in the past (and I'm sure will be again in the future) is using it as sort of a reverse justification excuse i.e. I wasn't successful in this because I was too unique in an environment where only the safe choices are rewarded, which really wasn't a productive position for me to take.

To clarify, the above is not directed at anyone in particular. Just my two cents in what I believe is an important discussion!

Also, I think it would be funny if after all this, all the winning selections this time were like mildly varying iterations of "I'm mad at Big Ray cuz he cheeeeeated on me!" Haha.  I would totally eat my words. And they would be delicious.

Thank you all especially to Maggie, I know my English is not the best, but I was beginning to question it what with the point being led astray a couple of times.  The comment was merely made as an observation here because there is a large writing audience.  It does make me wonder though, how some might perceive my writing in general.  Do not get the point of that either?  Hmm.

I have found over the years that the suggestion of strength of voice, originality,  etc;  apply to most competition criterion but actually rarely considered, giving the impression that it is just something they say and don't mean.  I wanted to know if others felt that way, or if it was just me. 

Yes I do, and always will write what it is I feel is right for me, first and foremost, anything else would be tiresome; I do not allow that or anything else to deter my own desire for originality.  As a respected published author told me once about a large competition I entered elsewhere, where the three winning entries really could have been one and the same and of course horribly predictable  "Be glad you didn't win, because to have done so would mean you were crap."

Yes I will only strive to improve, I will never compromise my ideas, but I can still maintain and complain that It is a pity that we are asked IN GENERAL to be inventive and original.  It is not griping for griping sake.  To see amazing pieces overlooked time and again - especially on platforms like this, where the reviews on some of the excellent entries have received (in general) great reviews otherwise, is highly annoying.   What actually won once here, was an updated joke that originated in the 50s. It is very well known, yet it won!  To me, that makes a mockery of those who have been original and inventive and put their creative minds to work - spent that time - for fun or not.   It is an insult to them.  Thank you again.

I agree with Shana. The opportunity lies in improving your writing for you. As far as I'm concerned I couldn't give a monkey's toss what the judges think of my writing. The most important criteria has to be myself in my case and you in your case.

Write to please yourself and if you get good enough at it a small percentage of like minded people will follow. On Webook this may only amount to a trickle, but I am sure that none of us are writing for Webook only. There is a big world out there waiting to either embrace or hate us.

Naturally we can all benefit by the odd suggestion, but I believe the real benefits lie in trying to make an honest assessment of other's work and offer advice that is pertinent to them. In articulating those ideas your own knowledge increases.

It's amazing to me how much better one remembers these tiresome writing rules when you point them out to others. As for the judges I have only these words of wisdom. Judge not, lest ye be judged and found wanting.

Maggie, I totally get you and Steph. I don't ever expect to win any of these competitions, nor will I change my writing to fit their mode. It's all in fun.

Again, missing the point made.  No one is questioning parameters.  I'm starting to wonder if I am reading something different from everybody else.  

SS is not just talking about these comps.  He questions the criterion for originality in comps in general, in writing in general,  making mentioning only that many who have applied sucj innovation to their works here, ASKED FOR OR NOT, have not been recognised as perhaps they should have, in favour or more, lets say, predictable, entries. 

One shouldn't need to be asked to be original, but if you are not judging by that standard anyway, as is often made obvious here, then its pointless for the suggestion to be made.  That is the point.

The less said about the liar challenge the better.  It most certainly wasn't received well by participants here and most certainly not judged by the suggestion of the rules.  If you are unaware of the various outcomes of that particular comp, I encourage you to look at the outcry about it on the blog.

Ironically, your statement makes the very point brought up here; the judging was a classic disregard of not judging by the criteria set.

KILLER!!!  MUST ENTER!!!

Actually, as far as I can tell, it seems that the parameters for each competition are pretty clearly spelled out, and for the most part, the judging adheres accordingly. For example, the injury challenge asked for character insight/development, the the liar challenge asked for predominantly dialogue, etc.

While I imagine that ingenuity and originality are implicitly desirable in writing submissions, the contests very seldom have it specifically stipulated as a rubric to be assessed by. 

