Aka 'The Boring Bit' as I like to think of it.

Boring it may be, but essential it is, for if we have nothing to guide our heads we would surely fall foul to our ignorance.

In plain talk - You got to Read this!

Rules for Entry

1. Follow the Prompt - that sounds pretty obvious but it's quite common for writers to disregard all of the challenge.  Creative interpretation is absolutely encouraged, but if the prompt is po-tat-toes and you give me a story about acrobatic gryphons, then you've not followed the prompt...unless the gryphons are eating magic Po-tat-toes that help them fly...why are there gryphons in Middle Earth? Whatever! You get my point.

2. Stick to your Limit - word limits are a good thing, but for us ramblers it's often a restrictive burden.  However, consider the reader in these challenges - you are likely to lose interest quick if you drone on for 70 pages, and your pal writes the same thing in 7.  STICK to the limit, not only will it cause you less stress, it helps us as readers and judges.

3. No Pitching for Votes - please, please, please, keep the game fair. In the interest of everyone refrain from posting messages to your readers to vote on your story, or to gain support.  By all means support the contest and ask readers to add THIS book and join in the fun, but don't make it one-sided.  This isn't a popularity contest, it's about fun and friendly competition.  If I see signs of this type of behaviour, I may consider disqualification of the story for that challenge.

4. Content - all content is welcome - AU, canon, poetry, etc.  Mature rated stories are fine too, however no smut and/or abusive nature and if you don't know the difference I'll explain.  A love scene with tasteful description is fine, a love scene with  in-depth description of certain activities and perfect depictions of certain bodily members is a NO. Also I don't want to see scenes were females (or males) are forced or aggressively pushed into complying to the will of the other character.  Consider your audience and write appropriately.  If I see any of the aforementioned No-No's you will be disqualified.

5. No trash talk - don't hate on your mate! Honestly guys we are all in this fandom together.  If there is the slightest sniff of bullying tactics by either readers or writers, that's it, your gone - ain't nobody got time for that.

6. Deadlines - again, rather obvious but enter before the deadlines and not after. Make sure you give yourself time, and that you aren't rushing at the end.

7. Have fun, be creative - as I said creative interpretation is encouraged. Have fun and may I encourage those who haven't wrote a piece of fanfic before to have a bash at these prompts - go on it might be fun? Encourage your fellow writers to get involved and support each other through the process. Enjoy it - it shouldn't be stressful.

Entry Guidelines

1. Submission - all entries must be published as a new story by the specified date with the hashtag #fofgandalfschallenge . Entries must also be recorded on the submission form - that will be posted with the prompt on a separate chapter - and completed forms must be posted in the comments box. This is so we don't miss anyone.

2. Votes - you must submit votes ranked as 1st 2nd and 3rd - of the stories you read and enjoyed. You can only vote once.  The votes must be cast in the comments section of the 'List of Entries' chapter which will be published after the deadline.  Voting will run for two weeks.  Readers and writers are both encouraged to vote - however writers cannot vote for their own story.

3. Judging - the highest voted stories will be shortlisted as automatic finalists, however, to keep it fair, the judge(s) will consider every entry and pick an over all winner(s). 2nd and 3rd place will then be determined by the overall voting scores of the readers.

Prizes

First Place - Sticker for your book, shout out on my profile, addition of your entry to the official GandalfsChallenge Reading List, and (if it applies) x3 votes and a review comment on one of your own stories of choice.

Second Place - Sticker for your book, shout out on my profile, addition of your entry to the official GandalfsChallenge Reading List, and (if applies) x3 votes on one of your own stories of choice.

Third Place - Sticker for your book, shout out on my profile, addition of your entry to the official GandalfsChallenge Reading List.

***Note - please be patient for distribution of prizes. I'm only one small person in a big, big, world, but I will do my best to complete in a timely fashion***