by Dale C.
Member since:
March 7, 2007

Announcing the Winners of the Writing Wombat Slushpile Simulator Contest (Wombats 184b)

July 11, 2008 09:01 PM EDT (Updated: January 20, 2009 03:16 PM EST)
views: 237 | rating: 9.7/10 (28 votes) | comments: 323

Announcing the top ten entries in the Writing Wombat Slushpile Simulator Contest.  And our winner is:

Points
John L. (springycom)Today.0286
Jamie C. (chapmajm13)Rebound Gril74
Pat Bertram (ptbertram)Pupils71
Claire C.Night Voice63
terri molina (terrimo)Forget Me Not63
Jamie C. (chapmajm13)The Gypsy's Mercenary51
Beth H. (readwriteandedit)Night Whispers43
Pat S.,The Obsidian Eye37
Pat Bertram (ptbertram)The Stygian Night36
simon g. (simong)A Pound of Cure35
Beth H. (readwriteandedit)Mistaken Betrayal30


Congratulations to John, to Jamie and Pat, and to all of the honorable mention entries.

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Comments: 323

Wendy C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:03pm EDT
Another good use for feeds.. stalking the new thread
Wendy C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:04pm EDT
Congratulations Wombats.
Well played Dale.. off to update the wombat page.
Jill Lynn A. Jul 11, 2008, 9:05pm EDT
Who is John L?
Dale C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:06pm EDT
Congratulations to John L. I hope he is here. He was in the top ten of 13 of the 16 ballots, and in the top 3 of 5 of them.
Beth H. Jul 11, 2008, 9:06pm EDT
Knew that was the winner! Great story that appealed to a wide range of folks.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:08pm EDT
Woot to John L, whoever you may be!! Stop by and say hello! And congrats! And huge congrats to the top 10, in a very competative field!
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:09pm EDT
OK Dale, how about the winners/losers in the guessing contest? And who was the most often mistaken author????
Jamie C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:09pm EDT
I had Today .02 as second. Congrats, John, wherever you are. And I do think this means you have to come out and play with us, now.

I need to log off. This little thunderstorm is REALLY loud!
Wendy C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
List updated.. Waiting on the guessing winner.. tapping polished toes.
Jill Lynn A. Jul 11, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
Beth also placed twice. Way to go!
~Sia McKye~ Jul 11, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
omg, Wendy's a stalker. I'm shocked, I tell you!
Beth H. Jul 11, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
I had 7 of the top 10--yeah!
Claire C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:13pm EDT
Wow, thanks all. There were so many good entries. I'm honored to be in the top 10! Congrats John!
ML S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:13pm EDT
It is? Not that bad over here. Whoops, spoke too soon.
Dale C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:13pm EDT
By the way, a lot of people who didn't have entries in the top 10 were in the top 10 on a lot of ballots. Quite a few additional people were listed by one or more people as their 1st or 2nd choice. I want to congratulate the winners, but I also want to make sure people understand that there were at least 10 to 15 other entries that received quite a few votes. I'll be happy to give you the details of your scores, though not the identities of the voters if you ask for it.
Beth H. Jul 11, 2008, 9:14pm EDT
Oh, yes--congratulations to John!!!
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:14pm EDT
Wooot to Beth! And Jamie, stay safe (am I the only person in the world who does not log off for storms? The end of my MS was written in the midst of hail and tornado sirens!) I have no idea how many I had in the top ten. Will have to check.
~Sia McKye~ Jul 11, 2008, 9:15pm EDT
Congratulations John. As many wombats as we have, and only 16 voted? That surprised me.
terri molina Jul 11, 2008, 9:15pm EDT
Congrats John! I really liked that story too!
~Sia McKye~ Jul 11, 2008, 9:16pm EDT
I had 8 of these in my top 10, although not in the order listed here, lol!
ML S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:16pm EDT
I don't log off. But then all the computers are sitting behind ups battery backup/lightning protection systems. :-)
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:17pm EDT
I'm surprised as well, Sia. Stunned really. I would have thought at least all the entrants would have voted. But hey, they missed the fun! And Dale, excellent contest, and a reveal worthy of the ACA himself!
Dale C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:18pm EDT
I'm still scrambling to tally the best guesser and the least guessed. I was trying to do it between announcements, but I still have some calcs to make and check. It may be half an hour to an hour before I can give you that.
~Sia McKye~ Jul 11, 2008, 9:18pm EDT
I had Miracle Mile in there. Who wrote that one again?
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 9:19pm EDT
The biggest Woot of all goes to Dale, who conceived and ran a fantastic contest. We are all your fans Dale. You rock.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:20pm EDT
I also had 7 of the top 10, but nowhere near that order!
Jamie C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:20pm EDT
I realized I'm on a laptop and can unplug it and run it on battery for at least an hour.
~Sia McKye~ Jul 11, 2008, 9:20pm EDT
Course, it takes a lot of time to read everyone's and pick out 10 you like.
Jill Lynn A. Jul 11, 2008, 9:21pm EDT
Well said, Simon. Great job, and great fun, Dale.
Beth H. Jul 11, 2008, 9:21pm EDT
Yes, three cheers to Dale for his tireless efforts and his enthusiasm for this contest!