Art is subjective. If ranking is included, it can't be expected to be unanimous. I'm pretty new to this corner of the internet, and so far, I'm just appreciative of a place that has such useful features that stretch my storytelling and allow for community critique.

At the very least, as a reader, I always thoroughly enjoy all of the submissions, as "original" or "mundane" as they may be. Keep 'em comin', folks! :)

I think my dears, the point of SS's comments are being missed.  Of course there is some benefit to posting work in a public space such as this, it may get you more readers if you  are good enough, but what he is saying is this:- why STATE in the criteria of ANY competition, including those that are not viewed by the public, that your work should be different and original when those ingredients rarely prove to be beneficial. It is not necessary.  Why not just set the criteria that they will eventually be judged on.  I for one agree.  I judge writing across two countries, my peers are scared of originality.  I fight with them about it constantly.  I would rather have reasonably good originality than technically executed same old, same old.  If you get both, then great, but they still as SS says, fall by the wayside for the most part.

(PS Miss Americas being original?  Really?  I suppose Barbie dolls in their various costumes are too then.  But joking aside, of course every person is an individual; it is purely semantics between beauty contestants.   I think I get what you are saying there, but I really don't think it was the best analogy to draw.  Writers are far more diverse in their creativity than such pageants demand ...  but then I digress, we are not here to discuss pageants ... so lets leave that one alone shall we Maggie ...)

I think these contests are like beauty pageants, normality defines the odds. I mean, every Miss America, was an "original" individual.

Yet, (unlike a beauty contest) it is the chance to be seen writing. It is a chance to have someone notice that you do enjoy it. It's not at all about willing. I know I have put the most original thought that comes to me on paper, but I do understand that it slims my chances of winning. I'm only hoping that the people who read these entries will want to read my stories and give feedback. Is that not the reason why most of us, non-teenagers, here? To be read by the general public so that maybe we have some idea what will work and what will not when we venture into the world of publishing.

I really do like this challenge!!!

@Alexandria.  First of all lol at the sheep admission, very funny. But it still begs the question; why bother to set criterion calling for originality and creativity when mass appeal, as you suggest, will win out anyway?  Why not set the criterion as this: 

'Give us the same old crap that people can relate to because that's what they're used to.  It's just too much for them to embrace something new and innovative, you see.'

As far as my experience goes,  until someone important tells the masses to like something that goes against the grain, it is the same old crap that wins competitions (for the most part).  Originality is spouted all over the place but publishers etc, are actually scared to death of it.  Thank you OG.

IT TAKES BALLS

When you first fall in love you are blind.  It is as if you see nothing but the person you are in love with.  Your best friend can tell you he is cheating.  He is an ass.  But before you believe it to be true you would end your friendship.  You can see it yourself and you would  justify it by making excuses.  It is insane and difficult to understand how you can overlook and ignore what he right in yoru face.

Then you are out and you see him with another girl at your place.  How could he be so cruel?  What a horrible way for you to find out.  A place where all your friends hang out..  It is being rubbed in your  face and you are the last  to know.  How humiliating.  If high school is not stressful enough.  What a rotten horrible thing to do to someone.  Especially when he was with me just hours before.  It all meant nothing to him.  When he was everything to me.  But even so much in love as I was.  I turned the tables.  I always had two guys at one time.  It was no easy.  But I walked in with another in his face.  Payback is sweet.

Re: Well said, StephSebastian.

Well said.

maybe it's because it's a daily thing and very common.  People can relate to that kind of subject (the non original one) because they're all used to it and it's like reliving their pain or emotions once again through someone else and if it has a happy ending, I suppose people feel better..

I like you prefer non sheep stories but sometimes I end up being a sheep, baaahhh baahhhh

I'll see if I can give this challenge a different angle.

I've got three stories to think about at the moment so this one is last in the queue.

:)

'Wide and creative interpretation', 'So be original'.  I read that with interest.  It seems that most competitions set that criterion but entires are rarely judged by them.  It is always the same old rehashed that wins out.  I have seen many, many highly creative and original pieces, even in THESE WeBook competitions, fall by the wayside to mediocrity.