Spring Challenge : First Impressions


You’ve all heard the saying: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Well, in this Spring Challenge, we’re taking that old adage to heart…starting with the very first sentence of every story entered. Most Compelling Opening Sentence will be one of our new voting categories. Keep reading to find out how you can do your best to catch our attention and make a great first impression!

The Challenge:

Choose any or all of the following ‘first impression’ options. You must use at least one in your story – but you may combine more than one as well. You may enter the challenge more than once but you cannot repeat a First Impression option in another story. For example, if you chose Option 1 and 3 for your first story, you would only be able to choose between Option 2 and/or 4 for your next story. You've run out of stories once you've run out of options. Your first story must be completed before you post the next one.

* All challenge stories must revolve around at least one character from either Sue Thomas F.B. Eye or Murdoch Mysteries.

Option 1: Write about a character’s first impression of another character. It could be in a flashback or set in present day – ie. Tara remembering the first time she met Bobby, or Myles’ first impression of Sue. Did Julia know William when he was engaged to Liza? What was Brackenreid’s first impression of Murdoch?

Option 2: Have a favourite episode of STFBEYE or MM? Ever wonder what happened before that opening scene? This is your chance to write a mini prequel to your favourite episode – a chance for you to make a fresh first impression. Your prequel can be more than one post, but must be under 7000 words and can not alter the natural flow of the series (ie Jack and Sue cannot get married). Please note: a prequel will automatically be entered in the Impressive Prequel category as well as any other categories that are applicable.

Option 3: Ever imagine Jack holding his infant son for the first time? What kind of father would William be? Or Myles or Bobby – even Howie! And what about Sue’s first impression of her newborn child? Or Lucy or Tara? Include a character’s first impression of motherhood or fatherhood.

Option 4: We want to read about a character's impression of their first date. Where would William consider taking a date? What kind of impression would he want to make on the lady he is courting? What is Tara's idea of a first date -- and who would she invite along with her? Did Jack set up the first date -- or did Sue? Was it sublime or a complete disaster? Include a character's impression of his/her first date. Please note: This is the only option that would likely need to appear in every story you write. If you're developing a romantic relationship with two characters they're going to have to go on a date at some point. batting eyelashes.gif However, for voting purposes we will only consider the first date scene in your first story.


When you’re ready to begin posting click on New Topic, fill out your topic title (your title and your name) and topic description (your rating), add your first post and click on submit. Your topic area should look like this.

Topic Title: Oh Baby, Don't Cry - kav
Topic Description: PG17

As always we request that you do not post your challenge story elsewhere until the challenge and voting have been completed. The Challenge begins Wednesday, March 10 and ends Sunday, May 9 at midnight in your area.

Remember, all challenge stories must be stand alones. No sequels permitted.

Please note: While co-authoring is allowed, it is not a voting category.


Voting Categories:

Impressive Drama*

Impressive Comedy*

*Please indicate whether you would like your story entered in the drama or comedy category at the end of your last post.

Impressive Prequel (Prequels only : 1 per author)

Impressive Short Story (7000 words and under) not including prequels. Please include your word count at the end of your last post

Impressive Full-Length Story (7001+ words) please include your word count at the end of your last post

Impressive Themed Story:

First Impression in a story – most compelling opening sentence
First Impression of parenthood
First Impression of a character meeting another character

Impressive Romance: Broken into various pairings where there is more than one entry
*Please note that the romantic relationship must be an integral part of the story in order to qualify for this category.

Impressive Inspirational Story

Impressive Crossover Story

Impressive Original Character (excluding Jack’s parents)

Impressive Novice Writer (no more than 2 challenge stories on the Board)

First Impression Scenes

The author is responsible for submitting each scene they want entered. One scene per story per category please.

First kiss
First impression of the bad guy or gal (limited to the first couple of paragraphs)
First date