Judge: Tim Bruderek To learn more about Humdinger’s contest judge, Tim Bruderek, click here. Note: Tim's currently judging March contests. Dear Readers: Please take the time to read Tim Bruderek's valuable insight into the strengths of each entry and of course, his criteria for winning entries. We try to construct rubrics that keep us from being partial and force us to be as objective as possible. April's writing contests were close to my heart: Shakespearean fiction, original poetry, and Space Exploration. To have received so many worthy submissions is a gift beyond value and of lasting significance to all of us at Humdinger. Pen to Paper~ Chris Goebel Editor-in-Chief, Humdinger Literary E-zine
Shakespearean Style: This story presented the story of Hamlet, or what could have come after it, into a completely different setting. However, the theme did not become apparent until near the end. Shakespearean Language: The language was not necessarily Shakespearean, but it did keep those themes and tones throughout. Timelessness: Bringing the story of Hamlet and Ophelia into a different place and time, and with different characters, was original and memorable. Originality: The author wrote a story of what could have been after the death of Ophelia in Hamlet, and adjusted it to fit a southern black family. There were a lot of characters, which was confusing at times, but overall the story and the way it was adapted was original and entertaining. The Testimony of Yorick By: Louise Norlie Shakespearean Style: This story was written in a distinct manner that was reminiscent of Shakespeare’s writing. Shakespearean Language: The language resembled Shakespearean writing very closely, and could easily have been culled from one of his novels. Timelessness: Though Shakespeare is widely renowned as one of the best writers of all time, a lot of readers have difficulty understanding his stories. Because this story so closely resembles that type of style, readers may be turned off by it. Originality: The story itself was beautifully written, but it did not fully present a lot of new themes or ideas. It resembled a Shakespearean play and his characters so closely that some may see it as too similar. By: Scott M. Sparling Shakespearean Style: This story was set in modern day, in a high school drama club, where the cast is auditioning for Hamlet. The themes of Shakespeare are presented in a new way, with the characters imitating his style. Shakespearean Language: The Shakespearean language was presented in a very clever and inventive way, having the characters using it as a weapon in a duel of words. Timelessness: Readers will remember this poem for its creativity and its new spin on Shakespeare. This story makes the old style of writing hip and modern. Originality: The way the author used Shakespearean language and dialogue in a battle of wits was ingenious. WINNER: SCOTT’S STORY WAS VERY UNIQUE AND VERY CLEVER. HE BROUGHT SHAKESPEARE INTO THE MODERN DAY WITHOUT SOUNDING CONTRIVED OR SAPPY. READERS CAN FULLY UNDERSTAND THE STORY, THE DIALOGUE AND THE CHARACTERS, BECAUSE HE BROUGHT SHAKESPEAREAN LANGUAGE AND THEMES INTO A RELATABLE SITUATION. THE STORY WAS FUNNY AND ORIGINAL, WHILE STILL KEEPING THE THEMES ALIVE. FANTASTIC! To learn more about Humdinger’s contest judge, Tim Bruderek, click here. Space Theme: This story was set in space, in a distant future. Language: The language kept in tune with the theme of space exploration. It was very technical, which was confusing at times. The story was well-written and very detailed. Timelessness: The ideas of space exploration and science fiction do not always appeal to anyone. This story may not appeal to all readers, due to its technical language and possibly confusing storyline. Originality: Although there are many stories of space travel around (i.e. Star Wars, etc.), this story was original in its plot, language and ending. Space Theme: The themes of space travel and exploration are abundant, and the story is based on a crew of travelers looking for intelligent life on othe rplanets. Language: The language of the story was very detailed, descriptive and humorous. Science fiction writing can sometimes be confusing and tedious, but Scott did a good job of keeping the language simple and understandable. Timelessness: Readers will remember this story due to its humor, bizarreness and interesting themes. Although the story is about outer space, it is very readable and readers will be able to relate to its themes. Originality: The story presented a unique background and setting, and made a sometimes unfathomable idea of space travel very interesting. WINNER: SCOTT’S STORY WAS VERY HUMOROUS, INTERESTING AND FUN. HE PRESENTED COMPLICATED SCI-FI AND SPACE THEMES IN A UNIQUE AND UNDERSTANDABLE WAY, AND MADE READERS INTERESTED IN READING THIS TYPE OF MATERIAL. VERY WELL DONE! To learn more about Humdinger’s contest judge, Tim Bruderek, click here. My Legacy Form: The form of this poem was sculpted in an original rhyme scheme that worked very well with the material Language: The