Frustrations

Well, what you're describing is I think what we all experience - not so much frustration at the competition per se, but the frustration of being a writer. It truly is hard. And non-writers don't get that. They think if you can pick up a pen and place it on paper, you can be a writer. And even as writers who should know better, we each also carry a vestige of that belief. We think we should be able to do better. But there is a huge difference between scribbling a shopping list and creating art (because that really is what creative writing is - art - like the difference between chopping a tree and making a sculpture of it).

You are a writer, you are creating, you are an artist, you are not creating just shopping lists, and its intrinsically difficult and theres a huge learning curve. Speaking for myself I fully recognize that some of my writing is verging on tolerable, and some of it trully is miserable. What I do think is powerful about WOTF, or specifically the forum and most of the people here, is that we recognize 

1) its hard

2) we're all learning

3) we get better through mutual support, mutual critiques

4) progress may be slow

But, again, speaking for myself, while my 'grades' at wotf go up and down, I am confident my writing has got better over time. Its just theres a lot of other people who already write better or have also improved, and theres an element of luck and timing in striking a chord with judges. Lack of progress here doesnt necessarily mean lack of skill progress, so much as lack of matching tone to the competition. Its frustrating when that happens, but its good to try and work on both writing craft, and matching your pieces to the market you are targeting (WOTF or others).

Thanks.

You seem to have quickly developed, and are now running pretty consistent.

I do wonder if violence may be an issue. 

Although not blood baths, I do sometimes have some. But not usually, that I recall.

My HM had some violence, mostly just regular action style.

I don't include much adult stuff.

My HM had an attractive female.

Although I've not read many WOTF, maybe one or two stories, it could be my HM was just a touch too much in some areas??

Trying to gauge the levels can be difficult.

With your points,

1 I think it's more sitting down to write that's the hardest bit.

2 Yes. It does feel like, with most artistic pursuits, you will never actually get to the destination.

3 Yes.

4 More stop and start than slow. I guess it depends on the scale used. Unless you can do it consistently, but then you Stephen King.

Posted by: @nova

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Although I've not read many WOTF, maybe one or two stories,

of all the things you said this one resonated the most for me as possibly a barrier - if you want to sell to a market, you need to understand that market. Reading WOTF style stories therefore would seem like a key boost for success

Well, the resuls for everyone just came in today and it wasn't good for me. This is nothing new. I've been on a bad luck streak since Q2 of 2024. I honestly don't know what to draw anymore. It's never good enough for our 20 judges (way too many imo). Im tired of trying and trying and trying. Ive even diligently created new pieces but nothing budges.Not even a nuclear blast at this point would make a difference. I could've easily sent in old material but it seems that even trying that here on IOTF, never gets me anywhere. I think that now I'll take a much long and deserved break and look elsewhere for greener pastures. It's a shame. So long to all of you and good luck - (you'll need it)

I get it Jose, I'm looking to come back from a break.

Not sure there will be much difference though.

I'll just keep trying.

Maybe have a look at some aspect of writing or story.

I've been studying films and have learnt much just by watching. Shocking things I never realised in 30+ years. Eye opening. 

Posted by: @gideonpsmith

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Reading WOTF style stories therefore would seem like a key boost for success

I get that.

I just don't read novels/stories.

Articles, and a bit of non fiction, yes.

Got a stack of WOTF, Analog and Asimov's sat unread.

I've been studying one Analog, er Asimov's, whatever, that's terribly dog eared, but only actually read one story, though bits here and there of others.

People like to say you need to read to write, but I wouldn't be here if I believed that.

Blind people can paint, so on.

The feedback is the important bit.

And if everyone follows the same path they may miss the short cut.

Harvey, thanks for understanding. I'm very persistent and have always been a positive person, but even I recognize when its time to move on. Ive been at this contest since 1998. That's a long, long time.

Posted by: @nova

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I do wonder if violence may be an issue. 

Although not blood baths, I do sometimes have some. But not usually, that I recall.

My HM had some violence, mostly just regular action style.

Hello. I'm new to the site.

Is violence a disqualifier for contest entries? I did read the rules, and I was under the impression that the inclusion of violence was permissible so long as it served a clear thematic and/or narrative purpose--and wasn’t overly gratuitous, of course.

