Challenge Nineteen: Bring Out Your Dead!

[seaislewitch]

romancingwizard

Romancing the Wizard
Challenge Nineteen: Bring Out Your Dead!



The Challenge: Write a romantic tale with the following criteria:

a) is 750 words exactly,
b) stars a canonically dead wizard from the headstone art (above),
c) uses a prompt from the table,
d) includes an original magical device,
e) and shows a zest for life! (This means the wizard is alive!)

Deadline: Sunday night, June 8 at nine o'clock, EDT.


Challenge Guidelines
Claiming Your Prompt

1) You must be a member and read the Community Guidelines to participate in the challenge.

2) You may claim only one prompt at a time. Please comment to this post with the prompt number AND name (Example: #69 birth, school, work, death). This makes it easier for us and reduces the chance of misassignment. The moderator will acknowledge your request, and your username will be added to the table.

3) When you claim a prompt, we expect you to post your story by the deadline: Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 9:00 pm (EDT). If you cannot produce the fiction due to a real-life crisis, please tell us immediately so the prompt can be reassigned. We do not take late entries.

4) Important: Outstanding prompts will be followed up five days before the deadline on Wednesday, June 4. If you do not respond to that post, your prompt will be reassigned the following day.

Writing Your Story

1) Stories must be romantic, het, and incorporate the following:

a) stars the canoncially dead wizard from the headstone art -- he must be ALIVE in your story -- with a canon or an original witch (no Muggles or Squibs)
b) uses the idea of the prompt from the table
c) includes an original magical device (Include the name and what it does.) [Added Note: The original magical device is a magical item of your own invention. The device/item can be either something entirely new or an item that is modified with magic, making it unique. Canon examples of magical devices/items: Molly's clock, flying broomstick, Self-Inking Quill, lunascope. Also note: A device/item is not a spell, a potion, or an enchanted parchment, but the device/item could be used in combination with these things.]
d) shows a zest for life!

2) Stories must be exactly 750 words. We check word count using MS Word. Hyphenated words count as one word (pure-blood). Em dashes do not count as a word, so subtract those from your total if you use spaces. Please ask your Proof-Witch or Lead Mod if you need help.

3) You can write the challenge from any point of view, but the focus must be on the wizard/witch's romantic relationship or situation.

4) All characters having sexual relations must be at least 18 years of age. No exceptions. Appropriate ratings and warnings must be applied. (See the Community Guidelines for a further explanation.)

5) All stories must be proof-read for canon spellings/usage, grammar, and punctuation, including proper comma usage.

a) You may use your own proof-reader or request the help of our Proof Witches, RTW's team of experienced proof-readers.
b) To request a Proof Witch for your completed story, see this post: Request a Proof Witch.

6) Important for authors who use beta readers: Please review the information in this post regarding beta readers.

Posting Your Story

1) Post your story to romancingwizard by the deadline.

2) Subject line: Use the title of your story ONLY as the subject of your post.

3) Do not use 'rich text' when posting because it causes problems with our template formatting.

4) Use this conveniently coded template for your story post:

Challenge Nineteen: Bring Out Your Dead!
Title: X
Author:
Wizard/Witch: X
Rating/Warnings: X (Choose one: G/PG or PG-13/R or NC-17 Adults Only.)
Genre: X (Choose from the approved options only.)
Word count: Exactly 750
Prompt: X (Please add the number and the prompt.)
Summary: X

OR

Text of Your Story Goes Here

Author's Notes: X

Proof-reader: (Mandatory)


5) Do not modify the template, except where you are adding information. 'X' marks the spot to insert your information. There needs to be a space after the colon (and after the html bold tag), so the 'X' is there as a helpful guide. Please note there is a place for the name of your proof-reader in the author template - this is mandatory.

6) There are only three possibilities for ratings at romancingwizard: (1) G/PG, (2) PG-13/R and (3) NC-17. If a warning is needed, the moderators will remind you. Examples: PG-13/R for language and suggestive content OR NC-17 for sexual content. (See the Community Guidelines for a further explanation.)