language was very nice and very descriptive, and the rhyme worked well without sounding forced. Timelessness: The poem did present some interesting concepts in a beautiful way, and the rhyme pattern is memorable. However, the religious undertones and ideas presented here may not ring true with all readers. Originality: The rhyme pattern and the form of the poem were very unique, and the poem flowed well. However, the concepts presented here are not necessarily original, although they are presented in a beautiful way. Being Fifteen By: Scott M. Sparling Form: Scott’s poem had a form of each line having the same number of words as the number of the line itself. It is an interesting concept, but not a new one. He did very well with the language, making readers forget about the number of words by getting sucked into the poem. Language: The language was very concrete, and it read as a conversation between two individuals. The imagery isn’t very descriptive, but this poem was meant to be inside the author’s thoughts, and Scott presented that very well. Timelessness: The title of this piece is “Being Fifteen,” and that also became the underlying theme of the poem, and though everyone does experience those feelings at some point in their lives, they tend to be fleeting. Originality: The poem was presented from a fifteen-year-old’s point of view and it presented the feelings teen angst and nervousness, but those themes have been seen in the past many times. The form and structure of the poem do show those ideas in a new light. What If? By: Sophya Vidal Form: The form was tricky and had to be explained in detail, but the originality of the pattern, the flow of the poem and the way it fit together like pieces of a puzzle gave the poem an excellent and interesting form. Language: The language was interesting and very different, but did not necessarily present any abstract images. It did, however present abstract ideas, which was shown in the language of the poem. Timelessness: This poem will be remembered for its imaginative and creative style and form. Originality: Sophya’s piece presented some interested and unique concepts that have been seen and discussed in the past. However, they were written in a very creative and original style. WINNER: ALL OF THE POEMS PRESENTED HERE HAD A UNIQUE FORM AND WERE VERY IMAGINATIVE. THE AUTHORS DID A TERRIFIC JOB OF CREATING NEW AND EXCITING WAYS OF EXPRESSING THEIR THOUGHTS. HOWEVER, SOPHYA’S POEM PRESENTED THE MOST INTERESTING CONCEPTS WITH BEAUTIFUL LANGUAGE. THIS POEM WAS NOT JUST ABOUT THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN; THE IDEAS BEHIND IT WERE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE PIECE. To learn more about Humdinger’s contest judge, Tim Bruderek, click here.
Scroll down the page or click here to go to the following sections: ROMANTIC COMEDY ROMANTIC SONNETS STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS COMIC POETRY CHRISTMAS POEMS CHRISTMAS STORIES GARDEN POETRY Confessions of a Southern Hustler: A Eulogy for Decorum and All Things Sacred By: BH Shepherd Romance and Comedy: Very funny, realistic and sexy. The description of the bar and the social interactions is true to life, which makes the situation humorous. Language: This is a story set in modern time, with R&B and Rap music in the background and drunk college kids dancing at a bar; however, the author’s writing style is very classy and it takes you back to another space and time. Timelessness: Most readers will be able to appreciate this story, especially those of us who have been or are currently in that situation. Originality: The topic of this story is very relatable, yet well-written. It is a modern day love story set in a unique situation. WINNER: BH Shepherd wrote a very gritty, dirty and realistic tale of one-night stands, sex, hookups and the college way of life. The author took the idea of romance and showed it in today’s way, which can be a perversion of the classic romance. This story was very humorous because it is relatable, and the truth in the language made it very enjoyable. Editor’s Note: We don’t usually print the numerical score a story received, because it’s more hurtful than helpful, but BH Shepherd’s score was a perfect 20. Way to go! I would agree that Shepherd’s writes spectacularly, certainly a writer to watch. To read this BH Shepherd's story in the February edition of Humdinger, click here. Making of a Writer By Tony Robles Romance and Comedy: Tony’s story was very humorous and organic, but it could not necessarily be called “romantic.” Language: The language in this story was very realistic, and it felt as if the reader was pulled into the author’s memory to relive this day in his life. His imagery made it very relatable. Timelessness: All readers should be able to relate to this story, as most people have tried a lot of different things to impress members of the opposite sex. Originality: This story was funny and original, well-written and realistic. It could have been a journal entry or an older person relating a story from his youth.