For the last month or so I've been researching past winners, and I did come across several that were unabashedly violent. A few more recent examples being:

1. The Children of Desolation

2. Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber

3. Death and the Taxman

So...I'm going to assume that the inclusion of violence doesn't automatically disqualify you? Anyway, sorry to hear you've been having such a hard time. I wish I had more than condolences and encouragement to offer.

All the same, good luck on your next attempts!  

Posted by: @nova

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Any frustrations about the contest?

My biggest one is probably reading this.

Otherwise, one honorable mention!

One!

And it was a story I stuck a section in the middle for shameless filler to give me some wordage.

That said, it did have a terrific start and was fast paced and had some interesting elements.

However, even writing companion stories to it has done nothing.

I'm suspecting I just caught the proof reader napping and so DF had to read it, as it was in his pile.

I can't believe it was so much better than all the others I have otherwise submitted. Lots of them.

I must really suck at writing.

Yours?

 

My biggest and the only real frustration is the scientology background (which I’ve learned is a bit closer that I thought and it makes me slightly uncomfortable tbh). 
The other frustration is that it’s taking a bit too long to get my feedback for Q3 😂 (but I’m mostly joking with this one, as I’m really looking forward to it!). 

But other than that, I love the different “rejection” tiers like HM, SHM,… I love how supportive the community is, how organizers communicate and listen to the community,… In general this seems like the best competition for emerging sff writers in the world.
It’s just that one BIG thing that is starting to really irk me 😅. 

@dagnir Welcome a-board! 

I'd say violence and sex and swearing all have to be pg-13. Today's pg-13 is further along than 25 years ago IMO. Watch Captain America Civil War. Tony and Cap beat the hell out of each other, but since there's no gore or spatter, it's OK. Just clubbing.   

But ... Negan clubbing Abraham and Glenn? Gore and spatter. 

It's also the description. How much happens "on camera" and how much off? My story has a massive body count - all off camera. 

They kissed, and fell into bed laughing. OK, we know what happens next. That's one shade. Don't give us all fifty. 

Wait. Death and the Taxman? I need to re-read that... 

Anyway, we usually know when we've read something that's eww. I'd estimate to just stay away from gratuitous descriptions. Pick any Friday the 13th movie. They love to show every moment of a poor teenager's demise. 

This is one of those tell don't show moments.

Posted by: @nova

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I just don't read novels/stories.

Articles, and a bit of non fiction, yes.

Got a stack of WOTF, Analog and Asimov's sat unread.

I've been studying one Analog, er Asimov's, whatever, that's terribly dog eared, but only actually read one story, though bits here and there of others.

People like to say you need to read to write, but I wouldn't be here if I believed that.

Blind people can paint, so on.

The feedback is the important bit.

And if everyone follows the same path they may miss the short cut.

I'd have to argue that there is NO SHORTCUT when it comes to developing your writing skills, especially if you want to write and sell at a professional level. There might be some professional blind artists working in pro industries, although I can think of none off the top of my head. However, I can't think of a single professional author working today who isn't also a voracious reader.

@gideonpsmith is 100% correct. You have to read and study stories from the kinds of markets you're hoping to get into. Every publisher has his/her own tastes. If you never take the time to understand what those tastes are, you'll have a hard time selling to those editors. You'll also have a hard time knowing which cliches and tropes are now old and no longer used. There are a ton of story elements that are outdated now, and a ton of story types that no one wants to see anymore. If you don't read broadly and deeply in the genre, you run the risk of thinking your story is amazing when, in reality, it's been done a million times before.

Posted by: @haganenoedward

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My biggest and the only real frustration is the scientology background (which I’ve learned is a bit closer that I thought and it makes me slightly uncomfortable tbh). 

The other frustration is that it’s taking a bit too long to get my feedback for Q3 😂 (but I’m mostly joking with this one, as I’m really looking forward to it!). 

But other than that, I love the different “rejection” tiers like HM, SHM,… I love how supportive the community is, how organizers communicate and listen to the community,… In general this seems like the best competition for emerging sff writers in the world.
It’s just that one BIG thing that is starting to really irk me 😅. 

When it comes to the contest side of things, there is zero talk about Scientology from Author Services, the gala, the submissions process, the qualifications, the workshops, etc. This contest is 100% professional, helpful, and respectful of everyone. I've been involved with this contest for years, and I've always been very impressed with how well they treat new and emerging writers.

