Star Wars Fanon:Short Story Contest/Summer 2011

Well folks, it is time once again for the third annual (if not entirely consistent with scheduling) Star Wars Fanon Short Story Contest! Hosted by yours truly, the contest hopefully will spark more interest in fan fiction writing and possibly get more stories to featured work status. So, without further ado, get out a pen and paper (that's the archaic form of a word processing program for you younguns out there) and let's get this show on the road!

Rules
Yes, rules. They're short and easy to follow, though. If you have any questions, though, don't hesitate to ask!
 * Length: Entries must be between 2,500 and 26,000 words. This allows for the possibility of shorter short stories, as well as decent-sized novellas. However, the novellas must not be longer than 26,000 words. Just remember, though, quantity does not necessarily dictate quality, so there is no need to pad your story just to make it longer than it needs to be. There are plenty of great shorter stories and plenty of awful longer stories out there that prove this (I rest my case). Additionally, only complete stories will be accepted, meaning that stories that are not yet finished are not eligible for this contest.
 * Nominations: You can nominate your own story. You can also nominate other users' stories. You cannot, however, vote for your own story once voting begins. If you nominate another user's story and they want it taken down, that is their right to do so. Additionally, if you wish to withdraw your own nomination or story, you may do so.
 * Past nominees: Past nominees that did not win can be nominated in their corresponding categories.
 * Past winners: Past winners from previous contests may be renominated in the "Best of the Past" category.
 * Multiple entries: You can nominate as many stories you want for as many categories you want. If you nominate a story in a category that it does not belong in, it will be moved by the contest's host (yours truly) to the appropriate category.
 * Content: All stories must comply with the content policy. Stories that do not will be removed and an administrator will review the story.
 * Medium: Only textual narratives will be accepted, so no comics, photonovels, videos, video games, etc. Narrative texts can be in article sub-page form ( Story's name/Chapter 1, per the Manual of Style), .PDF file form, etc. Stories must be hosted on Star Wars Fanon (no external linking).
 * Voting: Once voting begins, you may only vote once per category. You may not vote for your own story. You can, however, vote for your own nomination, provided that you are not the author of the nominee. All relevant matters of the voting policy apply.
 * Ties: In the event of a tie, there will be an additional tie-breaker voting session and the nominations will be deferred to the Seers and Archivists for a final verdict.

Prizes
Like the last contest, special userboxes and talk page templates will be created so you can show off how super duper awesome you are to all of your friends!!! (Three exclamation points mean it's even more awesome!)

Additionally, if an Archivist reads your work and enjoys it, there is always the possibility that they might nominate it for featured work status (or convince you to do so, if you have not already by the time you nominate it for this contest). Yet another stroke for your ego, and we all enjoy a good ego-stroking!

Schedule
The nomination period will last from 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time on July 10th to August 21st, giving you just over six (6) weeks to write your story (if you have not already written one). At the end of the nomination process, the host (with input from the Archivists) will decide whether a category with less than three (3) nominees will remain or be merged with another category. Categories with only one nominee will be automatically merged with the most applicable category. There will be no winning by default.

Voting will run from 12am Eastern Standard Time on August 22st to 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time on September 11th. At that point, the voting will be closed and the stories with the most votes in each category will be declared the winners. Good luck to all nominees!

Nominations
'''This section is now closed. New nominations are NOT being accepted.'''

Voting
A really rapid rules refresher: Quite a nice turnout this year. Good luck! May the Force be with you and the mists show you the way, whatever you prefer.  Trak Nar  Ramble on 04:33, August 23, 2011 (UTC)
 * 1) No new nominations will be accepted.
 * 2) You may only vote once per category.
 * 3) You may not vote for your own story. This means that if you are listed as an author, you cannot vote for that story. You can, however, vote for your own nomination, so long as you are not the author of the nominee.
 * 4) All relevant matters of the voting policy apply.
 * 5) Voting will last until 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time on September 11th.