7) There are six genres to choose from at romancingwizard: (1) Romance, (2) Romance/Whimsy, (3) Romance/Humour, (4) Romance/Drama, (5) Romance/Despair, and (6) Romance/Passion. Choose only one. (See the Community Guidelines for a further explanation.)

8) The summary should consist of a short sentence or two to entice the reader. Do not put author's notes in the summary, or you will be asked to move them.

9) Place all your thoughts, recognitions, and explanations in the author's notes section at the bottom of the template.

10) Your entry will be moderated, but it will show up in the queue in a reasonable amount of time. We check for guideline compliance, formatting, word count, content, proof-reader's name, and blatant errors (grammar, punctuation, and canon).

a) Ineligible entries will be rejected with a brief note explaining what needs to be fixed. We expect complete cooperation.
b) Sometimes an entry will be accepted, but a Moderator Comment will be posted asking the member to adjust a minor error. We expect complete cooperation. Invalid posts may also be deleted.

After Posting Your Story

1) When you have successfully posted your story according to these guidelines, you may claim another available prompt by posting a new comment to this entry. (Limit: three per challenge per member.)

2) You may upload your story on other LJs or archives whenever you'd like. Please mention Romancing the Wizard romancingwizard. You can also link your story, bringing readers and viewers here, so you'll have all your comments in the same place.

3) Important: Remember, character bashing is not allowed! Not in the story. Not in the comments. If you don't like a pairing, find something else to say.

4) Enchanted Quills will be given by the moderators to the authors of memorable stories.

5) Questions? As always, per the community and challenge guidelines, any questions regarding content, requirements, etc. should be sent directly to the moderators (not Proof Witches) at seaislewitch(at)livejournal(dot)com, or you may comment to this post.

6) Thanks to ladywhitehart for proof-reading these guidelines.


Important Challenge Updates

ETA: The author may decide the wizard's circumstances. The setting of your story can be in the past, present (book), or future, and it can be canon or AU. The wizard must be ALIVE in your story, so no ghosts. Portrait occupants must be alive as well. (SIW 5/24/08, revised 5/26/08)

ETA: The moderators highly recommend the use of our Proof Witch Service for all participants. (Link.) (SIW 5/24/08)

ETA IMPORTANT: The original magical device is a magical item of your own invention. The device/item can be either something entirely new or an item that is modified with magic, making it unique. Canon examples of magical devices/items: Molly's clock, flying broomstick, Self-Inking Quill, lunascope. Please note: A device/item is not a spell, a potion, or an enchanted parchment, but the device/item could be used in combination with these things. (SIW 5/25/08, revised 5/26/08)

ETA: A sixth prompt table has been added. (SIW 5/29/08)


Prompt Table #1

1. an incredible orgasm

miamadwyn

POSTED!
Link: Stargazing

2. meeting someone new

little_murmurs

POSTED!
Link: The Best Is Yet To Be

3. dragon ride at sunset

somigliana #2

POSTED!
Link: Red Dawn

4. snogging him senseless

ginny_weasley31

POSTED!
Link: Befuddled

5. a dangerous skill

veradee

POSTED!
Link: Written in the Sky

6. waking in his arms

savine_snape #1

POSTED!
Link: Lost and Found

7. falling deeply in love

cecelle

POSTED!
Link: Blind Fall

8. a surprise ending

irespressogirl #1

POSTED!
Link: Overcoming Prejudice

9. recovering from illness

stavvers #1

POSTED!
Link: Bunch of Grapes

10. a child is born

sc010f

POSTED!

