The Homicide Fan Fiction Group is looking for very imaginative and creative stories from the H:LotS universe, ranging from poignant to hysterical.  These stories should show us something new and creative, but nevertheless fit into the H:LotS universe and mind-set.

This contest is in no way sponsored by NBC -- it is a labor of love for the fans, by the fans.  Writers should give us a brand-new, exciting and moving story.  Don't rely on guest characters or hooking up with old plotlines from the shows, we want to see something new and creative.

This year, in a departure from past contests, there are *four* categories for submissions:

1. "Classic"
Stories of no more than 10,000 words

SEE: the entries from the previous contest:
http://www.oocities.org/homific2001/hffastory2001.html
 

2. "Crossover"
Stories that combine the casts and storylines of H:LotS and another TV show, also with a limit of 10,000 words.

For a good, comical example of a successful crossover story,
SEE: "Homicide: Life on the Lanai,"
http://www.oocities.org/ducklie/11cents/stories/lanai.html
 

3. "Ultra-short"
Stories of 325 words or less.

A good example of a very short story, from the first Homicide Fan Fiction Contest:
http://www.oocities.org/homific2001/hffastory2000_twist.html
 

Finally, for those fans who feel unsure about trying their hand at fiction, but still have a wealth of knowledge about our beloved H:LotS, there will also be a *non-judged* category:

4. "Non-fiction"
Essays about any aspect of "Homicide: Life on the Street."
Limit: 10,000 words or less.

Those of you who post to alt.tv.homicide do this all the time; why not share your opinions with a larger audience?  These essays will not be judged, but will be posted to the website.
 

Judging:
Ratings-based judging will be used for this contest.  All stories meeting the submission requirements will be posted privately on the web for "blind" judging, i.e., without details of the writer's identity, so the judges don't know who the author is when they're reading the stories.  Judges will rate each story using the stated criteria.  Judges are excluded from entering the contest.  Judges' ranking of stories will break all ties.  All decisions by the judges are final.
 

Criteria used for judging:
Five categories rated 1 to 5

- Quality of writing: rates the use of language, sentence structure and
syntax.

- Originality of the story.

- Voice:  How true are the characters' actions and behavior in relation to their motivations and actions in the H:LotS universe?  Witty and intelligent dialog as well as those famous Homicide one-liners are a plus.

- Plot Development: Does the story have a structure: Beginning, middle, end?  Does each word move the story along and develop the plot?  Did we see the ending coming after we read the first paragraph or were we completely surprised?

- Setting: How much detail is included of the Homicide universe?  Use of real Baltimore street names, restaurants, and news items will help increase the setting score.  This will show how deeply the writer went into research of the show and "Charm City" and incorporated this knowledge into the storytelling structure.

Remember that even crossover stories will need to emphasize the Homicide world.
 

Format:
All entries must meet these basic guidelines or they will be
disqualified from the contest.

- One entry per person per category.  The ambitious and speedy Entrant may submit one story in each category, although there is no obligation to submit more than one story to the contest.

- Stories must be in the short story prose format.

- The work must be original and the sole work of the Entrant and the sole property of the Entrant.

- All entries must be e-mailed to <homific2001@yahoo.com> no later than October 1, 2002, and must not have been previously published in any form.

- Verification of receipt-of-entry will be e-mailed to you.

- Only e-mail submissions will be accepted.

- Entries will be judged anonymously (personal information should accompany the submission, but will not be posted with it when the story is being judged.)

- Homicide is definitely an adult television show, and the stories reflect real life.  Adult-based themes, fairly detailed or graphic violence, sex, and language are allowed up to a point.  All writers should censor themselves and keep the stories at a PG-rated level. Would it pass the censors at NBC? -- if not, tone it down.  Any story focusing on explicit sexual activity or graphic depictions of violence will be disqualified.

- Story can be based on any period of the Homicide life cycle, but you must state explicitly when the story takes place.  Your story must then follow the established storyline at that time.

- Foreign-language submissions are not eligible.  All submissions must be in English.

- Entries must include the following information: the writer's name; the story title; the contest category; a 50 words or less autobiography describing the writer's background and interest in the show; the writer's address, phone number, and email; the time frame in the H:LotS universe when the story is set; and a disclaimer stating that: "Characters used from "Homicide: Life on the Street" belong to Baltimore Pictures and NBC Productions and are used without permission.  This story may be copied or placed in public domain so long as the author's original name and story remain intact."  Please note: Submissions in the "Crossover" category must include an appropriate disclaimer for the other TV show as well.
 

Winners:
Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony at Homicon 2002 in Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland (weekend of October 25 through 27 -- presentation time to be announced).  All winners and honorable mention winners will receive a copy of the Best of Homicide Fan Fiction 2002.  Entrants do not have to be present to win.

Prizes: (based on judge's score)
- (First Place prize) - A First Place award will be given to the highest
rated story in each category, based on the judged criteria. The person having the highest scoring story in each category will receive $100.00 (One hundred dollars) and other Homicide related prizes.

- (1st and 2nd runners up) - The persons having the second and third highest scoring stories in each category will receive valuable Homicide related prizes.

- All entrants receive the approbration and thanks of their fellow fans: for the greater glory of Homicide!

- In addition to the announcements at Homicon 2002, the contest results will be posted to alt.tv.homicide and other Homicide related lists, and stories will posted on the 11cents webpage at http://11cents.cjb.net or linked from that site.

All winners will be notified by e-mail.  It is the responsibility of the
Entrant to keep us informed of his/her current address.
 

Legal Stuff:
The Homicide Contest is again being hosted by Baltimore resident and long-time Homicidal fan LeAnthony Mathews.  Administrative assistance is kindly being offered by Jessica Bates, K Monroe, and Raquel Montoya of the 11cents list.  Judges will remain anonymous until after the judging.

As before, every effort will be taken to keep it fair for everyone involved.  By entering, the entrant agrees to abide by these rules.  The entrant also agrees by entering that the story represents his/her original work and grants the Homicide Fan Fiction group the right to release the work into public domain, to publish, promote and otherwise use his/her entry without further permission, notice or compensation.  The entrant also agrees that Characters used from "Homicide: Life on the Street" belong to Baltimore Pictures and NBC Productions and are used without permission.

Deadline:
Entries must be emailed by October 1, 2002.  Please send your story only when you are absolutely sure it is finished.  Once submitted you will not be able to add, remove, update, or append to your entry.  Please retain a copy of your submission.

Questions or Comments :
E-mail <homific2001@yahoo.com>.  Stories may be submitted anytime after the official posting of the contest and should be sent to the same address.