Discussing the Writing Challenges -- November and December 2010

[onebigpotato]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Something I'd been unable to put into words until recently. The competition is called the 'writing challenge' but then in the description of the competition it refers to a story. My point is, a lot of submissions seem to be extracts of stories rather than stand alone stories. Using only 75 words I appreciate some extrapolation and imagination is needed on behalf of the reader but in terms of a 'story' I wonder if we're going too far?
Don't get me wrong I love everyones submissions but I'm just wondering if this is affecting peoples voting or reading of the entries? I've been trying to vote for stories that have what could arguably be described as a begining, middle and end.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

The Challenge is what it is, and the rules are laid out very carefully in the first post which everyone is supposed to read. Beyond that, it is up to every voter to set their own priorities.

So far, most people seem to prefer something that has a definite beginning, middle, and end, but it's up to each of us to decide whether the story we like has what we would consider a plot.

It should, perhaps, be remembered, that we are not asking people to write condensed novels here. The rules for short fiction are considerably looser when it comes to a plot. For the Challenge, the rule says a story not just description. But a story is merely a piece of writing where something happens. It need not have an entire history behind it, nor does it need a clear resolution.

But again, it is up to each voter to decide which elements of storytelling they will consider favorably.

 

[J Riff]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I think the word 'challenge' explains it.
It IS challenging to write a 75-word story, even for pro writers. And it's fun.

 

[Culhwch]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

It should, perhaps, be remembered, that we are not asking people to write condensed novels here. The rules for short fiction are considerably looser when it comes to a plot. For the Challenge, the rule says a story not just description. But a story is merely a piece of writing where something happens. It need not have an entire history behind it, nor does it need a clear resolution.

I've actually been thinking about this the past couple of days - ever since I posted my story for this month's challenge. My last two stories in particular are admittedly snippets or scenes from a larger narrative, which isn't necessarily the case with most of the other entries. I guess this is probably symptomatic of the kind of writer I am - I've always been terrible at shorts, prefering a much broader canvas. But what I have attempted to do is make sure there is a definitive change or growth in the character in the course of the story. That's what we attempt at the longer lengths, what a story is at it's heart, really, and that's what I try to do at this short length. Not sure how well I succeed, looking at the scoreboard, but there you have it...

 

[digs]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I guess it also depends on your definition of story. I know the primary school version of a story is something that has a beginning, middle and end, but then anything can be a beginning and anything can be an ending. I've read plenty of good stories that don't have concrete conclusions...and a few that I wished would end. My point is, a story doesn't have to span years or months or even hours; a single moment can be a story in itself.

I'm sure that clears things up...less.

 

[Axiom]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I've told 'stories' with my friends that have lasted less than 75 words.. and that's including all the "umms", "ahhs" and "like"s....

 

[Karn Maeshalanadae]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

It's easier to tell a story through writing than through speech you know.


It's around longer for one thing, and far easier to edit.

 

[TheEndIsNigh]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Man walks into a bar
.
.
.
.
The Earth exploded.
.
.
.
.

The End.



Anyway... I did have trouble this month and really thought a few extra words (about 10000) would have been useful. However I don't think extending the word count is the answer. The short word count is what makes it fun. Plus, least we remember, none of us is likely to get, never mind be offended by, comments like:-

Well I thought TEiN's effort this month was a pile of ....

Because we all understand the difficulty imposed by the limit. I personally think that just to get 75 words in some semblance of order even remotely connected to the topic is an achievement in itself (Hence my pathetic efforts so far - on which note, whoever the kind misguided fool was that voted for me last month is - I owe you a pint - Blood if you prefer).

Whereas if we had 500 to play with, there might be some justification in pointed comments.

 

[Hilarious Joke]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

To be honest, I don't think there's a problem with calling it a Writing Challenge or not having more of a focus on stories. I think almost everyone would agree that the best pieces of writing are self-contained pieces (as in, intended to fit into 75 words) rather than bits of a larger work or whatever.

I also think some plot (no matter how meagre) will be better than a merely descriptive contribution unless that passage is written in an amazing and moving way. But for mine, the most important element a 75 word story is the closing sentence. It can save a story, it can ruin it, it can make it, it can break it.

A disclaimer: this is just from my perspective as a reader. As a writer I'm probably going to end up delivering a crappy descriptive bit from my larger work with a terrible last line, and thus prove what a hypocrite I am.

Best,
HJ.

 

[Mouse]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

But for mine, the most important element a 75 word story is the closing sentence. It can save a story, it can ruin it, it can make it, it can break it.

Same here, I'm all about the end line too. I've usually got the end line in my head as I start writing, I just need to get there.

