Round 1, Match F results!

Just like two weeks ago, it's very clear that although the final vote ends up a little lop-sided, the stories were a lot more evenly matched than the tally suggests!

• Judge 1: I loved story number 1 so so so much!! I would buy an entire book based on that one excerpt! I need to know what happens next!! So well written and expressed and it drew me in I was so sad when it ended!!
• Judge 2: Both stories had great pacing and a wonderful sense of suspense. But I'm going to have to go with story 1 as the hotter of the two! The promise of Eldrin's punishment certainly left me all hot and bothered.
• Judge 3: Whew, this is a tough decision. I followed the advice, read each story - stepped away, came back today to read them again and I'm still torn. Each story is unique, well written and both leave me wanting more, which is a good thing. Story 1 has a paranormal, fairy tale quality to it and Story 2 is very much contemporary. Neither story is particularly erotic, but that's ok - my interest was still piqued. I see potentially more questions to be answered with Story 1, so my vote is for Story 1.
• Judge 4: I love how varied these stories are! Both stories were very evenly matched. Both had a solid story line, and both made me want to know more. If I was forced to pick one story,I'd give it to story 1 - because I'm a bit of a sucker for magic in stories. But it's really only by a hair - the second story was the more emotional read.
• Judge 5: Interesting that both stories had an element of dreaming or mystery. I liked how both drew me in, making me wonder what would happen next. It was close, but I'm voting for story one because it left me wanting to see more. Is love to know what her punishment will be. Well done to both authors.
• Judge 6: Wow! A tough choice - both stories are interesting and unique. My vote goes to Story 1. I liked the descriptiveness of the potion store and the mystery of what was to come.
• Judge 7: Oh wow. Two incredibly descriptive and powerful stories. Both drew me in very quickly. The first created a dream-like haze, where magic is real, and anything can happen. When the decrepit old man transforms and his hands lay claim to her with the threat or punishment, alarm turned quickly into excitement. The second story, too, created a rich atmosphere. Each step closer to the destination ratcheted up the anticipation and mystery, and in the moment they first see each other, the emotions were beautifully portrayed. The last passage was especially endearing, confirming that love knows no boundaries. A very tough vote to cast, but my vote goes to story number two.
• Judge 8: Both stories were great once again. However, since I can only pick one, I chose Story 7. I liked the mystery of the story and the promise of a punishment.
• Judge 9: My vote goes to Story #2. Story #1 got off to a great start, and I can definitely see how if you were into spanking, you'd find it hot. The characters are well written as well. Story #2 had good character development and foreshadowing. You just knew the partner in the house was going to be worth meeting. I liked the ending. It was snappy and different. Both were so good that I had trouble choosing. Good work, authors!
• Judge 10: Both stories contain a mysterious element, and both elude to a certain romance overtone. Both were a pleasure to read, but if I had to choose which one may just tingle my senses just a little bit more, it'd have to be number one for it's hint of naughty punishments to come in the story.

Story 1: 8 votes.

Story 2: 2 votes.

Adaline Raine goes through into Round 2, where she will face Justine Hollander! A huge thank you to JS Morbius for contributing Story 2, and another one to the fantastic judges who are really making this thing go by taking their job so seriously, and making thoughtful decisions accompanied by even more thoughtful comments!

Round 1, Match D results!

This round was much closer than the final tally indicates, I think, as the comments reflect. Both stories garnered a very great deal of praise!