The Passing, by Fiolli

 * 1) All the short stories this year were great, which made this decision hard. I feel like this one was the best overall. -Bluethunder Contact 01:52, September 10, 2011 (UTC)

A New Course by Atarumaster88

 * 1) A New Course is one a the best pieces of fan-fiction I have ever read. It had the quality that a short story by a well known published author might have. It has great character development, description, and all around great writing. But it doesn't end there. It has an action packed, dramatic, story. The suspense was perfectly done, the plot twisted and turned at the right moments, and the cameo at the end was a nice touch. All of the short stories this year were good, but A New Course stands out to me above them all. Thank you Ataru, for this story. (Sorry about the rant ).  Savage  1138  19:52, September 11, 2011 (UTC)

Jaq In His Box, by Goodwood

 * 1) I couldn't decide between this and Master and Exile. They are both equally awesome. -Bluethunder Contact 01:30, September 8, 2011 (UTC)

Master and Exile, by Dalton Wylind

 * Meh, both this and Jaq were pretty good at keeping to the character's personalities, but I personally hate Atton with a passion so my vote goes to Wylind.-- Josh Bender щ(ﾟДﾟщ) 17:44, September 6, 2011 (UTC)

Freedom by Sakaros

 * 1) A really good read. Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 04:41, September 9, 2011 (UTC)

Wounded, by Tesh Vohore

 * 1) Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 00:24, September 12, 2011 (UTC)

A New Course by Atarumaster88

 * 1) -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 18:24, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) Not a whole lot to choose from with only three entries, this one is superior to the rest.- I'm the Chosen One  21:53, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 3) Although the other two were good stories, this one is far and away the best. The action, drama, character development, description, and suspense all add up to make this an incredible read.  Savage  1138  16:06, August 28, 2011 (UTC)
 * 4) &mdash; Fiolli  01:47, September 7, 2011 (UTC)

From Heaven to Hell by TK-999

 * 1) This category was a really tough choice. The Devil You Know was really close. In the end, I just enjoyed this one a little bit more.  Savage  1138  20:19, August 31, 2011 (UTC)

Rookie Blues by Bluethunder213

 * 1) Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 17:18, September 6, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) This was the one story that BT didn't have me proofread and I have to say "darn you because this was my favorite story that you wrote."*shakes fist*-- Josh Bender щ(ﾟДﾟщ) 05:57, September 9, 2011 (UTC)

Blaze of Glory by Atarumaster88

 * 1) -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 18:22, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) Gosh, I hate always having to vote for his stuff, but he writes some pretty good stories.- I'm the Chosen One  21:53, August 27, 2011 (UTC)

The Suppression, by Fiolli

 * 1) Under the radar underdog, he deserves the recognition for his good storytelling.- I'm the Chosen One  21:53, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) -- Josh Bender щ(ﾟДﾟщ) 01:48, September 10, 2011 (UTC)

Nom de Guerre by Goodwood and Trak Nar

 * 1) The Suppression was another close contender for this, but it wasn't sufficiently an action story in the same way this one was. Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 17:17, September 6, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) &mdash; Fiolli  01:48, September 7, 2011 (UTC)
 * 3) I agree with Ataru. The Suppression, while good, didn't seem like an action story. Out of all of these, this one seemed like one with the best action and the best story. Goodwood really knows how to write.  Savage  1138  14:24, September 10, 2011 (UTC)

Blaze of Glory by Atarumaster88

 * 1) Goodwood and Trak's story was better technical-wise and was very descriptive, but in the end Ataru's story just took the cake. -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 18:21, August 27, 2011 (UTC)

Jaq In His Box, by Goodwood

 * 1) I was greatly impressed with this category as a whole. From Heaven to Hell, Freedom, The Passing, Wounded, all of the stories in this category were good dramas. Even though I usually vote for the underdogs, in the end I feel this one gives, and takes, a little bit more than the others did. Good job to all, and to you, Goodwood.  Savage  1138  13:47, August 28, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) Open-ended emotional struggling, a 180° in allegiance&hellip; what more? 13:59, August 28, 2011 (UTC)
 * 3) Good stuff, Major.  Seb  olto  01:48, September 2, 2011 (UTC)

The Passing, by Fiolli

 * 1) Out of all of these, this was the best combination of gripping drama and technical writing capability. Hats off to Fiolli for a job well done. Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 20:42, August 31, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) This was a hard choice, but this was very well done. -Bluethunder Contact 00:24, September 8, 2011 (UTC)
 * 3) Fiolli's work is very good.-- Josh Bender щ(ﾟДﾟщ) 01:01, September 8, 2011 (UTC)

Freedom by Sakaros

 * 1) Out of leftfield, Sakaros wrote an impressive short story that just might be the best of the bunch. Love to vote for the little known guy too.- I'm the Chosen One  21:53, August 27, 2011 (UTC)

