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  LiveWire / Teen Forums / Short Stories & Poetry / Viewing Topic

The "Solved" Mysteries of Harris Burdick
Replies: 70Last Post Today at 5:19am by Canvas
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( Canvas )


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What are The "Solved" Mysteries of Harris Burdick:
Harris Burdick submitted a number of pictures, along with the corresponded quotes, to a man named Peter Wenders. Burdick was hoping that Wenders would be interested in purchasing the stories that go along with the illustrations, but Wenders never heard from Burdick ever again. The "true" stories behind the illustrations were never revealed.

Now, the contest:
Since the true stories behind these pictures were never found, it's up to you to create your own story to go with them instead. These illustrations are used often by English teachers for this very purpose, so don't credit me for the idea.

The rules are simple:
First, choose an image that you'd like to use as a template:

[The Seven Chairs]

[Just Desert]

[Under the Rug]

[Mr. Linden's Library]

[A Strange Day In July]

[Another Place, Another Time]

[Uninvited Guests]

Using one of the illustrations, write a short story of what you think happened before, during, and after your interpretation of the picture. Be sure to include the quote above the picture in your short story or it will not be accepted. You're welcome to write the story in any genre you'd like, even if it be a horror or a comedy; it's your story so write whatever your heart desires.

- Length of story needs to be at least 500 words, however it's recommended that you write at least 1000
- You may only submit up to three entries, each of a different illustration
- You may combine more than one of the images into a story if you wish, but the quotes must be used as well
- Obviously, plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in immediate disqualification
- Remember to include the quote above your picture somewhere in your story
- Try to avoid writing a novel, it's a short story contest
- This is not a porn writing contest, keep the sexual content at a minimum
- Don't worry so much about your writing skills, be creative, but make sense
- Here is an example I wrote for an assignment a few years ago to help you get on track (I expect yours to be longer)
- You must post your story in the contest topic
- Just for participating in this contest, you will receive 50 points from me immediately as long as you show considerable effort and meet the length requirements (It's not a lot, but I'm hoping it'll help motivate somewhat)

The judging:
The judging will be mostly based on creativity and not so much your writing skills. The point of this contest is to come up with a creative interpretation to one of these images, so don't feel that your writing skills need to be great. All that is asked is that you avoid using "internet speak" and treat it as if it were an English assignment. The judges are out to enjoy the story, not critique the crap out of it.

The judges:
Side Effect
RachLeigh13
Skwisgaar Skwigelf
ToyJetpack
OneSquared
MoonLoveBaby
glowinthedark

The contest is scheduled to end on March 3rd. Depending on how many entries are being made, it may be extended.  

The entries:

feeltheshane - Entry # 1 (Another Place, Another Time)

Shibs - Entry # 1 (A Strange Day In July)

Springs - Entry # 1 (A Strange Day In July) / Entry # 2 (Another Place, Another Time) / Entry # 3 (Mr. Linden's Library)

tempest - Entry # 1 (Under the Rug)

The rewards:

First Prize - 2210 points
Second Prize - 1090 points
Participation Prize - 50 points

Post edited at 5:54 pm on Feb. 26, 2010 by Canvas

-------
You say too late to start
Got your heart in a headlock
I don't believe any of it
Have you got it in you?


11:56 am on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Feb. 2009 | Days Active: 273
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Skwisgaar Skwigelf


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Oh shit this looks like fun, I'm down.

-------
i shake things up a bit
jiggle wit it, jiggle wit it
omg lol

11:57 am on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Dec. 2009 | Days Active: 73
Join to learn more about Skwisgaar Skwigelf Virginia, United States | Straight Male | Posts: 13,845 | Points: 31,127
Googoie


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I will most definitely be looking into this.

This looks so fun.

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Well excuuuuse me, Princess.
And Dargor was his name-o
When one's in need of sage advice, one must seek out the one who's wise...
HAN SHOT FIRST.


11:59 am on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Mar. 2008 | Days Active: 458
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Areola


If Walls Could Talk.