VII: Sonnet: Emerald Rain. (To Melanie M.) By Kalae S. Anthony Romance: This poem was heartfelt and portrayed romantic, powerful emotion. Language: The language in this poem was very descriptive, and the image of “emerald rain” was gorgeous and well-written. Timelessness: This poem will appeal to all readers, especially because the subject is well understood by people of all different walks of life. Originality: Romance has been written about so frequently over the years that it can be difficult to find an original way to describe it. Kalae did a remarkable job of presenting this topic in a unique way. WINNER: Kalae’s poem had beautiful imagery, a perfect rhyme pattern and very fluid movement. This poem was a traditional sonnet presented very nontraditionally, in a modern yet classic way. This poem moved me, and will definitely move its readers the same way. Great job! To read Kalae's winning sonnet in the February 2006 edition of Humdinger, click here. Essaying the Romantic Sonnet (Italian) Essaying the Romantic Sonnet II (English) Romance: The author wrote about the topic of romance from his own perspective, which showed the frustration of trying to express your feelings, in this case, in writing. Language: The language in these poems was concrete and personal, but the flow of the poems was a bit hard to follow. Timelessness: These poems may appeal to readers that are in love or struggling with the notion of love. Expressing your feelings is a difficult task, and Lukas did a fantastic job of showing that frustration. Collection of Poems by Valentino the Robot Humor: Poems are initially humorous since they are from the point of view of a robot, but once you get past the original idea it becomes normal and acceptable. Language: Great metaphors and mechanical images. You can actually believe that a robot is telling these stories! Timelessness: These poems possess an enduring quality that will amuse readers generations into the future. They are witty and memorable. Originality: This series of poems was unique and the voice was original and fun. So Big By Les Combs Humor: The overall concept of being persuaded by advertising to buy something you don’t need and then becoming overly obsessed with and proud of it was humorous and familiar. The irony that the worms were just as big as the tomatoes was very witty and clever. Language: The rhyme scheme was excellent and the whole piece flowed well. Timelessness: This poem had a powerful and lasting message: Something may look grand and wonderful to the naked eye, but when you dig deeper and look under the surface, the problems are just as great. The overall concept was fantastic and delivered well. Originality: The poem was very original, using references to made-up magazines and products that are closely related to things we already know. Wonderful overall. NIGHT TIME By Margaret Fieland Humor: Not necessarily humorous, but it is an every-day occurrence that we can all relate to. Language: The language was good but could have used more vivid images and descriptive language. Timelessness: This is a timeless struggle for everyone—insomnia and the struggle to wake up in the morning. People are already well aware of this, and this does not necessarily present a new concept. Originality: The idea of waking up in the morning and having trouble sleeping is a universal one, and though it was presented in a stylish and interesting way, there are not too many original ideas presented here. Gluttony By David R. Caudell Humor: The humor was well done, and the ending was funny and surprising. Language: The rhythm of this poem did not flow as nicely as it could have, and the rhymes at the end of the sentences made the poem seem a bit clunky. Nice images of gluttony, being overweight and over-eating. Timelessness: This poem exhibits a positive message about gluttony and the fear that over-eating can be dangerous and unhealthy. Originality: The ideas of obesity and eating unhealthy foods is a major concern, and David displayed it in a very creative, humorous and original way. WINNER: So Big Les wrote a poem that was original, funny and interesting. The language was simple yet direct and very descriptive. You can feel the disappointment in the author’s tone, and the message that you “can’t judge a book by its cover” is one that is timeless, but is presented here in a unique and fun way. Great job!