Unfortunately, there have been authors who have left or not wanted to participate in the contest just because of some perceived shadow of Scientology floating around in the background. I would never give up participating in something as fantastic as this contest just because of someone's religious beliefs (or color of their skin, or gender preferences, or nationality, etc. for that matter.) That would just be discrimination on my part, and that's not who I am.

Posted by: @morgan-broadhead

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You'll also have a hard time knowing which cliches and tropes are now old and no longer used. There are a ton of story elements that are outdated now, and a ton of story types that no one wants to see anymore. If you don't read broadly and deeply in the genre, you run the risk of thinking your story is amazing when, in reality, it's been done a million times before.

Are there? I mean in terms of there being a lot of story elements that are considered outdated, and which no one wants to see anymore? Fantasy probably aligns best with what I like to write, but I know very little about the genre itself. It's not because I don't read, though. It's because I was never allowed to read it for most of my life. So, I know almost nothing about stuff like trends or...what's 'outdated' or...anything like that. And there's so much I apparently need to catch up on that I'm completely lost. I've just been writing what interests me.

@nova

Posted by: @nova

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I get that.

I just don't read novels removed link

Articles, and a bit of non fiction, yes.

Got a stack of WOTF, Analog and Asimov's sat unread.

I've been studying one Analog, er Asimov's, whatever, that's terribly dog eared, but only actually read one story, though bits here and there of others.

People like to say you need to read to write, but I wouldn't be here if I believed that.

Blind people can paint, so on.

The feedback is the important bit.

And if everyone follows the same path they may miss the short cut.

Hey, just gonna gently throw my two cents in. I totally understand the frustration of putting in effort over time and not seeing the breakthrough you hoped for. That kind of persistence takes grit, no doubt about it.

On the blind-painter analogy, I see what you’re reaching for, but I think the comparison misses an important part. Blind artists don’t skip the study phase. If anything, they lean harder into other channels of craft: texture, form, repetition, and technique. They still immerse themselves in the medium; they just do it differently.

Reading fills that role for writers. It isn’t about copying anyone’s style. It’s about absorbing how pacing works, how tension is shaped, how emotional beats land and how language carries weight. Those things are very hard to reverse-engineer in isolation.

I saw you mentioned that you studied things like film. That can be helpful, yes, and visual storytelling does have its own strengths. That being said, it’s a very different mode of storytelling. Some of the tools that work in film (like scene blocking, score timing, visual cues) don’t always translate to prose very well, where rhythm and interiority carry more weight. 

If you’ve been submitting for a while and only hit Honorable Mention once, maybe it’s not about how hard you’re trying—it might be about trying differently. Studying other writers (by which I mean reading them, not skimming or browsing) might offer more insight than you'd expect. Even reading just a few of the top stories could give you an edge.

Just a thought. Wishing you better luck with the next one.

Posted by: @gideonpsmith

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Well, what you're describing is I think what we all experience - not so much frustration at the competition per se, but the frustration of being a writer. It truly is hard. And non-writers don't get that. They think if you can pick up a pen and place it on paper, you can be a writer. And even as writers who should know better, we each also carry a vestige of that belief. We think we should be able to do better. But there is a huge difference between scribbling a shopping list and creating art (because that really is what creative writing is - art - like the difference between chopping a tree and making a sculpture of it).

I concur.

The part about non-writers not getting it is so true. I get the urge to write and/or am in the middle of writing and others are like, "just pick it up later. " I'm writing doesn't seem to sink in to people and start blowing up my phone with texts. I have sick parents so I have to have my phone near me, but sometimes I want to throw it out the window. I need to get one of those "On Air" signs.

Okay, this discussion wasn't about this type of frustration, but it made me think of it. haha

Posted by: @nova

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Although I've not read many WOTF, maybe one or two stories, it could be my HM was just a touch too much in some areas?

If you like listening to stories better, you could try your local library. Mine uses the app Hoopla, and WotF has audio volumes that can downloaded.

Posted by: @dagnir

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Are there? I mean in terms of there being a lot of story elements that are considered outdated, and which no one wants to see anymore? Fantasy probably aligns best with what I like to write, but I know very little about the genre itself. It's not because I don't read, though. It's because I was never allowed to read it for most of my life. So, I know almost nothing about stuff like trends or...what's 'outdated' or...anything like that. And there's so much I apparently need to catch up on that I'm completely lost. I've just been writing what interests me.

It sounds to me like you are embarking on an exciting journey of self-discovery, and I am very excited for you!!