Rookie Blues by Bluethunder213

 * 1) Trak's work was a very close second, but I think this one provoked more of a mystery feel. Good job, BT. -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 18:14, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) I agree with Wylind. While The Devil You Know was very well written and had a great story, this one had just a bit more of the mystery feel. It was a tough choice, but well done Bluethunder.  Savage  1138  21:22, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 3) The sequel of BoB, while decent, was nowhere as good as the original. The award should good to this one.- I'm the Chosen One  21:53, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 4) I'm in agreement with SavageOpress and Wylind in that The Devil You Know, while well-done, didn't seem to belong as much in the mystery category. While Rookie Blues has room for improvement, it gets my vote based on the three nominations. Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 19:57, August 31, 2011 (UTC)

Rakata, by Solus

 * 1) A great emotional distilment. 18:14, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) The ending will blow your mind. - Brandon Rhea (talk)  22:50, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 3) *XD I saw it coming. The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  20:37, August 31, 2011 (UTC)
 * 4) This is a hard choice, but I have to agree with Brandon. Mind blowing will occur upon first read. -Bluethunder Contact 23:26, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 5) Voting from a "I've read all these already" stance, Rakata is the one story that is not that interesting on subsequent read-throughs. But from a "First time reader" stance it is amazing.-- Josh Bender щ(ﾟДﾟщ) 18:22, August 28, 2011 (UTC)
 * 6) Nothing else evokes the same creepy chill down my spine out of all these stories like Rakata does. Superb from a narrative and technical level. Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 22:34, August 29, 2011 (UTC)
 * 7) First piece of fanon I ever read here. Good stuff.  Seb  olto  01:49, September 2, 2011 (UTC)
 * 8) &mdash; Fiolli  01:45, September 7, 2011 (UTC)

River, by MPK

 * 1) Still one of my favorites. -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 18:12, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) Splitting hairs on this one, but I have to vote for River since I voted for it above these other stories before. This one is above The Tragedy because of past voting.- I'm the Chosen One  21:53, August 27, 2011 (UTC)

Through Her Eyes, by Atarumaster88

 * 1) It was between this and Iron Maiden, but this was superior. Therefore, I support my own nomination by voting here. PS: Sorry it was unsigned earlier. I had reformatted my computer and had not realized it had logged me off. The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  21:36, August 23, 2011 (UTC)
 * 2) *Way to spoil it, dip****.  22:29, August 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * XD "No man can see past the end of his nose."

- Mary Poppins . I NEVER think ahead XD.

Discussion
Please be sure to keep the conversation civil! And for the record, no, I'm not adding in a "hurt/comfort" category.  Trak Nar  Ramble on 04:57, July 6, 2011 (UTC)

I want to nominate the story Through Her Eyes by User:Atarumaster88. However, as it won last year, IDK if I can do it. Could it go into a different category?Gnost-Dural | Hands off the holocrons, THEY'RE MINE!! 13:29, July 11, 2011 (UTC)

Imma try my hand at this. Any ideas for subject matter?  Seb  olto  19:34, July 11, 2011 (UTC)
 * NOOO!!! I'm too bogged down writing in the Dawnbreaker project to write a short story! Blast, I'll have to wait 'till next year... AK2.png Ty294 AK1.png (Talk) 18:46, July 11, 2011 (UTC)
 * Same here. Looks like this is where I announce my first project that's actually going to get done haha (don't count on it, though). A new, three-part series called Trials, which is currently following three young male padawans during the New Jedi Order. It will document their passage of the Jedi trials. If anyone has any suggestions (and I do mean any suggestions) contact me ASAP.Gnost-Dural | Hands off the holocrons, THEY'RE MINE!! 10:42, July 12, 2011 (UTC)
 * Mysteries are my favorite. Comedy's good too, as long as it's clean. Have any suggestions for my story (see above)? Respond on my talk page.Gnost-Dural | Hands off the holocrons, THEY'RE MINE!! 12:03, July 12, 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm disappointed that the rules for this contest were unchanged from the last contest based on the results of that and the epic lulz that was the 6WA. It doesn't reflect well on the community or the organizers. There are some practices and loopholes that I consider unhealthy for the overall health of the competition which are quite apparent in the rules for this contest to my jaundiced eye. My only debate is to what extent should I exploit them. Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 21:08, July 11, 2011 (UTC)
 * If Trak is to fix those loopholes, it would be helpful if you pointed them out to her rather than what you just said. - Brandon Rhea Alliance Starbird.svg (talk) 21:25, July 11, 2011 (UTC)
 * Fixed. I just killed off that part of the rules entirely.  I found it to be confusing anyway.  Trak Nar  Ramble on 02:58, July 12, 2011 (UTC)
 * We talked it over in IRC and all is well. Holes plugged. :) Atarumaster88  Jedi_Order.svg ( Talk page ) 04:13, July 12, 2011 (UTC)