Original: The ideas and the story in this piece are frequently touched on. Suicide and the death of a family member may be becoming cliché, so it is hard to express them in a new way. Narrative Flow: The narrative closely imitates the pace of streaming thought. The author carefully crafted a narration that differs from standard narrative types. This story had a beautiful pace and flow, and it sounded like we were reading the author’s thought process. Language and Punctuation: The language was gorgeous and contained some beautiful metaphors and vivid images. Timelessness: The story was excellent, heartfelt and passionate, but it did lack a certain quality to make it memorable. Readers will remember the images and language more so than the story. D E A T H By R S Prasanna Original: The story was very original and creative. Although the subject matter of death and murder are seen often, the author presented this story in a unique narrative style. Narrative Flow: This story moved well, and the two separate, unique voices were innovative and kept the reader’s attention. Language: The language and imagery in the story were done well and were very descriptive, but some of the repetition tended to be overkill and it got monotonous as the story progressed. Timelessness: This story was very creative and interesting, but it may not be stick in reader’s minds as the story was not as linear as it could have been and did not have a distinct conclusion. Excerpt from HIGH NOON By Jo J. Adamson Original: The story had a very creative voice and a different approach. It was human and autobiographical and emotional. Narrative Flow: This piece shifts point of view frequently, and it changes its format between a play and a narrative story. It could have used a bit more cohesion as it is a bit confusing. Language and Punctuation: The language and imagery were descriptive, and you could feel the emotion in both the narration and in Sally’s thoughts. Timelessness: This piece had a unique style and voice and the character was well established. The reader will be able to easily relate to the main character. However, the piece ended a bit abruptly and did not have a solid message or theme. The Road to No Where By Danielle Abbatiello Original: The idea of having a couple arguing about a relationship and the fact that one is more interested than the other has been done before, many times. But the author presented this story in a very creative and original way, which made the piece interesting. Narrative Flow: This piece flowed beautifully and was easy to follow. It left the reader anticipating what was going to happen. The dialogue was excellent and very realistic. Language and Punctuation: The language was perfect, especially in the dialogue. The imagery was more true to life than descriptive, but that type of language fit the piece. Timelessness: The story was presented in a unique and creative way, but the topic and theme was not as original. The way it was written made up for any flaws in the plot. Get Out of Bed By Mark McKenzie Original: The author presented a fact of life and something everyone has to deal with, which is waking up early, trying to get motivated and make it through the day. Although everyone goes through it on a daily basis, this piece was written organically. Narrative Flow: This piece was a perfect example of ‘stream of consciousness.’ The reader will feel like they are inside the author’s head, or relive the way they think every morning. Language and Punctuation: Although there was not much imagery or description used, this piece displayed a natural stream of thought and concrete ideas that most people think about. Timelessness: The story was short, quick and to the point. It was creative and interesting, but did not necessarily present a moral or message. For Better or Worse By Roxanna Russell Original: Both the style of writing, the thought process and the idea were all very unique. The author created an original concept and presented it creatively. Narrative Flow: This piece was short and fast, which kept the pace of the plane crashing. The thought process flowed well, but the author’s thoughts were a bit strange. Language and Punctuation: The images of the plane crashing were interesting and descriptive, but the presentation of the author’s thoughts did not necessarily fit the theme of the piece. The things the author thought about were a bit morbid and out of place. If the piece was longer, it