Tevun-Krus #32 - AtomPunk

@LayethTheSmackDown

Some of you may be aware - and if you weren't before then you definitely are now - that we here at Ooorah now have a sister account going by the moniker, LayethTheSmackDown, and it's from that new account that all of our Wattpad-famous Science Fiction Short Story SmackDowns will now be hosted.

Short Story Smackdowns originated in 'The Pub,' a few years ago. I actually entered the first one and I'm sorry to say that I was actually eliminated in the first round. That contest wasn't specifically for Sci-Fi though of course, you can bet your arse that's what I wrote!

It was shortly thereafter that during a conversation with PlanetaryFlex (who went by Narivah at the time) came up with the idea of creating a dedicated Science Fiction account (long before the creation of ScienceFiction) and thus, ForbiddenPlanet was born. 'Course we've changed our name since then!

So now we have two separate accounts; Ooorah, from which Tevun-Krus will run exclusively and LayethTheSmackDown running purely as a contest-orientated account.

And that's what this wee segment is all about, promoting LayethTheSmackDown so that with any luck, once you've read what we've got to say - assuming, of course, that you do read this page - you'll know what LayethTheSmackDown and SmackDowns in general, are all about!

I asked a few of those taking part in the ongoing SmackDown: The Second Coming, be it as competitor or judge, to answer a handful of SmackDown related questions, so let's see what they had to say!

First up, MadMikeMarsbergen

1 - As a Wattpadder who, up until the creation of the new LayethTheSmackDown profile and the ongoing SmackDown: The Second Coming, what do SmackDowns mean to you?

To me, SmackDowns mean putting your nuts on the line for a cause worth fighting for—namely, proving that you're the very best, like no one ever was, to win them is my real test, to train them is my cause— Uh, I mean, SmackDowns are a fun way to test your mettle. It's like those high-school creative writing classes on steroids, since if you die in the story, you die in real life, or something like that.

2 - Though you've never entered an Ooorah SmackDown before I suspect you know a little about them. Is there a particular aspect of the contest you're most looking forward to?

I'm most looking forward to cramming various prompts into my stories. For the serious stories, I'll aim for seamless insertions, but don't be surprised if it appears as though I had a bit too much fun with things for my more comedic entries.

3 - And how about anything you're dreading?

Being judged harshly. I like living in a bubble. Although I guess bubbles do pop, so maybe I should live in an indestructible metal box. Losing doesn't sound too fun, but I suppose there's always Pot 2 (and maybe Pot 3).

4 - How do you plan to celebrate your victory, should you win the (currently) upcoming SmackDown: The Second Coming?

Call my dealer up and shout into the phone, "We've hit the big leagues now, boy!" And then we'll hit the country on a one-week bender of sex, drugs and blasphemy. I'm talking racing across Canada with an eight-ball of coke jammed up our butts, foregoing food and taking in our essential nutrients through a tube embedded in our veins, drip-fed to us half-and-half with a quarter-pound of the finest China white that SmackDown winnings can buy. Tune your TVs and radios to your favourite news channel, people, 'cause you're gonna be seeing a lot of me and Curlycue O'Laugherty as we blaspheme with the best of them. No one is safe from us—not the Catholics, not the Mormons, not even the Church of Scientology. That's right. Not even them. If I don't come back from this madness, give my love to Olive Goodwin.

No, but seriously: Shake the excitement out, pat my cats and get to work on my next story, or continue reading whatever book I happen to be reading at the time. Oh, and declare my undying love for Olive Goodwin.

Now, elveloy

1 - As a Wattpadder who has not only competed in but won, on more than one occasion, a SmackDown run by , what do SmackDowns mean to you?

A great opportunity to try some genres that I never previously considered, in fact, some – like Classics vs Trashics – I'd never hear of before. I've also found them a good way to beat writer's block because they give you a clear starting point and a deadline! At least you're writing something, even if it's not the next War and Peace. Smackdowns also provide a good opportunity to discover new writers and have your own work read by new people. Plus they are simply a lot of fun!

2 - Of all the different round formats you've experienced in SmackDowns, which has been your favourite and why?

This is a hard one! I do like the pictures, but I also like the quotes because they are often a challenge to fit them seamlessly into my story. For a specific example, I loved the short text prompt used in the final round of SFSD 7 which resulted in Star Clash, one of my favourites.

3 - And how about your least favourite?

Possibly songs – especially given AngusEcrivain's taste in music, lol. They can be tricky, but really, the different formats are all good. Sometimes I've found the prompts which seemed the hardest at first glance, have resulted in the most imaginative ideas.

4 - How do you plan to celebrate your victory, should you win the ongoing SmackDown: The Second Coming?

A bottle of champagne – well, sparkling wine to be precise – and a happy dance involving all four walls, the ceiling, and the floor of our back room. (Followed quite possibly by a trip to the chiropractor...)

Finally, our reigning SmackDown champion and a judge this time 'round, krazydiamond

1 - As the reigning SmackDown champion, how does the fact that 'real life,' has got in the way and prevented you from defending your title in SmackDown: The Second Coming?

Real life might have become a little hectic of late, but I am ready to rock the judging podium. *dons reading pants* And I might not be writing this time around, but there is always the next smackdown *squints*

2 - Though you're not competing this time 'round you are, indeed, top of the judging pile. Is there any particular aspect of judging what is certain, if the list of entrants is anything to go by, a fiercely fought contest, that you're looking forward to?

I am so looking forward to what the entrants bring to the table this go round. I see some familiar faces and new faces, some writing styles I am familiar with and some I have only glimpsed. It shall be most entertaining.

3 - And how about any part of the judging process that you're not looking forward to quite so much?

Obviously having to choose who advances each round. Whittling is always hard with a talented group. 

4 - If any of those contestants vying for your title wish to bribe you (which is totally not allowed, by the way) how should they go about doing so?

l am partial to those gummy peach rings. And the occasional shoulder rub would be quite nice.