Cool looks like a deserving winner. I would be all up for a sort of short story collective among members here where people can share ideas and give creative feedback on each others work.
Stephen King Short Story Competition in the Guardian.
- Thread starter Matteob
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Here is the story that I entered if you would like to check it out. (just had to edit to take all the personal info out!)
Dropbox - The Preacher.docx
Dropbox - The Preacher.docx
Hm...hm...well, I have to say I didn't think the winning entry was that good, if I'm honest.
It was a nice idea, right enough, but I didn't think she managed to pull the execution off as well as she might.
It wasn't awful, it just seemed like more of a good idea gone rather to waste, possibly due to a lack of confidence in the story on behalf of the writer (I thought it started well enough, but seemed to suffer from 'Oh, God, am I being clear? Will they get it?'-itis from the middle onwards.
But then it could easily have been strongest story from those selected to be passed on to Stephen in his opinion, when stories he might have liked better got filtered by those who read before.
(And no, it's not sour grapes, because I didn't submit an entry.
)
It was a nice idea, right enough, but I didn't think she managed to pull the execution off as well as she might.
Too many little things didn't read like a 'legit' email, for example.
But then it could easily have been strongest story from those selected to be passed on to Stephen in his opinion, when stories he might have liked better got filtered by those who read before.
(And no, it's not sour grapes, because I didn't submit an entry.
)
I guess like anything it is subjective. I think they probably liked the new take on things (the format of emails etc). I am pretty traditional myself. I just like good solid storytelling rather than experimental fiction.
Good news for the winner of the contest!
Harper's Bazaar of Bad Dreams to Mulholland | The Bookseller
Harper's Bazaar of Bad Dreams to Mulholland | The Bookseller
The premise for the book sounds interesting, but going solely on the evidence of the short story I wouldn't have gone as far as to say she was exceptionally talented. But then she comes from the 'correct' background so it's backs patted all round.
Juliet Mushens is a bit more of a genuine superstar though, isn't she?
Juliet Mushens is a bit more of a genuine superstar though, isn't she?
Her story was ok but I won't be buying the book as I did not really like the style. I also feel that the awarding of the competition to a professional writer/ tv journalist was a little counter to the spirit of things. I would have liked to see a true amateur writer get recognized.
Anyway back to fora where one can test receptions. I think Devientart is good for horror and fantasy.
Anyway back to fora where one can test receptions. I think Devientart is good for horror and fantasy.
Well,
And so...
(Not that she can't have that background and still be an excellent writer. She just isn't an excellent writer - or even a very good one IMO. But anyway, since I live in a glass house, I'd better put the stones away now.)
Ms Harper's mother is/was an actress (she was even in Thunderball), and apparently went to a private school where she rubbed shoulders with other, now-established media types, so she and/or her family aren't without connections.
And so...
(Not that she can't have that background and still be an excellent writer. She just isn't an excellent writer - or even a very good one IMO. But anyway, since I live in a glass house, I'd better put the stones away now.
)