may have made more sense. Timelessness: The piece was interesting and presented in a creative way, but the theme and the topic may not be relatable to most readers. MAD By Lorena Smith Original: The concept of being alone with your thoughts in a strange place was original, and it was written in a way that reflected one’s natural thought process. Narrative Flow: This piece flowed in a linear and organic way. It reflected almost exactly how people think when they are alone and forced to be inside their own heads. Language and Punctuation: The images of the hospital, the instruments and the people in it were very vivid and descriptive, and it makes the reader believe he or she is in the room. Timelessness: The piece was unique, interesting and very human and natural. It uniquely described a very normal thought process, and every reader will be able to relate to it. Elizabeth Donovan Original: The author presented a familiar scenario, which is being alone on a subway and watching the other riders. Her writing was unique and it was easy to relate to the way she made up stories about the people she saw. Narrative Flow: The piece flowed like a very short story or a journal entry. It was a bit too short and could have been expanded, and she could have touched on more of the riders and told more stories. Language and Punctuation: The imagery was vivid and the description of the riders and the subway itself was descriptive. Timelessness: The author wrote about an everyday activity and made it creative, interesting and funny. The descriptions could have been expanded a bit and she could have described a few more people. But it was very natural and an excellent stream of consciousness. The Absent Lover By Stephanie Law Original: This was a poem rather than a story, and presented a plethora of original ideas and creative language. Narrative Flow: Because this was a poem, it flowed naturally and beautifully, but it wasn’t exactly a narrative story. Language and Punctuation: The language and imagery were gorgeous and the descriptions of the author’s thoughts and scenery were extremely vivid and represented beautifully. Timelessness: The poem utilized very powerful imagery and used wonderful words and phrases. The writer is gifted at the art of poetry and is a brilliant writer, but the piece did not necessarily fit the ‘stream of consciousness’ title. STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS WINNER: By Lorena Smith Lorena’s story was powerfully creative yet simple as well. She captured the thoughts of a patient sitting alone in a hospital room, which can feel like a prison. The patient may be void of freedom and independence, and their minds can go a mile a minute. Her writing style was true to life and her images were concrete, but included some very vivid images. The reader will feel like he or she is right in the room, smelling the hospital and going slightly crazy in his or her solitude. Thank you!Humdinger Literary E-zine’s Writing Contest Winners
CURRENT CONTESTS JUDGED (CLICK HERE TO READ RESULTS!): SHAKESPEAREAN FICTION CONTEST FINALISTS, SPACE EXPLORATION FICTION CONTEST FINALISTS, 15-LINE POETRY CONTEST FINALISTS
Click here to review previous contest entry results...
WINNERS' LIST (SO FAR):
Shakespearean Fiction: Scott M. Sparling, "Speaking Shakespeare;" Space Exploration Fiction: Again! Scott M. Sparling, "Preventing the Reaping;" 15-line Poetry: Sophya Vidal, "What If?" Garden Poetry: Angel Logan, "Tiger Lily;" Comic Poetry: Les Combs, "So Big;" Christmas Poetry: Remona W. Winston, "Christmas Ain't What It Used to Be;" Christmas Short Story: Liz Donovan, "The Reason Why There are Red Fuzzies All Over Your Chair Today"
SHAKESPEAREAN FICTION CONTEST FINALISTS, SPACE EXPLORATION FICTION CONTEST FINALISTS, 15-LINE POETRY CONTEST FINALISTS
Shakespearean Fiction
Rosie
By: Julia E. Martin
Speaking Shakespeare
Space Exploration Fiction
PROMS
By: Lloyd Hudson Frye
Preventing the Reaping
By: Scott M. Sparling
15-Line Poetry
By: Mary Ellen Garcia
Romantic Comedy Stories
Romantic Sonnets
By Lukas Sherman
Comic Poetry Finalists
By Les Combs
Stream of Consciousness
The Beginning and After It
By Megan Schindler
On the Subway
MAD
Christmas Poems Contest: Final Results
Judge: Timothy Bruderek
The Christmas Gift
By David R. Caudell
Originality: 3
Interesting concept: terrorizing Santa on Christmas Eve Night. However, it reminded me a lot of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas."