And John, I also hope we see you around. Is your entry a completed work or just something you put together for the contest? An intriguing story.
Jamie C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:22pm EDT
YAAYYYY, Dale!!

Now I have to update my website again.
Beth H. Jul 11, 2008, 9:22pm EDT
Miracle Mile was Wanda.

I want to stay and play, but someone else wants the computer for a while. I'll catch up in a bit...
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 9:22pm EDT
Oh dear, I just looked at the list of winners and realized something very nice. I get the prize for the highest scoring male Wombat. (of course if John L. joins in here, I will have to give that up.)
~Sia McKye~ Jul 11, 2008, 9:23pm EDT
I had one of Dale's in my top picks too. I really liked They Killed Like Men.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:23pm EDT
I had Dana's "Dollar Club" in my top 10. I thought it was hilarious!
Jill Lynn A. Jul 11, 2008, 9:24pm EDT
Folks who enter but don't vote give themselves a slight advantage, no? They don't have to give their entries a zero, yet others are giving them points.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:24pm EDT
Is this where I make a lewd/rude comment about Simon being a top scoring male in general? Naaaw. Too easy.
~Sia McKye~ Jul 11, 2008, 9:25pm EDT
Like I told Dale already, I would never want to do this sort of thing. I'd be pulling out my hair. You did a good job, Dale.

I need to go do my reports, or finish them.
Wendy C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:26pm EDT
Perhaps rule 10 should be if you enter you must read all entries and vote.. just sayin.

I got 7 of the top ten on my list. Well done folks the competition was stiff and wombat worthy.
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Jul 11, 2008, 9:26pm EDT
Hi gang! Sorry I missed all the fun. It's been a week. Or two. Congrats to all the Wombats who entered and to Dale for coming up with what might be the most fiendish contest yet - and considering that he is competing with Mr. Almighty Contest Administrator, that's quite an accomplishment!
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:26pm EDT
Ooo Jill, I hadn't thought of that! Next contest, it should be a rule that if you enter, you vote. Otherwise, none of us will vote (which would amusing, and totally confound the ACA, who would likely just award stuff as he saw fit, heaven help us all!)
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:27pm EDT
LOL! Cross posting with Wendy!
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:28pm EDT
Hello Queen Lisa! It is the ruler's right to appear at will, and only for the crowning of the laurels! Here's hoping things are settling nicely in your world!
Wendy C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:29pm EDT
I loved They Killed Like Men.. Dale would love to see more of that.