• Judge 1: I have to say that I am impressed each round by the quality of the stories. This round, once again in only 500 words, each author has painted a vivid picture of a scene that's easy to visualize and fall into. I've been the guy under the bed in Story #1, so I had an immediate affinity to that story. I loved the dialogue between the student and her 'jailer'. This is a well crafted 'little story'. Story #2 grabbed me by the xxx with the first sentence. I could almost hear the whoosh of the whip and I could clearly envision her reddening skin. Story 2 moves along with a quick pace and I was primed and ready by the conclusion. This story was well written and pulsing with heat. I vote for Story #2
• Judge 2: I'm voting for story 2. I really liked how it started in the present time and then walked you back through the events of the evening. Very nice and very steamy content.
• Judge 3: Story two was delicious. Opening with the traditional ending made it so much enticing.
• Judge 4: This is so exceptionally difficult. Both stories are hot as hell, both kinky. I'm going to, however, vote number 1 for that extra little bit of naughty school girl that appeals to me.
• Judge 5: I found story one hotter in the threat of a spanking. I agreed with the boyfriend under the bed, I got all turned on by just the idea of it.
• Judge 6: Story number 1 made me hot and bothered AND made me giggle and laugh outloud!
• Judge 7: Love both of these stories! So unique and creatively written, as all the submissions have been. Story one is sweet and funny, and the added twist of the hiding boyfriend in the end adds to the sexiness, but my vote goes to story two, for the sensual undercurrents and deeper passion that it invoked.
• Judge 8: I would like to first say, both of these stories were amazing. I had a very tough time deciding which one I liked better. But, after consideration, I choose Story 2. I loved how Anton guessed Lily's secret desire to be a submissive and boy did he fulfill it. Great job! :-) Story 1 was great too. I loved how Chrissy almost got caught and hid her boyfriend under the bed. Sneaky girl. :-) 
• Judge 9: Both stories were unusual, written in the present tense. I think they were a good match for this round. I would vote for Story 2, as "hotter," because of the tense, charged interplay between the characters in the flashback. I like the way they communicate. Story 1 has a lot of fine elements as well, particularly the way Chrissy's inner thoughts are presented. Good work by both ladies!
• Judge 10: Damn! They are both so good. I hate having to pick. I think they both should move on! The first one is funny and sexy! I loved it. The second one is very hot. If I had to pick, I'll go with two for the hot quotient.

Story 1: 3
Story 2: 7

Tara Crescent, the author of Story 2, goes through to the next round, where she'll face Kiki Howell! Many, many thanks to Livia Grant for contributing the wonderful Story 1!

Round 1, Match C "Results"

Well, I think these past two "matches" provided us with hot stories, even if the competition in them wasn't really real! Kiki's mystery opponent was Phoenix Johnson, who wrote the terrific Story 2.

Here's what judges said:

• Judge 1: Wow! Can I just say I'm happy I don't have to vote between these two stories! They are both great! Loved the little twist in the second one - a dream come true. Actually, a dream come true in both because a whole new world would be great too! ;)
• Judge 2: The second story is great. It's so deep and entertaining where less is more. 
• Judge 3: Both excellent stories, with interesting twists. I found the first story hot in the main part because it had sex in it. It was quite creative, and almost mysterious with its paranormal aspects. The second story was so clever! I loved the way the characters related to each other; it was very romantic. And the surprise at the end was delightful. Good work, writers!
• Judge 4: Well, well...both these two stories were entertaining reads. I'm a big paranormal fan and the mystical aspects of Story 1 cast a spell on me from the opening paragraph. I like the idea of forbidden lovers using their powers to thwart their enemies. Story 1 also had plenty of sexual heat to go along with the magic. Ah, Story 2. This story took me on a roller coast ride of emotions; despair, lust and at the end an expected surprise. I greatly enjoyed how the passion between the couple was woven into the story. I did not see the ending coming. Kudos to the author for keeping us guessing to the very end.
• Judge 5: I adored both stories. Both were impeccably written. While story one was thick with desparate passion and desire, story two was a love story at it's core, with an undercurrent of lust always smoldering skin deep and a union that will face any obstacles that life throws them, together.

Just to formalize it, then, Kiki Howell goes through to Round 2 and will face the winner of the upcoming Match D, for which I've now loaded the stories, in this post on the stories blog (it will go live at 1am Eastern US time, on Saturday 6 December). Judges, you've had a holiday from those tough decisions, but it's time to return to duty!

