We have posted rules and entry information for two DemiCon 27 contests in the Contests section under Programming. The first is a brand new contest this year – Sweded Movie Trailers. The second is a long time favorite – Prose & Poetry Contest. If interested in entering a contest, please pay special attention to rules and entry deadlines.

Sweded Movie Trailers – A DemiCon Contest

Zombies have been spotted in Iowa City, heading towards Des Moines. Residents have been commanded to stay at home and wait out the invasion. You prepare by stockpiling DVDs and even VHS tapes to watch during the Zombie Assault Constitutional Convention you decided to throw for friends and family. But, wait! The electrical grid power surge caused by cold weather finally arriving at the same time national news media descended for the caucuses has wiped the contents of your favorite movies. You have only a few days to gather food and entertainment. Popcorn is easy, this is Iowa after all. But you have to recreate the videos. Quickly! (more)

Prose & Poetry Contest

The categories for short stories are Character, Description, and Continuity based on their effective use within the story. Character includes growth of characters, use of dialogue, and believability of characters. Description includes the general use of description, how technological or fantastical items specific to the story are described, and description that sets the scene. Continuity includes consistency of writing, general adherence to the theme, and if the story or poem progresses true to the story’s world.

The categories for poems are Rhythm, Imagery, and Coherence. Rhythm includes how the poem sounds when read aloud and how well the poem works within its particular form (e.g., free verse, iambic pentameter); plus, for poems following established styles, how well the poem adheres to the established structure. Imagery includes description but, more so than with stories, how well the scene is evoked. Coherence includes how well all parts of the poem go together. (more)