I find the "Past winners" rule to be utterly nonsense. Winners from two years ago are fine, but winners from this past year are not? That's just bonkers. -- D.W. (talk)(Glorior) 20:00, July 12, 2011 (UTC)
 * Gives us a chance for new winners to appear. We do the same thing with the Wiki Awards.-- Josh Bender щ(ﾟДﾟщ) 20:12, July 12, 2011 (UTC)
 * That's the part I agree with. The part I disagree with is letting winners from two years ago return. -- D.W. (talk)(Glorior) 20:53, July 12, 2011 (UTC)
 * I guess that's where the honor system would come into play. If it seems unfair to nominate a past winner, then simply don't do so.  The reason that portion was nixed was due to a discussion that pretty much said that this year, we may have jax schlitz when it comes to a decent selection of nominees.  Simply put, the active writers on here are usually the same group of users.  I'm hoping that with my shoving the link to the contest in my sig on TFN that it'll draw some interest, but like last year and the year before, the entrants will no doubt be by the same group of users.  And thus, if that group of users weren't very productive in terms of cranking out works this year, the variety of entrants will be low.  I only intend to nominate perhaps two things (BiB is not one of them and never will be again.  It had its moment, it's done.) this year, which compared to the perhaps one or two things that perhaps the same four or five users will nominate, it isn't much.  Trak Nar  Ramble on 05:35, July 13, 2011 (UTC)
 * Well, instead of allowing winners, we allow past nominees that didn't win. If I recall, there were a few that could have won, but didn't. That way it isn't cheating this years entries, but also giving the old ones a chance. It is pretty unfair to allow winners back in. Another option is to make an entirely separate category, ala Wiki Awards, specifically for the past winners. That would allow the best of the best to go at it for top dog as Best Past Winner story. Just saying.- I'm the Chosen One You must see it... 05:55, July 13, 2011 (UTC)
 * I actually like that idea. -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 06:13, July 13, 2011 (UTC)
 * Adding that in, then. Though, if I get the third degree on IRC for it, I'll point the accuser to you guys. =P  Trak Nar  Ramble on 06:31, July 13, 2011 (UTC)
 * I won't fail you, I'm not afraid (of them)!- I'm the Chosen One You must see it... 06:33, July 13, 2011 (UTC)
 * You will be. You. Will. Be. - Brandon Rhea Alliance Starbird.svg (talk) 15:53, July 13, 2011 (UTC)

I would like to nominate "Shadows of Coruscant" by user barrissoffeefan. I am currently writing and posting it! It will be finished by August.-User: barrissoffeefan


 * Cool, looking forward to seeing it here and reading it! - I'm the Chosen One You must see it... 22:19, July 13, 2011 (UTC)

How about a "Worst" category? I think that my hastily thrown together attempt at comedy whose only redeeming value is the laughable absurdity would fit quite nicely.Gnost-Dural | Hands off the holocrons, THEY'RE MINE!! 23:36, July 13, 2011 (UTC) Category:Star Wars Fanon:Short Story Contest