Round 1 Match B "results"!

A few judges kindly chimed in with comments on the moot match-up between Will LaForge (the writer of Story 1) and the mystery opponent (oh, alright--it was me with Story 2). Read those stories here!

• Judge 1: Both stories are quite intriguing, the heat begging to come to full exploration. I'd like to see the continuation of each. Nicely written!
• Judge 2: Story 1 was hot with the brief glimpses of the woman in the window and the guys reactions to her. I really want more of this story from the legend to what happened next and then some.
• Judge 3: Both stories were excellent, and so different from one another. Story 1 was easy to get into, with colloquial language and a fun premise. Story 2 was more formal, a different feeling, but equally hot because of the young woman's nearly palpable trepidation and fear. Kudos to both authors!

Will moves on, and will face Meredith in Round 2, in January! Match C will be posted on the story blog tomorrow!

Round 1 Match A results!

And now the first of the many moments we've been (and will have been) waiting for! The votes are in! If you haven't read the the wonderful stories yet, click here for goodness' sake!

Phoenix and Meredith both wrote terrific little stories, and they've both been incredibly generous and kind. I want to begin by saluting them, and thanking them for setting such a collegial tone.

Here are the votes. Most of them are edited for the kind of typographical issues that always happen when we're commenting on blogs, and excerpted to present the positive side of each vote. Judges, I'll be sharing your full comments (anonymously) with the writers, on their request--so none of your hard work will get lost!

Judge 1: In my opinion, Story 1 was the hotter of the two stories provided. The scene had very clear sexual intent. 

Judge 2: I'll vote for Story 1. It has many erotic elements. 

Judge 3: I thought both stories were well written. I have to give it to story 1 for including a steamy sex scene. 

Judge 4: Both stories were hot in their own way, making it hard to choose. But, if forced to pick, I would have to go with Story 2 as sometimes it is in what's not said, what's just alluded to along with the passion of the characters that arouses you more. Sometimes, depending upon the writing, there's something in the open possibilities that exist between a couple so in love. 

Judge 5: My vote goes for story number one. While Story number two is incredibly well written, and sweetly romantic, story number one was truly written to arouse, and it did! 

Judge 6:  It's a tough decision, but I'm gonna vote for story two. I liked the originality of the short story. 

Judge 7: I was more entertained and captured by the second story about Alex and Chaz because it left a lot to the imagination. The setup puts you in the room with the heroine and you get all tingly and giggly when the hero pops the question as if witnessing it yourself. It's powerful and sexy without being cliché'. Plus you want to know what happens in the actual bedroom and your mind can fill in the blanks! 

Judge 8: Both stories were very nice. I liked that they were both light and playful. Story #2 was very sweet. But since this is a Hot-Off - I have to vote for Story #1. Because - spanking! 

Judge 9: Both stories were really well done, and I was impressed with the depths the authors were able to go to in so few words. Well done! I am voting for Story 1 because I enjoyed it a little more, and was more "hot and bothered" by it. 

Judge 10: Story two was my favourite. The way the author set up a gentle tension really drew me and her pacing throughout was bang-on. 

Judge 11: Story 1 is lusty, full of heat and desire with a hint of BDSM...qualities I greatly appreciate in a story. There is little doubt she belongs to Him and they're both more than pleased with the bond they share. I almost hate to admit it, but Story 2 tugged at my heart strings...it was sweet and romantic, with an undercurrent of passion between the characters. He gets her, he understands her moods and he's attentive to her needs. He timed his proposal on the date of their anniversary, a date she'd forgotten...classic. Tough, tough decision. I vote for Story 1. 

Judge 12: Oh, but this is tough. Can I vote for both of them? If I have to pick, I vote for the first story. 500 words is insanely difficult. The first story did an admirable job of fitting in elements of both plot and sex with that word limit. Given that arousal is a judging factor, I'll therefore have to pick the first story.

