Discussion Thread -- September 2014 75-word Writing Challenge

[TheDustyZebra]

Please note:

We invite (and indeed hope for) lively discussion and speculation about the stories as they are posted, so long as it doesn't involve the author explaining the plot.

In case you're scratching your head in puzzlement, Wikipedia has this to say about Anthropomorphism:

Anthropomorphism, or personification, is attribution of human form or other characteristics to anything other than a human being. Examples include depicting deities with human form and ascribing human emotions or motives to forces of nature, such as hurricanes or earthquakes.

So we're looking at human characteristics in animals, deities, aliens, objects, happenings, and so on. It's not just talking animals. Some of us are more likely to be involved in that sort of thing than others.

 

[Victoria Silverwolf]

Interesting theme. This will take some thought.

Maybe a particular definition of "speculative fiction" is needed here also. I have heard widely differing ones. To me, it's an extremely wide term that includes all of SF and F, as well as anything that isn't realistic fiction; surrealism, satire, other weird stuff.

To others, it seems to be a very narrow term which can mean something like "very literary science fiction" and/or "very soft science fiction" (e.g. The Handmaid's Tale.)

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Well, the 300 always says "Science Fiction, Fantasy, or other Speculative Fiction", so I took it to be the wider definition. And as we generally go to Wikipedia for the genre definitions, here's what they say about it:

Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror fiction, weird fiction, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature as well as related static, motion, and virtual arts.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Actually, retracting the statement, I misread it...the word anthropomorphism tends to fire off some defensive responses in my brain.


This could be fun, actually...

 

[Cat's Cradle]

Interesting, interesting, Ashleyne! So many possibilities!! This will indeed take much thought. I will be working out in the forests this week, perhaps some happy (or demonic!) creature/tree will engage me in conversation, and start the creative wheels rolling! (Or start my legs running!)

Really looking forward to the entries this month, should be fun! CC

 

[Michael Colton]

I quite like this challenge topic.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Okay, so I'm clear. I don't have to write a story in the style of anthromorphoism, but I have to have it as the theme of a speculative fiction story? It's just anthromorphism sounds more like a style than a theme? Am I right with that?

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Anthropomorphism is the humanizing of non-human entities or objects, Springs. So it does fit as a theme-just try to include something not human with human traits.

I am just hoping and praying certain...popular venues aren't the only fillers...

 

[Ursa major]

If you like, Springs, I can send Thread Bear round, and he'll tell you what to do....

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I'm sure I'll eventually come up with something...

 

[Perpetual Man]

Great story Hex.

Ursa are you suggesting that Thread Bear is not a real living entity?

 

[Ursa major]

I'm bearly hinting at the fact that he is not a human being, but can still talk.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

I have no idea if that's along the right lines, but there you go. Hex beat me to it, all creepy and atmospheric. Bad time to post next....

 

[Hex]

Great story Hex.

Ooh thanks, Perp! Can't believe I got in first!

Sad story, springs , and Talysia's was fiendishly clever.

 

[Talysia]

My first entry in a very long time. I had the idea for the story a couple of weeks ago, and when the theme was announced I felt like I should give it a go. I'd been wanting to take part in the writing challenges again. Great stories already - I'm looking forward to seeing the rest!

Thanks, Hex!

 

[Ashleyne]

Cool stories, so far! I'm eager to see the rest of the stories

 

[Juliana]

Nice challenge Ashleyne! Great first entries already. And oh, Taly, your poor, brave little spider...

 

[Kylara]

So Dragons are back on the cards. But speculative fiction hmmmm tricksy.

 

[Juliana]

So Dragons are back on the cards. But speculative fiction hmmmm tricksy.

I'm pretty sure that just by including dragons you're well within speculative!

When I saw the theme, I thought immediately of you, Kylara!

 

[Ursa major]

And if they talk, you're well within Anthropomorphism