Discussing the Writing Challenges -- November and December 2010

[chrispenycate]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

So I find myself in an unusual position. I was actually prescient. There was a classical myth reference hidden in Mouse's story. When Chris, yes that Chris , posted, not only did I understand his post, but I understood Mouse's story. Now I know what I suspected before, it was a good story.

And means that I should have concentrated on trying to get the SF one to gel, rather than also going mythological (or at least Homeric)

And is the symbol because I disseminate incomprehension, or that is my permanent state of being?

I recognised the beast immediately; Mouse is fond of big, vicious canines it seems, probably as a defence against my demon kittens.

 

[Vertigo]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

There isn't a dog like that; Cerberus was one of a kind. And loyal, hence the optimism. But you could try throwing him styx.

Ah yes I had forgotten the cute little mutt's (mutts' ?) name

 

[Parson]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

And means that I should have concentrated on trying to get the SF one to gel, rather than also going mythological (or at least Homeric)

And is the symbol because I disseminate incomprehension, or that is my permanent state of being?

Well, which of the two would you like to be? I could go either way.

As for your post, I have to admit I know of no classical reference. I thought that it was a redo of the story of Jesus and the "legion" of demons who he sent into the pigs. I think I am really out of my depth in this writers forum. I have no clue on so many of these classical myth references. I suppose I would do better if I didn't read SF to F about 1000 to 1. (No I don't think I'm exaggerating.)

 

[digs]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Just read the Iliad and the Odyssey and you're set!

 

[The Procrastinator]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

You're never too old to start reading a few classical myths and legends, Parson! Very entertaining stuff, and also a glimpse into ancient societies and especially human nature (thus the staying power) - all of which should sit well with a fan of SF, not to mention a Parson...

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

I'm surprised you didn't learn any of these classical myths in school, Parson.

Although at our age, I suppose we only remember those lessons that particularly interested us.

But they serve as the background to so much else in literature, it might be worth your while to explore them. I think you would find that there are a lot of classical references sitting there unrecognized in the books you are already reading.

They are like the Bible (and I hope you won't be offended by the comparison) in that whether one sets much store by them or not, they are so much a part of our shared cultural heritage that knowing them sheds a light on influences that run through so much of European (and therefore, at second hand, our own) art and literature.

 

[Ursa major]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

I suspect pigs may play a part in my entry, though not as participants.

And I'm thinking more of making a pig's ear of it than casting pearls** before swine.



( added to avoid slap. )



** - Is 75 words enough for presenting more than one pearl?

.

 

[Mouse]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

And Sephiroth's winning poem had 9 votes, which was the most impressive showing to date, though Mouse in second place had enough votes to win any other month.

And I think that month I got more votes than in the month I actually won, too!

So I find myself in an unusual position. I was actually prescient. There was a classical myth reference hidden in Mouse's story. When Chris, yes that Chris , posted, not only did I understand his post, but I understood Mouse's story. Now I know what I suspected before, it was a good story.

Thanks, Parson! I wasn't trying to be clever or deep or anything this month though! Not that I am usually, but you get what I'm saying!

I recognised the beast immediately; Mouse is fond of big, vicious canines it seems, probably as a defence against my demon kittens.

Demon kittens. *shudder* Yeah, I do like my big, vicious canines. My own ferocious beast is currently asleep on the back on the sofa like a... cat.

 

[Parson]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Just read the Iliad and the Odyssey and you're set!

I have read the Iliad and the Odyssey, although more years ago then you are old. Actually now that I've looked at your profile, almost twice as many years ago as your are old. (SIGH!) It was 1969 if memory serves, which it usually doesn't

Teresa Edgerton

I'm surprised you didn't learn any of these classical myths in school, Parson.

Although at our age, I suppose we only remember those lessons that particularly interested us.

But they serve as the background to so much else in literature, it might be worth your while to explore them. I think you would find that there are a lot of classical references sitting there unrecognized in the books you are already reading.

