The Lodestar Contest

Maybe you've asked why there's a 2k "entry fee" and the need for you to declare what song you'll be using. I mean, no one's asked me directly, but I'd wonder if I were on the other side of things.

I'd hoped that declaring the song you wanted to use would be a fun way of saying, "Yes, I want to enter!" Then other would-be entrants would see who else was entering. Plus, I wanted a head start at listening to songs I didn't know. (It is icing on the cake that I'm getting to discover new music.)

The 2k, which is handed back to you upon posting a story, was to goad you a bit toward getting the story written. I realize it's a drop in the bucket for some, but forking over a little something has given me incentive in the past.

So, could you pop in here on March 5th with a story and no prior declaration of what song you meant to use? Sure. I wouldn't complain. I want to read stories inspired by songs, and I really want to give out that Grand Prize.

Also, judging will go more quickly if you give me your song at least a day before you turn in your story; I intend to listen to songs and get to know the ones that are new to me before I read stories inspired by them.