I think that it's far easier to tell a whole story in first person VP, which is what I've been doing. Which is why I told myself that I'd do third person this time around as it is supposed to be a 'challenge.' But it didn't happen. I will do it next time (maybe!).

 

[The Procrastinator]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

To thine own self be true, Mousie...

I agree about the last line. I also work out the ending of my story first - but it takes me a good deal more thinking to get there!

 

[Ursa major]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

June's effort was the first entry of mine to be written back from the last sentence or, that is, the semi-pun contained within it. (My April entry looks as if it was produced using this process, but as I've said elsewhere, it didn't happen that way.)

[rambling]
For me, the greatest temptation is to produce a funny story every month. Not because I'm a great creator of them. I'm not (and I can never recall them well enough to tell them properly, so why bother writing them?). It's more about the context in which most of us hear professionally written stories of around 75 words in length: (stand-up) comedy routines.

For stand-up comedy, 75 words is not short: short is the territory occupied by the one-liner and the Statement/Comment (i.e. the two-liner, or whatever its formal title may be, for comedy pairings). Even those relatively long routines, the ones that may go on for five minutes or more, are often filled with linked vignettes** that illustrate various comedic aspects of the topic in hand.

I do wonder if HJ's comment is unconsciously built on this consumed experience***, that what he thinks we're writing are funny sories that may or may not be at all humorous. I think that is too limiting (even though it'll probably be the template I'll continue to use).
[/rambling]





** - Which perhaps might mean that the suggested linking of one contributor's*** entries over a number of challenges would be some sort of "routine"


*** - The short story with a twist in the tail is the other obvious influence.

**** - There's nothing in the rules stopping folk from building on another's previous entry, I suppose.

 

[Axiom]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

With the exception of the title, the ending is the last thing I'd think about. I might try working backward next story, just for kicks.

 

[digs]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I also think some plot (no matter how meagre) will be better than a merely descriptive contribution unless that passage is written in an amazing and moving way.

Agreed. I also think that the readers of the Chron are wise and discerning enough (if you wish to hear more compliments, vote #1 for digs! Also, free muffins) that this doesn't need to be regulated. For me the beauty and flow of the language almost always take precedence over plot - although obviously plot can be important. For me the main aim of writing is not to produce a 'story' or a 'scene' but an enduring work of art that is a genuine pleasure to read. The story is more of a vehicle for the writing. That's the attitude with which I approach the Writing Challenge.

I know that's a personal opinion and I'm not saying that everyone should view things that way; I'm just explaining why I believe that the rules in this regard should be quite lax and the voters should make up their own minds about it.

Same here, I'm all about the end line too. I've usually got the end line in my head as I start writing, I just need to get there.

That's probably why your last lines always pack a punch, Mouse. The first line usually springs into my head shortly after my idea (sometimes before), which is why I feel it's often my strongest. With my first story in particular I felt that my ending was less inspired and didn't turn out quite the way I wanted it.

 

[mosaix]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I think the word 'challenge' explains it.
It IS challenging to write a 75-word story, even for pro writers. And it's fun.

I think this is the key and relates backs to Axiom's post and Precise Calibre's response.

Enter the the challenge because it's enjoyable to do so, everything else is a bonus.

 

[StormFeather]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

It’s been immensely enjoyable to read this month’s entries, and a tad daunting too. But I did do a little dance of joy as my brain finally kicked in and I got The Judges hidden meaning – I felt like a right dunce! I’ve also laughed out loud at some of the others – glad to see HB & Mouse are maintaining their high standard

Having read back a bit in this thread on the posts made while I was on my hols, I realise that my recent entry may not really fit the SFF bill. Sorry Will try harder next time.

I am really enjoying the challenge as great practise though, and intend to keep on entering no matter what!

 

[Axiom]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

I'm just explaining why I believe that the rules in this regard should be quite lax and the voters should make up their own minds about it.

I agree. If it was a panel of people deciding the winner then clearer, more defined rules would need to be established. At least voters can choose whether they feel an amazing plot/scene or a a well written piece of work shall claim the prize.

(p.s. Woo! First quote!)

 

[Boneman]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

Having read back a bit in this thread on the posts made while I was on my hols, I realise that my recent entry may not really fit the SFF bill. Sorry Will try harder next time.

I am really enjoying the challenge as great practise though, and intend to keep on entering no matter what!

But it did fit fantasy... 'twas made up, and fantastical, that's all you needed!!

 

[Mouse]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

That's probably why your last lines always pack a punch, Mouse.

I’ve also laughed out loud at some of the others – glad to see HB & Mouse are maintaining their high standard

Thank you both.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- April, May, & June

So we've stopped at 38 entries. Do you all think we'll make it to 42 again this month? We have about a week and a half, but the late entries do tend to trickle in slowly.

Although 38 still leaves us all with a lot of hard choices.