Posted by: @jose77sanchez

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Harvey, thanks for understanding. I'm very persistent and have always been a positive person, but even I recognize when its time to move on. Ive been at this contest since 1998. That's a long, long time.

If you want, I'm happy to take a look at a story you've written.

I'm sure others would too.

I'm convinced there's something pretty obvious we are both missing.

Posted by: @morgan-broadhead

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NO SHORTCUT

I meant, things others miss, the treasure at the end of another path, perhaps.

I did anticipate someone saying that, but felt keeping it short was best.

Posted by: @morgan-broadhead

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there is zero talk about Scientology from Author Services,

True.

I did read that they have literature in the bed side table though.

It's obviously the same set up.

Get lots of people in and sell them lots of books.

Unfortunately, I first hand know there are other, less desirable, similarities. Although I believe it was mostly coming from one person.

Posted by: @dagnir

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maybe it’s not about how hard you’re trying—it might be about trying differently. Studying other writers (by which I mean reading them, not skimming or browsing) might offer more insight than you'd expect. Even reading just a few of the top stories could give you an edge.

That makes sense.

I just don't read much.

It takes me forever, and I have to reread bits over and over.

I'm finding film and story should be the same. 

There is just some timing thing. Probably the seconds on screen vs how many words per second.

It's all tied to Genesis, at least that's my constant, as it's well known.

Reading it to Jurassic Park was a religious experience.

It's all liked to the sistine Chappell nine main paintings, Genesis. Plus an all in one. The algorithm.

The algorithm, fractal, chiasmus = film.

Watch any film, tv show.

3 seconds X 9 paintings + an all in one.

(Easy fun trick is to watch the same thing happen every 30 seconds. Someone move a hand (creation of Adam) for example, or a door open or curve (Eve).)

Contrast, trio/many, earth from sea, creation of Adam, creation of Eve, exile from Eden, Noah's sacrifice, the great flood, drunkenness of Noah.

Apparently sacrifice is in the wrong place, but it seems to work.

And it fractals out to scenes, across the film.

Each film is also one of the 9, which is in each scene.

Alien is creation of Eve, for Example. Rib ship full of female bits, other ship is mother the refinery is an upside down tree of fruit, like the eggs, one is picked. No men, 2 females, one gives birth, one not a man, (still working on the other 3, one communes with mother, 2 children in womb?), The serpent, female lead, can't even conjour a pee pee for a rap scene. One guy always eating, ribs everywhere.

Watched February, exile from Eden.

Starship troopers, Noah's sacrifice, I'm pretty sure, still have to recheck.

JP lost world, kicking my bum.

Novels seem the same, to some degree, most paragraphs start well, but can go weird.

Still working on it.

Posted by: @toddsjones

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If you like listening to stories better, you could try your local library. Mine uses the app Hoopla, and WotF has audio volumes that can downloaded.

Interesting.

I was thinking of audiobooks to help solve my algorithm issues above.

Since there's some talk in this thread about what they don't like (excessive violence, sex, profanity, etc.), I thought I'd add my two cents but what they do like. There is a strong preference, perhaps even a bias, toward stories that have an overall optimistic tone. Not necessarily a happy ending per se, but an upbeat resolution at least.

since my Q2 win, I've been listening to lots of the Writers of the Future podcasts, and John Goodwin talks about what the judges look for in many episodes. So I definitely recommend picking some of those to listen to. Particularly the ones where he interviews judges.

After all, understanding the market that you're submitting to is an important skill no matter where you're submitting. For example, you wouldn't submit an epic fantasy story to Asimov's, or happy romance to The Deadlands.

Keep the faith, everyone! Just like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play/submit.

Posted by: @morgan-broadhead

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Posted by: @dagnir

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Are there? I mean in terms of there being a lot of story elements that are considered outdated, and which no one wants to see anymore? Fantasy probably aligns best with what I like to write, but I know very little about the genre itself. It's not because I don't read, though. It's because I was never allowed to read it for most of my life. So, I know almost nothing about stuff like trends or...what's 'outdated' or...anything like that. And there's so much I apparently need to catch up on that I'm completely lost. I've just been writing what interests me.

It sounds to me like you are embarking on an exciting journey of self-discovery, and I am very excited for you!!

I'm getting jealous when thinking of what's out there to read/discover. Heck, I haven't read them all or anything, but the ones I have ... damn. 