Poetic Skill: 2
The poem was a bit clunky overall, and did not really flow well. This made it a bit hard to read.
Christmas Theme: 5
This work was totally about Christmas, and talked about it in practically every line.
Christmas Message: 5
The message of being selfless and giving on Christmas was evident here.
Overall score: 15
The Christmas Present
By Billy M. Smallwood
Originality: 4
Billy’s poem had a lot of heart and was very emotional, but it did remind me of a few Biblical stories.
Poetic Skill: 4
This poem exhibited wonderful storytelling skills while keeping a good flow. I liked the rhyme pattern, but some of the structure was a bit confusing.
Christmas Theme: 5
This poem takes place during Christmas and maintains all of the appropriate imagery.
Christmas Message: 5
The work had a strong message of kindness and helping others during the Christmas season.
Overall score: 18
The Nutcracker General
By A. Nan Emyss
Originality: 4
The theme of this poem was very different, and a bit odd. It was a very interesting subject, one that may not always be explored during Christmas.
Poetic Skill: 4
The poem had an original style and tone. The rhyme pattern was a bit confusing, but overall it had good imagery.
Christmas Theme: 5
This work had a different subject, but it was still about Christmas.
Christmas Message: 3
I had trouble finding what the message was behind this poem. I did notice a theme of the military, and I found it to be more of a salute to them rather than to Christmas.
Overall score: 16
WINNER: 1st Place
Christmas Ain't What It Used to Be
By Remona W. Winston
Originality: 5
The concept of this poem was seeing Christmas from another angle: from the parents. Fun and original.
Poetic Skill: 4
The wording and delivery of the poem was excellent. It was different but also direct and to the point. The rhyme could have flowed a bit better.
Christmas Theme: 5
The poem was centered on Christmas, and did not stray from it.
Christmas Message: 5
The message of the poem was quite clear: ridding yourself of greed and materialism. What made it interesting was the point of view; it was almost a tale of Christmas spirit told on the reverse.
Overall score: 19
Remona’s poem is the winner in the Christmas Poetry Contest. She told a story about how to rid yourself of greed and materialism during Christmas, but she told it from a unique and interesting perspective. The message is direct and to the point, and she writes with grace, flair and sass. Telling the story from the point of view from the parents was a brilliant change. Great work!
Gardening Poems: Final Results
Judge: Timothy Bruderek
WINNER: 1st Place:
Tiger Lily
By Angel Logan
Originality: 4
This poem utilized gardening as a metaphor for life, and the realities of failure vs. prosperity. The themes of learning from your mistakes, and looking forward to the future can be a bit cliché, but it was done well here.
Poetic Skill: 5
This poem flowed beautifully, and had a lot of striking imagery.
Gardening Theme: 4
There was the use of gardening and flowers seen in this poem, but it was more about the author’s life rather than just about gardening.
Overall score: 13
Weed Garden
By Randy Lane
Originality: 4
This poem used a common theme of the "ugly duckling" mixed with gardening to produce a lovely and inspirational story.
Poetic Skill: 3
This work was well-written with some good imagery, but could have been worded a bit better. It could have been phrased a bit better to give the poem a consistent and beautiful flow.
Gardening Theme: 5
There is a lot of beautiful imagery here: flowers, weeds, garden, smell. As much about a garden as it is about life in general.
Overall score: 12
The winner of the Gardening Poetry Contest was Angel. Her poem was full of gorgeous imagery and wonderful metaphors. Her phrasing was perfect, and the whole poem flowed naturally and gracefully. The message and the spirit of the poem were as vibrant as the gardens she illustrated so beautifully.