Story 1: 7 votes
Story 2: 5 votes

Wow. And now, the drumroll, please…

Meredith, author of story 1, goes through to Round 2! Thanks so much, Phoenix, for writing such a great story, and for participating so enthusiastically.

The next story-post, featuring a rather dramatic and mysterious twist of fate, will go up Saturday!

Guidelines for judges

This message is intended, obviously, for the registered judges, but I think it's important to post it out here in the open, so everyone knows how judging will work.

First, thanks so much for judging! This tournament couldn't exist without your commitment, and I'm very, very grateful.

Second, here are the guidelines I'm hoping you'll follow to fulfill your (hopefully reasonably pleasurable) duties:

1. I will post in the Facebook event with a link to the stories for each round, which will be posted on a separate blog, at http://hotoffstories.blogspot.com at midnight the morning of the date announced for the round in this post. 
2. As soon as possible after the stories go up, please read them both. It shouldn't take long, since they're not allowed to be longer than 500 words. Please do not make up your mind immediately, if you can possibly help it.
3. At least 24 hours later, if it's at all possible to wait that long, please re-read the stories.
4. Now decide which one you think is hotter. Keep it simple. Which story aroused you more? 'Nuff said.
5. Submit a comment that declares your judgment, and gives a positive reason for that judgment. I can't emphasize this enough. I'll be moderating, and as an author of course I'm incredibly sensitive to the difference between positive comments and negative ones, so don't worry that you'll violate this guideline without knowing it: if necessary, I'll email you and ask you to revise, with a suggestion from me as to how you might go about it. Feel free to say as many positive things about both stories as you want, but please don't critique either story.
6. That's it (but see note below)!

Note below: if you're willing to share constructive criticism with the writers, please let me know via email (I'll remind you a few more times to do this if you're interested, but don't hesitate to mail me right now if you're willing). I will put you in contact with the writers privately, and they will be very grateful indeed to get your thoughts on ways to improve!

Match-ups for Round 1, and more!

Alright, writers, judges, and general erotica fans! It's almost here. This is the last announcement before the hotness starts to flow, if you know what I mean.

Here are the match-ups, with the date stories are due for the paired writers. I wish I could make a nice bracket, but feel free to do that yourself!

Round 1

Match A, stories due 11/8: Phoenix Johnson vs. Meredith O'Reilly
Match B, story due 11/15: Will LaForge, bye

(Note that this bye was determined randomly, using actual fully random numbers from Random.org.) 

(Note also that Will doesn't get out of writing a story. Perhaps a mystery "opponent" will also write a story, just for fun.)

Match C, stories due 11/22: Kiki Howell vs. Anna Bianca
Match D, stories due 11/29: Livia Grant vs. Tara Crescent

Match E, stories due 12/6: Justine Hollander vs. Delena Fox
Match F, stories due 12/13: Adaline Raine vs. JS Morbius

Match G, stories due 12/20: Sarah Young vs. Etta Stark
Match H, stories due 12/27: Sessha Batto vs. Nya Rawlyns

Round 2

In Round 2, the winner of A will face the winner of B, the winner of C will face the winner of D, and so on. The stories for Match A of Round 2 will be due 1/10/15.

Remember that all stories must be 500 words or fewer. I will cut off the ends of stories as necessary (though not of course without giving you a chance to revise). They should be submitted to my email, which writers should have from their initial confirmations, by 11:59 pm Eastern US time on the specified date.

Required elements

The stories for Round 1 must have the word "door" in them.

The stories for Round 2 must have the word "hotel."

The stories for Round 3 must have the word "fork."

The stories for Round 4 (the final round) must have the word "courage."

Please comment here with any questions!

Notifications went out this morning

I've just sent notifications to the writers and judges. Check your spam folder if you can't find yours in your inbox, and let me know if you can't find it at all!

