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Posted: 07.16.2002 www means wretched writers welcome
"On reflection, Angela perceived that her relationship with Tom had always been rocky, not quite a roller-coaster ride but more like when the toilet paper roll gets a little squashed so it hangs crooked and every time you pull some off you can hear the rest going bumpity-bumpity in its holder until you go nuts and push it back into shape, a degree of annoyance that Angela had now almost attained."
The above is a passage by Rephah Berg. It won the 21st annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest for horrible writing. The judges at San Jose State University liked how her composition was a combination of something atrocious and appropriate. Finally, a literary contest I'd have a real shot at! (Article from CNN.com.)  Horrible writing? Sounds great to me. It's very descriptive. Elegant. It might use a lot of prosaic imagery, but Dave Barry would be proud. If artistry in expressing universal experience in novel fashion, this is certainly it. Comparing mediocre relationships to squashed toliet-paper rolls? Brilliant. ¤ ¤ credit: John | 07.16.02 at 03:36 AM | link- -this ¤ ¤ I've heard much, much much worse. ¤ ¤ credit: jesse | 07.16.02 at 09:17 AM | link--this ¤ ¤It's not supposed to be for horrible writing, per se. The contest highlights confusing or obfuscated writing - specifically a single sentence opener for a novel. Most of the results are HILARIOUS to read. I've been waiting since last summer for this year's results - thanks Robyn for reminding me ;) (Check out all the results - including those from last year - for some GREAT reading.) ¤ ¤ credit: ste | 07.16.02 at 09:41 AM | link--this ¤ ¤my favorite is still "she caught your eye, like one of those dangly hooks on a screen door." ¤ ¤ credit: redsugar | 07.16.02 at 11:26 AM | link--this ¤ ¤Yep, what ste said...it was a dark and stormy night... ¤ ¤ credit: robyn | 07.16.02 at 03:03 PM | link--this ¤ ¤I look forward to this contest every year. In fact, I mean to submit an entry every year, but of course I forget. The entries are always hilarious to read. ¤ ¤ credit: Kelly | 07.16.02 at 03:18 PM | link--this ¤ ¤
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