 * Absolutely not, that's not what we're here for. - Brandon Rhea Alliance Starbird.svg (talk) 23:39, July 13, 2011 (UTC)
 * As much as it pains me to agree with Rhea and all that jazz, he is right. We aren't here to belittle, demean or attack another user's work and I suggest you erase that link completely as it is embarrassing to the author.- I'm the Chosen One You must see it... 23:51, July 13, 2011 (UTC)
 * -Darth Sidious reference- I am the author.Gnost-Dural | Hands off the holocrons, THEY'RE MINE!! 00:39, July 14, 2011 (UTC)
 * Should have figure lol. Anyway, yeah, this isn't a good idea since it would probably offend people.- I'm the Chosen One You must see it... 00:49, July 14, 2011 (UTC)
 * I know we won't do it, but if we did, I'd be fine with it as long as nominees were from the author themselves, that way we knew they thought it was bad. I've got a story that I'd nominate. -- Josh Bender щ(ﾟДﾟщ) 01:16, July 14, 2011 (UTC)
 * You may have something there. Only have the AUTHOR nominate them. Sort of like ignore the log in your brother's eye and pay attention to the forest in your own.Gnost-Dural | Hands off the holocrons, THEY'RE MINE!! 11:38, July 14, 2011 (UTC)
 * I don't think such a category is needed. Like ITCO said, we aren't here to belittle, demean or attack other people's work - all three of those are my job. -<font color="#990000">MPK, <font color="#990000">Free Man  13:18, July 14, 2011 (UTC)
 * Like Bender and I said, it wouldn't be for the belittlement of others. Only the authors could nominate. And I think I have a good chance of winning lol.Gnost-Dural | Hands off the holocrons, THEY'RE MINE!! 11:45, July 15, 2011 (UTC)

Perhaps the deadline for nominations should be extended a week or two? -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 04:36, July 18, 2011 (UTC)
 * There's still five weeks in the nominating period. Why are you suggesting an extension already? - <font color="#1A2BBB">Brandon Rhea Alliance Starbird.svg <font color="#1A2BBB">(talk) 04:49, July 18, 2011 (UTC)
 * Misread it as July instead of August. I don't know, I'm tired. -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 05:18, July 18, 2011 (UTC)

Did I read that correctly? Between two-thousand-five-hundred words and twenty-six-thousand words? Or is it a typographical error and actualy two-thousand-six-hundred words? The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  00:59, July 24, 2011 (UTC)


 * The way it is written in the rules is correct. -- Wylind (talk)(narratives) 01:02, July 24, 2011 (UTC)

Come on, people, let's see some more mysteries! I'm writing one of my own but I wanna read what YOU guys come up with! Mysteries ROCK!!! Let's go, go, go! Get that pencil (or keyboard, in my case) worn down to a nub! Burn that midnight oil! Get your Sherlock Holmes cap and magnifying glass! lol. And speaking of lol... Comedy Glee Club, right here! Write comedies! The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  22:46, July 25, 2011 (UTC) I know, I'm a terrible writer, but I thought "What the heck? It might be fun." The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  16:54, July 27, 2011 (UTC)
 * No, that is right. 26,000 words is not even twenty pages. It is less than you think. 2500 hundred words is like two pages.- I'm the Chosen One  01:03, July 24, 2011 (UTC)
 * Oh, I'm not complaining. In fact, Im rejoicing! I'm well past three thousand words and wanted to verify I'm still within the assigned parameters. The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  01:13, July 24, 2011 (UTC)
 * Give it time. Hopefully we'll get a flood of entries by the deadline.  However, if there is a need for it, I'm willing to extend the nominations period.  Trak Nar  Ramble on 04:21, July 26, 2011 (UTC)

-walks in carrying sign that says "DURAL HAZ COOKEHS!"- Need I say more? XD The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  18:51, August 27, 2011 (UTC) lol told you. No votes. Oh, well, better luck next year. And a sneak peek at a title I'm looking at: Tales of Mortis: Birth of a Legend.
 * How would one go about bribing voters? Would cookies be acceptable currency? 'cause I have about as much chance of winning anything as a tauntaun has of living on tatoooine and liking it. The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  01:23, July 30, 2011 (UTC)
 * Why? Yours is not bad. It is adequately long and interesting, plus its wording is also good. See, I only nominated a ~2,600-word story! 09:04, July 30, 2011 (UTC)
 * Not bad, adequately long, and interesting with good wording isn't exactly the problem. The problem is the devil you know. Hm, how about that? That actually makes sense there... lol. As for winning... Tauntaun time lol. But I thank you for the compliment. Now, who would like a cookie, and what kind do you want? The Wise One.  The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.  18:24, August 1, 2011 (UTC)

Oh, would you look at that, the contest was supposed to end on the 5th.-- Josh Bender щ(ﾟДﾟщ) 01:50, September 10, 2011 (UTC)
 * Trak changed it to September 11th. I've updated the part that said September 5th to reflect that. - <font color="#1A2BBB">Brandon Rhea <font color="#1A2BBB">(talk)  02:22, September 10, 2011 (UTC)

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