Writing Challenge Comments, Questions, Answers

[TheEndIsNigh]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

We at least agree that there are over 30 stories. (Which is more digits than any of us, I believe, have to count on.)

I believe Pyan still has tentacles in reserve, Teresa.



On a technical note, it's quite possible to count to 1024 on your fingers and over a million if you include all digits. Even higher if you allow for socks as place markers

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

I'll be thrilled if we actually reach 36. Over one thousand seems a little excessive. But if we reach such prodigious numbers, we can let TEIN count them.

No, TEIN, don't thank me.

I have been mulling over ideas to make the challenge next month even more interesting (even before we come to the theme chosen by whoever wins) and I invite others so to mull.

We really have to rule out long stories. People would burn out far too quickly, both writing them and reading them. But there could be other refinements that inspire everyone to say, "I can't," until they discover that they can and did.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Well, one thing I noticed about the challenge was that a lot of people (including myself) wrote in a short-bursts-of-sentences kind of style. It actually results in a lot of fragments in the piece, but I know I did it because, with the word limit, it was easier to get a thought across in this manner. I lack the ability to write a coherent, flowing, evocative verse, and most certainly the experience (what with this being my first-ever attempt at writing anything, long or short).

So, for next month, how about an added stipulation: a short piece, no more than 75 words, and in 10 sentences or less. (Or 8, or whatever everyone judges to be a suitably challenging exercise.) Apart from the fun of it all, it will also teach the inexperienced (like Yours Truly) to work on their prose.

The only problem I can see with this is that the stipulation might not be challenging enough for some of the more experienced writers here.

Thoughts?

 

[Mouse]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

no more than 75 words, and in 10 sentences or less.

Heh. In that case could I use the same one twice? Mine's 75 words and 10 sentences exactly.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

You win the super grand-prize.

In addition to receiving our adoration, you will be allowed to pat yourself on the back.

 

[chrispenycate]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

no more than 75 words, and in 10 sentences or less.

Fewer, please. Numerical, not quantitative.

"Fewer than ten sentences? Do it in me sleep, mate," he brags. "Put seven'y five words inta one sentance, me."

But (slightly) more seriously, isn't this imposing a style? If ever the challenge becomes 'in the style of Emily Bronte' I'm out; I couldn't manage.

There are those who favour short, concise ideas, and others who run to a more flowing exposition; surely the rhythm should be adapted to the subject, rather than a prerequisite for entry?

While I cheerfully admit that my writing could do with fewer words (and yes, in keeping with my original thought form, reduced words; no more than four words over three syllables, perchance?) I don't see myself copying anyone else's rhythms, or formats.

And, much as I was originally programmed against fragments (and starting a sentence with a conjunction, for that matter) I have been accustomed to them by regular exposure, and now don't find them anywhere near as shocking…
What am I saying? I'll be accepting split infinitives next.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Fewer, please. Numerical, not quantitative.

Really? I had no idea "or less" was grammatically incorrect. Thanks for the heads-up. So what would be an example of "or less" being appropriate?

What am I saying? I'll be accepting split infinitives next.

Exactly. Whatever a 'split infinitive' is...

 

[chrispenycate]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

For some reason, numerical and quantitative values both take 'more' on the upward slope, but differ when reducing. Thus, in making a smaller cake, you would use less flour and milk, but fewer eggs. (or less powdered egg iff you're a philistine){shut up, spellchecker. It's a mathematical word meaning 'if and only if', and I can't help it if your programmers never did symbolic logic}. You might put less fruit in, but you would put fewer fruits.

The infinitive of a verb is the 'to' form, as in "I need to write a letter.". Splitting it is generally an inserted adverb "I need to quickly write a letter" (or to boldly go where no grammarian has boldly gone). Such crimes leap out of the page at me.

But was this really the thread for this discussion? (Go on, tell me I started it.)

 

[The Judge]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Really? I had no idea "or less" was grammatically incorrect. Thanks for the heads-up. So what would be an example of "or less" being appropriate?

"Less" is for things which aren't countable (?mass nouns?) so "I had less money" but "He had fewer pennies"; "She had less reading to do" but "They have fewer books in their reading list". In addition, "less" is used with numbers, distance and time, so "I have less than ten minutes to write this", or in your incarnation "I have ten minutes or less in which to write this", "She had less than fifteen miles to travel".

That help?

Back on thread, I agree, Chris, that the number of sentences is a style change, but then if this is writing challenge, we should be looking to challenge our usual styles, as well as word count, perhaps. Thinking about the suggestions I made before -- compulsory opening/closing lines, or the inclusion of key words -- these can only happen after the theme has been decided by the winner, which means either the winner has to make a decision on a lot of things, or a delay in the new contest starting. What about the use of dialogue ie a specified amount of the story has to be in dialogue form? Or in addition to the general theme, we're told the tone of the piece - ie comic, tragic, mystery, whodunnit.

PS Typical, one can wait all day another time, but then two pedants come along at once.

 

[chrispenycate]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Since we introduced the convoy system, we have not lost a single pedant.

But you could have fewer than ten minutes to write, if it were the minutes that were the important thing (as in a countdown quiz show) rather than the length of time. Subtle perhaps (not like a countdown quiz show) but "I have less than fourteen ounces of flour" you could have thirteen and three quarter, while "I have fewer than fourteen ounces of flour" you would have an exact number of ounces, smaller than fourteen.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Thanks for quick English lesson, guys. I appreciate it.

But was this really the thread for this discussion? (Go on, tell me I started it.)

You started it.

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

The problem with lowering the word count (or maybe the advantage) is I can see some of those words that have fallen from grace having a comeback

As in:-

Henceforth.

Heretofore.

And my personal favourite

Itwasadarkandbittermoonlitnight.

 

[The Judge]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

What do you mean fallen from grace? Doesn't everyone use them? And therewithal and thereunto and hereinafter...

I can't help it. I'm a lawyer. We talk like this.

 

[Boneman]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

I know less than I did before, because I understand fewer of these postings. 75 words is hard enough without putting any provisos on it...

 

[Ursa major]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Good to see my attempt at slight humour went down like the Titanic. Or DA's mathematics grades.

Purely as a breathing space within the flow of useful information emanating from Pedant's Corner - which is not to say I disagree with using "fewer" where it shoud be used - but I'd like to say that I understood your socks reference, which is what really counts.



Oh, and I disgree with having a limit on the number of sentences.

* Wonders whether anyone will manage to produce a viable 75-sentence entry. *

.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Just when a person might have made up their minds, the Hoopy One flies in on her sunset wings to delight us with an interchanging, albeit rather abstract, piece.


It seriously is a contender for my list.

 

[Culhwch]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Thirty-five, now, I believe...

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

Yes, I believe so, and having read through them all, I am still no closer to a voting decision than I was yesterday, or three days ago, or whatever.


But I believe I am leaning towards Hoopy and BookStop.

 

[Culhwch]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

If we have one vote, I know who I'm voting for. If we have a second, I'm not so sure.

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

Re: Writing Challenge Questions, Answers, Comments -- (Formerly: Proposed Competition

That's the opposite for me. I'd have a hard time choosing between H-girl's story and BookStop's, but I have to say that if I was able to choose them both, I'd go for it.