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Holiday Writing Contest 2012
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luc pfeiffer
luc pfeiffer
Red-Nosed

Dec-20-2012 17:51

HALLO AGAIN!!! :o)

We finally found Snuffles the Bloodhound and Klondike the Reindeer (he was stealing Clyde the Moose's carrots down at the Zoo). So, as promised, here we go... :o)

The Directors of Wish On A Star have held a holiday writing contest for several years. And while we're starting this just a wee bit late (sorry bout that, folks), we got together and decided, why not, we'll put this up and see if we get any bites. This year's offering includes some traditional requirements, like entries should not exceed the length of 3 posts; and some new hurdles, like the ones below. So...here goes!! ;o)

We would like you to have your stories set, at least in part, in New York City, and in the time period of 1920 to 1945 or so (i.e.--the Noir Era). We want you to set your stories up to be about a holiday between November 20 and January 20; however; we don't care which Holiday you choose. (Yes, even Druids qualify.) Naming the Holiday is not sufficient; the authour should include what the character(s) do to honor that particular festive occasion in their story. Does the story have to be a mystery? Nope. It can be, but it can be a comedy, a drama, a role-play, whatever you want.

We want you to include one Townsperson or other major NY character (Big Lucy or her staff, a Faction Head, Ella May Viddel, Cabaret Singer, Marcus Cairn, Head Librarian, etc.) in your story. You need to do more than just list the person's name and job; we want you to describe the character, develop what personality traits you think this person has, and include this person, even if only in a minor role, in your story.

Final part of the boring stuff: We would like you to include a theme of music in your story. We want authors at least to allude to one piece of music in the entry. But!! Naming a song just won't cut it. We want you to describe the music in some way and incorporate it into your story in a meaningful way. All music must be written/published/copyrighted BEFORE 1945.

Replies

CrabApple
CrabApple
Old Shoe

Jan-7-2013 20:26

Do you see what I am leading to? We need each other. If you feed me, I will turn you. You will no longer be amongst the living. You will have the strength to seek out your enemy and end this debt. If not revenge, your death ends your father’s debt.”

I face the darkness. It had said the magic words. Though bound, I throw myself into the direction of the voice. It moves to position it’s mouth over my neck. The darkness consumes me as I died for the Brotherhood.

.....
From the depths of earth I rose. I am a child of the night and of God. If God did not want it this way, he would have damned me to hell. As I had whispered to him as the dirt was shoveled onto me... “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I shall die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.” God has given me his praise to walk on this world and bring justice to those who run from it. He has given me another chance as he had given my father, and with my deep gratitude I will do my best. This I convince myself is true.

After my creator fed and was about to turn me, the steps of the Triad descended the stairs. My creator said very little about the matter, he feigned weakness. As the members approached the cell, he broke free of his bindings and clawed the unfortunate messenger boy. He broke me free of my bindings and buried me in a place I whispered to him. I was behind the The Mother of Innocence Cathedral. The Vampiric Crypt wants nothing to do with Christianity. Though they adopt me as their own unconditionally, they think that I am enchanted with grandeurs of the faith. The vampires and my creator are wary of my faith and loyalty. I am but a one woman cause. I know there is someone that would have my back.

The candles glow down the hall as Father Chen settled the meeting with the Brotherhood and closes his doors. In my entrance I had accidentally blown out the flames with my speed. Father Chen whipped his head to the left. “Is there someone there?”

CrabApple
CrabApple
Old Shoe

Jan-7-2013 20:27

“It is I, Father Chen.” I whisper. Father produces a single flicker with his lighter, which too went out when he drops it soon after. “Stand back, demon! He hurriedly fumbles for the sign of the Holy Father on his neck. In one swoop I appear behind him, startling him to drop the cross. “Father Chen, you need not fear me.” My voice lingers in the darkness.

He drops to his knees, cries and prays for the lord’s protection. “Father..father..” I ty to soothe him without ever touching him. “Holy Father, is this a sign!” he echos. “Have I not done what you have told?” he sobs. Finally, I could not handle it anymore. My patience could last an eternity now, and his cries stretched on that time. I place a hand on his shoulder. The familiar church robe material against my cold fingers. Father Chen hushes his sobs in fright, a man that I once knew as fearless warrior of Christ. “caelitus mihi vires” I murmur in my rusty Latin.

“My strength is from heaven.” He translates to English. “This is a gift from heaven, Father Chen.” “How can THIS possibly be a gift?! This is a curse on you from the darkest corners of hell!” he screams with no regard to where we presently stand.

“If Holy Father did not want me as his child, surely I would have gone as punishment.” Silence. “The Eastern Triads attempted to make me their own. Their men marked me. My loyalty lay with the Dies Arcanum Brotherhood.” Nothing.

