A few days ago, Jill provided some thoughts on the first fifteen entries in the contest, with the goal of getting more of our readers to check out some of the amazing stories that have been posted so far. We'll continue to do that over the next few weeks, and today it's my turn.

Now, Jill is a logical sort, so she started at the beginning and worked forward. Rather than giving you my thoughts on all the same fifteen stories, or even my thoughts on the next fifteen stories, I selected fifteen stories from among those that were on the prime number lines of my contest spreadsheet. (Yes, I have a spreadsheet for the contest, and yes, I'm the kind of geek who thinks to randomize choices with things like prime numbers). Then, just because, I mixed up my fifteen selections randomly. The key here, in case I'm not being clear, is RANDOM. I'll pick another fifteen at random next time. You shouldn't read anything into the fact that some stories are on my list here and others aren't. 'Cuz, you know. Random.

I hope that you enjoy these stories as much as I have!!!

The Perfect Makeover. It's a world where you can get a transformative face and body sculpt, becoming the woman of your dreams . . . . Or is that, the woman of someone else's dreams? Terry Volkirch's crisp writing drives this story of discovery with intriguing dialogue, sharp internal musings, and a minimum of description.

View from a Bridge. Life can go sideways fast for a transgirl who runs away from home at 16, starts working in a bar, and latches on to the first guy who finds her attractive. Marianne Gregory's fast-paced story shows a dark and dangerous side of the world -- but you know what they say about the linings of clouds.

Why is the Robotic Weasel on Fire? Rebecca Coleman is having what Alexander would call a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day. The ghastly robotic weasel at the horrid, Southern-themed pizza joint where she works is burning, her colleagues are useless or worse, and her life is crazy. Could there be a better time for drinking coke and thinking up New Year's resolutions? Sunflowerchan's hysterical story accomplishes the impossible -- it makes me think fondly of my time working at a restaurant!

Cookie's Resolve. The Old West, where men are men? Well, maybe not. Rose's story provides a different view of the cowboy tale -- one that shows surprising tolerance and acceptance in unexpected places. Cookie's journey begins with a killer headache and a Gingham dress, but it ends up in places she never imagined.

Once Upon a New Year. Melanie Brown's penchant for humor and repartee make an "elegant evening" memorable. Transwoman Toni's friend Martin "McFly" is the kind of guy who takes a girl someplace special, then cluelessly tells her that she wasn't his first choice for a date that evening. Or even his second. He's a complete goofball . . . unless, just maybe, he's not?

Gooseberry. Steph C provides us with a tale of mentoring, of friendship, of fragility and loneliness. The narrator, Beth, is a transwoman who transitioned many years before, a trailblazer. Her friend and co-worker Mandy, a much younger transworman, is lonely and desperate. Can they have a fun New Year's Eve, and still stay safe? The dialogue and internal monologue are real and touching, bringing the characters powerfully to life.

Zofia & Lacey's Resolutions for a New Universe. In a very original take, Jo Dora Webster takes us on a biblical journey where the old world is no more, and a new world is created. The cadences and rhythms of Genesis cross with the wit and sparkle of Star Trek as Lacey and her AI assistant Zofia explore a brave new world.

New Years Trans. Rachel Moore starts with a trope. Indeed, her main character says at the very beginning, "You've read this story at least a dozen times on BigCloset or some other site," breaching the fourth wall with impunity. But the author breathes fresh life into the story of the geeky, closeted transgirl "Addi", and Mark, the Linebacker with surprising depths, with humorous internal monologues like, "Check! Set course to ignore the problem, Captain Oblivious!" A thoroughly enjoyable romp. :)

The Worst Day. Greybeard puts us in the head of Matt, a conservative Christian whose "son" comes down for New Year's dinner in a dress and announces that this is who she is. Matt's journey of discovery is no less profound than his child's, as the truths he has believed for years collide with his child's urgent need for acceptance.

Finding Joy. Sometimes the voice in our head is our true self. Terribly depressed after losing his wife to cancer, Mark is saved by his wife's final note, and a voice in his head that leads him to resolve to find his joy. Kristine Read's story of Mark's journey to new life, and to joy, is an inspiration.

Annie's Story. Kimberly Read's inaugural story on BC is a lively high fantasy tale involving a trans barmaid, her bardic brother, and a quest to bring her body into conformity with her spirit. The connection between brother and sister is wonderful, and the author manages multi-character dialogue in a way that makes it look easy. (Hint: it's NOT!).

Love Never Dies. Fans of Jenny Walker's stories were thrilled to see her return to BC with an entry in the contest. Becky, a transwoman with a soft Scottish accent and a lifetime of secrets returns to the United States with a big job -- and a private mission of her own. A story of love and loss and longing, with memorable characters, vivid descriptions, and emotional depth.

To the Bridge. "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" Michael Corleone's famous line isn't mentioned, but it provides something like a background chord progression for Marissa Lynn's story of a transwoman who has finally escaped to her new life, only to be pulled back into her deadname and an existence that crushes her. The dialogue, family dynamics and characters in this story pop!

Great Aunt Frances. Patricia Marie Allen gives us Great Aunt Frances, a high-powered CEO with lots of money, a fabulous house, a penchant for enjoying the sunrise with a cup of coffee . . . and a couple of quirks. She has a thing about people standing to do their business . . . and ways of enforcing her rules in her house that are unorthodox. Her namesake Francis is the latest to find out that she is not to be trifled with!

Contest Resolution. Despite Bru's nearly heroic efforts to disqualify this cute story from the contest by posting it early and making it short, it's in . . . and as you might expect, it plays havoc with TG tropes and is full of unexpected twists and turns. Guaranteed to bring you a smile!