Scrivenshaft Challenge

From UnknowableWiki

The Scrivenshaft Challenges are challenges the Unknowable Room runs every two months centering on the Harry Potter universe and various characters therein. It was named for the small shop in Hogsmeade where quills, stationary, and other materials for writing were purchased by Hogwarts students. At the end of each challenge period (usually one calendar month), a masterlist of submitted stories are posted and a new prompt is unveiled.

It was created by Holly (everblue3) to tide members of The Great Break over until the Unknowable Room archive could be opened. Since Holly's departure, it has been taken over by Erin (twinsuns).

The Judging Pool

The Judging Pool is a list of roomies who wish to vote for the award-winning entries of the Scrivenshaft Challenge. The Challenge is issued once every two months, and judging occurs during the month following submission deadlines. The Pool is comprised solely of fanfiction authors and readers, none of whom have written entries for the cycle being judged.

If you wish to be part of the Scrivenshaft Judging Pool, you may join here.

By submitting your name to the Judging Pool, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions:

• You have read the FAQs and understand the judging procedures and requirements.
• You have submitted only one request to be in the Judging Pool. Duplicate requests under different usernames/pennames will result in a ban from all Challenge participation.
• If chosen to be a judge, you will review all of the entries in a timely manner, and submit your voting polls prior to the deadline specified.
• If chosen to be a judge and you cannot fulfill the above criteria, you must notify the Challenge administrator within 48 hours of receiving the instructional email so that a replacement may be appointed.

For more information, visit the Main Scrivenshaft Challenge page

Awards Categories

As awards are judged, winners will be selected that best fit the following categories:

RAISING THE BAR: This award is given to that one entry that would be the most well-written, comprehensive entry. A story of this quality should seem to set the standard for "what writing could be." This award is chosen primarily on an average rating from 1-10 on overall quality, as well as arguments made in the commentary box allotted for each entry.

RISING STAR: This award, though not chosen directly by the judges, is reserved for that writer who has either never entered the Challenge before or is considered to be underappreciated. After the award is presented for Raising the Bar, the most valuable entry written by an up-and-comer is given this award. To these authors we say, "We expect great things from you."

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: This award will highlight the entry that makes provokes reflection, giving the reader pause, considering the ramifications, life lessons, warnings, etc. A winning entry need not be philosophic, but it should offer the opportunity to reflect, chew on the words, and to find the meaning that is hidden between the lines.

CHEERING CHARM: This award will shine a spotlight on the entry that is most uplifting. A winning entry should make you smile or sigh in satisfaction, whether through a well-written romance scene, a happy ending, or a comedic moment. Not necessarily sappy, the winner of this award should be a story that lifts your spirit.

EUREKA!: This award will be presented to the most insightful entry. This award is made for that entry that allows for a new perspective in understanding a character, uncovering a plot, or solving a mystery. Whether the entry is surprising, alarming or flat-out scary, the award is all about discovery and revelation, and will leave you with your hands in the air and a light-bulb above your head.

OUTSIDE THE BOX: This award is meant for that entry that teems with imagination and creativity. Winners of this award are innovative in their plot and character structure, their organization, or perhaps the way they pull you into their story. There is nothing dull about a winner of this award, for there are so many different things to discover if you only look outside the realm of what's normal.

BRILLIANCE OF BREVITY: It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but the winner of this award would say that 500 is enough. This award goes to the best drabble entry, that scene that wastes no time, but still forces you to consider, think, and become immersed in the words. This award is limited to entries of no more than 500 words.