“The Eastern Triads want to come to New York, Father. “
“…”

“I wish to take care of these matters. My loyalty is deep. I would have rather been dead than to become their messenger. So, I chose that path.”

I hear his hands feel for something on the tiles. I hear his hand brush on the cross, I hold my breath and was ready to move until I hear his hand lift from that and his hand on a metal lighter.

He struggles to get a light, when he carries a flicker he held the light between us. My cold eyes stare into his frightened eyes. I turn and drop the drape that I am

CrabApple
CrabApple
Old Shoe

Jan-7-2013 20:28

wrapped in. Even in death the mark of the Triads followed me into my next life.

“My child…my child.” He cried. He drops the light once more and this time, stood up and embraced me. I think back to when I was a child. Tiffany holding me in her arms as she told me about my past. Father Chen did not need to say another word. I understand what is going through his mind this moment. The transition from the desire to stake me to his tight embrace tells me all I need to know.

“How do I…we…know that we can trust you?” Father Chen whispers as he separates our embrace.

“You do not. I died to protect our mission. There is no ulterior motive, Father.”

Father Chen is reluctant to trust me, as is the Vampiric Crypt. I try to keep both sides happy. Tonight I hear carolers walking from house to house. Last night they chose Jingle Bells, tonight they choose On the First day of Christmas. I sing outside of the church. “I am dreaming of a white Christmas…” my voice echoes eerily as I swoop in on my prey. “Just like the ones I used to know….” My bite sinks through layers of skin. I sloppily drain my victim. As I look up as I fed, the white sprinkles drifting onto a blanket of snow. Drops of blood trickle onto the snow. The warm blood looks so natural and beautiful against the pure white. How beautiful is the world that God put me in. Ah…now I’ll be thinking of a different kind of Christmas. Yes...I change my tune. “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…a Triad in a pear tree..”

CrabApple
CrabApple
Old Shoe

Jan-7-2013 20:29

Disclaimer(s):
I am not Christian.
This was written for phone.
Look VS, there is blood in my story ;).

Vampiric Smile
Vampiric Smile
Safety Officer

Jan-7-2013 22:08

Hehehe

I am really good in choosing the right people for the Crypt!

It is obvious that the Dragon under your skin is now alive. You are transformed into a pure Dragonian flame my dear…enjoy it!

Just a small clarification. There is absolutely no contradiction between the Crypt and Dies Arcanum Brotherhood. Actually philosophically we are extremely close. You see ….the majority of the Bishops that are top in the hierarchy of the brotherhood do actually believe that OUR WAY is the only secure way to eternal life!


CrabApple
CrabApple
Old Shoe

Jan-7-2013 23:46

Phone?!?! I must be tired, I mean fun.

Breitkat
Breitkat
Pinball Amateur

Jan-8-2013 14:01

*Chuckle.*

Our many, MANY thanks to everyone who posted an entry for this little contest of ours. Without them, we'd just be posting a bunch of hot air in Big Lucy's Cabaret and the Stage in a couple of days. Yippers.... ;-D

So, while you guys go on with your phone fun (pun intended there, yeah, I know I'm terrible, ;-), and other discussions, we'll get going on judging. We should have a listing of the judges for you within the next day. Results hopefully by Thursday or Friday. So. Everybody hold yer breath til then, and GOOD LUCK to all our entrants!!

And again...

THANK YOU!! ;-D

Breit and Wish On a Star

Breitkat
Breitkat
Pinball Amateur

Jan-10-2013 17:21

Okay, here's the panel of judges I promised.... ;-)

In addition to the current members of Wish On a Star, we have two Guest Judges who have very graciously agreed to help us out with judging.

The first is a multi-talented Random and Scripted Mystery writer. She's written stories for Cairo, Shanghai, and the Sleuthetania. When the Powers that Be have idea problems, invariably, one of the first people they turn to is her. Please welcome...

Rosamund Clifford!! ;-D ;-D ;-D

Our second judge is an incredibly talented role-playing, fantasy, and mystery writer. She's an original creator of the Stage, when it was a privately run alliance between about eight different Agencies. She's recently returned to Sleuth after a sabbatical. She's one of the most gifted writers I've ever known. Please welcome...

Della Devine!! ;-D ;-D ;-D

We should have a final tally on scores, and be able to let you know everyone's placements within the next day or so. Thank you all for your patience!! ;-)

Have a good day, and thank you!!
Breit

Vampiric Smile
Vampiric Smile
Safety Officer

Jan-15-2013 22:25

Any news my dear Breit?

Breitkat
Breitkat
Pinball Amateur

Jan-16-2013 01:47

We're waiting to hear from one judge. Hopefully by later on today. ;-)

Thanks so much for waiting. I know it's been a while. You guys are great!! ;-D

Breit

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