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I won't be able to enter if I asked to be a judge, would I? :/

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Secret love, my escape.
Take me far, far away.
Secret love, are you there?
Will you answer my prayers?

12:00 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Mar. 2009 | Days Active: 329
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RachLeigh13


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I am excited! This would be fun for me to either judge, or participate in. :)

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Put some time in a box...
it won't steal you


12:01 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: June 2003 | Days Active: 2,170
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Skwisgaar Skwigelf


Mrs. LiveWire

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Quote: from Dear Kat at 3:00 pm on Jan. 19, 2010

I won't be able to enter if I asked to be a judge, would I? :/

No :( I was thinking the same thing, I can't decide which I'd like to do.

-------
i shake things up a bit
jiggle wit it, jiggle wit it
omg lol


12:02 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Dec. 2009 | Days Active: 73
Join to learn more about Skwisgaar Skwigelf Virginia, United States | Straight Male | Posts: 13,845 | Points: 31,127
( Canvas )


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Quote: from Dear Kat at 3:00 pm on Jan. 19, 2010

I won't be able to enter if I asked to be a judge, would I? :/
I wish I could let you, I'm sorry.  

It's going to be difficult to get judges for this...

Post edited at 12:03 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 by Canvas

-------
You say too late to start
Got your heart in a headlock
I don't believe any of it
Have you got it in you?


12:03 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Feb. 2009 | Days Active: 273
Join to learn more about Canvas Ontario, Canada | Label Free Male | Posts: 11,291 | Points: 21,147
Areola


If Walls Could Talk.

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Quote: from Wobbuffet at 3:02 pm on Jan. 19, 2010

Quote: from Dear Kat at 3:00 pm on Jan. 19, 2010

I won't be able to enter if I asked to be a judge, would I? :/

No :( I was thinking the same thing, I can't decide which I'd like to do.


Guess I'll just enter then.

-------
Secret love, my escape.
Take me far, far away.
Secret love, are you there?
Will you answer my prayers?


12:03 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Mar. 2009 | Days Active: 329
Join to learn more about Areola Kiribati | Posts: 53,130 | Points: 60,031
Skwisgaar Skwigelf


Mrs. LiveWire

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Quote: from Dear Kat at 3:03 pm on Jan. 19, 2010

Quote: from Wobbuffet at 3:02 pm on Jan. 19, 2010

Quote: from Dear Kat at 3:00 pm on Jan. 19, 2010

I won't be able to enter if I asked to be a judge, would I? :/
 

 No :( I was thinking the same thing, I can't decide which I'd like to do.


Guess I'll just enter then.


I'm judging

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i shake things up a bit
jiggle wit it, jiggle wit it
omg lol


12:20 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Dec. 2009 | Days Active: 73
Join to learn more about Skwisgaar Skwigelf Virginia, United States | Straight Male | Posts: 13,845 | Points: 31,127
feeltheshane


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I'll judge, if need be. Cheers.

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If beauty was inches you'd go on for miles.

1:05 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: July 2009 | Days Active: 212
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ToyJetpack


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I'll judge the fuck out of this thing.

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Is someone making your stupid fat face red with teen anger?
Want to totally make that jerk's life hell over the internet?
http://www.golivewire.com/forums/groups.cgi?action=group&id=6429

1:27 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: May 2009 | Days Active: 206
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I'd be willing to judge if there's still room available.

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ಠ_ಠ
what is this i dont even

1:57 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: April 2007 | Days Active: 628
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Shibs


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I will most definitely be entering this contest.

By the way, my piano teacher's brother is Chris Van Allsburg. But I won't cheat off him or anything.

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I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine.


2:04 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Sep. 2008 | Days Active: 350
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Shineapple


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This is exactly what I did in 9th grade that I was talking about. lol I'm down.

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We're all damaged somehow.

2:20 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Dec. 2008 | Days Active: 281
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Springs


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I wanna do one :)

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I don't know what to put here

5:21 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: July 2005 | Days Active: 1,415
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