Pat my order was off except for one.. and I'm not gonna say.
Wendy C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:30pm EDT
Great minds think a like m'dear Pat!
Lisa "Queen Wombat" F. Jul 11, 2008, 9:30pm EDT
Today was a horrible end to a wretched week, and that's about all I can say. I'm glad to be home with a cat on my lap. Soon to be drinking wine with a friend.
Wendy C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:33pm EDT
Hope your weekend is a relaxing one Lisa.. wretched week doesn't sound good at all.

I've got to make a side dish for the pork chops going on the grill.. later
Jill Lynn A. Jul 11, 2008, 9:33pm EDT
Sorry about the bad week, Lisa. Hope you have an extra-good weekend to recover.
Jill Lynn A. Jul 11, 2008, 9:35pm EDT
I had six of the top ten. Not too shabby.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:35pm EDT
Lisa, there's not many ills in the world that can't be helped by a cat, some wine, and a friend! Here's hoping your weekend, and next week, improve dramatically!

My order of selection was way off!
ML S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:37pm EDT
Perfect side dish for pork chops. Egg noodles in a butter parsley sauce or a straight reduced chicken broth sauce. mmmm
terri molina Jul 11, 2008, 9:38pm EDT
I think I get the least guesses right....I didn't get anyone matched up correctly. haha
And, I forgot to vote, but probably would have picked Johns. =)
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:41pm EDT
Terri, I'm betting I guessed fewer than you! I was all over the place! Story guessed wrong most often? I'm betting it's Judi's!
Claire C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:43pm EDT
I thought about the voting thing too when I saw that only 16 people voted! Wow. This was a fabulous contest though. I loved being a part of it both as an entrant as well as a voter and a guesser. I've missed all of the prior Wombat contests. I'm going to watch for them from now on. This was great Dale. You should get a prize for best contest!
Jill Lynn A. Jul 11, 2008, 9:49pm EDT
Who wrote Devil's Bane, BTW? Whoever wrote it, I loved this sentence: "He blinked and wiped a filthy plaid sleeve across his face."
Wendy C. Jul 11, 2008, 9:53pm EDT
Becareful Claire we don't want to annoy the orginal A.C.A.

Ken, love, she missed your most excellent contests.. be gentle.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:53pm EDT
Brenda!!! Hey woman! Goodbye dinners aren't so bad. Hey, at least they never make you pick up the check! Any idea where you're headed??
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 9:54pm EDT
Dale

I just thought of another interesting statistic. How about the average point value for each author. This means that Jamie and Pat B and Beth would probably be at the very top. Jamie, with entries at number 2 and 5 would prolly be the winner.

Of course, this is a different thing from the actual contest which is about the writing. This would be for best writer.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 9:55pm EDT
Indeed, where is the original ACA, creator of evil and fiendish rules used by all apprentice ACAs? Claire, the contests are not only fun, but a really great learning experience. Tons of free advice, critique, and a place to stretch and try new things!
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 9:56pm EDT
Hey Brenda!! I cant believe you missed the whole thing. You too Lisa. Doesnt the rest of the world know that they are supposed to just stop during a Wombat contest???

Sheeeesh.
Jill Lynn A. Jul 11, 2008, 9:59pm EDT
The original ACA is probably off twirling for another group, thinking he's been stripped of his almighty ACA title. Not true, Ken. By the time we're done with Dale, his head will have exploded. lol
Claire C. Jul 11, 2008, 10:01pm EDT
Yes, Sadly, I did miss Ken's contests. Dale's is the only one I've actually gotten into. But, I am certainly going to watch for Ken's. Maybe I'm not on his mailing list?

Well, I posted the first chapter of Night Voice on my page.

