Hello everyone. Thank you both for your February Vignette submissions!

The prompt was:

With the inspiration of a love song in mind, write about a love of anything pertaining to your character.
Let's get down to the judgment!

Flamebird

I had a feeling, when I saw the prompt, I knew what the subject material was going to be. What I wasn't expecting was the sheer effort you've put into this entry. I do have one or two small criticisms, but otherwise I was impressed by this submission.

Use of topic: This may seem a little harsh (i'll make up for that later), but I actually don't think you followed the prompt in the way it was meant to be taken. It says "with the inspiration of a love song in mind", and I'm not *quite* sure that the song you chose inspired or specifically connected to the writing. It felt more as if you plucked a love song out of thin air just to meet the prompt rather than tie in with the message your post was trying to convey. Now, that being said, what followed was very much an emotional, well written piece which I felt did very well indeed.

Creativity: Love is always, always a cliche magnet, but not for Felicity. I actually felt that because of who she is, the opposite applies. Her trying to reconcile her feelings about the outward Leoric compared with what she had seen made for a great read, and I wasn't at all disappointed. You certainly have a way of conveying her emotions well, without overdoing it.

Mechanics: There were one or two run on sentences, as well as sentences that could have been shortened. Other than that, not a lot else to worry about.


Philomel

You took a "less is more" approach in this vignette, contrary to Flamebird's rollercoaster style. What I loved (and love) about your writing is how well it flows. The prose is easy on the eye, with flicks of flair that make your style stand out. But...

Use of topic: I think you understood the prompt and followed it to a point. The song you chose was beautiful, and the lyrics themselves seemed relevant to Philomel's situation (particularly the verse "All you need is love, A girl has got to eat, All you need is love, She'll end up on the street"). However,the prompt does say "pertaining to your character". I felt this was more of a story being told TO Philomel than about her, and I'm not sure that fulfilled the requirement as I really didn't learn anything about something Philomel loved.

Creativity: Had this prompt been worded another way, I would have congratulated you. The perspective of Philomel's mystery friend speaking to her was certainly a creative way of telling the story, and I give you credit for that, even with the above in mind.

Mechanics: Flawless. I couldn't see anything of note.

***

After considering both entries, I can announce that the winner is Flamebird, with Philomel coming in second place!

Rewards:

Flamebird receives 1,000 EXP and 200 GP
Philomel receives 1,280 EXP and 150 GP