With one week to go, we had to write a 59-word story about a road trip.  I was story #1.

The sun fell over Puget Sound as the crisp autumn wind rolled through Nelson’s yellow Mustang.  Thirty-seven years they had made this trip to the Northwest.  As tradition, they’d be staying somewhere new.  This year, Robinswood House. In two days, they’d be married.

Turning east on Interstate 405, Nelson shifted gears. Ethan’s hand met his. The sky turned red.

Matthew: Well, Ethan’s a funny name for a girl! Okay, just kidding, story 1, but I dig what you were trying to do here. I think you were a bit too reliant on the twist delivering some potency, however, that you didn’t really give much meat in the story. Maybe the twist was given up a bit early. WINNER: Story 2

Novak – These stories both really bring it.  They both manage to imply so much, without going too far.  #1 is definitely clearer in its meaning.  It capitalizes on recent political developments without being political itself.  I’m ok with political commentary, so I wouldn’t have held that against the story, but not everyone feels that way.  It isn’t the biggest reveal in the world, but the personal character history contained in the story is amazingly profound, and is deepened with the revelation. In the Close Call, #1 wins.

ANDY: I see you guys rolled your way into the semis. These entries are certainly worthy of a top four. #1 is a sweet little tableau. I enjoyed it, and the emotion comes across as sincere. In most circumstances, I wouldn’t have any gripes. Unfortunately, I have to be a little more critical as we approach the end, and my nitpick is that it feels like it’s just barely crossing the line into sappy territory. Well done to both, but my winner is #2.

Result vs. Sarah Johnson: LOSS (1-2)

And so my season ends.  It wasn’t my favorite story of the season, but I did put quite a bit of work into it.  I hoped to gain some poignancy without being corny, and I’m not sure I completely achieved that.

So far I’ve played three writing competitions at Casa de Leche.  I’ve finished 4th, 2nd, and now 4th again.  One of these days, Alice…