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977395851

It's very much a WIP, unedited, and only into chapter two so far. But at least it can put concerns about him being a vampire to rest. I had to cut it down to meet the 650 word count. Judi didn't like the title, but I had to save the file as something!
Charlene C. Jul 11, 2008, 10:02pm EDT
Great reads!
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:04pm EDT
Hi Charlene! Yes, do stop by and see all the entries, there was some great stuff in there! And I'll be sure to stop by and take a look Claire. You had a great start there!
ML S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:05pm EDT
Stargate premiere Stargate premiere...oingy boingy oingy boingy :-)
Pat Bertram Jul 11, 2008, 10:07pm EDT
Congratulations to all the winners. And I am honored to be among them. One thing, now I know why I can't get published -- I have no idea what people like. Only two of my choices won.
Wanda H. Jul 11, 2008, 10:07pm EDT
Congratulations to all the terrific winners. It has been so much fun to be in the same contest with the rest of you. I think so many of the stories were just terrific and would love to see most of them completed and on the bookshelves.

Mine is a WIP and I plan to finish it.
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:07pm EDT
Claire,

Besides Ken, we have also had some other contest administrators. Dave S. ran a contest for the best 12 word novel. That one was a hoot.
Pat Bertram Jul 11, 2008, 10:09pm EDT
Jill, you didn't like the first sentence of Pupils. Neither did I, but I couldn't think of an alternative. Originally I had "her eye exploded" but her eye didn't actually explode, so I had to change it. Can you think of a better way of saying it than "there was an explosion in her eye?"
♥~♥ Phaedra ♥~♥ .. Jul 11, 2008, 10:10pm EDT
I didn't even know about it :o(
Wanda H. Jul 11, 2008, 10:11pm EDT
Well, Pat, your entries won, though. So that means something, right?
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:11pm EDT
Oh yes, Dave's was indeed a hoot. And I got ZERO guesses right in that one! Pat B, some of my choices were nowhere in the list either, so don't feel bad. At least you write what people like!
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:12pm EDT
Wanda, Claire, and Sheila, and even John L (I am grumpy about John L. because I took a look at his icon. Young and handsome. And talented. Grump, grump) and everyone else who entered, now you are official Wombats, which means we expect to see you on these threads, commenting, and hosting and generally raising hell, like the rest of us. Especially on Friday nights.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:12pm EDT
Hi Phaedra! Drop in anytime. You never know what the wombats will be up to next! Although Ken has been hinting at having another Dan Brown write-alike contest, which usually garners some pretty outrageous stuff!
Claire C. Jul 11, 2008, 10:13pm EDT
Aww I want to be in a 12 word novel contest! . Maybe someone will do something like that again?
Wanda H. Jul 11, 2008, 10:13pm EDT
totally off subject but will somene tell me WOOT means? I don't want to use it if I might use it wrong. Don't want to look like an idiot.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:13pm EDT
But Simon! You made it into the top 10! And there is something to be said for seasoned and experienced (at least I'm hoping so, since I'm presently probably the oldest female wombat around!)
Claire C. Jul 11, 2008, 10:14pm EDT
Simon, I have to keep coming back now because you said I was pretty LOL
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:15pm EDT
W00t, properly spelled W-zero-zero-t. From the gaming community, an expression of happiness, a way of saying "way to go!"
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:15pm EDT
Pat B.

You wrote two great entries, both in my top favorites. So no more defeatist talk from you, young lady. Your future is assured. Same goes for you Ms. Chapman.

Rejoice oh ye winners, and do not despair.
A published book is almost there.

(with apologies to Mike)
Claire C. Jul 11, 2008, 10:16pm EDT
Okay, how many wombatettes (wombettes?) ran to see what John L looked like since Simon said he was young and handsome?
Wanda H. Jul 11, 2008, 10:16pm EDT
Sy, I am not sure you all would want me to raise hell, I am very experienced in this department, in fact I believe I could almost be termed a professional hell-raiser.

But if you all insist, then I will be here, with my thigh high, black, high heel boots, raising hell and setting a block under it.

hehehehehe wringing hands together and leering
Wanda H. Jul 11, 2008, 10:19pm EDT
Am on my way Claire. I want to see young and handsome.