Christmas Story: Final Results
Judge: Timothy Bruderek
WINNER: 1st PLACE
The Reason Why There Are Red Fuzzies All Over Your Chair Today
By Liz Donovan
Originality: 5
Liz’s story was delightfully written, sarcastic and humorous. A well-written satire on the Christmas season.
Poetic Skill: 5
This story was beautifully written and worded perfectly. She did not overdo the language and the imagery, but was funny and to the point.
Christmas Theme: 5
The story centered around Christmas, Santa and shopping for gifts.
Christmas Message: 5
The spirit of Christmas being the season of giving was very much evident, and was delivered without being too sappy or in-your-face.
Overall score: 20
The winner of the Christmas Story contest is Liz Donovan. Liz’s story showed the most originality, and her flair for style and writing skill was superb. She delivered a Christmas message that was emotional and moving, but she did it in a way that was new, exciting and never seen before. The story was humorous and fun, but was poignant and inspiring at the same time.
All You Need at Christmas
By Arthur Carey
Originality: 4
A wonderful story set in the context of recent tragedy, but the overall concept was not entirely new.
Poetic Skill: 5
Arthur’s writing style was creative and eloquent; Lots of very bright and vibrant imagery.
Christmas Theme: 4
The holiday was included in the story and was the climax, but it came it mainly at the end.
Christmas Message: 5
The overall message was clearly stated at the end, with the rest of the story leading up to it.
Overall score:18
Christmas Box
By Sue Scherzinger
Originality: 5
This was a very original and interesting story. It had a lot of new ideas and was delivered in a way that made it current and real.
Poetic Skill: 3
This story had great emotion and passion, but the writing seemed to lack a bit. It could have used more description and imagery.
Christmas Theme: 4
The theme of Christmas played a part in this, mainly at the end of the story.
Christmas Message: 4
The main character comes to an epiphany, with the aid of the treasures inside the box. This seemed to have happened fairly abruptly and quickly.
Overall score: 16
The Miracle of the Rose
By Jenna Burdett
Originality: 3
This was a good story and was told with a lot of heart, but the overall message seemed a bit cliché.
Poetic Skill: 4
The story could have been written with more skill, but considering the author’s age, it was excellently done.
Christmas Theme: 4
This story was not completely centered on Christmas, but it did play a large part. It had a lot of religious themes to it.
Christmas Message: 5
The theme of caring for others and being with your loved ones during the holidays was clearly stated.
Overall score: 16
GINGER IN KEY WEST
By Alma Bond
Originality: 4
This was a new and interesting story: an old woman reminiscing about the love of her life, which was her dog rather than her dead husband.
Poetic Skill: 3
The story started out strong with vivid language, but was weak in some places.
Christmas Theme: 3
This story was not really about Christmas, though it did mention it briefly.
Christmas Message: 3
The overall message was not entirely about Christmas, it was more about missing lost loved ones.
Overall score: 13
Untitled
By Daniella Regencia
Originality: 4
This was a quality story with a surprising ending, but the teen angst of a close friend moving away has been done before.
Poetic Skill: 4
The story showed a lot of emotion and was written strongly. The dialogue was a great addition.
Christmas Theme: 5
The theme of Christmas came into play halfway through the story, but there was a lot of imagery and tradition expressed throughout the latter half.
Christmas Message: 4
The message was clear, but it may not have been solely relating to Christmas.
Overall score:
Family
By Dominick Casciato
Originality: 3
This was not much of a story as it was an exposition on the importance of family.
Poetic Skill: 3
This was written very factually and to-the-point, and not very poetically.
Christmas Theme: 5
The theme of Christmas was evident, and the piece described the author’s holiday traditions.
Christmas Message: 5
The message of the author’s love for family was clear, as the piece was mainly about that topic.
Overall score: 16
Thank you for the excellent work!
Tim Bruderek,
Contest Judge
Click on the following titles to visit those locations on Humdinger's website:
