The Fifth Annual Writer Games: The Fall

The Fall of Man - Voting

Well, it's the end, folks. Once again a massive thank you to all the competitors and people who've worked to make this a wonderful Game and particular thanks for everyone dealing with timing and scheduling issues. Voting this time will work differently than previous tasks.

After reading your four finalists' entries, you will submit your vote by ranking all the competitors. The person you rank first will receive four points, the second three, the third two, and the fourth one point. You must provide reasoning behind your choices. As always, an example:

Up for votes are four books I've read recently: A Complicated Kindness, The Atomic City Girls, The Rithmatist, and Mockingbird.

"I'm voting A Complicated Kindness first, because while all of these books are truly phenomenal in their own ways, I found the writing and prose in this one to truly stand out. It reminded me of movies like Winter's Bone, and it was refreshing to not have this gigantic plot twist or truth bomb wrapping it all up. It was subtle, moving, and perfectly written.

I vote The Rithmatist next because it certainly had more atmosphere that any of the other books, and I adored how the plot moved forward and worked towards a cliffhanger while still being satisfying. However, the first one beat it out because The Rithmatist, while groundbreaking in its magic and fantasy, wasn't as refined as the first.

I vote Mockingbird next, because even though it's a young adult read and it was a reread for me at that, I found it poignant and touching and I related to plenty of it while still seeing a new perspective through the main character. It wasn't as refined as my top two though, and I would've liked to see a bit more character development around the main character.

Finally, The Atomic City Girls. I liked the premise, and while some characters truly touched me, I found it became contrite and forced and half-unrealistic. I pushed through my initial apprehensions and while it turned out okay, I still feel like the author told me about the characters rather than giving them true personalities themselves, probably because of the numerous points of view used. It would satisfy some readers, but definitely not me. It just seemed so fictional even though it was based in history, because none of the characters felt real."

Point being, I would like there to be some thought to your votes, and for you not to vote solely on your emotions (though that can affect decisions too). I just don't want to see "This character bc oml omg I just skskaksks I love them so much ugh I stan" and that be it.

As well, FOR FINALISTS: you may vote, but you will vote for everyone but yourself (ie. You will rank the other three). Your votes will ONLY COUNT if EVERY FINALIST votes. This is to prevent a skewed decision as I know it has affected votes in the past. 

Now, I expect everyone knows our four lovely finalists, but if you need a reminder you are to rank and vote for...

District Three, Packard Bevin

District Four, Nerida Cresswell

District Four, Benthic Derval

District Eight, Tucker Steppe.

Voting will close FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20 AT 10pm ATLANTIC TIME. Awards will go up at that time so that some awards may be awarded to our finalists, with results shortly after.

For the final time, may the odds be ever in your favor.