Had a long bus trip, so read an Asimov's story.

A dying Pokemon pet for some sick kids orphanage, or similar.

See, that's why I don't read.

I'll pick over the carcass, see what I find.

Also

I don't think there are really any outdated elements in stories.

Film, for example, reuses the same things for ever.

Noted today, the road warrior, children of men, die hard, all have the same bits.

The hero with no shoes/wheels. A bad guys brother is killed, so the brother turns into a buserker who has to be calmed by the bad leader...

You only need to rearrange or tweek things to keep them fresh.

In fact the exact same stories are regularly rehashed, Frankenstein, war of the world's, so on.

So markets can stand it, so I'm not sure why editors would be repelled, you just need to make it fresh in other ways.

@tj_knight 

Posted by: @tj_knight

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I'm getting jealous when thinking of what's out there to read/discover. Heck, I haven't read them all or anything, but the ones I have ... damn.

Got any recommendations? I don't know where to start, and whenever I try to look up good fantasy books, I get the most famous ones (Wheel of Time, A Song of Ice and Fire, Lord of the Rings) and a TON of something called Romantasy, which doesn't really sound like my kinda thing. I did start WoT and ASoIaF.

Posted by: @dagnir

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@tj_knight 

Posted by: @tj_knight

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I'm getting jealous when thinking of what's out there to read/discover. Heck, I haven't read them all or anything, but the ones I have ... damn.

Got any recommendations? I don't know where to start, and whenever I try to look up good fantasy books, I get the most famous ones (Wheel of Time, A Song of Ice and Fire, Lord of the Rings) and a TON of something called Romantasy, which doesn't really sound like my kinda thing. I did start WoT and ASoIaF.

Sir Knight will have excellent recommendations, no doubt--but here are some other recs in the meantime: 

- If you want massive, complex worldbuilding and maximum epic-ness, I would point you to Malazan, Book of the Fallen. It's a polarizing series--some folks says it's the GOAT, but lots of others hate it, especially for being hard to follow--but it is a staggering experience for those so inclined. For me, it was the first book since grade school to keep me up reading all night. 

- If you want a master class in characterization, I don't know that anyone does it better than Robin Hobb in Realm of the Elderlings. Those who prefer more plot- and action-driven stories often get bored with it, but the characterization is just incredible. I certainly never found it boring. 

- If you want a master class in prose (besides Tolkien, of course), Ursula Le Guin's prose is incredible. Wizard of Earthsea is a classic. 

- On the scifi side, you can't go wrong with some of the classics--Dune, Foundation, Ender's Game, Hyperion, Neuromancer--but then there's also the scifi stories that are what I might call more high-octane, super punchy and action-packed, like Armour, Red Rising, and the military scifi pair: The Forever War and Starship Troopers. All those are excellent building blocks, and simply fun to read. 

quote data-userid="14330" data-postid="59408"]

Got any recommendations?

For short stories, Analog, Asimov's, your local newsagent should be able to get them, or you can order bulk bundles of random back issues cheap on their site, or using a form in the mags.

For novels, probably pick mid tier stuff. They are published and sold, but not to wacky levels as to be possibly unachievable.

Todd McFarlane tried to emulate the bad Comic book artists, not the good ones, for example, as it's easier to achieve.

It's a bit like the two men chased by a lion.

"We'll never out run it!"

"I only have to out run you."

Best idea. Go to garage/yard sales. People buy books, so what they have are sellers, plus you can usually get them for near nothing.

Thrift or charity stores is another, second hand shops, so on.

Libraries always get new stock, so it's out with the old. They may have sale tables or surrender cancelled items if asked. They may have in it or be able to look up how many times it was borrowed and how many copies they had. Valuable info as to its popularity.

Even there I try to buy good condition.

Big mistake. Then I have to keep them mint.

Buy cheap second hand dog eared torn books. People may even give them to you. 

Then it's out with the market pens, no stress.

If you find you have books you don't want, look out for local book swap locations, ask you council or library where they are located. Then simply swap for different books.

Let op shops, second hand shops know you want any books they don't want, or give a general idea without being fussy. They may keep aside books they can't sell for you, they may be damaged, no cover, so on. I got stacks of DVDs this way, though I paid a small per box amount. Just ask. The worst they will say is no, possibly with a cough.

"Keep the faith, everyone! Just like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play/submit."

