Thank you to ganbaruby for judging this category!

Please join us in congratulating the Wild Card winners of the Astania Community's Harvest Festival 2024:

FIRST PLACE
with a score of 99.5/110...

Flight Risk by Voyageavecmoi 

This is a light, beach-style read, combining the familiar romance style with a more laidback approach. The title makes the travelling aspect forward-facing, and that appeals to me, as it makes it clear what the story is about. I can see this part of the story intriguing readers, both for those who have visited other places, and also for those who haven't—it allows for exploration from the reader, which makes the story feel diversified in the settings. The blurb also clearly sets up what Audrey has to lose by not agreeing to the fake dating idea, and that helps connect to her personal stakes. Every detail comes together nicely. 

The mood is also excellently presented from the cover, both from the heart-shaped balloons and the colours. The writing style is really easy to read. It reads very clean and clear. The plot is cute, working in your favour for a slowburn romance. The dialogue between Audrey and Caleb is sweet, and I liked how their interactions show the connection between them. I especially felt like the interaction between Trevor and Audrey. The focus on the two central characters, Caleb and Audrey, worked to set them both up. Trevor's conversation with Audrey felt different from her dialogue with Caleb–this distinction helped both show Audrey as her own person, and it makes her connection with Caleb feel so unique. 

Everything moves smoothly, and the story feels sweet. I had a great time reading this! 

Congratulations!

SECOND PLACE
with a score of 96/110...

Drawing the Ace by MyriamRow 

I like that this title has multiple interpretations! I can perceive it as a reference to literal drawing, the card game, or the sexuality. It makes me think about it for a while, and that works for intrigue. I think the more casual tone works in your blurb, and it clearly sets up what the character's reasoning is and why she has to continue with the plot, since she risks letting her family down otherwise. I think that really helps make it relatable. 

The writing style is enjoyable to read! Its use of colourful wording choices is particularly engaging, and I was always fully immersed in the story, especially as Yasmine's character is introduced right in the middle of her personal conflict. It helped me understand her immediately. I love how this plot plays out. It flows very naturally! I like how Yasmine's unease is portrayed and how her friends try to help her with the best of intentions. The writing style really flows. I get such a solid sense of Yasmine's personality when the dialogue suggests one thing, while the internal narration says another. This dynamic is great for understanding her on a deeper level. 

As well, I also found Quinn charming, and her voice in dialogue feels/sounds so different from Yasmine, making her a distinct supporting character. Yasmine's narration is very well-written, making her easy to relate to. This is a compelling story that I truly enjoyed. The writing is smooth, and I would love to see where the story goes from here! 

Congratulations!

THIRD PLACE
with a score of 85/110...

Ancilla by SeraDrake 

I like the mystery of what the title means within the context of the story. The blurb sets up the characters well, and the list of what to expect and the representation works for me, both from the standpoint of intriguing readers and appealing to an audience. The writing style flows well. Sentences are so varied and wonderful to read. It feels so rhythmic, and literary in the beauty of its closeness, and that tone is so sensual and meaningful. 

The pace of the plot moves in an incredibly charming way for the romance. The use of long sentences in some cases to portray the inner thoughts of the main character was smart, especially when she is so passionate about her interests. It helps engage with her state of mind and puts the reader directly into her thoughts. Dialogue is great for showing character. It is such a joy to read, especially in addition to the main character's internal thoughts. The difference between how quiet she is externally and how much she narrates internally really works to give her personality. I really enjoyed both characters. 

Your cast is small and close, and that helps make them both compelling, both separate and apart. I like the breadth of the knowledge in the main character's narration, and how this leads her to connect with the librarian. I find him charming in a sort of controlling way, and this duality makes him interesting to read about, because I never knew which side of him would be presented, and I liked that a lot. This is a very literary, engaging read. The characters are excellent, and I enjoyed this! 

Congratulations!

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Winners, to receive your stickers, please create a ticket in our Discord server, The Writer's Hoard. Without the private messaging system on Wattpad, this is the best way for our staff to communicate effectively. In the ticket, please include the following information: your Wattpad username, your winning category, your placement (first, second, or third), and your story title.

All participants may request their scorecards by reaching out to their judge through Discord DMs, by reaching out to their judge in this chapter, or by reaching out to their judge on their message board.

Thanks to everyone for entering the Astania Awards! Congratulations to all!