I'm sort of surprised about this myself. As I think back on my long ago undergrad work, my literature was mostly American, all as far as I can remember, but as you say, "at our age" things aren't quite as clear as they used to be. I was a double major in history and social studies, with a minor in coaching, so there wasn't much experimental time in my schedule. My acquaintance with Greek myth comes mostly from it's intersection with ancient history.

They are like the Bible (and I hope you won't be offended by the comparison) in that whether one sets much store by them or not, they are so much a part of our shared cultural heritage that knowing them sheds a light on influences that run through so much of European (and therefore, at second hand, our own) art and literature.

TE you know I don't offend easily, and the comparison is apt, even if in my mind it undervalues the Bible by several orders of magnitude.


Moonbat: I loved the Halloween twist!

 

[Precise Calibre]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

In this case, I'm sort of surprised myself at you, Parson.

I'd have figured you'd be at least familiar with the concept of this beasty from Dante's "Divine Comedy", the first part of which (Inferno) focuses on the traditional, Christian, middle-aged concepts of the circles of hell (back to the seven deadly sins now?)

 

[Parson]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

In this case, I'm sort of surprised myself at you, Parson.

I'd have figured you'd be at least familiar with the concept of this beasty from Dante's "Divine Comedy", the first part of which (Inferno) focuses on the traditional, Christian, middle-aged concepts of the circles of hell (back to the seven deadly sins now?)

Now that's a book I haven't read. It is not really a Christian book (at least not as I'd define that term). The concept is almost entirely a non-biblical fabrication. It was a thinly disguised satire on the whole of the church and society of that day. There was much to be satirized, but it doesn't make it required reading at a conservative Seminary. We were expected to be much more familiar with the Reformation Theologians, and my course was much, much, more biblical than anything else. Literature other than the Bible and Theology was rarely required reading. As for my spare time reading, not that there was much in those days, it tended to be.... of course SF.

 

[Vertigo]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Wow DA I really like that one!

It is going to be a tough one this month!

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Thanks, Vertigo. Appreciate that...

I enjoyed yours, too.

And yes, like every month, this one's gonna be tough.

 

[Lenny]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

I'm slightly disturbed by the number of dark entries this month! I'll need to read through again carefully before I pick a favourite.

I don't seem to get much chance to think about doing the challenges, but this month a light-hearted idea hit me, so I ran with and entered it.

75 words on the button.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

I'm slightly disturbed by the number of dark entries this month!

Well, this is Halloween month...


By the way, nice entry!

 

[Ursa major]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

I'm slightly disturbed by the number of dark entries this month! I'll need to read through again carefully before I pick a favourite.

I don't seem to get much chance to think about doing the challenges, but this month a light-hearted idea hit me, so I ran with and entered it.

Just because it's likely that the kids are eating milk chocolate doesn't mean the story isn't dark.

 

[TheDustyZebra]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

I'm slightly disturbed by the number of dark entries this month! I'll need to read through again carefully before I pick a favourite.

I don't seem to get much chance to think about doing the challenges, but this month a light-hearted idea hit me, so I ran with and entered it.

75 words on the button.

That's your light-hearted idea?

Excellent, Lenny and DA! Keeping it tough....

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Thanks, TDZ.

Much appreciated.

 

[R M Tobias]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Urgh

My mother forbid Halloween in our household describing is as "american" (usually right before cooking us "American Eggs" for breakfast.

Looking at the other entries I feel as if something has passed me by.

 

[Parson]

Re: Discussing the Writing Challenges -- September and October

Lenny, before I read your post here, I was thinking that we have another month of very dark entries, and I was including yours in that total. The social critic in me wants to make something nefarious out that, which may be a bit too strong, but it strikes me that there might be at root a lack of hope in our world today.

R M, Halloween in its present incarnation is indeed quite "American" but the roots go much further back than the American Experiment. There was genuine meyham in places on "All Hallows Eve" deep into the Middle Ages and quite possibly before.