Link: Stella

11. restoration of hope

valady

POSTED!
Link: The Mirror of Epoh

12. my throbbing desire

ladywhitehart #1

POSTED!
Link: A Life Worth Living

13. truth is revealed

verseblack

POSTED!
Link: Secret Letter

14. amazing discovery

floorcoaster

POSTED!
Link: Magic 8

15. quickening pulse

seaislewitch #3

POSTED!
Link: Under the Protection of Stars

16. anticipating the best

ladywhitehart #3

POSTED!
Link: Animal Magnetism

17. making-up with lover

luvscharlie

POSTED!
Link: Romeo, He's Not

18. winning her heart

robin777

POSTED!
Link: Going For With They Want

19. a new identity

irespressogirl #3

POSTED!
Link: Not Nice to Spy

20. birthday celebration

somigliana #1

POSTED!
Link: A Matter of Merit

21. breathless encounter

delayed_poet #1

POSTED!
Link: What Might Have Been

22. starting over

drcjsnider

POSTED!
Link: Hot Times

23. travelling faraway

subvers #1

POSTED!
Link: Here and Now With You

24. drunken dancing

mocca_fix_gold

POSTED!
Link: Time for a Toast

25. waking from a coma

gelsey #3
POSTED!
Link: Like a Devil's Sick of Sin

26. someone dies

allie_andromeda

27. feeling pain

gelsey #1

POSTED!
Link: They Said A Hundred Times I Should Have Died

28. icy cold water

jncar

POSTED!
Link: Staying Warm

29. that first kiss

seaislewitch #1

POSTED!
Link: The Disposition Discerner

30. winning Quidditch

lillithj

POSTED!
Link: The Pez of Life


Prompt Table #2

31. her dazzling smile

pokeystar #1

POSTED!
Link: Like the Tide

32. an outdoor concert

gelsey #2

POSTED!
Link: Can't Help It

33. astronomy tower

aramintasnape

POSTED!
Link: Lovers' Box

34. a jealous rage

sshg316

POSTED!
Link: Green-Eyed Monster

35. she loves me

writermerrin #1

POSTED!
Link: To Hear Those Words

36. after the storm

selinabln

POSTED!
Link: All Yours


Prompt Table #3

37. warm, toned flesh

redvelvetcanopy

POSTED!
Link: My Heart's Desire

38. wizards' duel

cheapxdate #1

POSTED!
Link: The Purpose of a Kiss

39. cold terror

myownmuggle #1

POSTED!
Link: Of Hands and Hermione

40. heartache ends

mandy_jg

POSTED!
Link: Books and Cleverness

41. heated argument

veritybrown

POSTED!
Link: Save? Restore? Retry?

42. very first orgasm

closetravenclaw

POSTED!
Link: Reminiscences


Prompt Table #4

43. hellish hangover

delayed_poet #2

POSTED!
Link: And that's how…

44. freedom

shadowycat

POSTED!
Link: The Way Home

45. an epiphany

sophierom

POSTED!
Link: Orange

46. massage

phil_urich

POSTED!
Link: Millicent's Guide to Making Use of Another’s Hands

47. lovers' quarrel

savine_snape #2

POSTED!
Link: Imperfections

48. missing link

stavvers #2

POSTED!
Link: Reckless


Prompt Table #5

49. solving a mystery

irespressogirl #2

POSTED!
Link: Widsom from Padfoot

50. receiving a gift

ravenswing34

POSTED!
Link: Gift of the Heart

51. a foe thwarted

subvers #2

Posted!
Link: The Last Row

52. an escape

seaislewitch #2

POSTED!
Link: Death Wish Upon a Star

53. a daring plan

ceirdwenfc #1

POSTED!
Link: The Key

54. unusual occurrence

myownmuggle #2

POSTED!
Link: Jars...and Just You


Prompt Table #6

55. certain disaster

ceirdwenfc #3

POSTED!
Link: A Certain Disaster

56. never the same

cheapxdate #2

POSTED!
Link: Love's Final Meeting

57. silly misunderstanding

pokeystar #2

POSTED!
Link: Heart Like a Wheel

58. reckless behaviour

ceirdwenfc #2

POSTED!
Link: George Would Not Approve

59. too many choices

writermerrin #2

POSTED!
Link: Let's Talk About Us

60. dangerous game

ladywhitehart #2

POSTED!
Link: A Dangerous Game

Remember: Please comment to this post with the number AND the prompt. (Example: #69 work, school, birth, death)