Categories
The "Best Vampire Story" Category
One of the main characters must be a vampire. The plot must also circle around vampire elements.
The "Best Were-Animal Story" Category
One of the main characters must be a were-animal. The plot must also circle around this theme as well. The were-animal can be any animal.
The "Best Non-Mainstream Creature Story" Category
One of the main characters must be something that is not human and is not a vampire or were-animal. It includes, but is not limited to, angels, demons, slayers. The plot must somehow involve this creature's race.
The "Best Plot" Category
The story must have a compelling and interesting plot. It must be original and have at least one big plot twist.
The "Best Romance" Category
The main theme of the story must be romance between the main characters.
The "Best Written" Category
The story must have little to no spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. The sentences flow well and are of varying length. The settings, characters, and plot are explained in detailed.
The "Best One Shot" Category
The story must show no intent to continue and are not abandoned stories. They must be at least 600 words and less than 10,000 words. The story must claim that it is a one-shot in either its summary or its story.
The "Best Story That Never Seems to End" Category
The story must be more at least twenty chapters long or 50,000 words and feels like the story is never going to end because the plot doesn't look like it's ever going to be resolved. The story can be complete, as long it meets one of the criterion.
The "Funniest Characters" Category
It must contain one or more characters who always provide some form of comedic relief. They may be funny in their actions or through their comments. They may include, but are not limited to, clumsiness, wit, stupidity, etc. This category has replaced “Story that Makes Me Cry Laughing”.
The "Most Memorable Characters" Category
All main and most supporting characters must be well-developed. They must have depth and appear very realistic. They must have strengths, flaws, fears and must grow throughout the story. The characters must also interact well with each other in the story, having believable dialogue. Also, the reader should have a clear picture of the characters as they read.
The "Best Kick-Ass Character" Category
One of the main characters or the main antagonist just seems to kick butt. They seem to be able to take down anyone and are tough-as-nails. They get themselves stuck in sticky situations, but always seem to manage to come out on top.
The "Judge's Pick" Category
Each judge is allowed to pick one story regardless of the rules, but this is the only story that they are allowed to nominate for the season. Judges choose carefully as the stories they pick directly affect them. Choosing a winning story will earn the judge extra recognition, but nominating a poorly-written story or a story that isn't deserving the special recognition might jeopardize the judge's chance of coming back for the next round. This section is not for self-promotion, though the judges may nominate their own story. This category replaces the "Best All-Around" Category from the first season. I will personally judge this category.