clarifications

and an update to the Fast Track regulations

Normally I'll put this kind of thing into the FAQs, but I just realised that you won't necessarily get updated when that happens, so I'd just like to clarify a few things and say something quickly about the themes.

A few people have approached me about writing one-shots/fics for Fast Track, already having the description page up but not the actual one-shot.  The point about Fast Track is that it's supposed to be something written over the course of November, however long or short.  I'm going to make a slight rule change:

If only the description is up, and nothing else (i.e. no hidden chapters, no visible chapters – and I will check this), then you may enter for Fast Track.  However, updating before November will result in disqualification.

Genres I have said I think would go well with a theme
I've had a few people worrying about whether they can write, say, a thriller or something really angsty for Enter the Unicorn, or about writing a murder mystery or something for Exodus – the genres that I recommend for a theme are only recommendations.  That doesn't mean that you must write in one of those genres.  In fact, I'd be very happy if you didn't.  The suggested genres are there to give a little prompting as to how you might start.  I really love it when somebody thinks outside the box, so please do.  You won't get extra points for using a recommended genre, and nor will you lose points for not using one.

Themes

A number of people have been asking about the Silent Love and Enter the Unicorn themes in particular.  Bear with me a second and I hope that your questions will be answered!

The choice of the three themes was very deliberate.  'Silent Love' acts more or less as a loosely closed prompt – there is something specific you must (or, in this case, must not) include.  It's the most closed out of the three themes, as I know that a number of people who enter contests like this like to use prompts and this can double up as serving as one.  'Exodus' is much more open to interpretation – a very loose prompt, i