I don't think I'll finish in time for my votes to count, just wondering what time the entries will be locked from reviewing?

 

Congratulations to Entry 4, which as I said earlier has been the best thing I've read all year. It was phenomenal, and the only entry that I was simply drawn into and when I hit the end I felt that feeling of 'Eh? That's it? Already?' that left me clearly wanting more.

Kudos to Entry 6 for a close runner-up position.

 

So, who is the darstardly bastard that beat me to the goal? With whom will I now duel (dishonorably, because I'll scratch and bite and throw sand)?

Joking aside, some great stories. Personally, I just fucking adored no. 9 , so whoever you are, kudos. No. 4, my new arch nemesis, was also great, loath I am to admit it. Honorable mention also goes out to no. 2, because I enjoyed the experimental epistolary style.

As for the reviewers: thanks for the varied feedback (some harsh, some gentle, some polite, some cussing like curs -- all of which tickled me in several places).

Spoiler

• Most criticism was well-taken, specifically the pace and that I tried too much in too little time. Also that Harry falls a little flat, and that Ron should have won the day.
  
• @Blorycn and @Zombie mentioned that some constructions (dialog?) were strange and noticably ESL. Honestly I'd be super grateful if you could go into more detail there; that's always something I try to take into account, but it's somewhat difficult to correct for, not being a native speaker.
• Overall, glad you enjoyed my first forray into mystery writing. My favorite character was actually Hammock and the story originally started out with him, but that's just an aside.

 

@Eilyfe ah, I suspected. Are you going to throw a second draft in WBA or something like that? I’d be happy to go through it and try and just do the typical WBA sentence to sentence thing.

I thought all the entries were really enjoyable and had strengths in their own way, and there wasn’t a single one I didn’t like for different reasons. I hope my criticism was received for all the entries in a positive way - I’m sure random speeches about what I got from videos and books is super pompous, but I hope it’s useful at least.

Also, I super loved nine but I absolutely adored six and totally think it was best in show. Good job Eilyfe on a great story.

 

Damn, that was close. Congrats to 4 and 6, and to everyone who wrote. I didn't feel like it was a chore to read any of them.

I voted 4 because it was a fantastic exploration of Dumbledore and you don't see that every day. I hope it gets expanded into a larger story from Dumbledore's POV.

If this had been an original fiction comp and not an HP comp, I would have voted for 6. It was the most complete entry as a story, and it was suspenseful and well-told.

 

Doesn’t fuss me. I’m not sure what the winners thread is for. We can see which won here? Just my two cents.

 

Congrats to all involved! I had a lot of fun reading through these entries. I love a good story that expands canon, and pretty much all of these contestants came up with really creative ideas that were fun to explore.

I'd love to know who wrote the Dresden Files crossover, if that person's up for coming forward. I doubt they've felt any obligation to speak up, since they didn't make the podium. But the writing really impressed me, and I'd love to take a look at what other stuff this person has written.

It might be obvious to to most DLP people who it is, but I have no idea since I'm not that familiar with who the Dresden fans are here.

 

Omg I’m so lost in this forum. Ty

 

Q4 thread hasn't been posted yet, correct? Not trying to rush you at all. Just wanted to make sure I haven't missed anything.