Smashing writers the world over,

Profoundest apologies with the delay in the contest results. Had I known that it would have taken this long, I would have pushed back the deadline to accommodate. It was my first contest, so live and learn I guess. I want to thank everyone for the contest, even if you didn't post a story. It is the thought that counts after all. To the five of you who posted stories, thank you even more for giving me something to read. So without further ado, the results are in with the help of my two assistant judges, the esteemed Smash King24 and the stunning concisponci.

Starting off with the first honorable mention and receiving a 1000-2000 word count one shot of her choice is Total Romance Fan and her uncompleted story Scars of Love. Repeatably, it could not be truly judged as it was an unfinished piece and showed some potential. However, it was not complete and it couldn't be stacked up against the other completed story. I applaud you for your determination and willingness to post something for this contest.

The second honorable mention and likewise receiving a 1000-2000 word count one shot is LegitElizabethWWEFan and her story Wild Heart's Can't Be Tamed. This was the first story posted and it was agreed upon that the characters really fit the roles and the inclusion of the poem added a nice flare to it. On the other side of that coin, it was like wise agreed upon that the story was really short and the western theme wasn't explored as much as it could have, the only thing western was that Snake was a cowboy. Special criticism was reserved for the poem that while it was a nice addition, it interrupted the flow of the story, as well as the unusually long author's note. These two things really took away from the original writing, making it seem shorter than it already was. For that reason along with a few others, the story deserved its honorable mention.

Moving on to the third place story and winning a 2000-3000 word one shot is bladeweilder05's story of Sunset Red. This story was the longest and a very enjoyable read for all. The characters may have been out of character, but praise was given for their consistency. The story, though slow to start out , built up to a satisfying ending with the hint of a possible sequel. However, the background theme was somewhat inconstant and at least one judge was trying to make true sense of the sunset red. Spelling and grammar was good, though the sentences could have been more daring as well as varied. All in all, a very enjoyable read and deserving of the third place win.

Now, the runner up of the competition, winning a 4000-5000 word one shot is the one and only pyroleigh with her story The Plains Painted with Blood and Love. This story was well received for the western aspect portrayed and the story was slow to start but ended on a rather decent note, with various subtle hits through the story being brought front and center. The characters were adjusted for the era well and fit perfectly in. However, special criticism was reserved for the mature scene in a teen rated story as well as some inconstancy with characters, specifically Ike. That aside, it was am enjoyable read and one more than fit for the second place.

Cue imaginary drum roll, please. The champion of this writing contest is Circuit's Dead with his story The Day They Die. This story was not only the best story of the contest, but also one of the better ones I have read in a long while. The characters are perfect, they fit the roles they are given and exceed them. The western theme is very well executed, and it truly feels as if it is part of the western classics. If there is a complaint to be had, the story's pacing could use a little 'giddy up' to start and maybe a less abrupt ending. But it moves past those mistakes and goes forward to ride off into the sunset of this contest on top of the best horse with two 4000-5000 word one shots of his choice.

Congratulations to the winners and contact me about your prizes. Thanks for everyone who followed this contest and participated in actuality or in spirit. It means a lot to me.

Happy trails,

Flame Falcon