Just for fun.
I spend a lot of time thinking about this and I think it would be a fun discussion. I think of popular authors/stories and wonder "hmmm...would a short version of this story have won WOTF?" I know that WOTF only chooses certain types of stories, but in my opinion those stories have a huge span of ideas and plots and writing styles...so why not.
For example, I know she is a bad word on this site, but I often think that Stephanie Meyer's "The Host" (abridged of course) would have made a great entry. BUT this is where I think it would be fun to debate if that idea is flawed. I also want to hear what other authors everyone thinks would have won or had good contenders for finalists in the contest.
Like...
An abridged version of the first Harry Potter story.
A Steven King story.
Ect...
The idea is: would this story be considered original enough to stand the test of the contest. We know if they are published they are good in writing standards, but I'm talking purely about the storyline idea and the execution of the story.
Tina
Tina
Pretty much every Terry Goodkind story I've read was entertaining, but could have been presented in much fewer words. He repeats himself. A lot. Since he's on the NY Times best seller list (I think with every book he's written, something like 12-15), I find it plausible that he could win a contest like WotF.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Laura Resnick's In Legend Born trilogy was very cool, and if made into a short story, would totally kick ass in this contest.
There are days that would make me wonder if even Asimov's Nightfall or Clarke's The Nine Billion Names of God would win the contest today.
Michael Beers
Latest Out:
Now Available:
I'm going to run with your Steven King suggestion, Tina, because I think there's a very specific reason why King would have gotten form rejections in this contest:
He doesn't ever start off with the speculative aspect. At least, not in the stories/novels I've read of his. He always takes forever on setup, and character building, before the story ever gets anywhere near the speculative part. Which = fail in WotF. 
I kind of think there are lots of writers out there who would have faired well in WotF. And there are lots who have, obviously, since this contest produces quite a few professionals. But, that doesn't really address your question, does it? I’ll have to think on specifics.
I do think it’s interesting to find out about professional authors who entered the contest and didn't even earn a semi, though. Take Brandon Sanderson. As far as I know he got an HM, but nothing better.
~Marina
WotF Winner Q1 2012 (Vol. 29)
WotF Finalist Q2 2010 (Vol. 27)
WotF Finalist Q4 2011 (Vol. 28)
I'm going to run with your Steven King suggestion, Tina, because I think there's a very specific reason why King would have gotten form rejections in this contest:
He doesn't ever start off with the speculative aspect. At least, not in the stories/novels I've read of his. He always takes forever on setup, and character building, before the story ever gets anywhere near the speculative part. Which = fail in WotF.
I'll take you up on that challenge! (okay, I know you didn't challenge me, but I playfully take you up on the spirit of what you're saying about King!) 
If I were King, this is the story I would have submitted to the contest.
http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/beachworld/
I do agree what you're saying about his novels and his slow starts, but King has a lengthy short story collection and he has some kick-butt stories in the mix that get right to the point, just like Beachworld.
Thomas K Carpenter
SFx2, SHMx1, HMx12 (Pro'd Out - Q4 2016)
EQMM - Feb 2015 /
I'll take you up on that challenge! (okay, I know you didn't challenge me, but I playfully take you up on the spirit of what you're saying about King!)
If I were King, this is the story I would have submitted to the contest.
http://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/beachworld/
I do agree what you're saying about his novels and his slow starts, but King has a lengthy short story collection and he has some kick-butt stories in the mix that get right to the point, just like Beachworld.
First line: "FedShip ASN/29 fell out of the sky and crashed."
Ok, yes, straight to the spec there. I stand corrected. He doesn't always take the long way around.
~Marina
WotF Winner Q1 2012 (Vol. 29)
WotF Finalist Q2 2010 (Vol. 27)
WotF Finalist Q4 2011 (Vol. 28)