HERE WE GO! The Hot-Off erotica tournament is on its way!

Sign up to compete as a writer! Click here!

Sign up to judge! Click here!

First of all, enormous thanks to the amazing Selena Kitt for sponsoring the first ever (I think) single-elimination erotica tournament! Selena has graciously agreed to lend the name that says "the cream rises" to this affair, and she's offering the winner a highlighted spot on her blog when the whole she-bang finishes up! Also, promising stories will be considered for development and publication by Excessica!

Second, this post is going to give my best stab at how the thing is going to work. I hope, since no one is going to have very much on the line, we'll all be able to take events as they come and try to solve difficulties as they happen.

I'm thinking of this event as a proof-of-concept, and I'm hoping it will be relatively low-stress for everyone involved including me. Just remember that if something goes wrong, all you've got riding on The Hot-Off if you're an author is a couple thousand words, at the very most--and those words will remain yours until and unless Excessica wants to help you develop them, and you choose to take them up on the offer.

If you're a judge, all you've got riding on it is some cool stories to read and evaluate.

If you're a reader, all you've got riding on it is the possibility that something someone writes will turn you on, and you'll discover a new author.

The easiest thing is probably to start by laying the timeline out there with some specificity:

1 October: Google forms available for sign-up of authors and judges. Sign-ups for authors will continue until 15 October or until sixty-four authors sign up. Sign-ups for judges will continue until 15 October; there will be no limit on the number of judges. See below for details on participation for both authors and judges.

15 October: sign-ups close (if we haven't reached 64 authors). The "obligatory item" for the first round (something that every story must include or be disqualified--an object or a setting, for example) is announced.

1 November: first round match-ups announced, along with any byes. Schedule for first round match-ups set and published.

8 November: first round stories due from Round 1 Match A authors. 500 word maximum.

15 November: Round 1 Match A goes up on The Hot-Off. Judging by registered judges takes place for the next five days.

15 November: first round stories due from Round 1 Match B authors.

22 November: Winner of Round 1 Match A announced. Round 1 Match B goes up on The Hot-Off. Judging by registered judges takes place for the next five days.

22 November: first round stories due from Round 1 Match C authors.

29 November: Winner of Round 1 Match B announced. Round 1 Match C goes up on the Hot-Off. Judging by registered judges takes place for the next five days.

29 November: first round stories due from Round 1 Match D authors.

etc.

Now the details:

Authors: By signing up you commit to writing a maximum of six 500 word or less erotic stories (the number of stories will depend on the number of rounds you win) to deadlines specified by The Hot-Off, beginning in November, and always with several weeks notice. You also commit to accepting it when the judges vote against you with the same shake of your head you use for bad reviews on Amazon. You grant The Hot-Off a one-time non-exclusive license to publish your stories on The Hot-Off blog.

Judges: By signing up you commit to registering your name (it can be a pseudonym, of course, but it must be linked to an email that The Hot-Off keeps on file) as a judge and to getting behind your opinion of which story in the match-ups you judge was hotter. You will have to provide at least a sentence of rationale for each of your decisions, for your vote to count. You may vote on as many match-ups as you like.

Matches with tied votes will be decided by coin-flip.

Any questions?!

The best damned open single-elimination erotica tournament ever!

The plan: 64 authors. 6 rounds. Each author writes one 500 word story per round, posted anonymously and judged in the open by registered judges. Let the hottest author prevail.

Preliminary time-table:

1 October: entries for authors and judges due; fun thematic elements announced (for each round, authors must use X setting or include Y element). 

1 November: 500 words stories due for the first round, brackets announced, stories go early to judges. 

8 November: First story match-ups posted on the Hot-Off blog. Stories posted in pairs: readers know who's in the match-up, but not which author wrote which story. 

15 November: Second round stories due. 

etc.

Further planning is taking place on Facebook. Come to the event, and find me there!