Looks like another good month for entries in the 300.
It was added to the "Science Fiction or Fantasy" option so as to include stories which were, for example, myth-based or had a fairy tale component or were horror-type-ish, in case anyone worried that "fantasy" alone didn't cover those topics. It's always been the case that we expect entries for the 300 Worder to fit into the SFF category as broadly defined since the original prize for winning was to appear on the-then front page of the forums, giving more exposure to the story and author while keeping within the SFF atmosphere Brian wanted there.I have always been confused by the term "speculative fiction".
Isn't all fiction speculative?
We don't police the genre requirement, so no story would ever be removed for that reason, so don't worry. We do ask members to take the genre into consideration when voting, and I for one wouldn't vote for a story, no matter how well written, if it didn't meet the genre as I define it, but I know from experience that either other members couldn't care less, or they define "speculative" more broadly than do I (so broadly sometimes as to make a nonsense of having a stipulated genre at all in my view).However, like an idiot, I didn't even read the 'genre' choice for this challenge -- or even realize there was a 'genre' setting -- I just looked at the picture. I was too rushed. So I can only hope my story slips under the wire as 'speculative fiction'.
If not the mods are invited to take it off before the vote. The error was inadvertant. No disrespect was intended to members who carefully tailored their tales to meet the genre bracket. Sorry.
Space operas and goblins with swords don't seem to have a lot in common.
I'd go for Sci-fi fantasy version of HMS Pinafore - operatic goblins... now there's an idea.
... We don't police the genre requirement, so no story would ever be removed for that reason, so don't worry. We do ask members to take the genre into consideration when voting, and I for one wouldn't vote for a story, no matter how well written, if it didn't meet the genre as I define it, but I know from experience that either other members couldn't care less, or they define "speculative" more broadly than do I (so broadly sometimes as to make a nonsense of having a stipulated genre at all in my view).
I voted for:
@Cat's Cradle - The Robe and the Arrowhead
@HoopyFrood - In Town For One Night Only
@The Judge - The Crimson Coat
All great stories and felt really imaginative.
Close runners up were @Phyrebrat @Peter V @AlexH @Wruter @crispenycate