I was one of the ten, too. Like Rhymegirl, I was shocked I made it that far, too. There were so many entries in the first place, I remember thinking Three and Sara were insane for volunteering to vet them.
I remember reading everyone's entries for the week and thinking damn, I'm out for sure, that's way better than what I came up with. I also remember William torturing eveyone by posting his at the last minute. It was torture, to me at least, because his entries were always stellar. And I think he'd like to torture people, but anyway.
I came in fourth, and I knew I was out that week the minute I saw the topic: comedy. I never was able to be funny on command.
That contest was the first time I'd been forced to be creative on schedule, and it was amazing to me how effective BIC actually is. Every week I didn't think I'd come up with something, and every week I did, and that was the best part for me - being forced to produce and actually doing it. It wasn't always great, or good even, but it was something.
I recall a few stories in particular (and no, I'm not cheating and re-reading the thread
) that must have been great because I still remember them. William wrote about Poe and the Halloween rituals at his grave, that one was fantastic. Joanne wrote about a teacher she'd had, it was a beautiful piece. I wish I could remember more of them; now I really will have to go back and read them all.
It was freaking amazing how many people participated, commented on the entries, threw rep points around. Proved to me that AW was a real community.
Another cool thing for me from that contest is that one of my entries turned into a novel. I finished the first draft last Sunday. So at least I have someone to blame for it now
And whatever happened to that guy who made it into the contest and never participated? What was his deal? Anyone know?
Mostly, though, I remember being wowed every week by everyone else's entries, and feeling very lucky to have been a part of it.