Oh, and Claire, you are pretty....

sigh so many pretty gals in this group.

;o) and so many handsome men....giggle
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:19pm EDT
Claire, you aint pretty, you are gawgeous. And that by itself, even if you werent such a good writer would qualify you as a Wombat. At least for me. So yeah, keep coming back. I love giving compliments, as many a Wombette will attest.
Pat Bertram Jul 11, 2008, 10:20pm EDT
Finished reading the last thread. Thank you for the congratulations, and thank you Jamie for listing me first!!

Neither of my entries are works in progress, though both want to be written. I know most of the story for The Stygian Night already. And Pupils -- I think time has to be different on the other world to give her time to figure out how to help those pupils.

I had no intention of ever entering another contest, but I liked the idea of beginning to write a story without having to figure out the logistics. Well, now I'll have to. Has to be something different though. No time travel, esp, etc.
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:21pm EDT
Wanda, me thinks you are going to fit right in, just fine.

As for John L. I know you ladies very well, Im sure I was the last of Wombats to check him out, only I broke the ice, and simply said what you were all thinking.
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:24pm EDT
Fluxible Brenda. You know we love ya.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:25pm EDT
Too old for young, thank you. I'll leave that to those who can catch him.

Wanda, stiletto boots are a popular item in these parts. Stilettos of any kind. I seem to be the only one who doesn't own them!

Brenda, you'll end up where you are supposed to be. And soon, I hope. You need some place to stash those red stilettoes!
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:26pm EDT
Fluxible is not a typo, it is a Brenda word meaning having a life in flux but going with it.
Gina Robinson Jul 11, 2008, 10:27pm EDT
Congrats, Everyone!
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:28pm EDT
Yes, Wanda and Claire, and others, we do tend to have our own language, at least half of it based on well-loved typos. Wonder whatever happened to the wombat lexicon? Hey JC! Where's the lexicon? Wasn't that you doing that?

And hi Gina! How's it going?
Claire C. Jul 11, 2008, 10:29pm EDT
I think Wanda's been practicing at hellraising!
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:30pm EDT
Hi Gina, Im sorry you didnt enter, but then again, if you had, I would have been bounced to #11.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:31pm EDT
Speaking of words, I found two new (to me) ones recently, and instantly thought how Ken would like them. One is Atrabilious, and one definition of it is splenetic. Loved both words and can't wait to stuff them in an MS!
simon g. Jul 11, 2008, 10:32pm EDT
I am actually aware of a number of non Wombat hell raisers on Gather, (including Wanda). We even had a couple of visits from Esther, who does a fine job in that department.
Jamie C. Jul 11, 2008, 10:39pm EDT
If anyone wants more rebound girl, I posted the first two chapters. If not, I understand. :-)

rebound girl
Jamie C. Jul 11, 2008, 10:39pm EDT
Kick arse! Woo hoo!

I don't own stilletos either.
Pat S. Jul 11, 2008, 10:41pm EDT
Brenda, that laugh utterly terrifies me (and is delightful!) And oooo on the new blackberry (although I'm still just trying to figure out the "new" cell phone. Long story there!) But a whole month off? Waaahhh! I am sooo jealous of all you folks who seem to have so much time off! I can't even imagine what that must feel like!
James R. Jul 11, 2008, 10:41pm EDT
Hi, all. Looks like I missed the chit chat as Dale did the honors. Great job, Dale. A fine contest.

I'm packing for vacation so I'll be scarce around these parts until I'm back. I expect to have the computer, but will be very busy and at the mercy of whatever wifi is available, if any.

My top 2 picks were Exceptional Lies and Miracle Mile. Jill, I seem to like your stuff; I picked yours first for the V-day contest too. Wanda, nice job. I'd be interested in seeing more of your story as it evolves.

Congrats to the winners, but the real winners are all who entered and participated. I got a lot out of being both a reader and writer in this one.