I disagree with this last statement. I've been trying really hard at the art contest since 1998 and nothing, so just because you "keep playing the lottery" doesn't mean your guaranteed to ever win and I've always been extremely positive and persistent, but even I know when it's time to move on and I've reached my last straw with the IOTF.

Well, keep checking in on the forum, at least. (Never thought I'd be saying that)

I agree it's not like the lottery, which is pure luck (or all science).

But people are winning.

Perhaps go through a couple of WOTF books and note down some similarities between the stories. (Then you can let me know!)

I do see non western winners, some don't even seem to speak English. I wonder how those stories are different, or what the judges are seeing there, as they are equal to English speaking western writers.

I'll ask it. 

Are judges filling a non western quota? 

The easy answer would be to count them, if it's a set number each year it's possibly true.

I doubt it though.

Are good stories just not equal? Is there truly no set formula?

Films definitely have one, but it doesn't seem to make one better than the next, at least not formula alone.

But it's all this that drives us nuts.

If you do take a break, you'll keep thinking about it.

Posted by: @nova

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I do see non western winners, some don't even seem to speak English. I wonder how those stories are different, or what the judges are seeing there, as they are equal to English speaking western writers.

Are you saying some of the writer winners don't seem to speak English? I'd love to see the evidence, because I'm pretty sure every winning story I've read has been in English, and generally, to write in the language is to speak it. Perhaps they speak multiple languages and you saw an interview with one of them in their native tongue? 

Plus, for the writers, there's rule #3. All entries must be original works by the entrant, in English.

IotF is different. There have been several non-English speakers that have won. 

Regarding a quota, the judges over the years have picked what they felt were the best eight stories in each of their respective genres each quarter. Then a different set of judges picks what they feel/believe are the top three and each judge has/had their own personal criteria for choosing those. 

And no one tells the judges how to judge.

Posted by: @nova

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I'll ask it. 

Are judges filling a non western quota? 

The easy answer would be to count them, if it's a set number each year it's possibly true.

I doubt it though.

All entries to the contest — whether story entries or illustration entries — are judged anonymously. Judges don't know the names, nationalities, or sexes of the entrants. So to answer your question, no, there is no "quota".

Posted by: @jose77sanchez

 

"Keep the faith, everyone! Just like the lottery, you can't win if you don't play/submit."

I disagree with this last statement. I've been trying really hard at the art contest since 1998 and nothing, so just because you "keep playing the lottery" doesn't mean your guaranteed to ever win and I've always been extremely positive and persistent, but even I know when it's time to move on and I've reached my last straw with the IOTF.

I feel you, brother. You are 100% correct, it's not at all like the lottery. Although I do have to admit it is true you won't sell to a venue you don't submit to. I gave up trying to win this contest or sell to outside markets. I've been submitting stories to WoTF for, well, a LONG time now. I have one SF to my credit, but all my other entries have been HM or RWC.

However...

While I'm not trying to win or sell anymore, I am still writing stories and submitting them, both to the contest and to other markets. I had to sit myself down a couple years ago and have a real heart to heart with me, myself, and I. The question I asked myself was this: "If I never win a contest or never sell a story, will I still continue to write?"

The honest answer was yes, I would, because I love writing stories. So while my focus is no longer on winning or selling (results over which I have zero control), I focus now instead on what I can 100% control: writing and submitting. And I have to admit that changing my focus from winning/selling to writing/submitting took a planetary load of stress off my back.

If you are a writer, I hope you can find joy in the sheer act of writing. If you are an illustrator, I hope you can find joy in the sheer act of illustrating. I can only imagine, but I think the joy we'd feel from selling or winning would be fleeting and temporary anyway. But we can feel lasting joy in the act of just creating something that comes from inside us. Do it because you love it, not because of any end results you hope to achieve.

Posted by: @tj_knight

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Are you saying some of the writer winners don't seem to speak English?

Possibly it's seeing people not speaking at the awards in previous years. I think some were of Asian appearance, from memory.

They could still write English or have it translated. Easy online these days, I expect.

Posted by: @tj_knight

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IotF is different. There have been several non-English speakers that have won. 

Maybe that's it?

Posted by: @tj_knight

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And no one tells the judges how to judge.

 

They wouldn't have names/details either.

I also feel there's a concern I have.

You can tweek an try and maybe even win.

But it's just one story.

If it took you 100 tries to win, and as inconsistent as I an some others results seem, how can you expect lightning to strike again after one win?