2010's final Prediction winner Asuqi had the huge task of judging the challenge - and I think she's realised quite how hard it is! So well done Asuqi - you did a great job!
I'm going to shut up now - and hand over to our beautifully articulate, Swedish wordsmith, Asuqi...
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Wow! I´ve been equally nervous/terrified and excited all week! This is a tough job, I tell you, and the responsibility weighs heavy on my shoulders -- such a variety of stories and such fine writing! I've tried to go about the summary ´Lily-style´ and in choosing the winner and the runner-up, I used my gut feeling. I hope you're all okay with this! Here we go:
- Michael hit it off with a tale of hatred and revenge that in the end turned to comedy -- sorry Phoebe, but that was so amusing!
- Anthony treated us to classic horror with his story about supernatural abduction. Killer last sentence, Anthony, I haz chills!
- Mimi brought us a raw story about the danger of suppressed emotions. Hatred and humour in unholy combination -- henpecked, indeed ;)
- William jumped in with a clever comment to what the ambitions of modern people in western society might be worth in the afterlife.
- Then came Chris' creepy tale of the insanity that lingers underneath. Another classic horror-piece. People, if something feels 'off', just run away from it!
- Antonia came bringing a vengeful housewife. A smooth tale about the perfect revenge. Maybe this lady's a match for Mimi's guy?
- Aidan wrote a ghost-story with mythical qualities, poetic language and great imagery.
- David brought us two pieces. The first one's about a lesson learned the hard way. The second one's a brutal tale about truth. I like the bizarre element here.
- AJ treated us to delicious terror in her piece about betrayal. Great dynamics in this one.
- Susan wrote a story about managing multiple worlds. A lovely description of what it can feel like when one's pulled back to the real world.
- Lily brought mythical creatures locked together in sad and twisted passion. Superb imagery.
- Scratchypen wrote a strong monster scene. Yes, how effective indeed? Silver bullets, anyone?
- Pixie finished off with a stark picture of abuse. Or is it? Maybe it´s a story about someone deeply disturbed, imprisoned by his/her own mind…
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This week's winner is last minute contestant Pixie. The voice in this piece captured me, such a strange and captivating perspective giving the story a profoundly creepy atmosphere. I also love the tree house setting -- perfect! Congratulations Pixie!
Two runner-ups (sorry, but there could have been four ya' know! ): Aidan F for his Kelb-el-Khela. This is a very rich story, lots of content in few words. Poetic language and wonderful imagery won my heart, and AJ Humpage with her well-balanced, illusive Driftwood.
Great writing, everyone! I don´t feel right judging your wonderful work, but I can at least say I´ve read everything many times (knows a lot by heart now, in fact) and lots of thinking effort has gone into this!
Thanks Lily for having such faith in me -- I´m truly honoured! And thanks everyone for participating this week and letting me be your judge! I wouldn't say it's been fun exactly (too damn difficult to choose!), but it's been very interesting and a great learning experience =)
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Thank you so much Asuqi - I know we all appreciate your hard work.
Congratulations Pixie, and well done Aidan and AJ.
Be on your toes, I may pick a guest judge slot again in a few months time!
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