LiveWire Network Peer Answers Peer Support Teen Forums Tech Forums College Forums 362 users online 241617 members 1060 active today Advertise Here Sign In
TeenCollegeTechPhotos | Quizzes | LiveSecret | Memberlist | Dictionary | News | FAQ
Member Spotlight
not0so0dandi0andi
Cool Things: Watching my bestfriends belly mov...
Mood: Speechless
You have 1 new message.
Emergency Help
Until you sign up you can't do much. Yes, it's free.

Sign Up Now
Membername:
Password:
Already have an account?
Invite Friends
Active Members
Groups
Contests
Moderators
0 online / 0 MPM
Krishna Janmashtami
Fresh Topics
  LiveWire / Teen Forums / Short Stories & Poetry / Viewing Topic

The "Solved" Mysteries of Harris Burdick
Replies: 71Last Post Mar. 11 5:15pm by Springs
Welcome to LiveWire!
We're Stronger Together.
Join the Community
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5  Next » Email Print Favorite
( Ricochet  )


Swami

Sustainer
Support Leader
Reply
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 Ricochet

-------
If you wanted to rip my clothes off,
all you had to do was ask.

Hope / Secrets


11:56 am on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Feb. 2009 | Days Active: 410
Join to learn more about Ricochet Ontario, Canada | Gay Male | Posts: 15,199 | Points: 27,210
LiveWire Humor
Nicckkk


Swami

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

-------
But let me tell you something:
If Pokemon were real,
you could die because they could kill you.
(But not really).

11:57 am on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Dec. 2009 | Days Active: 234
Join to learn more about Nicckkk Russia | Male | Posts: 28,376 | Points: 29,242
Googoie


Guru

Patron
Reply
I will most definitely be looking into this.

This looks so fun.

-------
With the duty of seeding these shores upon which we landed
Those once were mountains; we're bound to there sow life again
Let our sons have sons until all mind is forgotten again
Let fire resurrect, let everything be reborn


11:59 am on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Mar. 2008 | Days Active: 571
Join to learn more about Googoie Michigan, United States | Straight Male | Posts: 16,200 | Points: 24,468
Areola


Ą Ł Ę X

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

-------

Everything is perfect and nobody is happy.

12:00 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Mar. 2009 | Days Active: 433
Join to learn more about Areola Kiribati | Posts: 59,432 | Points: 57,690
RachLeigh13


UGH! LITTLE PERVERT!

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

-------

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


12:01 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: June 2003 | Days Active: 2,337
Join to learn more about RachLeigh13 North Carolina, United States | Straight Female | Posts: 30,842 | Points: 73,011
Nicckkk


Swami

Sustainer
Reply
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.

-------
But let me tell you something:
If Pokemon were real,
you could die because they could kill you.
(But not really).


12:02 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Dec. 2009 | Days Active: 234
Join to learn more about Nicckkk Russia | Male | Posts: 28,376 | Points: 29,242
( Ricochet  )


Swami

Sustainer
Support Leader
Reply
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 Ricochet

-------
If you wanted to rip my clothes off,
all you had to do was ask.

Hope / Secrets


12:03 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Feb. 2009 | Days Active: 410
Join to learn more about Ricochet Ontario, Canada | Gay Male | Posts: 15,199 | Points: 27,210
Areola


Ą Ł Ę X

Sustainer
Support Leader
Reply
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.

-------

Everything is perfect and nobody is happy.


12:03 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Mar. 2009 | Days Active: 433
Join to learn more about Areola Kiribati | Posts: 59,432 | Points: 57,690
Nicckkk


Swami

Sustainer
Reply
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

-------
But let me tell you something:
If Pokemon were real,
you could die because they could kill you.
(But not really).


12:20 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Dec. 2009 | Days Active: 234
Join to learn more about Nicckkk Russia | Male | Posts: 28,376 | Points: 29,242
feeltheshane

Visionary

Patron
Reply
I'll judge, if need be. Cheers.

1:05 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: July 2009 | Days Active: 262
Join to learn more about feeltheshane New Zealand | Male | Posts: 9,318 | Points: 9,957
TRALFAMADORE

Omnipotent One

Patron
Reply
I'll judge the fuck out of this thing.

-------
i guess your cool copying the post?

1:27 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: May 2009 | Days Active: 277
Join to learn more about TRALFAMADORE Texas, United States | Straight Male | Posts: 15,228 | Points: 17,137
JTHM


OMG A BALLOON

Sustainer
Reply
I'd be willing to judge if there's still room available.

-------
ಠ_ಠ
what is this i dont even
When I play doctor, I play to win.

1:57 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: April 2007 | Days Active: 730
Join to learn more about JTHM New York, United States | GLBT Ally Female | Posts: 14,962 | Points: 41,751
Pearadyne


Doofenshmirtz Evil Inc.

Sustainer
Support Leader
Reply
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.

-------
You are braver than you believe,
stronger than you seem,
& smarter than you think.


2:04 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Sep. 2008 | Days Active: 442
Join to learn more about Pearadyne Michigan, United States | Straight Female | Posts: 16,814 | Points: 32,861
Shineapple


Swami

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

-------
We're all damaged somehow.

2:20 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: Dec. 2008 | Days Active: 381
Join to learn more about Shineapple New Zealand | Straight Female | Posts: 20,485 | Points: 26,327
Springs


only man to ever DDT the pope

Patron
Support Leader
Reply
I wanna do one :)

-------
No need for negativity

5:21 pm on Jan. 19, 2010 | Joined: July 2005 | Days Active: 1,590
Join to learn more about Springs Honduras | Straight Male | Posts: 53,407 | Points: 73,023
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5  Next » Email Print Favorite

Quick Reply

You are signed in as our guest.

Looking for something else?
 

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