RESULTS: Le Défenseur [an unofficial challenge]

THE RESULTS ARE IN!!

Even though there were only seven entries for this challenge, it was extremely difficult to decide how they would be ranked. Everyone surprised me so much with their stories!

Most of the entries were geared towards either a woman being accused of witchcraft or accused of killing her husband. And a lot of them were also written in a very old-timey esc., which I thought was really interesting. This just showed me how great of an idea it was to choose this particular painting, because it says so much without any actual words in it.

The Prompt

(In case you don't remember) This challenge's prompt was to:

Write a story based on/inspired by the painting "Le Défenseur" by Honoré Daumier.

You can view the original challenge post here:

Without further ado...

THE TOP THREE

In reverse order, as always!

3RD PLACE: "The Trial of Madame Claire Martin" by Tim Carmichael

Tim has created a wonderful story with quite an intriguing twist. Without revealing too much, he has incorporated a twist that puts this woman's position on the stand as really questionable, as she could be considered both innocent AND guilty. A very unique take and quite enjoyable to read! Thank you for your entry, Tim, and congratulations!

2ND PLACE: "The Smile in Court" by Diane Foster

In this classy tale of betrayal, Diane writes in an effortless style. Everything smooths so incredibly well in this piece. I also love her flexibility, in accompanying her entry with a similar style picture as the prompt, but with younger, more romantic characters. Beautifully done, Diane!

1ST PLACE: "Le Défenseur!" by Ian Read

Congratulations, Ian! This was the very first entry to the challenge, and the first entry I read, and honestly, I was just blown away! Similarly to Diane's, this piece was written in a style that made everything so seamless. You are incredibly articulate, and the way that you balance humor and horror is absolutely fantastic. It was for that specfically (as well as the perfect selection of humor) that I chose this for the winner. Congratulations again, Ian!!

Note to Ian Read: For your prize, I will be reading, liking, and commenting on five of your works that I have not already! I have already subscribed to you, but I'd subscribe twice if I could! Thank you so much for entering!

♡ ♡ ♡

Thank you so much to everyone that participated in this challenge! I hope you all had fun writing for it! And also -- please note that I found all of the emtries to be truly exceptional. You all deserve a great pat on the back!

I do not have any open challenges currently, but I should be uploading something new within the week, so stay tuned!! You can find all of my open and closed challenges in the pillar post linked below!

Till next time!

♡ Belle ♡

The Entries

Here is a full list of all 7 entries in the order they were submitted. Be sure to show them all some love!

1. "Le Défenseur!" by Ian Read
2. "Sorry; not sorry" by Shirley Belk
3. "The Smile in Court" by Diane Foster
4. "She's A Witch" by Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred
5. "Instructions for the Court" by Kendall Defoe
6. "two birds, one stone" by Alexandria Stanwyck
7. "The Trial of Madame Claire Martin" by Tim Carmichael